Illuminar Compile: The Parallax Syndrome
Dates:  January 10th
Mission:  The Parallax Syndrome
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Mission: The Parallax Syndrome
Day: 1 - 2
Stardate 2446.03.01 - 2446.03.02
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2446.02.26
(USS Illuminar - Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- ME. Dr. Mason Quincy, SO Larry ÔLuckyÕ Day, and Temas Laredo Ð 0715)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 Ð Lab 3 - Drs. Gaillus Penn and Teller - 0745)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 5Ð Sickbay - Drs. Gaillus Penn and Teller and Dr. Quincy - 0800)

2446.03.01
(USS Rhyne Ð Deck 16 Ð Secondary Computer Core Ð SO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen Ð 0555)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 14 Ð Armoury Ð Firing Range Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1200)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 5, Sickbay - Engineer Ensign jg Tycho Alantar - 1215)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 5 - Sickbay --  CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1217)
((USS Illuminar -- Deck 5 CMO Office -- CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1220)
(USS Illuminar Deck 14 Ð Armoury Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1230)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1302)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1304)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1308)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1310)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1312)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11, Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Engineer Ensign jg Tycho Alantar - 1315)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1316)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1317)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6, CSO's Office - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 1333)
(USS Illuminar Ð Bridge -- Deck 1 -- 3XO/CMO  Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1940)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ  -  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.45)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1346)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ   SPA   LT JG  Ariel Trei - 13.50)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1351)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec Room  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.52)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1353)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec Room  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.57)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1400)


(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1745)

(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1820)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - MO -  Dr. Kylee Stev, 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1825)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - CTO -  Lt.  TÕMur  - 1828)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - C2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1830)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - MO -  Dr. Kylee Stev - 1831)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - 2/O LCRD Dieter Gregory - 1832)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Conference Room - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 1833)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 18:50)

(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin and CTO Lt TÕMur - 1855)
(USS Illuminar -- Deck1 -- Corridor -- SFI Michael Weston, and 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1856)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Williams-Verin, Lieutenant Commander Dieter Gregory and Lieutenant Commander Quinna Solice- 1900)
(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - ACSO T'shalaith  - 1902)
(USS Illuminar  Transporter Room 1 Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee  1905
(USS Illuminar --  Bridge -   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 19.06)
 (USS Illuminar --  Deck 1 -- Bridge -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 19.07)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 -Transporter room 2 - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1920 )
(USS Illuminar Deck 14 -Transporter room 3 - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger, Outrider-1 - 1921 )
(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 -Transporter room 1- FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin, ACEO Ensign Scott Matrix, SC Lt.  Keung Lee and SFI Michael Weston - 1922 )
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CTO - Lt. TÕMur - 1924 )
(USS Rhyne - Launch Bay - SO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen - 1925)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal- 1926 )
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Monter - 1927 )
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO-  Lt. T'Mur - 1327.5)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI Michael Weston - 1927)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 -Transporter room 2 - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1928)
(USS Illuminar --  Bridge --  Deck one -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1930)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Corridor near Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger, Outrider-1 - 1931)

(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger, Outrider-1 - 1935)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Flight COD- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday - 1935)
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 1 -- Bridge -- CO - Captain Sekal -- 1938)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1940)
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 12 -- Security Operations Center-- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1942)
(USS Illuminar Ð Bridge    SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 19.42)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Outrider-1 - 1943)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1943)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  ACSO T'shalaith  - 1944)

(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1945)
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 4 -- Hallway-- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1945)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1945)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  CO - Captain Sekal  - 1946)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero  - 1947) 
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 1947)
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 4 -- Teansporter Room 2- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1948)

(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Pilot- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday, Engineer Angus McGuyver, and Medics Mulder and Scully -1948)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1948 )
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1949)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 10 -Medical Complex- MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1950)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn)  - 1950)
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice --  1950)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice --  1950 )
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 1950 )
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13- VIP Launch Bay - SciO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen - 1951)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13- VIP Launch Bay - SO Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1952)
  (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal --  1952)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - VIP Launch Bay - Engineer Angus McGuyver - 1952)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero - 1953 ) 
(USS Rhyne - Deck 10 -Medical Complex- MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1953)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð EO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1953)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Pilot- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday, Medics Mulder and Scully -1953)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI Michael Weston - 1954)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge -  ACSO T'shalaith - 1954)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1955)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 - Personal Quarters - Doctor Ambrose Harris - 1955)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn)  Keung Lee  - 1956)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge -  CO - Captain Sekal - 1957)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal, CTac Lieutenant T'Mur, ACSO Ensign T'shalaith and SPC Luma Lenai- 1957)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Jeffries Tube- Engineer Angus McGuyver - 1958)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Outrider-1 - 2000)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 2000)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 -  Personal Quarters  - Doctor Ambrose Harris - 2001)
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3/0 Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, - 2001)
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 20.03)
(USS Rhyne - air vents near sickbay - SO PO3 P'Rah - 2005) 
( IKS Dac'kar, Vor'Cha class- Deck 1- Bridge - Ho'D - Commander Kar'chek and San'dras- 2150)

(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal- 2355)

 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3/0 Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, - 2356)
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - ACSO Ensign T'shalaith - 2357)
 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 4 - Sickbay - SecO Ensign Larry 'Luck' Day - 2359)

2446.03.02
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 -Medical Center - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 0000)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 0001)
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 5 - Sickbay - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 0002)


2446.02.26>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- ME. Dr. Mason Quincy, SO Larry ÔLuckyÕ Day, and Temas Laredo Ð 0715)

 

Mason had been in sickbay packing the rest of his stuff.  He and his wife decided to move back to Earth where he had a standing position at a hospital if he decided to go back.  Now they felt the time was right.  He stopped when the call came in.  

 

=^=Temas Laredo to Medical. We need someone to come to Security.  We have Ensign Larry Day here and we think he should be checked out.=^=

ÒIÕm on my way,Ó Mason replied. 

Mason turned, ÒIÕll go.  Take this one last call.Ó  He took a medkit and headed out to the Brig.

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(USS Illuminar - Deck 14 - Brig - ME Dr. Mason Quincy/Temas/Lucky Day Ð 0726)

 

Entering the Brig, Mason looked around.  Was quite a party going on in the Brig.   ÒSomeone called for a Doctor?Ó

 

Temas smiled at the Doctor. He could sense an air of confidence and resolution about him. He had made a decision about something, but it was not the time to pry. 

 

ÒHi Doctor Quincy,Ó he said, ÒI did.Ó

 

Mason took the medical tricorder from the medkit, ÒWhat is the issue?Ó

 

Temas dragged Larry Day away from the conversation that was being had about him. It had taken a couple of left turns and he was no longer the center of attention. 

 

ÒThis is Ensign Larry Day,Ó Temas introduced.

 

ÒMy friends call me Lucky,Ó Day added. 

 

ÒYes, indeed,Ó Temas continued. ÒIt seems Lucky here has been through some kind of dimensional shift. Luma thought it would be a good idea to have him checked out. We would like to make sure that he hasnÕt been, as Luma put it, poisoned by the shift. I can only imagine sheÕs thinking of some kind of cellular contamination.Ó

 

That was a new one on Mason.  He was not going to miss this craziness.  He pulled the medical Tricorder and started to scan.  ÒHmmmm,Ó  Mason sounded and then hit a few buttons.   ÒHmmmmm.Ó

 

Lucky looked at the doctor with wide eyes, ÒWhat do you mean, hmmmm?  I know what I mean when I say hmmm. But what do you mean, hmmmm?Ó

 

ÒWell.  I am not reading anything.Ó  Mason said.

 

Now it was TemasÕ turn, ÒYouÕre not reading anything?  Like he doesnÕt exist?Ó

 

ÒYou do not understand, I should read something.  I think we should go get more detailed testing.Ó

 

Temas chuckled, ÒThat might be a good idea.Ó  He turned to Day, ÒLucky, go with Dr. Quincy.  HeÕs going to run some tests on you.  IÕll come down to sickbay as soon as weÕre done here.Ó

 

Lucky nodded his head and looked at the floor, ÒOkay.  I just want my life back.Ó

 

(USS Illuminar - Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- ME. Dr. Mason Quincy/Lucky Day Ð 0735)

 

ÒOk Mr. Day, if I can get you today on the biobed, I can get you started.Ó  Mason started to put things into the 3-D interface.  ÒHow are you feeling?Ó

 

Day jumped up onto the bed and swung his feet round, ÒI feel fine.  I mean, IÕm confused, you might say disoriented.  But wouldnÕt that be normalÉ considering I donÕt exist anymore?Ó

 

ÒWhy donÕt you tell me from your point of view what is happening,Ó  Mason suggested.

 

He could hear the hum of the scanners as he spoke, ÒAll I know is that me, Dusty, and Ned were ordered to sweep the lab of doctors Penn and Teller.  It was about half an hour till the end of our shift so we just wanted to get in, make sure the room was secure, then get out.  No big deal.  The next thing I know, itÕs five days later, well four and a half, breakfast time, and nearly time to start shift.  Nobody knew me, not even the computer.  I went to security to see what was going on when, without any reason, Lieutenant Lee had me locked up in the brig, claiming that I was an intruder.  He didnÕt even bother to ask me any questions.  I mean I know stuff that I shouldnÕt if I was just an intruder, right?Ó

 

He started to become more agitated as he told his story.  The readings on the biobed began to beep, indicating his elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and cortical activity.

 

ÒIt is ok.  I know this is hard, but I need you to calm down.Ó  Mason kept running the scans.  ÒWhen is your date of birth?Ó

 

ÒWhy do you ask?Ó Day said defensively. 

 

ÒWell, your records are not on file.  I am not sure why.Ó  Mason said.

 

ÒOh sweet mother ofÉ., Ò dDay exclaimed. ÒHavenÕt you been paying attention?  I donÕt exist. I was born 02.13.2424. That makes me 22 years old if you were wondering?  I only lost five daysÉ and my entire life.Ó

 

ÒLook, Dude, your body is also 5 days younger than it is supposed to be,Ó  Mason said plainly.  

 

ÒWhat?Ó Day was shocked. ÒHow can you tell that?  What does that even mean?Ó

 

ÒWe have been able to pinpoint cellular degeneration by being able to age things.  Using exponential calculations, I can trace your DNA down to the minutes.Ó  Mason educated, ÒPerhaps you are missing 5 days.  Call me crazy, but perhaps the 5 days are missing you.Ó  

 

Day shook his head, trying to figure out what happened to him.  ÒWhat about this É poisoning thing that Luma and Temas were talking about?  Am I dying?Ó

 

Mason shook his head, ÒNo, nothing like that.  You are only going to live another 90 to 100 years or so, give or take a decade or two.Ó  Mason assured Lucky  ÒDidnÕt you say you were cleaning Dr. PennÕs and Dr. TellerÕs lab, perhaps your answers are there.  Apparently, rumor has it that they have some rockinÕ stuff going on in there.Ó

 

ÒI donÕt know too much about what goes on in that lab,Ó Day admitted. ÒItÕs all way too egg heady for me. Just looking at all that math made my brain hurt.Ó

 

ÒWell, I find it interesting that I am finding elements on the cellular level that do not exist in our universe.Ó

 

ÒReally like what?Ó Day asked. 

 

ÒIndeed, Doctor,Ó came the voice of Temas Laredo from behind them. ÒWhat are you finding?Ó

 

Mason turned to look at Temas as well.  He then turned and looked at Lucky.  He really wished he was on that shuttle to earth right now and really really wished he could hand this off to Quinna.  ÒMost life in your universe is carbon-based.  You would expect to see carbon on the cellular level, but Mr. Day, you seem to have another base there.  I cannot speculate what it can be since not even the computer can identify it.Ó  Mason explained. 

 

TemasÕs mind spun a little, ÒIÕm not a scientist either, Lucky,Ò he said, Òbut clearly something has happened to you.  The question is, even if we can put you back, should we?  How will another exchange change both universes?  That is up to better scientific minds than ours.Ó

 

He turned his attention back to Mason, ÒDr. Quincy, will being in this universe kill this Lucky Day?Ó

Mason shook his head, ÒI am not sure.  Right now, no.  I have not read any indication of any ill effects.Ó

Temas smiled, ÒWell thatÕs good news.Ó  He clapped Day on the shoulder.

ÒThe only good news IÕve gotten today,Ó Day replied.


(Reply none)
(Posed by Al M. and Kris B.)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 Ð Lab 3 - Drs. Gaillus Penn and Teller - 0745)

Once the Captain had left the lab, Teller activated the stand that the box was on, and it started to scan the device again. 

He started looking at the readings and shaking his head.  Adjusting the controls, the readings started being displayed on a screen. 

ÒUncle Ben to Peter Parker.  Colonel Landra to Raine and Utivich.  Noland on the island, with the volleyball.Ó 

Penn nodded, ÒDarmok on the ocean.Ó

ÒKailash, when it rises.  Shaka, when the walls fell.  Beckett, across time.  Bob Ross having an accident.Ó 

ÒSteve Rogers to Tony Stark, about the Accords,Ó Penn said. 

The Tamarian goes to the crates of gear they have, and pulls out an object.  He swiftly unfolds it into a red wagon.  He starts to fill it with various pieces of equipment from the crates.  Wheeling it to where Penn is, he smiles, ÒHamilton to Washington, after the war.Ó 

Penn gave a chuckle, ÒPaul Revere, on the horse.Ó
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 5Ð Sickbay - Drs. Gaillus Penn and Teller and Dr. Quincy - 0800)

Penn and Teller rattled into sickbay with their little red wagon, literally overflowing wit equipment. A cylindrical object fell off with a clang, and Penn reached down to retrieve it. 

Standing up he. Came face to face with Mason Quincy, who was running basic scans on Lucky Day. Penn smiled and shook QuincyÕs hand vigorously. While doing so he slipped the doctorÕs PADD to Teller without the man noticing. 

ÒAh Doctor,Ó Penn said, Òhow is our friend Lucky doing?Ó

ÒWhoa, Guys!Ó  Mason said.  He had heard about these two but never met them.  ÒWhat do you know about Lucky?Ó

Penn rubbed his chin pensively then went into his monologue he dubbed the Tale of Lucky Day. ÒThat is very long and interesting story. Here let me tell it to youÓ

Every time he felt he was losing the doctorÕs attention he would pull out his PADD and show him a diagram of the temporal shifts that they believed took place. 

While Penn distracted the doctor, Teller turned around and started uploading the data on Lucky Day to his files, while adding a program to keep his data updated.

Teller put the PADD down, and pulled out a handheld device with two arms on either side.  He started typing in some commands, before walking over to Lucky Day.  He began to move the device up and down the man.  It made various beeps and boops, while the arms moved up and down.

ÒSo tell me Doctor Quincy,Ó Penn said as he completed his tale, Òwhat have your scans provided you?Ó

Mason looked at the two doctors, ÒMy scans are inconclusive at this time gentlemen.  I will be referring the matter to Dr. Solice when she returns.Ó  Though Mason had already decided that these guys are not getting anything out of him.  

Penn put a hand to his chest in mock hurt feelings. ÒDoctor Mason, you wouldnÕt share your findings with fellow scientists. IÕmÉIÕm,Ó he looked over at Teller to see his progress. He had pulled out a narrow rod with blinking lights that looked a little like a magic wand. He gave his partner a questioning look. 

 ÒThe Obstetrician to the Nurse. The Hospital Administrator to the Obstetrician.  The witch doctor.Ó  He showed the readout to Penn and to Mason.  ÒCartan in the Travaux. Lorentz in Minkowski space.Ó  

ÒJohn von Neumann in Gšttingen,Ó Penn added with a nod. ÒKevin and Sam with Quora, on the grid?Ó  Then he chuckled, ÒThe Obstetrician to the patient about the machine that goes ping.Ó

Then he turned to Mason and asked, ÒTell me Doctor, have you thought about doing a deep molecular tissue scan?Ó

These two have managed to do something that many have not done.  They angered him.  ÒThat is it, I Quit.  Who allows you to come in and just take over like you own the place.Ó  Mason said, ÒIt is totally not cool.  No, I did not think about that test because it is something that I only do on the DEAD.  He is not DEAD.Ó

Penn was a little surprised, but heÕd never met Dr. Quincy before, so he had no idea how thin skinned he was. He frowned at the outburst, ÒNo, you are absolutely correct, he is not dead, and we would like to keep his condition as such.  We just had tests of our own to take, and to be honest, we have not had the most warm of welcomes with other members of the crew.Ó

ÒSo that gives you the right to break into my protected files, on a patient in my care, that you do not have the right to know anything about at this point?Ó  Mason said. 

ÔBuckaroo Banzai and the mountain.  Buckaroo Banzai and the Red Lectroids.Ó Teller said, pointing to Day.  ÒColonel Jessup to Lieutenant Kaffee.  Forest on the bench.Ó 

The already frustrated Mason looks at Penn, ÒCan I get a translation, please?Ó

Penn thought about an actual translation then thought better of it, since it made him want to smile and Quincy didnÕt look like he was up to that. To be honest Penn didnÕt have TellerÕs more attractive smile. 

ÒWhat my esteemed colleague is getting at is that this is a difficult issue for us, and we are well versed on the intricacies of reactions to exposure to the quantum universe. It just seems that whenever we try to help people get angry with us and refuse to help us. We have found it easiest to simply get what we need by any means possible, just so we can have the information we need. You must admit that you, yourself, stated you were unwilling to give us information. Mr. Day does not have the time to wait for Dr. Solice to return to get the answers to our questions. His life may well hang on the balance.Ó

He knew he was laying it on a bit thick. But desperate timesÉ .

ÒIt still does not give you an excuse to invade my files.  Are you ordering me to run those tests?Ó  Mason asked through clenched teeth.

Penn smiled at Mason, trying to look friendly, but that had never worked out well for the Benzite in the past.  ÒI would never presume to order you to do anything, Doctor.  I would hope that you would do what is best for Mr. Day.Ó

ÒThanks.  You can go now.Ó  Mason turned and walked away.

Penn looked at Teller and shrugged his shoulders.

(Reply None)
(Posteb by Tim B. Al M. and Kris B.)
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2446.03.01>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne Ð Deck 16 Ð Secondary Computer Core Ð SO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen Ð 0555)
 
ÒWhat are you doing with that phaser Chief?Ó Deux could almost ignore the heat, if not for the constant sweat beading on his forehead, running down and stinging his eyes. 
ÒIÕm going to save us all!Ó Both Chief FordÕs quivering voice and shaking hands betrayed his nerves. ÒI just have to find the right section, and purge itÉpermanently.Ó 
ÒYouÕve already done enough damage to the primary core, if you take this one out too, you wonÕt be saving us all, youÕll be killing us all.Ó Hagen slowly moved along the wall, trying to project all the calm and confidence he did not feel, but knew was needed for the moment. 
ÒHow did you know to come here?Ó FordÕs thoughts and focus broke from his current task, as his free hand unconsciously brushed the area of his chest where a communicator usually resided. How had he been tracked? Hagen was remarkable with computers, what trick did he use, even with the ship in such a state. 
ÒI was studying the anomaly data.Ó Hagen explained in ÒStellar CartographyÉwhen it all became inaccessible. One moment I was making progress, the next, the computer had no idea, no record... I realized someone was purging, and they wouldÉÓ 
ÒHave to come here to finish the job, very good Ensign. What you donÕt understand is that data will be weaponized. We CANÕT let it existÉeven if that means riskingÉ ah! Here it isÉÓ The computer screen flashed a detailed listing of exactly where the data still resided in the secondary core. 
ÒNo!Ó Deux tried again to bring FordÕs attention back to a rational state. ÒThat data is the best chance we have of understanding it, and protecting ourselves in the future!Ó
 ÒItÕs too risky!Ó Ford aimed his phaser, but before he could fire, Deux tackled his department head. Of all the things that had happened in the past few days, risking a court-marshal seemed to be the least of his concerns. Aside from the all-important anomaly data, the secondary core was keeping the remaining shipÕs functions active. Ford was no lightweight, and able to toss off Deux with ease. What he hadnÕt noticed, was that HagenÕs lunge was not to fight Ford, but to get the phaser away from him.
ÒSorry Chief.Ó A low-level blast from the weapon incapacitated Ford quickly. Hagen approached the console and since the data was called up already, quickly made a copy in a very safe place. If he could just get there alive, he might salvage something good from this mission after all.  

(Reply None)
(Posted By Scott Snider)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
USS Illuminar Ð Deck 14 Ð Armoury Ð Firing Range Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1200)
 
Lee was in the Armoury had been discussing with one of the armorers about the choice of weapons that he needed his team to be equipped with.  It took some time as Lee checked out the weapons.  Taking a break, he noticed some activity taking place in the firing range.  It was the Security cadets -   Eish Cuvh, Jane Walker and Ray Wong who were undertaking Weapons Certification training conducted by Ensign Shosl Koks.   
 
Whilst Elish and Ray watched behind the protective screens awaiting their turn, Vicki was in the  firing range eager to test the two non-energy hand pistols that the Ensign Koks had selected for her. The first was the Walther P99.  She had only seen this weapon used before in a classical film used by a fictional character called James. Vicki liked the feeling of this gun in her hand. It carried 9x19mm shells, and what she had read about the weapon, it appeared the pronunciation of the firearm had undergone several nuances. ('Walther' is appropriately pronounced 'Valter' but, due to years of Anglicisation, notably in the James Bond films, 'Wolta' and 'Woltha' are regularly heard.)
 
"Hello, Ensign KoksÓ  said Jane, who was carrying a Walter P99 in one hand and the other a Micro- Uzi,
 
ÒGreetings. Cadet. Perhaps you'd like to place your weapons on the table there.Ó She said, pointing.
 
Vicki placed the two weapons on the table. 
 
ÒYou do  realise that using such weapons are completely different from lasers.Ó Pointed Ensign Koks.  He noticed Chief Lee watching him.  The Andorian never understood why the Chief had insisted that all the Security officers should train on antiquated Earth weapons.  
 
ÒRight. LetÕs begin, shall weÓ said  Koks. She picked up a box that contained a magazine for the Walter P99. ÒThe Walther P99 is a powerful and formidable weapon, but itÕs quite light and compact enough to be adequately concealed. It carries 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Quite popular in its day and lethal, if used properly.ÓLee picked up a magazine. ÒThis is a container which contains the projectiles Ð bullets.Ó He then showed Jane  how the magazine was inserted into the gun. Ò
 
The Andorian turned to a pair of ear protectors. Put one on herself and handed the other one to a puzzled Vicki.
 
She looked at the ear protectors and wondered why they were needed, considering that you wouldn't be wearing them during a confrontation or battle.
 
ÒPut them on. In a confined space like this, it can get noisy,Ó smiled Koks.  ThatÕs another thing..these things were so loud.
 
She did as instructed and was ready.
 
Now I want you to stand facing the targetÉstand straight. Hold the gun in both hands..and aim straight at the target..but donÕt shoot!Ó instructed Lee pointing to a circular mark in the shooting range.Ó
 
The cadet faced the target and planted her feet comfortably, and she liked how the weapon felt in her hands.
 
ÒTake your time..thereÕs the trigger..with your finger, pull back the trigger.Ó Said Lee, knowing what to come next. It was a shock for first-time users of such weapons, especially when theyÕre only familiar with energy weapons. First comes the sound of the explosive shot followed by the recoil.
 
Vicki slowly squeezed the trigger, and the noise and recoil both jarred her body and surprised her by its repercussion of the sound.
 
ÒGood. Try again.Ó Said Koks
.
Vicki fired a few rounds and began to feel more comfortable with the P99, and felt inner pride that she was hitting the target with more accuracy.
 
After five minutes of firing, Koks saw that Jane had hit the target. ÒWell, how do you feel! Ready to try the Micro-Uzi?
 
"That was great! I think I settled in quite nicely." Jane said, feeling much better about the whole on-energy weapon debate.
 
ÒThe Micro-Uzi was a popular weapon mostly used as a Personal Defense Weapon for the military and close protection work! You also add a telescopic Reflex Suppressor. ItÕs a powerful weapon and a lot different from the Walter P99! It fires multiple shots as opposed to a single shot at a time.Ó
 
"I'm ready." She knew the kick from this weapon was more significant than the P99 but felt she could handle the Micro-Uzi.
 
ÒNow hold it at waist level with your right hand holding the trigger and the other hand holding the barrelÉgood!Ó observed Koks.
 
Jane moved her left hand around the barrel until she had a comfortable grip. "All right."
 
ÒFire!Ó She ordered. Vicki pressed down on the trigger, and multiple shots were fired in succession. ~Wow! Now, this is a weapon!~ She thought.
Jane fired off the Micro-Uzi for ten minutes before Koks felt this cadet was satisfied.  Lee looking on gave a thumbs up to Jane before turning his attention to back to his weapons selection.
 
(reply none)
 
(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 5, Sickbay - Engineer Ensign jg Tycho Alantar - 1215)

Tycho stepped into Sickbay and off to the side. He was an old hand at
being in a busy department, so back to the wall and out of range of
equipment as much as possible. Thankfully, this was why Starfleet
added space to most of their designs, not just for looks, the extra
floor space made traffic flow much easier.

Aside from appreciating the design management of the Fleet, Tycho was
scanning to locate his Cadets for a check-in and the department
management to make sure they weren't in the way. He was prepared to
take the Cadets out if they were unwelcome.

(Reply Medical)
(Posted by Lorenz)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 5 - Sickbay --  CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1217)
 
Quinna saw Tycho walk into sickbay.  ÒEnsign Alantar, What brings you back to sickbay?Ó   Quinna listened to him talk about his cadets.  She decided to talk to him in private about his cadets.
 
ÒCan we talk in my office?Ó  Quinna asked and motioned for him to join her.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
((USS Illuminar -- Deck 5 CMO Office -- CMO/3XO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1220)
 
ÒYour Cadets?  Why was I not told you were going to send me cadets?Ó  Quinna started.  
 
(Reply Alantar)
 
ÒIf I can be frank, your timing sucks.  I hate to be surprised and that was a humdinger of a surprise.  And to send them to foreign stations without so much of a heads up is dangerous.  What were you thinking?Ó  Quinna started in.  
 
(Reply Alantar)
 
ÒIt is one thing to be in normal mode, but to be at a time of alert, they do not have a clue how I run things in there.  And now is not the time to train them.  Most Cadets wash out in a trial by fire situation.Ó  Quinna added.
 
(Reply Alantar)
 
ÒNothing that can be done now.  I have them in Autopsy right now performing a deep cleaning.Ó  Quinna said, ÒI assume you forgot I am on a Ôno cadetÕ rotation because I am also in training with the Captain.Ó
 
(Reply Alantar) 
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 14 Ð Armoury Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 1230)
 
Lee was studying the range of weapons that he selected for the Security officers to chose to be used in the boarding action.  He became aware of the other Security officers who had wandered into the armoury.  Devers, P'hah, Andy Taylor, George McGregor and Barry Furgerson.
 
ÒGood afternoon, Gentlemen.  IÕve been selecting weapons for our boarding action.  Standard weapons will be the Phaser type 2  and the phaser type 3 rifle.  On the table here are other weapons that you might to like to equip yourself.  Mr Taylor, you are our explosive experts so there is a neat collection of photon grenades for you but there may be other explosives that you might like to use.  I have also picked out bladed weapons on the table so you can use them as well.  So help yourself!
 
(reply anyone)
 
(posted by John)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1302)
 
Quinna took her lunch break to plan a little something she needed to plan.  She stepped foot into The Rec RoomÕ and looked around.  She liked it.  ÒUmmm.  Hello.Ó  Quinna called out.
 
(Reply Becca or any)
 
ÒI need help on planning an event.Ó
 
(Reply Becca or any)
 
ÒWell,Ó  Quinna started, ÒI was promoted this morning so I will be hosting a Wetting Down.  Thing is, I want to wait for when we are no longer under yellow Alert.Ó
 
(Reply Becca or any)
 
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1304)

Becca had gotten her things moved to her quarters, but didnÕt really feel like unpacking. Her experience meeting the the young officers and the help they were providing were motivating her to jump in and get set up.   

By the time she returned they had managed to do a great deal of cleaning in the main hall. She gave them each an assignment and made it a game. She had a prize for the one who would complete the task first. They scampered off, almost happy to do their work. She smiled to herself. ~Children are children.~

She heard the door open and watched as a pretty little blonde in a medical uniform made her way across the room. 

ÒUmmm.  Hello,Ó  the blonde called out. 
 
Becca stepped away from the stack of papers sheÕd been going through and moved lightly and cheerfully to this new comer. 

ÒWeÕll hello yourself gorgeous,Ó Becca said, giving the woman a hug. ÒWhat can I do for you?Ó
 
ÒI need help on planning an event.Ó
 
ÒAn event!?Ó she repeated, then looked at the lips on her collar.  ÒWhat kind of an event weÕre you thinking?Ó
 
ÒWell,Ó  Quinna started, ÒI was promoted this morning so I will be hosting a Wetting Down. Thing is, I want to wait for when we are no longer under yellow Alert.Ó
 
ÒAhhhh, you must be Lt. Commander Solice. Dieter told me about your promotion. Congratulations!Ó she almost squealed and pulled her back in for another hug, as though theyÕd been friends for years. 

ÒThat would be amazing,Ó Becca said. ÒI love parties. Did you have a theme in mind?Ó Becca asked. ÒAs I understand it these things tend to have a theme. The reputation of your last Wetting Down processes itself.Ó  She laughed a light and joyful laugh. 

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1308)
 
ÒAhhhh, you must be Lt. Commander Solice. Dieter told me about your promotion. Congratulations!Ó she almost squealed and pulled her back in for another hug, as though theyÕd been friends for years. 
 
ÒThat would be amazing,Ó Becca said. ÒI love parties. Did you have a theme in mind?Ó Becca asked. ÒAs I understand it these things tend to have a theme. The reputation of your last Wetting Down processes itself.Ó  She laughed a light and joyful laugh. 

ÒAhh yes, Lt. Gregory did have a doozie of one,Ó  Quinna admitted and that was all she was willing to say about the subject.  ÒI was thinking of themes, and Everyone just came back from Risa, and well, A Luau is a bit overdone.  There is something about an oiled-up man in a grass skirt that can get me into it.Ó  Quinna laughed.

(Reply Becca if you want)

ÒWhat about Mardi Gras?Ó  Quinna asked,  ÒI just ended on Earth but I think we can extend it.  Beads, Masks, the whole works.Ó  Quinna was perking up.  ÒWhat do you think?Ó

(Reply Becca)

ÒI will leave the rest up to you.  It all goes on my tab.Ó  Quinna insisted.

(Reply Becca)

(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1310)

Becca listened as Quinna mentioned a Luau theme, but then she said, "There is something about an oiled-up man in a grass skirt that can get me into it.Ó 

The Risian threw back her head and laughed, "Oh I like you.  You are a naughty one, aren't you?" and she reached out and touched her arm.  "And really, Quinna, can anyone really have too many Luaus?  I don't think so.  But you don't sound sold on the idea.  Even with the well-oiled men.  What else were you thinking?"

"What about Mardi Gras?" Quinna asked.  "It just ended on Earth but I think we can extend it.  Beads, Masks, the whole works.  What do you think?"

"What do I think," she pulled Quinna in for another hug, "I think that is a wonderful idea.  And you know how people get their bead necklaces, don't you?  I expect you to have lots of them by the end of the night.  It's perfect.  Mardi Gras.  Consider it done.  We will just need to get this place up to code, which should only take a day or two... maybe sooner.  But yes, we'll absolutely have to wait for this pesky yellow alert to be over.  Starfleet was quite clear, the Rec Room was a limited access item during missions.  However, I think we should be able to serve meals and libations by tonight.  Thanks to the indentured servants that Dieter was good enough to lend me.  I believe he called them cadets, but they are what they are, don't you agree."

(reply Solice)

"Is there anything else?" Becca asked.

(reply Solice)

"I know you must have a couple of hearts on your sleave, why don't you bring one of them around later tonight, after your shift is over, and I'll serve the two of you some Risian specialties."

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1312)
 
"What do I think," she pulled Quinna in for another hug, "I think that is a wonderful idea.  And you know how people get their bead necklaces, don't you?  I expect you to have lots of them by the end of the night.  It's perfect.  Mardi Gras.  Consider it done.  We will just need to get this place up to code, which should only take a day or two... maybe sooner.  But yes, we'll absolutely have to wait for this pesky yellow alert to be over.  Starfleet was quite clear, the Rec Room was a limited access item during missions.  However, I think we should be able to serve meals and libations by tonight.  Thanks to the indentured servants that Dieter was good enough to lend me.  I believe he called them cadets, but they are what they are, don't you agree."
 
ÒAbsolutely, and that was awfully generous of him.Ó  Quinna thought about the set she had in medical cleaning out Autopsy.  
 
"Is there anything else?" Becca asked.
 
ÒMake sure you have plenty of the real stuff around, for every type of person.  I plan on going around the universe if you know what I mean.Ó  Quinna winked.  ÒSee how long it will take me to make my way around the Universe.Ó
 
"I know you must have a couple of hearts on your sleeve, why don't you bring one of them around later tonight, after your shift is over, and I'll serve the two of you some Risian specialties."
 
ÒNow that sounds great.  I will talk to Michael and see if he is interested.Ó
 
(Reply Becca IYW)
 
 
(posted by Kris B.



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 11, Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Engineer Ensign jg Tycho Alantar - 1315)
Tycho had made a lull in his duties so he could check on the cadets.
He hadn't heard immediate fracas when they'd been sent out, so he had
assumed they'd been made useful, or followed instructions and were out
of the way reading up.

He stepped into the aft lounge and noted the shambles, the two ladies
seated, and his three cadets in scrub suits cleaning. Nodding to
himself he stepped over to the ladies, recognising Quinna Solice but
not the other. They looked deep in conversation, so Tycho stood at a
polite distance and cleared his throat.

"Excuse me, ladies, pardon my interruption."

(reply Solice/Becca)

"Ensign Tycho Alantar, ma'am, Engineering and Cadet wrangling," Tycho
grinned a little and chucked his thumb over his shoulder, "I hope
these three are proving useful. I'm sure you've had someone else come
by about them. I just wanted to stop by and say it's my fault."

(reply Solice/Becca)

He perched on the back of a chair, "I have the blessing of being in
charge of a rotation of Cadets that come aboard for training. Today
was going to be their first day of testing with me to see where they
might work best." He pointed up at the lights when they flashed
silently, "Unfortunately, yellow alert takes precedence, so I had to
send them out untried."

(reply Solice/Becca)

"I made space in my schedule to check on the cadets," Tycho looked
over at them, "so, unless there's anything pressing I probably should
get back to it." Tycho raised an eyebrow questioningly and looked at
Becca and Quinna.

(reply Solice/Becca)
(Posted by Lorenz)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1316)
 
"Excuse me, ladies, pardon my interruption."
 
Quinna was about to make her go into CMO Business with Becca when Alantar showed.
 
(reply Becca)
 
"Ensign Tycho Alantar, ma'am, Engineering and Cadet wrangling," Tycho grinned a little and chucked his thumb over his shoulder, "I hope these three are proving useful. I'm sure you've had someone else come by about them. I just wanted to stop by and say it's my fault."
 
(reply Becca)
 
Quinna stood there.  She could not believe that he had interrupted her with this.  
 
He perched on the back of a chair, "I have the blessing of being in charge of a rotation of Cadets that come aboard for training. Today was going to be their first day of testing with me to see where they might work best." He pointed up at the lights when they flashed silently, "Unfortunately, yellow alert takes precedence, so I had to send them out untried."
 
(reply Becca)
Quinna bit her tongue.  She had her piece earlier.  
 
"I made space in my schedule to check on the cadets," Tycho looked over at them, "so, unless there's anything pressing I probably should get back to it." Tycho raised an eyebrow questioningly and looked at Becca and Quinna.
 
ÒI have none, Ensign, unless of course permission to finish my business if you are done?Ó  Quinna was feeling angry.  
 
(reply Alantar/Becca)
 
Quinna raised her hands, ÒDonÕt bother Ensign.  Becca nice to meet you but as Chief Medical Officer I need to conduct bioscan on everyone onboard for my files.  Come by when you can.Ó
 
Quinna left without waiting for any replies.  She hated the way she acted but now she just had to live with it.  Never apologize.  QuinnaÕs rule of command #1.  Remember who is ultimately in charge.
 
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1317)

ÒNow that sounds great," Quinna said.  "I will talk to Michael and see if he is interested.Ó

Becca winked at Quinna, "Michael, eh?  Someone special, or flavor of the week?"

Suddenly a voice behind them put a screeching halt to their conversation, "Excuse me ladies, pardon my interruption."

Becca noted the irritation in Quinna's eyes and frowned.  She turned and looked at the intruder.  She hoped she'd be this busy once the lounge actually opened for business.  

"What can I do for you young man, we are not open for business yet," Becca said a little coldly.

"Ensign Tycho Alantar, ma'am, Engineering and Cadet wrangling, the man introduced himself, "I hope these three are proving useful. I'm sure you've had someone else come by about them. I just wanted to stop by and say it's my fault."

Becca sighed. She wasn't particularly impressed by people who seemed impressed with themselves.  Still, he was a cute little thing.  "Well Ensign Tycho Alantar, according to my friend Lt. Commander Gregory your friends are here upon his request.  If you are wrangling cadets, you might want to keep better tabs on them.  If you wish to apologize, I'm the wrong person to talk to.  I have enjoyed their assistance."

"I have the blessing of being in charge of a rotation of Cadets that come aboard for training. Today was going to be their first day of testing with me to see where they might work best.  Unfortunately, yellow alert takes precedence, so I had to send them out untried."

Becca looked a little stunned at the engineerÕs admission. ÒI guess I donÕt know much about running a starship, but if I had a bunch of trainees in my business having them run around without me might just put me out of business.  But like I said, my business is entertainment, not saving the Galaxy.Ó

"I made space in my schedule to check on the cadets," Tycho looked over at them, "so, unless there's anything pressing I probably should get back to it."
 
ÒI have none, Ensign, unless of course permission to finish my business if you are done?Ó   
 
Becca shrugged her shoulders causing her hair to sway, ÒI didnÕt even know why you came Ensign. But thanks for stopping by.  IÕll let everyone know when weÕre open for business.Ó
 
Quinna seemed rather perturbed with the little man. Becca really didnÕt blame her.  ÒDonÕt bother Ensign.  

ÒBecca, nice to meet you, Quinna said, Òbut as Chief Medical Officer I need to conduct bioscans on everyone onboard for my files.  Come by when you can.Ó
 
ÒOooo, bioscans, sounds exciting,Ó Becca replied with a twinkle in her eye. ÒIÕll come by as soon as possible.  It was a joy to meet you.Ó 

She gave Quinna a final hug before she left. Then she turned to Alantar and said, ÒWell thanks for stopping by but it appears we both have a lot to do today. Good luck with your wrangling. Try not to lose anyone.Ó

She got up and disappeared into the back of the lounge. 

(reply any iyw)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6, CSO's Office - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 1333)

"In fact, I do have an assignment for your department.  I want you to check out the region of space we are proceeding to and see what, if anything, you can find out about the nature of that space as well as how did a ship disappear from the area of Deep Space 9 end up over in the beta quadrant.  Likewise, if there have been any appearances of this ship in the records."

Jaton nodded. "Understood, sir. If that's all--"

"My real purpose is that I am drafting a readiness report for the Captain, so I'm here to assess your departments readiness for our primary mission of exploration.  Why don't you start by telling me the Strengths and Weaknesses in Science?"

"My staff are all very well qualified in their fields," Jaton began. "But I think the recent incident with Penn and Teller shows that department cohesion and communication is lacking. I understand some of that is on my shoulders, but here we are nonetheless."

Gregory listened intently and made notes through the conversation.  "What opportunities exist for  your team?  Are there any threats to the productivity of the department?  Are your scientists publishing their findings?

"When we dock at a starbase, my staff generally use the opportunity to disseminate their findings to the greater scientific community, but spending that long a period sitting on new data isn't exactly ideal. If we were to find a more efficient way of staying in contact with the wider scientific community that would be great."

(reply Gregory, any)
(posted by Spencer)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Bridge -- Deck 1 -- 3XO/CMO  Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1940)

Quinna sat on the Bridge  She was monitoring.  It was hard to sit there and monitor.  The Captain ordered shuttles to extract the bodies and wounded.  Quinna ordered up the standby medics Ace and Sheinfeld.  TÕMur had made all the arrangements.  Quinna kept watching the teams to verify their status.

"What is the current status of Commander Verin and the bridge party?" Skekal asked.

Quinna looked down at her data pad, and suddenly her display of the away team disappeared.  ÒI lost contact with the team.Ó  

ÒLt. TÕMur and Trei, Are you still able to read the team?Ó  Quinna asked those still monitoring.

(Reply TÕMur, Trei)

"Instruct Lieutenant Lee to go to a higher state of readiness. Be prepared to shoot to kill if necessary."

ÒSorry, Sir, Communications I can only send a Text, however I cannot verify if he received it.Ó  Quinna informed

He initiated an internal comm. "Security, prepare a backup team to support the boarding and stand by. Do not send them over except on my order. I want two 3 man teams available, one to bolster the bridge crew and one to supplement security operations."

The Captain then tried to himself, "Commander Verin report, what is your status?"

(Reply: Sienna)

Quinna turned hoping that the Commander would answer.  Then then knew she could take another breath.

(Reply Sekal, TÕMur, Trei)

(Posted by Kris B.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ  -  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.45)


Ariel walked into the Aft Lounge after deciding it was best to go off duty until her abilities returned.  She was informed that Quinna will be getting a wetting down later today and the party would be in here.  She approached the Lounge manager Becca and offered her help planning the event.

"I am LT JG Ariel Trei.  I can help you plan the wetting down if you will have me>"

Becca didn't need to know why Ariel was available to do this.  It is better that she doesn't."

(Reply Becca)
Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1346)

With the help of the cadets, the Rec Room was slowly but surely coming together.  Three other cadets had been sent to her from the security and tactical department.  So now with six minions to her crew, she had been able to divide them into teams and had made a game of the clean-up.  The first one done with their task was going to get a little prize.  It did her heart good to hear the laughter in their work, no matter how dirty the work was.

The door opened and a young woman entered.  She watched as she walked across the floor.  She almost sashayed as she walked.  When she stopped in fromnt of her she tried to smile.

"I am Lt. JG Ariel Trei.  I can help you plan the wetting down if you will have me."

"Well, hello, Lt. JG Ariel Trei," Becca said with a big smile.  "That is quite a formal introduction.  I'm Becca.  Do you mind if I call you Ariel, or would you prefer Lieutenant Trei?  I'm sorry but I won't be able to manage the whole thing for long.  You'll find that I'm not that formal."

(reply Trei)

"Now, let me have a look at you," she said stepping back and admiring her as if she were a piece of candy.  ÒYou are a lovely little thing. Now youÕre clearly not a cadet, so what brings a Lieutenant junior grade to my establishment to help me?  DonÕt you have duties to perform?Ó

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ   SPA   LT JG  Ariel Trei - 13.50)

"Ariel is fine.  I am unofficially off duty for medical reasons.  It is better for you if you don't know why.  That being said, I need something to do and planning for this party is something I can do at the moment."

She really hoped that Becca didn't press to know the reason she was not cleared for duty.  She would have a hard time explaining it and it may compromise Becca's safety.

(Reply Becca IYW)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1351)

Becca looked Trei, tilting her head from one side to the other. ÒWell you look just fine to me,Ó she said, reaching out and touching her chin between her thumb and forefinger. ÒAnd you are as cute as a TargÕs ear.Ó  

She pulled Ariel into a warm and comforting hug. When she let go she smiled. 

ÒYou look like a girl whoÕs seen a party or two,Ó Becca said gleefully. ÒQuinna wants a Marci Gras celebration. What do you know about Marci Gras?Ó

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec Room  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.52)

She didn't know much about Mardi Gras growing up on Betazed but was willing to do something.

"Not much really.  I grew up on Betazed but Betazoids know how to party so what do you suggest I do next?"

(Reply Becca IYW)
(Posted by Edward)
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  (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1353)

Becca blinked a little, wondering what department this Ariel was in. Was she seriously asking how to find out about something that she didnÕt know about. Well, it only supported her thoughts about the fleet, it didnÕt take as much as one might expect to make it through the academy. 

ÒWhere IÕm from,Ó Becca said, trying not to sound to snarky, Òif we donÕt know about something a patron was interested in weÕd research it. So sweetly, why donÕt you go and do some research about Mardi Gras, and come back to me with your suggestions?Ó

(reply Trei)

ÒOff you go now,Ó she said, turning Trei around and patting her lightly on the bottom.  ÒGo do your research. Come back when you have something for me. Meanwhile, I need to finish cleaning up this mess.Ó

She looked up and saw a cadet sweeping the floor and getting dirt all over the place.  ÒYou, CadetÉ whatever your name is, who taught you how to sweep?  Sweet mother of É, let me show you how to do that.Ó

As she walked away from Trei she called back over her shoulder, ÒThanks , Lieutenant junior grade Ariel Trei. IÕll see you soon.Ó

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec Room  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.57)

The little pat on her behind ruffled her Klingon side a bit but Becca had a point.  She had to do some quick research.  She left the lounge and did some quick research on her PADD.  Some of the aspects of Mardi Gras exploited women gratuitously.  She really didn't approve of that but liked the party atmosphere .  She came back with some ideas for the party.

"I have some ideas for the party.  One is to wear elaborate costumes such as these."  She showed the various costumes to Becca.  "I particularly like this one."  She showed the one with flowers and feathers that suited her well.  "  There is a thing called King Cakes that are tradition for Mardi Gras.  I think 4 or so cakes to be made for the party.  The tradition of the trinket called the baby can be adapted to whoever finds the baby can smash bananas foster French toast on Quinna's body then a random number could be rolled on a die to determine how many blasts of a water gun could be used per person per turn to wash her off.  Then there is the tradition of the beads.  What do you think of the ideas?"

(Reply Becca)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 11 - Aft Lounge ÔThe Rec RoomÕ - Aft Lounge Manager - Becca - 1400)

The main floor the Rec Room was finally looking like a place she could have people in. She had just sent her crew if indentured servants to organize her sticks and take a detailed inventory. As she moved to join them Ariel returned. 

~She must have more questions. After all, what kind of research could she have done in under five minutes.~

ÒDid you have another question?Ó Becca asked. 

"I have some ideas for the party,Ó Trei said. ÒOne is to wear elaborate costumes such as these."  

Trei showed her some images on a PADD of brightly decorated costumes. Becca had to admit that she was intrigued. She wondered the significance of them. 

"I particularly like this one," Trei said pulling up an image.  

Then she continued, "There is a thing called King Cakes that are tradition for Mardi Gras.  I think four or so cakes to be made for the party.  The tradition of the trinket called the baby can be adapted to whoever finds the baby can smash bananas foster French toast on Quinna's body then a random number could be rolled on a die to determine how many blasts of a water gun could be used per person per turn to wash her off.  Then there is the tradition of the beads.  What do you think of the ideas?"

TreiÕs words all seemed to roll together and became difficult to follow. It took her a minute to put it all together in her head. 

Finally she said, ÒYou figured that all out in four minutes?  Imagine what you could come up with if you put some time into it.  As for the idea of coating Quinna with sticky pastries is intriguing,Ó she reached and stroked ArielÕs ear with a finger, Òif youÕre into that kind of thing, I got the impression that Quinna is not that kind of a gal. Are you?Ó  She gave Ariel a hopeful look.

(reply Trei)

ÒBut I get the idea that youÕve never planned a party for someone before. You need to read people and get an idea of what they like. If your goal is to get Quinna wet at her wetting down, I have other ideas, especially based on a Mardi Gras theme.  However, I do like the cake idea, with a hidden baby.Ó

She walked up close to Trei, knowingly entering her personal space. ÒNow if you want to entertain the idea of someone licking sticky substances off your body let me know.Ó  Then she stepped back, ÒOtherwise go do some proper research. DonÕt come back in less than an hour.Ó

She turned Trei around and gave her a little urging to leave. 

(reply Trei)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1745)

They were about an hour, perhaps a little further from the source of the distress signal. 

"Ma'am do you want me to get the recommended people together so we can
review what we know about the Akira class ship, and further subdivide
assignments?"

"Yes. Choose appropriate personnel and we will meet in the conference room. I would like T'Mur to attend. While operationally Lt. Lee might be in charge of security, and accompanying us, T'Mur is a tactical genius and might have some ideas."

"Very good Ma'am.  We'll also need to draw hazard gear, not knowing what
we're stepping into."

Sy nodded, "I want everyone to have one of those button  things that keep Luma in contact with the away team. Please make sure that you get them from Mr. Bohb. We're going into a hazardous environment, I want to make sure that everyone can be pulled out if necessary. That last message...  I'm not ashamed to admit that it scared me."

Gregory went about his duties and Sienna pulled up the data on the akira configuration. With her Father the head of the Academy, and an engineering genius, she had not been on an akira class since they went to the Hades her very first days on Mars which seemed so long ago. Sienna touched the instrument panel built into the command chair and initiated a link with Luma. 

::Luma what do you sense from ahead of us?:: Sy asked curiously. Luma had some subspace abilities, something very few knew. 

::Badness, our Sienna.  Our Sienna should take her T'Mur with her.::

::T is going to be here, but she can keep in contact with me easily.:: Luma seemed uneasy about something and did not know how to appropriately phrase it. 

::Something bad is there. Hunting. Predator. Luma has never sensed it before.:::  Luma sounded extremely worried.

::Well, the shields will be down, and if necessary you can beam anyone in trouble back.  This will be a good exercise for Lee.::

Luma made a disgusted sound at the mention of Lee but returned to helping the ship skate through the subspace tunnel they were in.

(reply any)
(posted by Mel)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1820)

Sienna sat at the head of the conference table as people began to arrive. It was a motley assortment of senior officers and crew. This was going to be an interesting meeting. Once everyone arrived, Sienna nodded and leaned forward. 

"This is going to be a quick briefing, since we don't have a heck of a lot of information to go on.  Here is what we know. Luma please play the first transmission from around 1115 please."

There was a crackling and then the voice of the human Captain began to speak from the viewscreen in the conference room:

=^=To anyone who receives this message. I am Captain Wilhelmena Crocker of the USS Rhyne. We entered the system 3 days ago to investigate an anomaly and what we found...," her voice broke up and fear flooded her face, "... we, we can't. They... they are all around us. They're everywhere. Stay away. I repeat stay away. My crew, they're...=^=

Horror was etched on her features as she looked beyond the viewer. "No! =^=

She screamed as the transmission was cut off.

Sienna looked around the room and nodded, "Here is the second transmission, which was audio only" :

=^= This is First Officer Jerald Rinault. Captain Crocker is dead, attacked from behind with something with claws. Over half the crew is dead. We don't know what thi is, none of us can see it as it hunts us. We don't know even if it's one entity or ... or if it's psychological.  Our CMO was killed first, so we don't know if it's a toxin, or something we ate..or an alien hunting us for food.=^= A strangled blood curling scream came over the speakers, causing the extremely musically gifted Sienna to wince, again. That noise would haunt her for a while. 

 "Luma says there are survivors, so that's a good thing, but Luma also says that there is badness in the area that she has never felt before. She also says that there are predators, multiple. She isn't being very clear, there is a great deal of psychic noise in the area. With that being said," Sienna looked to the Doctor, "I want everyone who is going over to carry a hypo with precisely dosed psionic inhibitors. We may or may not need them, but my intuition is telling me that we will need them. Our records, such as they are show that there are only 2 vulcans, 1 full blooded betazoid and 3 mixed species betazoids. Mr. Matrix and Mr. Gregory," Sienna turned to the engineer & Ops who would be accompanying them next, "Please brief us on the Akira class and specifically the Rhyne's configuration, please."

Sienna's eyes unfocused for a moment, "Luma says that she has some knowledge of the ship, the Mystique was an Akira." She nodded to the men to speak. When they finished she turned towards Alyl.

"Mr. Alyl, we need to know what we're facing quickly. We're going to need  environmental, food, air samples quickly. Work with the medics and the doc to get a body transported back to the ship quickly - to a clean isolation room- for Dr. Quincy to autopsy, pronto.  If the ship can be decontaminated, our orders are to do so, then remove the crew and arrange for the Rhyne to be escorted to the nearest starbase, which is?" She looked around the room for a moment, curious as to who would be answering her.

(reply)

"Indeed.  This is primarily a rescue mission. Secondly it is a salvage mission. Lastly, if we ascertain that the crew and/or the ship is unsalvageable, our orders are to destroy the Rhyne to prevent the contagion or whatever it is from spreading further. People are dying over there, I want to make sure that everyone is paired up with someone else. Lt. Lee, make sure each of the medics has security assigned to them."

Sy looked at T'Mur, "Luma says that I should take Lt. T'Mur with us, but I have a feeling that she will be needed on the ship, so she will not be accompanying us, nor will Doctor Solice. Ms. T'Mur do you have anything to add? Doc? Anyone?"

Sy looked around the room, meeting each person's eyes for a moment, "This is dangerous, people. Remember that, and be cautious. I don't want to lose any of our crew on this rescue mission, but also remember that our first priority is survivors. Everyone  will be wearing one of the contact buttons that were devised by engineering to keep Luma in contact with the away team. These will give the Illuminar a visual record, and they can assist us  if anyone gets into trouble. Everyone will be wearing a modified EVA hazard suit, with self-contained air supplies. In no circumstances will a member of the away team breach their suit, up to and including the saving of another life. If you can't agree to that now, speak up and you will be replaced with no prejudice."

Sienna glanced around the room, "We'll be leaving a quarter of an hour after we reach the Rhyne's current location - which will give us scans of the area. As of now, we are alone with the Rhyne, there isn't another starfleet ship closer than a half day's maximum warp."

(reply all at the meeting)
(posted by Mel)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - MO -  Dr. Kylee Stev, 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice - 1825)

Stev breathed a heavy sigh as he stepped up to the door to the conference room. He and Dr. Solice hadnÕt really had a lot of opportunities to get to know each other well, but what he found he respected greatly. She was an excellent physician who cared greatly about her people. She seemed a little wary of some of his homeopathic ideas, but he was certain he could persuade her to at least allow him to try. 

He looked over at her and smiled, trying to look confident. Ò Well Dr. Solice, the moment of truth, eh?Ó

Quinna finished fastening the red Tunic, ÒNo worries, you got this.  And if all else fails, I will be leaning against the back wall.Ó  Quinna took a deep breath.  ÒI think these red collars are a bit tight.Ó

Stev chuckled, ÒI recommend you change it back in for a blue one. They seemed to fit you great.Ó

They entered the conference room.  Quinna instinctively went to her chair but moved to the back wall.  She leaned against the wall and crossed her legs.  Her arms crossed her chest.

Kyllee followed Quinna but when she stepped back he took the seat in front of her.  He looked around the table and nodded to all the new faces for him.  He could sense their surprise to see him, which was understandable since he hadnÕt got to meet most of them yet.  

Commander Verin began her briefing, which she started with the statement that it would be quick.  She showed the videos of the two communications from the USS Rhyne, both of which were chilling.

"Luma says there are survivors, so that's a good thing, but Luma also says that there is badness in the area that she has never felt before. She also says that there are predators, multiple. She isn't being very clear, there is a great deal of psychic noise in the area.

Quinna stood up straight from her leaning position.  After listening to Commander Verin, she knew that Quinna needed more preparation than the typical rescue mission needed.  She wondered if maybe she should not go instead of sending her new Doctor.  She would hate it if anything happened to her doctor and medics.  She made note that she would probably need holodeck 2 as patient overflow.

Stev leaned back and whispered, ÒWho is this Luma?Ó

ÒI will tell you when we are done.  Promise.Ó  Quinna patted his shoulder.

ÒWith that being said," the commander looked at Kylleer, "I want everyone who is going over to carry a hypo with precisely dosed psionic inhibitors. We may or may not need them, but my intuition is telling me that we will need them. Our records, such as they are, show that there are only 2 Vulcans, 1 full-blooded betazoid, and 3 mixed-species betazoids.Ó

Stev knew he was going to have to step up sooner or later, he figured now was as good a time as any.  ÒCommander, might I recommend an electronic  neural inhibitor rather than medication.  That kind of medication could have dire consequences if the dosage is off just a little, and if we are going into an already difficult situation then that would cause a whole new set of problems, for everyone.  The downside is that it would inhibit all psionic activity.  The upside is that we can set it so you can turn them off and on at will.Ó

(reply Verin)

Quinna stood back and thought about it.  It did seem like a better plan.  She nodded her agreement but thought about it.  ÒYou can always carry a small Hyprospray in case there are any EM field issues that make the devices inert.  They can be small enough to easily stash and carry.Ó  

Kyllee nodded, thinking that it was a good idea to have a back-up plan.  ÒWho would be going that would require that kind of intervention?  That kind of disruption of psionic activity can be veryÉ disorienting.Ó

(reply any)

Commander Verin moved on to engineering and Ops.  She was looking for more information about the ship they were going to.  Then she address a young Vulcan woman she said was Lt. TÕMur.  He noted that there was an odd look when the commander looked over at her.  She clearly thought highly of the woman.

Finally  she concluded the meeting with, ÒWe'll be leaving a quarter of an hour after we reach the Rhyne's current location - which will give us scans of the area. As of now, we are alone with the Rhyne, there isn't another starfleet ship closer than a half day's maximum warp."

~Well thatÕs a cheerful note.~  He turned back to Quinna just to see what she was thinking.

ÒCommander, I think with what Luma has relayed, those going should have a neuroscan.  I think if there are any issues, then they should not go. I am not just talking about those with telepathic abilities. It should not take more than 5 minutes.Ó  Quinna had an insistant/suggetive tone.  She made sure she held eye contact with Commander Verin.

(Reply Verin)
(posted by Al M. and Kris B.)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - CTO -  Lt.  TÕMur  - 1828)

"Luma says that I should take Lt. T'Mur with us, but I have a feeling that she will be needed on the ship, so she will not be accompanying us, nor will Doctor Solice. Ms. T'Mur do you have anything to add? Doc? Anyone?"

TÕMur stood up, putting SiennaÕs personal feelings aside for the moment. They were going to have a talk after.  She picked up her PADD and turned on the holographic map of the Akira class ship. 

ÒI have downloaded this map to everyoneÕs tricorder. I have also mapped out the best routes to all of the major sections of the ship. That is, of course, as long as they did not make any major changes to last reported configurations since last reported.Ó

She began to walk around the table and point out the sections as she spoke about them. ÒI recommend that you take control of main engineering and the bridge.  The first officer reported the the CMO was the first to be affected. So I would recommend that their main sickbay be a stop. You may find some information there from the medical logs.Ó

She looked around the table at the others and sat down. ÒYou are heading into a hostile environment by an unknown adversary. Do not go anywhere alone. Not even a lavatory break.Ó

She locked eyes with Sienna for a moment then nodded. ÒThat is all, Commander.  Question?Ó

(reply any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - C2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1830)

Gregory stood up after T'Mur's briefing.  "Remember that the Akira class has this special Battle module, only accessible by the intership transporter."  Gregory points to the unit.

"We have three targets, the bridge, sickbay and engineering.  Commander Verin,  Mr. Matrix , Mr. Lee and additional security officer.  I recommend beaming i at this longitudinal corridor here,"  he indicated a corridor outside of the bridge.

"The Science/Medical team will Mr. Alyl, Dr. Stev, and two security officers.  Do you gentlemen need more support?"  he asked.  "Science and sickbay are both on deck 10 of the main hull. This corridor here," he pointed to another corridor, "will be the beam in point."

"Finally, Outrider 1 will accompany me with two more security guards, to secure Engineering.  We will beam in to this corridor here and make our way aft." 

"I have assigned each team it's own transporter room, and a decided transporter officer who will do their best to keep transporter fix on each team in case of an emergency." 

"I want ten minute reports to the Illuminar, and with the buttons, if something goes sideways, Luma can help the crew here act faster."

"Any questions?"

(reply any)
(Posted by Tim) 
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - MO -  Dr. Kylee Stev - 1831)

"The Science/Medical team will be Mr. Alyl, Dr. Stev, and two security officers.  Do you gentlemen need more support?"  he asked.  "

Stev smiled, "It's Dr. Kyllee, Lt. Commander and I certainly hope not.  I'm not so useful in a fight."  He looked over at Alyl for any confirmation of his ability to defend himself.  Hopefully, it was better than his own.  Self-defense classes seemed a lifetime ago.

"Science and sickbay are both on deck 10 of the main hull. This corridor here," he pointed to another corridor, "will be the beam in point."

"Check," Stev said.

After he went through the assignments and the order to check in every ten minutes  Gregory asked, "Any questions?"

"So what transporter room should the medical team report to? Kyllee asked.

(reply Gregory)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - 2/O LCRD Dieter Gregory - 1832)

"My apologies Dr. Kyllee, I have not had a chance to review your file.  Welcome aboard," he said.

(Kyllee, IYW)

At the end of the briefing, the doctor spoke up again, "So what transporter room should the medical team report to?"

"Ah, yes.  Good point.  Commander Verin's team to transporter room 1.  Medical/science to transporter room 2, which is on deck 4 Doctor," he said.  "My team will use transporter room 3."

(Reply anyone)
(posted by Tim)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Conference Room - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 1833)

Jaton listened to the briefing attentively, and contemplated what was waiting for them on the mystery ship.

"Mr. Alyl, we need to know what we're facing quickly. We're going to need environmental, food, air samples quickly. Work with the medics and the doc to get a body transported back to the ship quickly - to a clean isolation room- for Dr. Quincy to autopsy, pronto.  If the ship can be decontaminated, our orders are to do so, then remove the crew and arrange for the Rhyne to be escorted to the nearest starbase, which is?"

Jaton nodded at this, and made a note to get the science department to coordinate while he was aboard the Rhyne.

"I believe the closest starbase is Starbase Gamma 7, about 5 parsecs from here," he said as he typed.

(reply, room for more)

 "I'll send a communique to T'Shalaith to coordinate with medical on this side while we're on mission. That way we'll be ready for anything."

(reply all in meeting)
(posted by Spencer)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 18:50)

"Commander, a word," Gregory

(Verin)

"You need to get the command codes so that you can override any issues when you get on the bridge. Who knows what has happened and if we are locked out of accessing the computer systems," he said.  "While in Engineering, I will confirm that we can remote destruct the ship, if necessary, as per General Order 6." 

(Verin)

"I don't know what to make of Luma's scans or information, but we'll be on the bounce, Commander."

(reply Verin)
(Posted by Tim)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Conference Room - FO  Commander Sienna Williams-Verin and CTO Lt TÕMur - 1855)

TÕMur waited patiently for everyone to file out of the conference room until it was just her and Sienna. She had been sending waves of her displeasure through their connection since she knew that her mate was going on this mission without her. When the door finally closed she decided to air her displeasure. 

ÒI am unhappy about this situation, Sienna,Ó she said. 

Sienna knew this was coming and accepted it. ÒIÕm not particularly thrilled either, she who is my wife.Ó Sienna stood up and moved to TÕMur, sliding her arms around the other woman, holding her tight against her body. ÒSomething is coming for us, T, and IÕm scared. I know my fear fuels your protective drive, and IÕm not a fighter at all, and I know that even with the self defense classes that you and the Captain are giving me, IÕm not competent to take care of myself. I suggest you threaten Lee with castration if he lets me get hurt?Ó She was trying for levity but it was not working very well. Instead she leaned her forehead against her mateÕs and just held her for a long moment.

TÕMurÕs mind raced to an image of her holding a long Vulcan filleting knife over the prone form of Lee.   Then she realized that Sy was not serious and let the image go. She held her mate close, knowing that logic was not going to solve this. 

ÒI canÕt tell you that I wonÕt get hurt, or even dead while over there. What I can say is that I will do everything in my power to return to you.Ó

TÕMurÕs eyes narrowed, ÒYou do not have my permission to die.  Logic requires this course of action but if you do not come back in one piece I will be put out, all logic aside.Ó  

ÒThen I shall endeavor to do just that. Luma thinks you need to come, you know. But, I just have a bad feeling, T, that you NEED to be here. Lee isÉ not who I would have picked for my own security, but is there anyone that you would be comfortable with?Ó  She stroked her mateÕs dark hair and looked into her eyes.

TÕMur frowned as she knew how Sienna would feel about what she was about to say and why it wouldnÕt work. ÒMore comfortable than Lt. Lee?  Michael Weston. However you do not trust him, so that would not work.Ó

She looked deeply into SiennaÕs eyes and put a hand to her cheek. ::I have not said this in a long time. I am afraid. I cannot lose you.::

ÒIf Weston is your choice, I will order him to come with us.Ó She tapped her comm badge, ÒMr. Weston, please report to the conference room on deck 1.Ó  

Sy leaned into the warmth of TÕs hand, ::You are my world. We knew that dangerous situations could occur, and that we could be separated by duty.  Keep  Sekal safe, please. I donÕt want to have to explain to his Dad the Admiral that something happened to him.::  

::That would be a most unpleasant task.:: T had to agree. ::I do not know why I feel the urge to say this but be careful.::

With that thought she pushed Sy against the bulk head and kissed long and hard. ÒRemember what is waiting for you when you get back.Ó

The door to the conference room opened and Michael Weston stepped in. 

ÒYou rang?Ó he said. 

Sienna was breathless and flushed as she turned to Weston. ÒMr. Weston, my mate has a request to make of you.Ó Sienna had a flash of amusement as she spoke to Michael. ÒWe are currently on the way to a starfleet ship in distress, and there is some hazard involved. Lt. TÕMur wishes you to be my bodyguard.Ó  Sienna trusted TÕMur implicitly, but her trust in Weston was tenuous at best.

Weston smiled and nodded, ÒThat appears to be my adjunct duty round here.Ó  He looked over at TÕMur who nodded.  ÒVery well, your life is in my hands.Ó

ÒI could not imagine a safer place for it to be other than mine,Ó TÕMur answered him back.  ÒAs I would die before I let anything happen to Commander Verin.Ó

Weston caught the implied directive and said, ÒAs will I.  You have my word.Ó

ÒExcellent, our recent experience on Risa has given me cause to hold you to be a man of your word.  Now if you will excuse us for a moment I need to say goodbye to my É fiance.Ó

Weston jumped but smiled and headed for the door, ÒOf course.  I will see you at the transporter room Commander.Ó

When the door closed TÕMur looked into her mates face, ÒI do have a sense of relief.  But do not depend solely on him for protection.Ó

She reached up with her right hand and found the pressure points on SiennaÕs face.  Their minds intertwined.  ::A part of me is always with you.  My love.  My heart.::

::IÕm worried about the need for a psi inhibitor.  I know that if it happens itÕll block our link and that frightens me.  IÕll try to let you know somehow before we use them, if we do need them.::  The two women stayed there, joined in mind before they were required to head back to the bridge and their duties. Sienna drew strength from her mate, and gave her love in return.

::You misunderstand. A part of me IS ALWAYS with you.::

TÕMur stepped back but held onto SiennaÕs hand. ÒNow, my love, you have a mission to get to and you should not be late.Ó

She stepped aside as Sy walked by her and out the doorway. As she passed her a quick hand moved round and smacked her hard on her left buttock. 

ÒSomething else to remind you of what you have to come back for.Ó

Sienna laughed, a delighted sound that dispelled the gloom of fear, as the two women headed back for the bridge.

(reply none)
(posted by Al & Mel)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - CO- Captain Sekal, Commander Sienna Williams-Verin, Lieutenant Commander Dieter Gregory and Lieutenant Commander Quinna Solice- 1900)

The ship was nearing the location from whence the distress call had originated, having received word the Captain had called Quinna and instructed her to meet him, Sienna and Dieter were already there and awaiting them. He stepped out of the turbolift and rather than his usual habit of observing operations before continuing he strode immediately to the conn.

"Readiness report." He stated as he neared their location.

Gregory looked over McfryÕs shoulder at operations.   ÒSir, I have been sending signals to the Rhyne, and have not received any response.  There have been some short bursts, but nothing coherent.  Those signals have been sent for further analysis. There is no other communication traffic in the area,Ó the ensign responded.   

It took Quinna only a minute for her to find her way to the bridge.   When the Captain asked for a status report, she hung back as he was not asking her unless he wanted a medical update.

"ETA twenty minutes Captain," came the call from Montero at the helm.

Gregory turned to science ÒWhat about long range scanners?Ó 

Sienna had finished her talk with Weston and TÕMur and exited the conference room, onto the bridge. ÒMr. Gregory on the advice of Lt. TÕMur, Mr. Weston will be my personal bodyguard during this away mission. I will inform Mr. Lee.Ó  SiennaÕs opinion of Weston was well known, she wanted to boot him out the nearest airlock and she absolutely did not trust him.  And it was known on the ship that the First Officer was not competent in defending herself and likely never would be.

Quinna listened and still hated the idea of Michael going.  She accepted and it made sense as his only focus was to keep the group alive.  Though she may not be able to keep TÕMur alive if anything happened to him.

ÒWith respect, Commander, Star Fleet General Order 15 requires that Mr. Lee be your armed escort.  Mr. Weston, although a member of SFI, is not recognized as appropriate for that general order.Ó

Sienna wanted to laugh at that. Since when did this ship follow protocols exactly? ÒMr. Lee is welcome to accompany us, but the Chief Tactical Officer of this ship has decided that Mr. Weston will be my personal bodyguard.  I am not about to argue with her when she knows more about security, defense and tactics than I do.Ó ~And I am not upsetting my mate over this ~ She added very quietly in her thoughts.

ÒWith due respect, MaÕam, and in no way demeaning Lieutenant TÕMurÕs skills.  Mr. Lee is our security chief, and as such best able to make those decisions.Ó Gregory said, raising his hand. ÒTo be honest, I donÕt trust him, MaÕam and fear he will jeopardize the mission.Ó 

Quinna looked at Dieter, ÒI know that you do not trust him, but he is the right man for the job.  His sole purpose is to provide protection for the team.  His focus will be on that task with no alternative goals.Ó

To be fair, Sienna didnÕt really trust him either. But she wasnÕt going to be having this discussion on the Bridge.  She looked over at Sekal, and spoke quietly, ÒI trust the CaptainÕs opinion of him.Ó 

ÒMr. McFry, can you please play some of those transmissions?  Luma, can you run through the command codes when we get in range and see if you can get us access to the bridge viewscreen please? And by chance do you sense anything else, Luma?Ó

ÒAye, MaÕam.  Cueing them up now,Ó the ensign said. 

A pause as Luma thought, =^= Badness and Entropy lurk here. The small ones should not go there. The skin known as the Rhyne should be destroyed so the badness is contained.=^=

Sienna took a deep breath. That wasnÕt helpful.

ÒI have them ready for your MaÕam,Ó McFry said. 

=^= That Weston should take toys as well, if the small ones insist on going then that Weston should use his tricksy tricks.=^=

ÒAnd obviously Luma does as well.Ó Sienna finished speaking. 

Sekal listened to the arguments for and against before shaking his head slightly as he looked toward his second officer. "Your recommendation is valid however Lieutenant Lee is in direct command of the security contingent and it is necessary to have him fulfill that responsibility in taking designated areas of the ship. Commander Verin's duties lie on the bridge where he will not be available. Mister Weston is technically speaking a member of StarFleet Intelligence though detached at this time and his skills are second to none here in the areas of infiltration, information gathering and client protection. He will be using those skills at this time on my orders." 

He looked from face to face, his demeanor brooking no argument at this time. "The layout of the Rhyne is well known and you will have little issue navigating it however I expect all to be on high alert and for the necessity to be transmitted clearly to all involved."

ÒYes, Captain. Have you received the RhyneÕs command codes from Starfleet?Ó  Sienna asked quietly.  There would be transmission lag in receiving them.

He looked to his second in command. 'Affirmative. They were forwarded to the ready room monitor and are available." He retrieved a chip from his pocket and handed it to her. "If necessary we will be able to override their controls from here but this iso chip will override the control subroutines internally. If it is lost comm the ship and we will initiate the override protocol. Are there any other questions?"

ÒNo Sir.Ó Sienna spoke quietly, accepting the chip and the responsibility for it. 

ÒNo Sir,Ó Gregory replied.

He turned his attention to Dieter. "I noted that you will be taking Outrider 1 with you, I suggest you monitor him as closely as possible. Command will want a full report on his activities. He is currently in a transitory stage, what is it that humans call itÉ?" He hesitated for a moment. "... ahh, probation."

ÒAye Sir.  I felt, as an android, he would be resistant to any biologics that might have been released, and should have more freedom of movement compared to the rest of us in suits.Ó Gregory replied. 

ÒWe will all have Mr. BohbÕs contact buttons to link us with Luma, Sir. YouÕll be able to watch our progress.Ó  Sienna sounded reassuring.

He quirked an eyebrow. "Luma will not be able to assist you if the android reverts to his former proclivities. He is here on my recommendation and I do not want him, given the opportunity to sabotage your activities. If he appears to be doing so immobilize him in whatever fashion is necessary."

ÒNoted, Sir,Ó Gregory said.

The Vulcan nodded and turned toward the viewscreen where the USS Rhyne was growing quickly due to the magnification factor.

Quinna turned to look at the screen, the ship looked eerie.  ÒSir, is there a way to zoom tight enough so we can see into the ship from the viewports.  Such as looking into the windows, so to speak?Ó  

Gregory shook his head, ÒSadly we canÕt get that resolution with our systems.  WeÕd need to be within, say 50 meters or so to have a chance.  Best we could do is launch a class 1 probe to see what other information it could pick up.Ó  

ÒBut as the probe gets closer to the ship, could it be affected by the effects as well? Call me a pessimist, but maybe we should get Penn and Teller to invent a better scanner.  Or maybe we should get an all powerful telescope.Ó  Quinna said as she turned back to the screen.

Gregory chuckled, ÒI am not sure even they could violate the laws of physics and AbbeÕs diffraction limit.Ó  

"Captain nearing transporter range."

He turned again toward the viewscreen at the call. 

The Akira class ship drifted in space. It was nearly 2.8 light years from the nearest system despite the words of her Captain which stated they had arrived. Had they visited the nearby star system already and their neaness precipitated her referring to it in the present? Logically so but the contrast between her terms  and their present location was jarring. A StarFleet Commanding Officer was both expected and required to be precise in their wording.

 The Rhyne had obviously seen combat, her hull was scorched in a number of places though it appeared whole. 

"Ms. T'shalaith scan the ship for a damage assessment."

(Reply: T'shalaith)

ÒSo, one more question.  What is with the weird dark shadow on the port nacelle?Ó  Quinna asked.

ÒScience, can we get more information on that shadow Dr. Solice pointed out?Ó

(Reply T'shalaith)

As he waited for that assessment he moved toward the command chair but didn't sit down. The Rhyne had at least auxiliary power as they had life support and communications. Any remaining internal damage could be handled by the engineering complement going aboard.

 Upon the latest communication the acting CO had been surprised at the current stardate and status of the Federation which indicated they had arrived in this space/time very recently, how long ago was as yet undetermined. Had the Captain mistaken the nearby star system for Bajor? Bajor's proximity was their last known location before she had been lost. There was as of yet no way of knowing and with Captain Crocker dead the odds of that being determined was slim though her logs might give them the answer. If the Rhyne was capable of warp travel they would escort it to the nearest Starbase which was 8 days away at the slower ship's maximum speed.

"Helm slow to sub-light and maneuver the ship in close."

ÒAye, Sir,Ó Montero replied.  ÒComing out of transwarp now.Ó   The ship groaned as it slowed to sublight speed.  He looked at the display, ÒPulling to 100 km of the Rhyne, Sir.Ó  

"Ms. T'Mur, are there unidentified craft in the area?" If a hostile craft approached Illuminar would be tasked with the stricken ship's protection.

(Reply: T'Mur)

With everything quiet for the moment he sat down and canceled yellow alert status, Illuminar was now in standard operations. He then tapped the comm. "Away teams report to your assigned transporter rooms and prepare to beam over. Transport will commence in five minutes."

(Reply: Away teams)

With the departure of those members of the away team from the bridge, Quinna took her seat in the XO spot with the intent of keeping it warm for Commander Verin.

The minutes passed quietly except for the report from science on the damage assessment and the one  from transporter rooms 1 and 2 noting the boarding parties were in place. He acknowledged them by opening a comm. "Transporter rooms one and two show green, energize."

(Reply: Any, all)

(Posted by Charles G- Captain Sekal
Melinda G - Commander Sienna Verin
Tim Bushnell - LCD Dieter Gregory, Montero
And Kris Bailey - LCD Quinna Solice)
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(USS Illuminar Deck 1 - Bridge - ACSO T'shalaith  - 1902)

T'shalaith had been frowning most of the time she had been on the bridge.  It was unavoidable given what was revealed at each turn and twist as they came closer and closer to the USS Ryhne.  Whatever had caused the Akira class starship to disappear for as long as it had, and then suddenly reappear caused her significant concern.

"Ms. T'shalaith scan the ship for a damage assessment."

The assistant chief science officer continued her frown. ÒSensors are reading power fluctuations, damage to decks, and significant stress to the hullÉhowever, the readings are not consistent or constant.  I am adjusting sensor strength but it is not resolving to specific information regarding where the power fluctuations are or the decks where the damage is.Ó  She shook her head, ÒWhat we are able to see visually may be the better indication of a more conclusive damage assessment.Ó She continued to work the sensors but the receiving data wasnÕt improving.

ÒScience, can we get more information on that shadow Dr. Solice pointed out?Ó

The ACSO shook her head, ÒThe sensors are reading an unknown composition and substance.  There is an additional layer of the readings being inÉphase.Ó  She tapped the console for more, ÒThere may be organic material within the area identified.Ó  T'shalaith waited and watched as the ship arrived and the process of transporting the crew to the ship began.  There was still the unnerving feeling in her mind.  Without a concrete conclusion, she was left to monitor as much as she could in hopes that whatever was eluding her logic would resolve into an answer soon enough.

(reply none)
(posted by Aaron DeLay)
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(USS Illuminar  Transporter Room 1 Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee  1905
 
Chief Lee checked his tricorder to locate his security officers.  Barry Furgerson was already on the pad checking his phaser rifle. Commander Verin ad Mr Matrix stood nearby.  Devers and PÕhah was accompanying the Science/Medical team.  Andy Taylor and George Mcgregor accompanied Lt Commander Gregory.
 
Lee was ready!
 
(reply none)
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(USS Illuminar --  Bridge -   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 19.06)

Ariel walked on the Bridge to see what she can do to help.  She may not have her abilities but she could monitor the life signs of the away team members.  This way she could fell she is doing something useful.

"I can monitor the vitals of the away team.  At least that will make me feel useful"

(Reply Quinna)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Illuminar --  Deck 1 -- Bridge -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 19.07)
 
Quinna turned as she heard the turbolift open.  She turned to see Trei enter.  Trei had wanted to be on medical leave while she was trying to adjust to her temporary issues.
 
"I can monitor the vitals of the away team.  At least that will make me feel useful"  Ariel said.
 
Quinna was doing that but felt that Ariel could do that.  Doing something gives people the feeling of being involved.  This was no different.  ÒThank you, Lt.Ó  Quinna said, ÒMan your station.  I will note a lift on your medical leave.Ó  And Quinna put that into the log on her ÔEverythingÕ PADD.  
 
(Reply Sekal, TÕMur, Trei, Alantar, any on bridge.
 
(posted by Kris B.)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 -Transporter room 2 - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1920 )

Stev looked around at the group assembled. He had to admit he was a little disconcerted that there were only four of them. Hopefully they wouldnÕt run into any problems in the sickbay.  According to the reports the CMO was the first victim of whatever happened, so they might find answers there. 

ÒOkay,Ó he began, Òonce we beam in we need to make our way to sickbay and get into the medical logs. Hopefully weÕll find some answers there.  Any questions?Ó

PÕRah, the catian security officer growled, ÒDo we really have to wear these suits?  They really inhibit my natural cat-like grace.Ó

Hercules Devers chuckles. ÒYouÕll be fine PÕRah.  At least you arenÕt going on the bridge detail.  This is the happy fun crowd.Ó  He checked his phaser again, while hanging his phaser rifle across his back.  

Devers turned to the two officers, ÒSirs, please let PÕRah and I do our job.  WeÕre here to protect you, so if we ask you to do something, please do it.Ó

Stev nodded, ÒYou donÕt have to ask me twice. And if need be, a little shove in the right direction might be helpful.Ó

Stev stepped onto the transporter pad and took one more look at the team. Then he looked over at the transporter tech. 

Frank Martin gave him a wink, ÒDonÕt worry doc, if thereÕs a problem weÕll haul you out. IÕve never lost a charge yet.Ó

~ItÕs the yet part that bothers me.~ He chose to keep that thought to himself.   ÒEnergize,Ó he said. 

(USS Rhyne - Deck 10 - Corridor near Sickbay Complex -  MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO Ensign PÕRah and CPO Hercules Dever- 1926)

As the transporter cycle finished, Jaton pulled out his tricorder. ÒDetecting brown outs all over the ship. Air seems a little stale too. IÕd say the air recyclers have seen better days.Ó

PÕRah chuckled, ÒToo many beans last night, Mr. Alyl?  Because the air smells fine in my isolation suit.Ó 
Stev suppressed a snort of laughter and began his own scans. ÒThereÕs no life signs anywhere, but my tricorder seems to only be able to get readings for about 30 meters. Then thereÕs too much interference.Ó 

He turned to the two security officers, ÒSomeone should check-in with the Illuminar, and let them know weÕve arrived.Ó

ÒYes sir,Ó Devers says as he moved to the side to check in with the Illuminar. 

ÒOkay, according to this map sickbay should be down this way,Ó he indicated to the right. ÒLetÕs move. And be careful. I canÕt get past the feeling that weÕre being watched.Ó

PÕRah turned to Lieutenant Alyl,ÓSir, your order?Ó he said.

ÒLetÕs make our way towards sickbay, and look for any survivors. And keep your eyes out for any dead bodies. Medical has requested we beam one back for an autopsy,Ó Jaton replied. He began walking slowly in the direction of the nearest corridor junction.

ÒAye,Ó PÕRah said as he put his hand on the science officerÕs shoulder.  ÒSir, let me go first, and clear the way.Ó 

Stev took a step to the side and waved the security men through, ÒBe my guest.Ó

The Catian started to move forward down the hall.  He put his hand up, ÒDead body here, Sir,Ó he called.  Kneeling down PÕRah looked at the body, ÒLooks like something sharp did this.Ó

Devers brought up the rear, his phaser in his hand.  

Kyllee moved to the body and knelt on the other side from PÕRah.  He pulled out his tricorder and ran it over.  He looked perplexed.  ÒWell it certainly appears to be death by impalement.  However the bodyÕs cells seem to be in some sort of temporal flux.  It is impossible to tell how long heÕs been dead.  Hopefully Dr. Quincy can get more information out of our friend here than I can get right now.  Tag him and send him back to the Illuminar.Ó

Once the body had been removed they were back on the move.  It didnÕt take long to arrive at a door that had the words Medical Unit over it.  ÒLooks like this is the place,Ó Kyllee said and stepped towards the door.  

PÕRah put his hand up, ÒDoctor, let me go first please,Ó he said.  Devers moves up to stand next to PÕRah.  The two look at each other, and as the door opens, they scan the area.  While Devers stood in the door, PÕRah started a sweep of the room. 

On one of the biobeds was a body, split open from neck to waist, the organs missing.  PÕRah growled softly and looked around. In the CMOÕs room, PÕRah saw someone slumped over the deck there. 

ÒAll clear,Ó he called out, ÒLet Ôem in Herc.Ó  

ÒRoger that,Ó Devers replies.  ÒDoctor, Lieutenant, youÕre free to enter,Ó Devers says as stands to the side. 

Stev stepped in and took a look around and his eyes widened. ÒIf this is your idea of all clear I have to wonder what horrible looks like.Ó

He wandered through the room seeing the gore and carnage strewn throughout the room. He walked by a stasis chamber when he heard a thunk. It made him jump and cry. ÒSweet holy prophets.Ó

He pulled out his tricorder and scanned the chamber. ÒMr. Devers, Mr. PÕRah, something is alive in this stasis chamber.Ó

The two security guards looked at each other. ÒDoctor, are you sure?Ó 

ÒIÕm not much of a fighter,Ó Kyllee admitted, Òbut I know life signs.  Look.Ó  He showed them the tricorder reading.  ÒHuman, if I know my heart rates.Ó

Devers nodded. ÒOK, Doc, you know how to open one of these things?Ó 

Jaton came over and scanned the stasis chamber. ÒI might be able to sync my tricorder with the chamber and trigger the activation process remotely. As soon as we can determine itÕs safe and the occupant can be safely revived.Ó

ÒRevived?Ó Kyllee said, astounded, and showed his readings again. ÒWhatever, or whoever is in there is already revived. The question is, why is he in there?Ó

ÒAlive, yes. Conscious, no. At least I hope not anyway,Ó Jaton said.

ÒIÕve been a doctor for a long time, my friend,Ó Stev was insistent, ÒI know the difference between a conscious and unconscious reading, even through that contraption.Ó

ÒPoor choice of wording on my part, but you know what I meant. Can the chamber be activated with no danger to the patient?Ó

Stev nodded, ÒThat I canÕt say. ThereÕs always a danger in using those things, even under the best circumstances. But the question, as I said, is why is he in there?Ó

ÒIs it safer to keep them in stasis?Ó

ÒSafer for them or for us?Ó Stev asked. 

ÒFor them. Right now they are the only lead we have as to what happened here. And we have an obligation to rescue any survivors.Ó

ÒIndeed,Ó he agreed, Òbut with the power fluctuations IÕd say itÕs as dangerous for him to leave him in there as let him out. For us, though, look around you. Look at the carnage. Is he a part of this?  A victim?Ó

ÒThereÕs only one way to find out. Everything else being equal, I think we should bring him round. WeÕll keep our phasers on stun just in case.Ó

ÒOccamÕs razor,Ó Stev offered. ÒAll things being equal, the easiest solution is the best solution.  I agree, we need to get him out.Ó

Jaton nodded. ÒThatÕs good enough for me.Ó Jaton opened up his tricorder. It was a little bit of a hassle to sync it to the stasis chamber, but he got it in the end. As the stasis chamber began to activate and bring its occupant around, Jaton drew his phaser and trained it on the chamber.

The man inside was wearing a Starfleet uniform, but he barely looked alive. His gaunt features and drawn cheeks showed signs of starvation as did the distended belly.  But his eyes were wild, moving from face to face, fear embedded in them as if he were born afraid. 

Stev began to scan him, but as he approached the man used what little strength he had to flail his arms at him.  Finally, as if the words had to be pulled up from the pit of his stomach he cried out. 

ÒStay back, leave me alone, donÕtÉ,Ó he couldnÕt continue. Suddenly he collapsed into a ball and hugged his knees and began to Rick back and forth, mumbling, ÒOh God, oh Gid, oh God.Ó

Stev reached out with a hand, ÒYouÕre all right. YouÕre safe. WeÕre going to help you. What happened here?Ó

The man stopped rocking and began to laugh. It wasnÕt a joyful laugh but that of someone who just got a really bad joke. 

ÒSafe?  Help?  DonÕt you know?  CanÕt you see?  YouÕre all already dead. IÕm already dead. It comes out of 
nowhere, it comes from everywhere. It strikes without warning, without mercy. YouÕll see. YouÕll see. And then youÕll be dead.Ó

(reply any, or none)
(posted by Al M, Tim B, and Spencer)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 -Transporter room 1- FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin, ACEO Ensign Scott Matrix, SC Lt.  Keung Lee and SFI Michael Weston - 1922 )

Weston stepped into the transporter room, the last to arrive. He had stopped off at his quarters for some gear. He was now wearing his black tactical suit. It wasnÕt as fancy as the one Lee was wearing, but heÕd be able to withstand most energy weapons with a conclusive force, and deflect most bladed weapons. He had several pockets that his blades and several other items he felt would be helpful.   The coup de gras of the outfit were the glasses he was wearing. 

He was wearing what appeared to be a pair of sunglasses. But they werenÕt typical UV blocking lenses, but were lenses that could detect bio thermal energy. And they looked stylish. 

He walked in, holding a container of blueberry yogurt.  Taking a last spoonful he handed the empty container to the transport Chief with a shrug and said,  ÒYou never know when you're going to get time to eat.Ó  

Finally he stepped over to the group and came beside Lee. With a smile he grabbed LeeÕs shoulders in an overly friendly manner. 

ÒLt. Lee,Ó he said exuberantly, ÒTogether at last. A dream come true. Glad to be on the team.Ó

ÒYourÕre welcome.Ó acknowledged Lee as he tried to work out whether Weston was taking the mick out of him.  At least they had a better chance of success with Weston around. Why he was wearing sunglasses was a puzzle to him although it did remind Lee of a movie action character.

ÒCommander,Ó he said, moving over to Verin and nodding. ÒWe always seem to wind up together. People might start to think you like me.Ó

He took the offered bio suit and slipped into, putting the tactical vest on the outside.   He stepped onto the transporter pad and motioned for Verin to join them in the center of the group. 

Sienna glared through her suitÕs hood and sighed.  They werenÕt even on the Rhyne yet and already Weston was getting on her singular nerve. She planned to inform her mate later of how much of a pest Weston was. Moving into a protected position in the center of the transporter platform, Sienna gave the order to transport over to the RhyneÕs bridge.
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(Rhyne, Bridge, FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin, ACEO Ensign Scott Matrix, SC Lt.  Keung Lee and SFI Michael Weston - 1923 )

As the team rematerialized Weston and Lee went into protection mode. Michael drew his modified hand weapon and took one step away from Verin. He scanned the room visually and didnÕt see anything moving. The lights were dimmed, with the red glow of the emergency lighting. 

ÒDonÕt move,Ó he warned the Commander. 

He moved from their central location, towards the command center. After a few steps he tripped over something.   Catching himself he looked down at what caught him off guard.   Turning on his palm light he pointed the beam down to find a body. As he moved the light up he realized that the body was all that was there. The head had been removed. It had been there a while as the pool of blood had long dried before. 

ÒFound something,Ó he said to Lee. 

Sienna watched Weston move around the Bridge as she turned to get a good look. The first thing that struck Sienna was that there werenÕt enough people on the bridge for even a minimal crew. The second was that she didnÕt see anyone with a rank higher than a Lt. ÒWhere are the senior officers?Ó She asked as she finished her survey. 

ÒWeston, am I allowed to move yet? I need to get over to the command chair or the ready room. Oh.Ó She sighed and hit her comm badge, ÒVerin to Illuminar. WeÕre on the Bridge. No one is alive, and there are not enough bodies to account for a skeleton crew, let alone a functioning starship.Ó  She kept her comm badge open, as well as LumaÕs contact buttons.

Confident that there was no immediate threat that he could detect he looked over at Verin, ÒYes maÕam, as far as I can tell the bridge is clear of danger, but IÕd watch where you step. I donÕt want you tripping over mislaid body parts.Ó

He began setting up a perimeter of surveillance around the First Officer as she moved over to the command center of the bridge. He investigated the bodies that were sprawled across their stations.  He was amazed at the amount of damage done to the bodies. Whatever did this was capable of worse atrocities, he was certain 

(reply any, none)
(posted by Al M, Mel G and John T)


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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CTO - Lt. TÕMur - 1924 )

TÕMur had been monitoring the comm of the away teams.  She had arranged for their channels to be continuously open and she listened in with her ear-piece.  

ÒCaptain, all teams report their arrival,Ó she reported.

She continued her scans of the ship, looking for possible energy anomalies that might indicate weapons discharges.  What she found was that energy readings throughout the ship were erratic.  On top of that, there were areas of the ship that her scans could not penetrate.  However, she was managing to hold on to the signals of the teams even as they passed through some areas of the ship that had high levels of interference.

She could also sense SiennaÕs sense of trepidation and concern.  She was a people person and she thought that she might have problems with what they might find on the Rhyne concerning their crew.  

Then she heard one of the conversations from the engineering section.  

ÒCaptan, I think you should hear this,Ó she said and tapped the replay key.

=^=ÒUmmmÉ, Lt. Commander, we found the engineering crew, well, most of them.  Or at least parts of them.=^=

 =^=Gregory to transporter room 3, please lock on Medic Klinger and transport him back to the ship.=^=

=^= Yes Sir, beginning transport now. =^=

=^= Mr. GregÉ somÉg .. ingÉ traÉer É ock.  CanÉ bo..t the.. ..ta..m fiÉ =^=

=^=Abort transport.  I repeat, abort.=^=

ÒThe EM field around engineering has grown,Ó TÕMur reported.  ÒTransporters and comm signals are out.  I still have a lock on the team, and I have have their life readings, but we cannot communicate with them, or pull them out.  IÕm not certain that even Luma could get them out.Ó

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Launch Bay - SO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen - 1925)

A light began to blink rapidly on the control panel. Hagen had fled to the relative safety of a fighter craft. It was reinforced, able to be secured and contained isolated systems from the rest of the ship. Deux almost missed the indicator as he was dealing with some severe stomach cramps. All heÕd had to eat in the pastÉ he wasnÕt sure how long, was some MREs the Marines liked to call Ôcrunch N munchÕ. His system wasnÕt used to it, but no one ever confused Deux for a Marine. 

Touching the alert the panel detailed that a transporter signal had been detected. The RhyneÕs transporters were off-line the last time heÕd checked. It had been long enough for help to arrive. Or opportunists. Or worse.  HeÕd have to see if he could access internal sensors and learn more.
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal- 1926 )

ÒCaptain, all teams report their arrival,Ó

The CO turned his head. "Noted Lieutenant. I want updates every ten minutes."

ÒCaptan, I think you should hear this,Ó 

He turned his head. "On audio."

=^=ÒUmmmÉ, Lt. Commander, we found the engineering crew, well, most of them.  Or at least parts of them.=^=


 =^=Gregory to transporter room 3, please lock on Medic Klinger and transport him back to the ship.=^=


=^= Yes Sir, beginning transport now. =^=


=^= Mr. GregÉ somÉg .. ingÉ traÉer É ock.  CanÉ bo..t the.. ..ta..m fiÉ =^=


=^=Abort transport.  I repeat, abort.=^=


ÒThe EM field around engineering has grown,Ó TÕMur reported.  ÒTransporters and comm signals are out.  I still have a lock on the team, and I have have their life readings, but we cannot communicate with them, or pull them out.  IÕm not certain that even Luma could get them out.Ó

"Get a shuttle over there immediately for a medical evacuation and cycle transmitters. Find a frequency that will punch through the interference."

He punched the intership comm. "Medical send an emergency team to the shuttle bay immediately. There is report of a casualty."

(Reply: T'Mur, medical)

He then commed Flight ops. "Ready a shuttle for immediate departure to the Rhyne and have three on standby in case an evacuation of the boarding teams is necessary."

=^= Aye sir, getting them ready now. =^=

He then looked at helm. "Mr. Montero move us out to one kilometer from the Rhyne. I want a clear launch path for those shuttles."

(Reply: Montero, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Monter - 1927 )

 "Mr. Montero move us out to one kilometer from the Rhyne. I want a clear launch path for those shuttles," Sekal said.

"Aye sir," Montero replied. 

Turning to his board, he started plotting a spiral course towards the Rhyne. 

Maneuvers like this were always tricky.  Fortunately the Rhyne was stationary.  Vic used the  Reaction control system to maneuver the Illuminar towards the Rhyne.   The ship started moving. Monitoring the trajectory, his fingers continued to over the controls.  The distance closed, 50 km ... 25 km... 10 km...

Vic checked the ships speed with reverse thrusts of the RSC, and carefully glided the ship into position.  "Sir, we are within 1 kilometer off the Rhyne."

(Sekal, IYW)
(Posted by Tim)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO-  Lt. T'Mur - 1327)

"Get a shuttle over there immediately for a medical evacuation and cycle transmitters," Sekal ordered.  "Find a frequency that will punch through the interference."

"Aye, sir," T'Mur said and tapped her comm badge.  "Bridge to flight control, prepare a shuttle for medical evacuation.Ó

=^=Roger that.=^=

ÒHave the pilot load three sets of cycle transmitters, to regain communication with the teams,Ó she added. 

There was a moment of silence before the response. =^=Affirmative.=^=

With that TÕMur touched the console of her tactical station. ::Luma, do you hear SiennaÕs thoughts?::

(reply Luma)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI Michael Weston - 1927)

Weston watched as Verin made her way to the command seat and began to do whatever command things that she had been sent to do. In the meantime he gave a more detailed inspection of the bodies. 

The headless officer in the floor looked like heÕd been in a fight. Looking at the neck it appeared that his head had been literally ripped off his shoulders. He looked around the room for the head but in this low light he couldnÕt see it. 

Then he moved over to the body that was sprawled across the conn console. This one was different.  Everything was still attached and there was no physical sign as to why he died. He lifted up the head and looked into her face. Whatever killed her, it must have literally scared the life out of her. Her eyes were still open and her features were frozen in a look of fear. 

Suddenly he got weird feeling, like they were being watched. He looked around and the only thing moving was the team. He shook his head and turned back to the face of the woman he  was touching. 

Suddenly her eyes moved and she winked. ÒPretty freaky, eh?Ó

He dropped the head and jumped back. Then he shined his palm light at her again to find her features locked back in the same look of terror. 

ÒWhat in the..,Ó he began. ÒDoes anyone else feel like theyÕre being watched?Ó

(reply any)

Michael had seen his share of dead bodies, and most worse than these. The bodies werenÕt making him jumpy, something else was. There was something here, he knew it. 

Instinct had kept him alive many times. And right now his survival instincts were working overtime. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (USS Rhyne - Deck 4 -Transporter room 2 - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1928)

ÒImmediate death and destruction.Ó Jaton rolled his eyes. ÒOh boy, here we go again.Ó

PÕRah heard the comments and looked to Devers.  The human shrugged, ÒJoin Starfleet they said.  It's an adventure they said. Ò

PÕRah chuckled as his ears perked up. ÒI hear something,Ó he said softly to Devers.  ÒCanÕt smell for shit in this iso sult.Ó

Stev shook his head and reached into his med bag. He pulled out a hypo spray, tapped a button, and moving fast, injected a mild sedative into the quivering officer on the floor. 

ÒHelp get this man onto a bio bed,Ó he said. ÓLetÕs see if we canÕt do something for him.Ó

Jaton positioned himself and hooked one arm under each of the officerÕs arms. ÒSomeone get his feet.Ó

PÕRah grabbed the feet and together they hefted the unconscious figure onto a bio bed platform.   Kyllee activated the sensors and, surprisingly, they came to life. He pulled out his tricorder and synced it to the monitors of the bed. 

ÒI canÕt say, exactly, how long heÕs been in that stasis chamber, but I can tell you that he hasnÕt had any food or water in about eight days. HeÕs lucky to still be alive.  All other considerations aside.Ó

He pulled out a different vial and switched it on the hypo. Then he administered vitamins and amino acids into the officer's neck. Finally he searched the bedÕs database to find his identity. 

ÒOne Lieutenant Fred Mertz,Ó he said out loud but not to anyone in particular. ÒWeÕll I want Mr. Mertz to rest for a bit, letting what I gave him a chance to work, before we try to move him.Ó

Stev tapped his comm badge, ÒKyllee to Illuminar, weÕve found a survivor.  Please advise,Ó

=^=Roger that Doctor, prepare for transport.=^=

ÒI recommend a direct transport to sickbay in a locked isolation room,Ó Stev said. 

=^=EnergÉ=^= and the transmission ended abruptly. 

The transporter effect started to shimmer then it dissipated and stopped. 

Jaton tapped his commbadge. ÒAlyl to Illuminar. Respond.Ó

AlylÕs efforts were met with static. 

Devers tapped his com badge, but there was no beep indicating a connection. 

PÕRah came over to Devers, ÒTime for the big guns?Ó  

Devers took the phaser rifle off his back.  ÒYea,Ó 

The two security officers backed into the medical center, and locked the door.  ÒOK Doc, Mr. Alyl, weÕre locked in now.  So if you can do what you need to do quickly, weÕll have to figure a way off this ship.Ó

Jaton gestured towards the unconscious crewman. ÒThis is your show, doctor.Ó

Stev nodded a, ÒActually itÕs Mr. MerzÕs show.  He needs time, which I fear we either have a great deal of,Ó then indicting to his surroundings, Òor not very much.Ó   He looked over at Alyl.and said, ÒWhy donÕt you see if any of these computerÕs work and see what you can find.  Maybe you can find medical logs describing what happened here.Ó

Jaton went over to the main monitor. ÒLetÕs see what I can find.Ó He began syncing his tricorder to the central computer, allowing him access to the system.


(Reply None)
(Posted by Al, Spencer, and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar --  Bridge --  Deck one -- 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice -- 1930)

Quinna looked at the PADD in her hand.  She watched as the away team beamed from the Illuminar.  ÒGod speed,Ó  Quinna said under her breath.    She sat there unaffected by the report that all the teams seemed to beam over safely.  

Quinna found it hard sitting there.  She was sure though that when it came to the time of action, she would be wishing for the time she was bored in her seat.  She listened to TÕMur.  The team made it safely.  The team found body pieces.  Then there was the transporter failure.  One of her best medics was in that.

ÒLt. TÕMur, Is Mr.Klinger?Ó  Quinna was worried.

(Reply TÕMur)

One sigh of relief was that there was still a transport lock on the team.  It was something.  Looking down at her PADD, she tied the displays to it.  She flipped to different monitoring stations.

ÒIt looks like the EM field is moving like a bubble and another one is forming in Engineering.  Does that seem right?Ó  Quinna asked.

(Reply Sekal, TÕMur, Alantar, TÕShalaith, Good time for anyone not on an away team, can be on the bridge.)

(Posted by Kris B.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Corridor near Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger, Outrider-1 - 1931)

Five figures materialized in the hallway on deck 11 of the USS Rhyne.  ÒMcgreggor, on point.  Outrider 1 behind him.  Taylor, youÕre tail end charlie today.Ó  Gregory snapped open his tricorder and began to scan.  There were some residual ions that were affecting his ability to scan.  He signed and closed his tricorder.  

ÒWhoo hoo,Ó Tayler said, drew his rifle and moved to the back of the group.  He tapped the heads up display of his tactical helmet and met with some interference.  He switched it off and lifted the visor.  ÒThere are some serious electromagnetic disturbances that are affecting my scanners, Lt. Commander.Ó

ÒGentleman, Mark 1 eyeball it is,Ó he said, pulling his phaser out. ÒMove out Mcgreggor, head on a swivel.  Outride, let me know if you hear or see anything we canÕt.Ó

ÒI will do so Lieutenant Commander Gregory,Ó the android replied. 

As they were preparing to move out, the lights in the hall flickered and shut down. The hall is dark, except for a light about 30 meters down the hall. 

ÒWhat was that?Ó Klinger asks.  ÒDid you hear that?Ó 
ÒI do not register anything,Ó came the voice from the android.  

ÒI heard scurrying,Ó the medic said. 

Gregory put his hand on the manÕs shoulder, ÒIts ok, Klinger, thereÕs nothing there.Ó

ÒIf you say so, Sir,Ó he says. 

ÒLights,Ó Gregory said.

Suddenly the lights in the hall came back on.  ÒOk, move on Mcgreggor.Ó

They made it twenty meters when a door on the left side of the corridor opened.  McGreggor jumped and pointed his phaser at the opening. 

ÒAnything?Ó Gregory asked. 

ÒNothing,Ó Mcgreggor said. 

ÒThere it is again,Ó Klinger said. ÒCanÕt you hear it?Ó 

ÒAnything back there Mr. Taylor?Ó Gregory called. 

ÒNothing here, Commander,Ó Taylor replied. ÒNothinÕ but us chickens. But itÕs like I can feel eyes watching me.Ó

ÒVery well,Ó Gregory said.  ÒI want to get into Engineering, let's go Mr. Mcgregger.Ó

ÒAye sir.Ó

The group arrived at the door to Engineering.  The scene was a disaster, the door was half-open, at the top.  The control panel was pulled off the wall.  Other debris was scattered around. 

Gregory turned to Taylor, ÒLooks like we brought you along for a reason,Ó he said. ÒOpen the door.Ó 

A wide grin spread across TaylorÕs face, ÒYour wish is my command, sir.Ó

He stepped up to the door and looked at it carefully. Then he touched it, almost lovingly, with his gloved hand. ÒWell, my darling, we canÕt have you keeping us out can we?Ó  

Reaching into his pack pulled out three palm sized disks and placed them on the door. He turned to the others and shooed them back a couple of meters. 

ÒItÕll be a small boom but we canÕt be too careful,Ó he warned. ÒFire in the holeÓ

Andy pressed a button. There was a bright flash and a Òsmall boomÓ. When the smoke cleared the door was gone, leaving remnants on the ground. He turned to the others, clearly pleased with his work. 

ÒKnock, knock. HereÕs Johnny.Ó

ÒThank you Mr. Taylor, your skills have not been exaggerated,Ó Gregory said. 

ÒMr. Mcgreeger, stand guard here,Ó Gregory said.

ÒAye, sir.Ó the man replied. 

The group entered Engineering, and Gregory went over to the Master Systems Display table.  ÒOutrider 1, go check the rest of engineering for any leaks or other dangerous areas.  Mr. Taylor, you go with Mr. Klinger and see to any injured.Ó 

ÒAye sir,Ó Taylor replied and grabbed Kinger by the shoulder and pulled him along with him. The lights periodically flickered, and dimmed as they searched.

Gregory started entering codes to gain access to the ship's systems.  He started looking over the data, while starting to run some diagnostics routines when a scream pierced the air.  

Taylor and Klinger came around a console when the security man stood in something slippery.  He lost his footing but managed to catch himself before he fell.  He turned on his flashlight and shined it where he stepped.  It looked as though he had stepped in a rather large oil slick.  

ÒWhat in theÉ,Ó   Taylor started to say as he brought the light up.  

He looked over at Klinger who suddenly screamed a shrilly, womanly scream, then promptly vomited into his isolation suit. 

ÒUmmmÉ,Ó Taylor said to get someoneÕs attention, ÒLt. Commander, we found the engineering crew, well, most of them.  Or at least parts of them.Ó

His light shined on a pile of blood soaked bodies and limbs that were obviously not connected to each other. 
 
Gregory looked up from what he was doing, to where the screen and Mr. TaylorÕs voice came from.  Stepping back from the table, he walked over to where they security officer was.  He looked as Taylor danced his light over the remains.  Klinger was still dry-heaving to the side. 

Gregory frowned and tapped his comm badge.  ÒGregory to transporter room 3, please lock on Medic Klinger and transport him back to the ship.Ó

=^= Yes Sir, beginning transport now. =^=

Gregory watched as their medic started to dematerialize.   

~This is taking too long~ he thought.  

=^= Mr. GregÉ somÉg .. ingÉ traÉer É ock.  CanÉ bo..t the.. ..ta..m fiÉ =^=

He tapped his com badge, ÒAbort transport.  I repeat, abort.Ó

The medic rematerialized and collapsed on the floor. 

ÒGreat,Ó Gregory said.  ÒTaylor, youÕre with me.  What do you know about engineering?Ó

ÒWeÕll, I know how to blow it up,Ó he said with a smile

ÒOutrider 1, please come here.Ó 


(Reply none)
(Posted by Al, Steve and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger, Outrider-1 - 1935)

ÒMcgregger,Ó Dieter called, Òcome here, I need you to take Mr. Klinger here to the shuttlebay on deck 13.  It's the VIP shuttle bay, so you should be able to find an empty shuttle or runabout.  Get Klinger in it and secure it so it has its own atmosphere.  Let him change out of the iso suit.  While you are there, see if you can contact the Illuminar.  IÕm getting static here.Ó

ÒMr. Taylor, what is your experience with the tactical systems of a starship?Ó

ÒSir,Ó Taylor replied, ÒI am well versed in all weapons and tactical systems.  I can operate and do light maintenance, but donÕt ask me to rebuild one.  I might be able to make something from scratch though.Ó

Gregory looked at their android standing there.   Walking back to the pool, he looked at the output of his diagnostic tests. ÒWe have issues with EPS conduits on decks 3, 5 and 9. Internal sensors are spotty, at best, but I am reading some odd fluctuations on deck 10.  Outrider, I need you on the sensors.  See if you can get it up and give me a view of the ship.  I have, at best, 40 percent coverage.  IÕm trying to track our people using their com badges.  I am also pretty blind outside the ship, so it would be nice to know whatÕs out there and make sure we donÕt run into the Illuminar by accident.Ó

ÒUnderstood Mr. Gregory,Ó the android replied and moved to the control panel, where it started to remove panels to get into the guts of the system. 

Gregory tapped his com badge, ÒCommander Verin, engineering is secure and we are working to get better control of the ship.Ó

There was static returned on his Comm badge .  ~Shit~ he thought to himself. 

ÒOK, Mr. Taylor, time to be an engineer.  I want you to see about getting the shields up first.  Weapons second. Since these tactical systems are probably mostly in the battle module.Ó

Andy sighed heavily, ÒI was afraid you were going to say that.  IÕm on it, but donÕt judge me too harshly if I accidentally blow something up, just out of habit.Ó

He moved over to the engineering station dedicated to weapons and tactical and tapped the panel.  Nothing happened.  He frowned, looking at the console with a squint.  ÒWell, crap.Ó  Then he raised his hand and brought his fist down on it with a loud thumnp.  Suddenly the panel came to life.  ÒThatÕs more like it.  Computers, you just need to show Ôem whoÕs the boss.Ó

He began to pull up the schematics and power routing of the shields.  ÒHolyyyyÉÓ  There was a great deal of damage to system, but the worst part was the battery depletion.  They weren't going to be able to get the  tactical shields up while the warp core was off line.

ÒJust so you know, Commander,Ó he called out, Òthis may take a while.Ó
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Flight COD- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday - 1935)

With Montero at the conn to Corday found himself a little bored. If nothing else the man challenged his skills on a daily basis.  But right now, on a ship with only a few pilots to begin with, he found Flight Control to be a little dull. Suddenly his comm channel beeped. 

=^=Bridge to flight control, prepare a shuttle for medical evacuation.=^=

ÒRoger that,Ó Corday said and sent a message to the shuttle bay to prepare the Saratoga for departure. 

=^=Have the pilot load three sets of cycle transmitters, to regain communication with the teams.=^=

~Transmitters?  Regain communications?~ Those words pretty much said everything he needed.  He opened a secondary channel. 

ÒFlight to engineering, IÕll need three cycle transmitters and a man to set them up

=^=Copy that, someone will be up with them shortly. =^=

=^=Roger that, engineering out.=^=

 Corday went back to the open channel to the bridge and said, ÒAffirmative.  IÕll have a team on the road in 5 minutes.Ó

=^=That is acceptable, report when you are exiting the ship, as per protocol.=^=

ÒYes maÕam,Ó Corday replied, then headed down to the bay to await the team. 

(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay -  Flight COD- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday, Ensign Angus McGuyver, Medics Mulder and Scully - 1330)

Angus McGuyver walked into the Shuttlebay and looked up to see a boy, standing by a shuttle, wearing a flight uniform.  He walked over to the boy and towered over him. 

ÒYouÕre the pilot?Ó the engineer asked, with a heavy brogue. 

ÒLt. Arthur Corday,Ó Arthur said, extending his hand. 

ÒEnsign Angus McGuyver, at your service.Ó he reached out and shook his hand vigorously.

Medic Mulder entered the shuttlebay following Medic Scully.  ÒI believe you called for some medics?Ó  Scully ask as she and Mulder approach the shuttle.  

Arthur smiled at the pair, ÒWell I didnÕt, but I believe the bridge ordered you.  IÕm Arthur Corday, but my friends call me Snoopy.  You know, like Snoopy and the Red Baron.Ó

ÒWe are medics Mulder and Scully.Ó  Moulder said as Scully loaded their packs into the shuttle.

ÒWelcome aboard,Ó Corday said, ÒI hope your all ready for this little adventure.  Buckle your seats and make sure your trays are in the full and upright position.Ó

He opened a comm channel, ÒSaratoga to Illuminar, we are preparing to depart.Ó

=^=Affirmative Saratog, you are cleared for departure.  God speed.=^=

Arthur chuckled, ÒYeah, thanks.  See you all soon.Ó  Then he turned back to the group. ÒHold in to your hats.Ó  

The shuttle shot forward and out the bay entrance, into space. 

ÒSaratoga to Illuminar, we have cleared the bay. ETA two minutes thirty secondsÓ

(reply Illuminar)
(posted by Al Muir and Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 1 -- Bridge -- CO - Captain Sekal -- 1938)

The operation had been going smoothly so far and the Vulcan was satisfied at the efficiency of the personnel involved. 

ÒIt looks like the EM field is moving like a bubble and another one is forming in Engineering.  Does that seem right?Ó  

"Negative." The Vulcan replied. "Electromagnetic fields are formed by electrical interference and are stationary unless mechanically moved or initiated."

His finger pressed a stud and the micro viewer popped up showing incoming data. He narrowed the data stream to electromagnetic and checked the field density. He was quiet for a moment. "The EM field is low strength and not a product of the ship's engine output." 

(Reply: Any)

The warp engines according to this were whole as high energy plasma had its own markers and power output levels would have been significantly elevated.

He heard Ariel Trei enter the bridge and recieve verbal approval from the Doctor for s return to duty. Unusual perhaps but not unheard of.

"What is the current status of Commander Verin and the bridge party?"

(Reply: Quinna)

"Instruct Lieutenant Lee to go to a higher state of readiness. Be prepared to shoot to kill if necessary."

(Reply: Quinna)

He initiated an internal comm. "Security prepare a backup team to support the boarding and stand by. Do not send them over except on my order. I want two 3 man team available, one to bolster the bridge crew and one to supplement security operations."

(Reply: Any)

He then opened another comm. "Commander Verin report, what is your status?"

(Reply: Sienna)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1940)

Mcgreggor was happy that he could not smell Klinger's vomit.  He did feel sorry for the man, but one would think a medic would have a stronger stomach.  

Making it to deck 13 was easy,  they encountered no resistance, or fortunately no more body parts.  As they headed down the hallway, Klinger stopped, ÒDo you hear that?Ó he asked in a trembling voice.  ÒWhat is that sound?Ó 

Mcgreggor looked around, ÒGet a grip man! There is nothing here.Ó 

ÒThere, I heard it again.Ó  Klinger dropped to the ground.  
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar --  Deck 12 -- Security Operations Center-- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1942)

Men and women in security were not in a mad scramble, it was controlled chaos. Extra manpower had been called in from Gamma shift to bolster the department at the Captain's instructions. The ones oncoming would staff positions on the ship while Alpha and Beta were either on the Rhyne or supporting the operation there. Hence why Steven had kitted up, in addition to his hand phaser he had added a retractable rod and tricorder. The 6 inch rod was on his belt on the left side, phaser at his right hand and the tricorder was slung about his neck.

"Hammons I'm assigning you to the team supporting Lieutenant Lee."

He glanced over to Carol Lannis and nodded, Carol had been rising to the top due to her administrative skills on top of her physical abilities and overall acumen and ge respected her for that, she was a top notch individual.

"Got it. Standing by for further instructions."

"Good, get yourself and the rest to the transporter rooms and stand by. No one goes over except on the Captain's order."

"Copy that. Stand by in the transporter rooms until the order is given."

He turned his head. "All right supplemental teams let's get on the move. If this thing goes south we need to be on station on Deck 4. Get a move on! I'll assign teams once we are there."

He was the first out the door and followed closely by the others.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Bridge    SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 19.42)

When Quinna lost contact with the away team she asked T'Mur and Her if they still had contact with the away team.  If she had her full abilities , she could monitor the team by their emotions but alas she will have to wait to do that again.

"I have lost contact with the away team as well Ma'am  T'mur can try to contact CDR Verin telepathically.  I would try too but you know my situation."

(Reply Quinna, T'Mur)
(Posted by Edward)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1943)

"What is the current status of Commander Verin and the bridge party?" Sekal asked.
 
ÒI lost contact with the team,Ó  Quinna replied, her voice indicating her displeasure with the news.  ÒLt. TÕMur and Trei, are you still able to read the team?Ó  

"I have lost contact with the away team as well, Ma'am," Trei said. "T'Mur can try to contact Commander Verin telepathically. I would try too but you know my situation."

T'Mur shook her head, fighting to control her own panic, "The distance is too great, even for our bond to communicate.  I know that she is still alive, but that is all.  I have asked Luma for some assistance, but she is not capable of contacting her either.  She says that there is too much telepathic interference."

Her fingers flew over her console as she continued to make adjustments in the bandwidth of the scans to try and pierce the interference surrounding the Rhyne.  She took a step back and realized that she was working through the wrong paradigm.  She was thinking of what she could do with what they were already doing.  She needed to attack this from a differenct perspective.  

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and refocused. When her eyes opened she stepped back to her controls and went to work.

(reply Sekal. Solice, Trei, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Outrider-1 - 1943)

Dieter was busy working on getting the warp core back online.  ÒI got it,Ó he says,  ÒThe deuterium injectors are not in sync, so the system is in standby.  IÕm going to try to fix it from here. If not IÕm going to need to go fix them primarily.Ó

He started working on the problem when he catches something in his peripheral vision.  Looking up, he sees Outrider swinging wildly into empty space. 

ÒReport,Ó he called. 

ÒThere is someone or something here,Ó the android replied  ÒI can hear its movement.Ó 

ÒTaylor?Ó Gregory calls

Andy narrowed his eyes, and looked in the direction of the android. Then he pulled out his scanner and ran it around the room. 

ÒI got nothing, Commander,Ó he called out. 

ÒIt is gone,Ó said the android.  ÒIt was in 34 kilohertz range, Sir.Ó 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1945)

The two Illuminar crew made their way into the VIP shuttle bay, and as expected, there is a Runabout docked there. ÒOK, Klinger, you heard the Commander, Let's get you out of this suit.Ó

The two went into the runabout. Mcgreggor went to the front of the shuttle and started cycling it for flight.  ÒOK, Klinger, give it 10 minutes or so, and weÕll have 10 full changes of air.  Did you find an extra suit?Ó 

The Med tech cleared a bulkhead, wearing an outfit that was clearly made for a female. ÒDonÕt say a damn word. Not one damn word.Ó

(Reply none)
(Posted by Al and Tim)
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(USS Illuminar --  Deck 4 -- Hallway-- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1945)

They piled out of the turbolift and stopped outside of the transporter rooms then he stopped them.

"Stiles, Zeitman and Argonath to transporter room 1, you are assigned to the Bridge if the call is sent. Jeffries and Boyles with me in 2."

Jared Boyles opened his mouth to speak and Hammons shook his head so he changed what he was going to say. "After you boss."

Steven rolled his eyes and went into motion after everyone had started for their assigned stations.
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(USS Illuminar --  Deck 4 -- Teansporter Room 2- PO1 Steven Hammons -- 1948)

"Spill it Hammons, what's got you so spooked?"

Steven looked toward Boyles, the three plus the transporter officer were alone in the room and they could speak more openly.

"Not spooked Boyles, just cautious. There's a lot of carnage over there being reported and we have a situation. Keep your eyes and ears open and think before speaking." 

Boyles made a rude sound but nodded. "Got it."

"The Captain has also taken the cuffs off. Shoot to kill if necessary."

Boyles whistled at that one.

"Until we get the word stand by but be ready to go on a seconds notice."

"Got it. Looks like it's hurry up and wait time."

Jared Boyles moved to a wall and leaned against it as Hammons spoke with the transporter chief.

(Reply: Any, none)

(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  ACSO T'shalaith  - 1944)

Things had gotten significantly more interesting and challenging within minutes.  Her hands had not stopped running over the console as suddenly EM fields began to appear and wreaking havoc with transporters and communications.  TÕMur was at her station and T'shalaith wondered what she was feeling in the moment.  She did not envy her fellow Vulcan and the connections she shared with those who were onboard the Rhyne.  The communication channels cut out and the captain moved quickly into action with medical and others.  Something terribly wrong had occurred on the Akira class ship.  A moment later the captain ordered the Illuminar closer to the adrift ship.  The situation continued to deteriorate, and T'shalaith continued to attempt to get the sensors to grant her something that would assist in the current situation.  The captain, the third officer, TÕMur, and a new arrival on the bridge attempted to find a way to communicate with the various officers onboard the Rhyne.
 
"What is the current status of Commander Verin and the bridge party?" Sekal asked.
 
ÒI lost contact with the team.  Lt. TÕMur and Trei, are you still able to read the team?Ó  
 
"I have lost contact with the away team as well, Ma'am," Trei said. "T'Mur can try to contact Commander Verin telepathically. I would try too but you know my situation."
 
TÕMur spoke and T'shalaith could see there was concern on the fellow VulcanÕs face. "The distance is too great, even for our bond to communicate.  I know that she is still alive, but that is all.  I have asked Luma for some assistance, but she is not capable of contacting her either.  She says that there is too much telepathic interference."
 
The ASCO watched as TÕMur stepped away from her station for a moment and refocused with a renewed intensity.  T'shalaith kept an eye on her console and walked over to her fellow Vulcan officer, speaking quietly as she gave her a nod. ÒLieutenant, can I be of assistance in your efforts?Ó
 
(Reply TÕMur)
 
T'shalaith nodded and glanced at the Chief Tactical OfficerÕs Console.
 
(reply TÕMur)
 
(reply TÕMur, any)
(posted by Aaron DeLay
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1945)

T'mjur turned her head to acknowledge the science officer coming towards her.

ÒLieutenant, can I be of assistance in your efforts?Ó T'shalaith offered
 
"I am attempting to find a frequency that our communication system can get through this electromagnetic interference.  If you care to join me, we can double our efforts."
 
T'shalaith nodded and began to work with her.  They began synchronize their searches, working in a joined rhythm seemed  create a harmony of communication frequencies. 

"Ms. T'Mur please explain how we can be too far away for telepathic communication at one kilometer."

TÕMur stepped away from her console but indicating to TÕshalaith to continue. She stepped around the console to get closer to the captain. She really didnÕt relish the prospect of discussing this matter so publicly. 

ÒCaptain,Ó she began, ÒI have been working on that very question since I lost direct contact with SiÉCommander Verin. I had asked Luma for some assistance and was informed that there was too much telepathic interference. When you ordered us to close the gap I had expected to be able to regain our connection. I have not.  I can only surmise that something or someone is creating that interference.Ó

(reply Sekal)

ÒI was also working in the premise,Ó she continued, Òthat if I solved the communication interference that it might help solve the other. I have no further information in the matter.Ó

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  CO - Captain Sekal  - 1946)

 "The distance is too great, even for our bond to communicate.  I know that she is still alive, but that is all.  I have asked Luma for some assistance, but she is not capable of contacting her either.  She says that there is too much telepathic interference."

 The Captain's eyes caught T'Mur pacing but it wasn't her movement that had caught his attention, it was what she had said.

ÒLieutenant, can I be of assistance in your efforts?Ó


(Reply TÕMur)

 The CO  stood to his feet and looked about the bridge. "I ordered the ship at station keeping one kilometer distance from the Rhyne. Mr Montero have we moved from that position?"

(Reply: Montero)

"Ms. T'Mur please explain how we can be too far away for telepathic communication at one kilometer."

(Reply: T'Mur, T'shalaith, Montero, Solice)

(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge -  Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero  - 1947)

"I ordered the ship at station keeping one kilometer distance from the Rhyne. Mr Montero have we moved from that position?" the captain said.

"Aye, Sir," Montero replied, "We are on station 1 km from the Rhyne Sir."   He wondered what was up with the Captain.  Clearly he was distracted with the inability to communicate with any of the away teams.  "Sir, first shuttle has left and is on final approach to the Rhyne."

(reply Sekal, IYW)
(Posted by Tim) 
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI Michael Weston - 1947)

Weston found a seat and watched the others do their work.  There hadnÕt been much of a change.  Verin seemed to be frustrated at getting her command codes to work, but since there was no power to the bridge he wasnÕt surprised.  He was unfamiliar with engineer but he wasnÕt making any progress, and Michael was getting a little frustrated that nothing had changed in the last ten minutes.  

Michael didnÕt do very well with boredom.  Nobody else was too busy doingÉ whatever it was they were doing so Michael decided it was time to play.  He made his way to the Ops station and crawled under the console.  He removed the panel and looked inside.  The system was old, but he grew up playing with systems like these.  

Michael remembered the time that he had hacked into the system at his high school and rearranged the bell schedule to go off in a random pattern that caused so much chaos that school had to be canceled until they found the source of the problem.  He finally got blamed, but they never figured out how he did it.  

These systems were actually very similar.  It was all a matter of power distribution.  Now he had to figure out where the power distribution nodes were and how he couldÉ  ~Ah, there you are you little buggers.~  He rearranged the isolinear chips to make connections to other parts of the ship and suddenly the Ops panel came to life.  He jumped up and began to make changes on the console and the lights of the  bridge came up and the typical sounds of a starship bridge began to bleep and bloop.  One by one the stations woke up.

ÒThere,Ó Weston said, Òthat might help.Ó

(reply Verin, Lee, Matrix)

ÒAnd for my next trickÉÓ he said with a flourish, as he moved over to the science station.

HeÕd spent enough time learning how to circumnavigate sensors that this part should have been easier.  However, something was literally blocking the internal sensors, and he had to manipulate the programing a little.  However, after a few moments he was able to bring the internal sensors online, at least to display at that station.

ÒWe have internal sensorsÉ of a sort,Ó Weston said.  ÒI can locate our teams.Ó

(reply Verin)

ÒThe team in medical seems to be intact,Ó Weston reported. ÒThe team in engineering seems to have split.  There are three in main engineering and two in a shuttlebay.  Wait, three, noÉ one, and that one is moving back to main engineering in a hurry.  I canÕt get any more detailed information as to who or conditions.  ThereÕs still some EM interference.  But the interference is localized.  The rest of the ship seems to be devoid of life.Ó

He turned to Matrix, ÒMaybe internal communication should be our next order?Ó

(reply Matrix, Verin, Lee)
(posted by Al Muir)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 1947)

His chief tactical officer answered the question to the best of her ability.

ÒCaptain I have been working on that very question since I lost direct contact with SiÉCommander Verin. I had asked Luma for some assistance and was informed that there was too much telepathic interference. When you ordered us to close the gap I had expected to be able to regain our connection. I have not.  I can only surmise that something or someone is creating that interference.Ó

An eyebrow cocked at her reply, the ship had not moved in closer as she said but had moved OUT to a distance of one kilometer. The answer was both in error and puzzling. What had caused her to make such an egregious error? A simple faux pas?

ÒI was also working in the premise that if I solved the communication interference that it might help solve the other. I have no further information in the matter.Ó

His eyes turned from her face to the view screen as he spoke. "Illogical. Mental communication does not work on an electromagnetic field level as the communications do."

That was twice she had spoken incorrectly. Lieutenant T'Mur was not the most rigidly logical of Vulcans to be sure but such errors were to say the least... surprising.

He turned back to face her again. "Very well continue your investigation and keep me informed."

He then sat back down as he considered the situation. EM fields that were appearing and moving about with no as yet discernable pattern. Blocked communications and even telepathic interference. Nothing on this scale had ever been reported.

His head swiveled to science. "Ms T'shalaith begin focused scans of this sector. I require data on the quantum level, multi phasic distortions, inter-universal overlap fractures if quantifiable and tachyonic resonance patterns. Any and every scan that might explain both the Rhyne's appearance in this sector of space and any devolution of known physical and scientific natural laws."

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He interlaced his fingers as he spoke his thought out loud. "The Intrepid."

(Reply: T'shalaith, T'Mur, Quinna, any)

(Posted by Charles G)


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(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Pilot- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday, Engineer Angus McGuyver, and Medics Mulder and Scully -1948)

Arthur brought the shuttle to a full stop 20 meters aft of the Rhyne. His sensors were picking up random shielding readings from the ship. 

ÒSaratoga to Illuminar,Ò he said over the open comm, Òare you seeing these shield readings from the Rhyne?  ItÕs like the shields are rising and dropping.Ó

Quinna took a look at her display, =^=We are not getting any reading of the Rhyne.  What are you seeing?=^=  

ÒIÕm picking up a noticeable pattern, so IÕll try to slip in between the highs. IÕll keep this line open.Ó

=^=Roger that.=^= Quinna reply.

He hit the maneuvering thrusters and the ship jumped forward.

ÒTen metersÉ nineÉ eight É seven É six É five Éfour É Illuminar we are inside the RhyneÕs shields.  Moving into their Shuttlebay.Ó

Quinna let go of a breath she did not know she was holding.  =^=Good luck.=^=. Quinna replied. 

From the engineering station, ÒSir, there is no FCO to let us in,Ó he said.  ÒJust give me a second to see if I can override the controls.Ó

He pulled out his engineering kit and connected an odd looking device to his station.  ÒLet's see if I remember how to do this.Ó 

Slowly the four red lights on the top of the box started to turn green.  After a few minutes, ÒOk, Sir, I have control of the shuttlebay shield on the VIP deck.  I couldnÕt get the main shuttlebay, they have a higher military encryption.  On your command I can open the shield to let us in.Ó 

Arthur nodded.  He set in a set of commands and maneuvered the ship into a docking position.  ÒI hope theyÕve got a parking spot for us.  Open it.Ó

ÒCopy that Lieutenant,Ó McGuyver said.  ÒSending code now.Ó   The engineer activated his device and the lights started to flash green.  ÒHandshake good.  Synching now.Ó  It was a long ten seconds, before a green light turned on the pilots dashboard, ÒYou are cleared for landing,Ó McGuyver said.

Arthur nodded and began to position the shuttle for parking. Suddenly, the decompression from the opening bay sent loose items shooting into space. An object came straight for the shuttle. 

ÒWhat is that?Ó Arthur asked. ÒBrace yourselves for a minor impact.Ó

There was a thump as, what appeared to be, a human body struck the view port. It bounced off the shielding and floated off into space. Arthur looked at the others and shrugged. ÒOookayyy??  LetÕs get in there and see whatÕs going on.Ó

The shuttle moved forward and Corday found a landing spot and brought the shuttle to a halt on the deck plating. 

ÒClose it up and repressurize the bay,Ó he said to McGuyver. Then he looked at medics. ÒLooks like you boys might earn your pay. LetÕs set up the transmitter here, contact the Illuminar and then see if we canÕt contact the teams.Ó

(Reply none)
(posted by Al Muir, Kris B and Tim B)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1948 )

TÕMur considered correcting the COÕs misinterpretation of her explanation but decided that as she was working on an improbable hypothesis it was, at this time, to let it go. She was well aware that telepathy did not work on an electromagnetic field, but it does work on intertwining bioelectric currents. She just didnÕt feel the need or have the time to truly explain it until she had fully explored the hypothesis. 

Still, as she turned to resume her station, she realized that simply allowing that misunderstanding to maintain was outside of her normal pattern of behavior. She just could not get past the idea that someone or something was affecting her ability to connect with Sienna.  TÕMur returned to the tactical station and looked to see where TÕshalaith was with her calculations as she moved back to the science station. She took a deep breath and began to move her hands over the controls again. But as her hands moved her mind began to search for the answers she was looking for.

She listened as T'shalaith and the captain discussed the possibility of some entity that was causing the interference.  When she heard the words "oddly harmonic in nature" it stuck a chord with the Vulcan.  Why did this begin to sound like they were talking about Luma.  

The captain's question got her attention, "Ms. T'Mur will we be able to take the Rhyne under tow under these conditions and move it to a more stable area?"

She scanned the ship and ran the calculations, "Under the current circumstances I cannot be certain that a tractor lock would be possible.  I do believe that the Rhyne is structurally capable of handling the stress, as long as the conditions do not alter.  However, the interference may prove problematic to our tractor beams."

"Nevertheless," Sekal said, "an attempt must be made. Mr. Montero plot a course out of this sector and away from the anomalies. Ms. T'Mur attempt to lock on to the ship with the tractor beams. If successful we may buy ourselves some time."

T'Mur nodded, "Engaging tractor beams."

The tractor beam reached out to the Rhyne.  As the subspace/graviton field began to envelope the ship there were a series of warning alarms, as the interference pattern fell apart, causing a feedback loop, which nearly overpowered the emitters.  T'Mur quickly disengaged the beams and made a set of adjustments.  Then she tried again.

"Re-engaging tractor beams," she announced.  

This time she monitored the beams and made continual adjustments until they had contact with the Rhyne.  There was a slight shudder of the Illuminar as it took hold of the other ship.  However, to maintain the lock T'Mur was having to make continual changes to the frequency of the gravimetric field.

"We have lock, Captain," T'Mur announced, Òbut I am having to adjust manually for gravimetric disturbances in the subspace field.Ó

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin - 1949)

Sienna had walked among the bodies for a good five minutes, using her tricorder to take verbal notes as well as recording the condition the bodies were in. She had to remove the person sitting in the command chair, a task that she didn't enjoy doing,but needed to be done.  She took a uniform shirt off one of the male bodies that was relatively clean and wiped down the command chair from most of the blood and gore that was artfully decorating it.  

One of the things that confused Sienna the most was that the bodies were killed in  a variety of ways. Some were killed with a bladed weapon or claws, one had no marks at all, and others were killed by an energy weapon.  One looked like he had died while at his post when the console had exploded. 

Lee had stopped his guarding of the entrance to the bridge, and Weston was fiddling under a console.  Sienna looked around for Matrix and saw him at an engineering console. Matrix was reputed to be a good guy for troubleshooting and repairs, having an almost instinctual  ability to find the shorts and faults and repair them.  However he wasn't having much luck.

Sienna tapped her comm badge next, and heard the irritable chirp that meant that it couldn't make contact.  Until she got power to the console, she wasn't going to get anywhere with the command codes that Vice Admiral Saleke had secured for them.

And then a eureka moment happened. Weston was able to get some power from the Ops station to the bridge. Sienna blinked as she looked towards the Ensign who had been killed when his station had exploded. She blinked again. The console was whole? The young ensign, not much younger than her, had been killed with phaser fire.

Sy stopped what she was doing, "We may have been exposed. A few minutes ago when I made my notes, the ensign at the auxiliary engineering station had died when his conaole exploded, like in a battle. But now the station is whole, and the ensign looks like he was killed via phaser fire.  Is anyone else noticing things..changing? From moment to moment?"

<Reply all on the bridge>

ÒWe have internal sensorsÉ of a sort,Ó Weston said.  ÒI can locate our teams.Ó

Sienna looked towards Weston and nodded, "Do it. See if you can find survivors. Luma said there are some aboard."  Sienna remembered Luma's pronouncement that they destroy the ship from afar. The Lenai was phobic about the concept of 'death' but she was even more insistent that her specific pod of 'small ones' was kept safe.  Sy had to agree with Luma, this place was not safe at all.

Sienna turned her attention to the computer, carefully speaking the command codes she had been given, knowing that pitch was important. And was not at all surprised when the computer told her the command codes were invalid.

"Oh fudge." Sienna cursed, turning towards Weston, "It seems that the command codes were changed recently, like in the last few days. Any suggestions on how to hack the system and get in?"

<Weston>

"Give me a second.  T'Mur feels 'closer' than she did a few minutes ago. I hope the Captain didn't send her over."  Sienna closed her eyes and tried to make contact with T'Mur.  Or Luma.  Shaping her thoughts into a weapon, she hurled them into the 'dark static' that seemed to be surrounding them.  And nothing. It was like being locked in her head. And then something brushed past her shoulder, air moving.  T'Mur and Sekal's self defense training had her dropping to the deck and drawing her phaser, dark betazoid eyes darting around the bridge as she tried to locate the intruder..that wasn't there.

She felt like an idiot as she stood back up and holstered her weapon, "I thought... I thought something touched my shoulder. Did anyone else feel the wind of someone passing?"

Sy's voice sounded a tad bit scared. This was spooky.

(reply matrix, lee, weston)
(posted by Mel)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 1950 )

"Engaging tractor beams."

The Captain turned his head to his 3/0. "Notify Commander Verin if possible that we are attempting to take the ship under tow."

(Reply: Quinna)

"Mr. Montero flight control is to be on alert in case the maneuver fails. Should we be unable to extricate the Rhyne from this sector I want one shuttle in space holding position next to the Rhyne in case of emergency with the other two on standby."

(Reply: Montero)

The feedback alarms sounded clearly from the tactical control panel and his eyes turned that direction until they had ceased.

"Re-engaging tractor beams," 

He nodded though she was engrossed in the proceeding and couldn't see it. A wasted motion and illogical perhaps if one stopped to consider it but habitual in nature.

"We have lock, Captain," T'Mur announced, Òbut I am having to adjust manually for gravimetric disturbances in the subspace field.Ó

"Acknowledged. Do your best to keep it stable. Mr. Montero engage course and take us out at one quarter impulse."

(Reply: Montero)

The ship surged ahead with a shudder as it took the stricken vessel under tow. From the corner of his eye he could see Lieutenant T'Mur's fingers in constant motion to keep the emitters balanced to hold the ship in a firm grip.

Seconds counted down as he interlaced his fingers once again and his eyes narrowed. So far the maneuver was working and the tractor beam was stable.

"Helm, one half impulse."

(Reply: Montero, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice --  1950 )


Quinna felt that a more appropriate station should be used with communicating then what was right there at her fingertips.  She moved to the communication station.  It was not a commonly used station but it was still there and available.

The station was already ready.  Pulling up the interface was not a problem and the controls were easy to adapt to.

=/\= USS Illuminar to Commander Verin.  Be advised that was are going to be using the tractor beam to tow that Rhyne.  Illuminar out.  =/\=

And she was done.  Just like that, Quinna communicated

(Reply any)

(Posted by Kris B.)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 10 -Medical Complex- MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1950)

Stev hovered over his patient, as he had for the past 20 minutes. As he continued to treat the malnutrition and severe dehydration the easier the manÕs breathing became.   As the man stabilized he sat at a medical station hoping to get any answers. 

Question one was, how long had he been in that stasis chamber?  Was the chamber actually activated?  The problem with his scans was that they were inconclusive. There was something else going on here that he couldnÕt figure out. 

The two security officers were on edge. Periodically they had checked their Comm badges, with no response.  PÕRah kept hearing things but their scanners showed nothing.  

After a few minutes, Jaton spoke up. ÒIÕm in.Ó He found an active log, and from the archive, it looked like the most recent one. He called it up and it began to play.

ÒMedical log, Dr. Reagh reporting. Dr. Leavey is dead. With no other ranking officers in Sickbay, the duties of CMO have landed in my lap. WeÕve sealed off this section in hopes of slowing down the intruders, but itÕs only a matter of time before they get through. Tests for pathogens are inconclusive, so I think I can rule out anything psychological or epidemiological. WeÕre formulating a plan to evacuate, and IÕm ordering all patients into stasis chambers for transit.Ó

A chill went down KylleeÕs spine as he heard the report. ~What intruders could have caused such damage to flesh and bone.~ There was little he could think of. Even rampaging Klingons werenÕt that É callous. 

Jaton turned back to the biobed, a chilled expression on his face. ÒI have no background in tactical or security situations. This information is too vague for me. Stev, continue working on Mr. Mertz. IÕll continue to dig through the logs. PÕRah and Devers, check around the rest of Sickbay. See if we can turn up any clues that could narrow down who weÕre dealing with.Ó

Kyllee looked over his scans and noted a change in his patientÕs readings.  There was a sudden spike in his amygdala in acetylcholine, followed by a rise in serotonin and dopamine levels.  He was dreaming, but it clearly wasnÕt a pleasant dream.  His arms began to flail, and his face looked pained.  Suddenly he sat up, eyes wide open, pupils dilated, with a look of absolute horror on his face.

Stev reached over and put his hands on the manÕs shoulders, ÒEasy there, Mr. Mertz.  You are totally safe.Ó

Mertz looked at the doctor and burst into maniacal laughter, ÒDid you really just say I was safe?  Did you?  YouÕre joking right.  DonÕt you see whatÕs all around us?  DonÕt you see the others?Ó

ÒWe do,Ó Kylle assured him.  ÒBut for the moment, you are with us, and we are here to protect you.Ó

ÒProtect ME?!Ó he cried out.  ÒWhoÕs going to protect YOU?!Ó

Devers and PÕRah stopped poking around and looked at each other.  Devers gripped his phaser rifle a bit tighter.  ÒSir, perhaps it's better we cover the door than searching?Ó 

ÒYeah, thatÕs probably a good idea,Ó Stev said. Then he turned back to Mertz, ÒCan you tell what weÕre in danger from?Ó

Mertz pulled his knees to his chest and held on to them tightly, ÒNo, no I canÕt.  Whatever it is it comes out of nowhere, and suddenly youÕre gone.  Like a ghost. Like it can walk through walls. But it canÕt get through the stasis tube. Not sure why. It was a good place to hide, right?  Except I couldnÕt get out. Once I was in I was in.Ó

ÒDevers, watch the door. PÕRah, keep searching. We canÕt afford to neglect either,Ó Jaton commanded.

As Kyllee continued to monitor his patient he got a strange feeling, as if someone were looking over his shoulder at the tricorder readings. When he turned his head there was nothing there.  He shrugged his shoulders. Clearly Fred MertzÕs words had gotten to him a little. He shook his head and went back to his work. 

Then that feeling came over him again, this time accompanied with the sensation that someone was literally breathing on his neck.  He jumped of his seat and turned around. 

ÒWhat the hell?!Ó he cried out. 

Mertz stopped his rocking and looked at the doctor, his eyes suddenly wide with fear. ÒYou feel it, donÕt you?  ItÕs still in here. Quick, put me back in tube. Please. ItÕll kill us all.Ó

Stev reached out, ÒRelax Fred,Ó he tried to let his voice convey a reassurance that his mind wasnÕt exactly sharing, ÒthereÕs nothing in here but us.Ó

But to be sure he turned his tricorder out to a wider range and scanned the room. Nothing. 

Jaton was able to get into Dr. LeaveyÕs logs, and was scanning through his final logs.

[Sensors canÕt tell us anything about whatÕs stalking us, but itÕs closing in. The screams and wails throughout the ship are incessant, like so many banshees, foretelling our doom. This creature, whatever it is, has no remorse. And I can hear the screams getting nearer.] 

(reply Kyllee, Prah, Dever, Alyl)
(posted by Al, Tim and Spencer)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn)  - 1950)
 
Chief Lee had decided he was serving no purpose guarding the entrance to the bridge.  He watched the others working on the consoles or in Weston case,underneath a console.
 
He glanced round at the weapons system console.  Perhaps he check that out and see if the phaser banks were online.  He sat down at the console, laying his phaser rifle on the desk.  There were no lights on the console to show that anything was active.  He thought about this wondering where the access to the console.  He experiment with pressing buttons but nothing happened. With a bit frustrated, he tried voice activation.  Nope! Thought Lee, as he hit the panel with his fist thinking that might work.  He gave up.
 
A moment later the lights on the console came on and there was a sort of hum from the rest of the consoles.  It was all thanks to Michael Weston who did something.
 
He did it.  Lee didnÕt hear what Weston said as he turned back to his console.  He studied the readings.  ÒThe phaser banks seem to have been fired..thereÕs about 40% power.Ó
 
(reply anyone)
 
(posted by John)  
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3XO/CMO Lt. Commander Quinna Solice --  1950)

Quinna felt useless on the bridge.  She thought that maybe she was not cut out for command.  She felt like her talents lie in providing medical assistance.   Though Quinna had been working on learning the shipÕs systems, there were much more qualified members of the crew that could handle that.  She wasnÕt much for sitting there and looking pretty.

 "The Intrepid."
 
Quinna turned her head to the Captain who just blurted the ship out loud, ÒSir, Are you referring to the USS Interpret that went missing over 100 years ago.Ó  Quinna thought for a moment, ÒSupposedly went into a dark zone.  All presumed dead.Ó
 
(reply Sekal)
 
ÒI am sorry I am not making a connection here,Ó  Quinna admitted.
 
(Reply: T'shalaith, T'Mur, Sekal, Trei, any)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 13- VIP Launch Bay - SciO Ensign (jg) Deux Hagen - 1951)

Over the past week Hagen had discovered that he could activate the sensors on one of the shuttles in the repair bay.  He had never been able to lock onto whatever had invaded their ship, but he had been able to watch the crewÕs life signs wink out one at a time.  

He watched as the group that had gone to engineering split up.  A set of two lifesigns separated from the rest and headed towards the shuttlebay.  He knew what they were up to.  He spent the next twenty minutes taking the long way to the VIP shuttle parking on deck thirteen, hoping that the passage he took was enough to not be found by the enemy.

He finally emerged from a Jeffries tube and slipped into the bay in time to see two men in environmental suits make their way to the Concord, Commander CoglinÕs personal shuttle. Not sure how she would feel knowing some strangers had violated her personal space, but she wouldnÕt care now, since she was dead.

Still staying to the walls and moving carefully, Deux made his way to the shuttle. He thought he heard a sound, and froze. He attuned his senses carefully. Finally he decided that he was just being paranoid.  ~Just because youÕre paranoid doesnÕt mean somebody is not out there to kill you.~

He made his way to the shuttle entrance and stepped inside, to find a man looking at the controls of the shuttle, and a woman in a commanderÕs uniform that didnÕt quite fit her right.  When she turned he realized that the woman was a man.  He couldnÕt help but laugh.

He backed out of the shuttle. Who were these people?  And why was one of them dressed in Commander CoglinÕs uniform?  Were they part of what was going on? Too many questions for him to expose himself yet. He found a spot to hide and wait for their next move. 

As he backed up he realized that heÕd grown careless. HeÕd left himself out in the open too long. He froze.   Slowly he turned around to findÉ nothing behind him. Deux took a deep breath and relaxed. 

ThatÕs when he felt that sensation of being watched.  The sensation of someone breathing on him. Something wrapped around his face, blocking his vision and covering his mouth. He felt something grab his wrist. He couldnÕt get it freed. 

Then his arm began to stretch out. There was a pop as the joint dislocated, but he was unable to scream. The next sound was not the rip heÕd expected. It was a crack. 

The crack was something coming across his arm and breaking completely. The entire right side of his body seemed lighter, and wet. 

He was released and he collapsed to the floor. Shock had already set in as he looked to see a portion of his arm missing, and a pool of blood growing on the floor.   His eyes grew heavy, and as they began to close the last thing he heard was the two men leaving the shuttle. 
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 13- VIP Launch Bay - SO Crewman George Mcgreggor,  Medic Klinger - 1952)

ÒOk, let's get back to the commander,Ó Klinger said, Òthere is safety in numbers.Ó

ÒAbsolutely,Ó Mcgreggor says, ÒYou good to walk on your own now?Ó

ÒYes I am,Ó the medic replied. 

Mcgreggor picked up his phaser rifle and handed his hand phaser to the medic.  ÒI am assuming you passed basic phaser training.Ó

ÒYea, point at the bad guy and shoot.Ó Klinger said.

ÒGood enough, let's go.Ó

The two started walking down the hall back to the turbolift.  ÒWhat,Ó Klinger said, ÒI heard something,Ó

ÒGet a grip, Klinger,Ó Mcgregger said.  ÒThere is nothing here,Ó he said, turning around to face the medic.  ÒSee, nothinÉ.Ó   

Mcgregger let out a scream as a pointed bony object pierced through his body.  It didnÕt take the medic long to realize the bony object was a broken end of a humerus. Klinger screamed and started shooting his phaser as the object started to bisect the security officer.  

Turning around, Klinger starts running back to the shuttlebay, firing the phaser over his shoulder wildly.  

Making it back to the shuttlebay, he runs back to the shuttle, only to stop dead in his tracks.  On the ground was a figure, blood pooling around the body, the arm ripped right out of its socket.  

Klinger started to vomit again in his isolation suit. 

(Reply none)
(posted by Al and Tim) 

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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal --  1952)

ÒSir, Are you referring to the USS Intrepid that went missing over 100 years ago?" There was a pause. "Supposedly went into a dark zone.  All presumed dead.Ó

 He stood up and moved around helm to stand before the viewscreen where he cupped his palms at the small of his back, he was silent for a moment before speaking as he studied the Rhyne. He didn't turn as he replied.

"Indeed. The Intrepid was a Constitution class starship manned exclusively by Vulcans. Mere hours after its disappearance into an area of space resistant to sensors Commander Spock reported the psychic projection of hundreds of Vulcan minds dying en masse in complete surprise at what was killing them."

 ÒI am sorry I am not making a connection here,Ó  

He turned his head slightly as he answered. "The USS Enterprise entered the negative zone, the dark zone mentioned and found the dead ship. It also discovered the negative energy zone was being emitted by an immense single celled organism and spanned several sectors of space. What is the connection? Physical laws there were reversed which caused their confusion and inability to adapt to their situation. Everything they did was ineffective as their life force was consumed by the creature. The sheer illogic of the situation caused their deaths."

He turned his eyes back to the viewscreen. "I am not hypothesizing that such a creature is responsible nor is there any evidence of a negative energy zone however there is one similarity, the sheer illogic of the situation."

He turned and walked back to the command chair but remained standing. "EM fields do not appear where power is not being generated nor do they cause interference with telepathic communication. Something about this sector of space is ... wrong. And if I am correct sensor readings of the area will pinpoint what is causing the contradictions."

He turned and looked down at her. "That Doctor Solice is the connection."

(Reply: Quinna, T'shalaith, T'Mur, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - VIP Launch Bay - Engineer Angus McGuyver - 1952)

With the shuttle landed and the bay being re-pressurized McGuyver set to work.  Using the transporter, he beamed the three transmitter/repeaters to the shuttle bay. Grabbing his engineering kit he used the transporter to beam out of the shuttle, not wanting to potentially contaminate the shuttle with any biologic out there, otherwise why would he be having to wear this damned suit.  Biological weapons scared him, cause you couldn't see them, couldn't usually taste them, but then again dead is dead.

Taking his bearing, he grabbed the first of the transmitters and headed over to the end of the shuttle bay.  Moving to a side panel, he opened it and began to work on the connections.  This should help get into the shipwide communication system.  That done, he grabbed a second transmitter and repeated the process on the other side of the shuttle bay.  Connecting the two, he got a solid signal between them. 

Finally he moved to the front of the shuttlebay and scampered up the Jeffries tube there to connect the last transmitter.

(Reply None)
(posted Tim)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð EO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1953)
 
Matrix was silent and as perplexed as he was nervous. HeÕd not seen anything like this before. ~No life signs~ appeared on his tricorder after heÕd scanned the bridge area. The blood and debris were extraordinary and rather unusual. HeÕs moved over to the engineering console and was attempting to determine the overall status of the ship. After a few moments heÕd managed to gain access, but the amount of extent of the damage prevented him from determining much information. At least for the moment.

Scott tried a subsystem and was able to route several command processes to an auxiliary diagnostic junction somewhere else on the ship. He didnÕt know where but didnÕt care. ÒAccess!Ó he said under his breath and focused on what he could do with the system.  The lefthand command pad was covered with chard remains, blood and who knows what. Scott used his sleeve to wipe it off, then punched in several other commands. Several moments pasted, then the display screen provided the information he was looking for.
 
Scott felt a hand on his right shoulder but didnÕt move to see who it was or acknowledge the jester. He just kept working. He heard Weston and Sienna discussing command codes then heard Sienna ask a question. Scott froze momentarily, reflecting on his right shoulder. The sensation left.
 
ÒCommanderÉsomething touched my right shoulder, but the sensation is now gone. Nonetheless I have access to some of the operation and engineering systems. I should be able to bring up a ship wide status report in a few minutes.Ó Said Scott.
 
(Reply Sienna, any)
(Posted by Steve)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 1- Bridge - Helm Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero - 1953 )

"Mr. Montero flight control is to be on alert in case the maneuver fails. Should we be unable to extricate the Rhyne from this sector I want one shuttle in space holding position next to the Rhyne in case of emergency with the other two on standby," the Captain ordered.

"Aye sir," he replied and relayed the commands to the shuttle control

"Sir, shuttles acknowledge your order."

Vic continued to monitor the traffic around the area while Lieutenant T'Mur tried to capture the Rhyne with the tractor beam.  After she announced the lock, he checked in board to monitor the strength of the connection.

"Mr. Montero engage course and take us out at one quarter impulse."

"Aye, Sir, one quarter impulse," Montero replied.  Running his hands over the control, he started the ships impulse engine.  He watched as the ship started moving.  The tractor beam held as the Illuminar began to pull the 3 million tons of ship from zero.  He listened and watched the strain on the ship.  Things held as they fought against Newton's First Law.

Slowly, so slowly, the Rhyne began to move.  Montero concentrated as the Illuminar began to pick up speed.

Minutes ticked by before the Captain called out, "Helm, one half impulse."

Montero nodded, "One half impulse, Aye Sir," replied as he slowly started to increase their speed.

(Reply Bridge)
(Posted by Tim)
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(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Flight Control -  Pilot- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday, Medics Mulder and Scully -1953)

When McGuyver had left the shuttle to set up the transmitters, Arthur began to use the shuttle's scanners to see if he were able to get any readings now that they were inside the Rhyne.  The interference was exactly the same as it was when they were outside.  So clearly the problem was not around the ship.

They watched as the engineer set up the first transmitter, in hopes that they could make contact with the other teams.  They watched intently, and Arthur kept his hand on the transporter controls.  But nothing seemed to be out there to molest him.  

When he was finished he gave them a thumbs up then disappeared up Jeffries tube.  Arthur turned to the medics.  ÒWhy donÕt you guys try and get in touch with away teams?Ó

Scully turned to Mulder.  ÒHe was talking to me.Ó  Mulder shrugged.  Scully turned to the communications station and opened a channel.  

ÒIlluminar Crew, this is Medic Mulder in the Shuttlebay.  If you can hear this please acknowledge.Ó

Scully, not to be out done, tapped her comm badge, ÒIlluminar Crew, this is Medic Scully please respond.Ó

(reply away teams)
(posted by Al, Kris and Tim) 
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 10 -Medical Complex- MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 1953)

There was a banging at the door.  ÒLet me in Doc.  I need help,Ó came a voice.  

The security officers looked over to the doctor.  The banging on the door got more insistent.  ÒLet me inÉ..  PleaseÉ. PleaseÉ Ò the voice started to beg. 

ÒDoc?Ó Devers asked, when PÕRah dropped to the ground and aimed at a vent.  ÒThere is something up there,Ó he hissed.

Suddenly the sound of a phaser rifle went off as PÕRah fired at the vent, missing Lieutenant Alyl by inches. ÒItÕs coming Herc, I hear itÕs claws on the metal.  Lieutenant move away before it gets you.Ó 

The pounding at the door stopped and there was a loud, terrified scream. 

Kyllee ran over to PÕRah and grabbed his weapon and struggled with the Caitian, ÒPÕRah, what the hell do you think youÕre doing?  What are you shooting at?Ó

ÒYou didnÕt hear it.  Like nails on a chalkboard, something stretching the metal in the airduct,Ó the Caitian said as he continued to struggle to get his weapon free.  ÒAnd the scream, something trying to get in.  WeÕre trapped. Game over man!Ó 

ÒWhat are you talking about?Ó the doctor asked. ÒWhat scream? ThereÕs nobody pounding at the door. WeÕre all right here.Ó

ÒDoc, let him go,Ó Devers says.  ÒWeÕre trying to protect you and thereÕs something out there, trying to get in.Ó

Jaton approached Stev calmly, doing his best to defuse the situation with his body language. ÒItÕs okay, doctor. WeÕll take PÕRahÕs phaser for now. And in the meantime, we might need to determine if thereÕs something in the environment that mightÕve gotten through our suits. I didnÕt hear anything, but that doesnÕt mean thereÕs nothing out there. We need to narrow down our possibilities. Now, is there anything in the environment that might cause hallucinations?Ó

ÒNo,Ó said PÕRah. ÒYou donÕt take my phaser.  I canÕt defend you if you do.  And there is something out there, canÕt you hear it?  Or are all you humans too deaf to the noises all around you.Ó

The Caitian started stripping out of his isolation suit, using his claws to help him remove it.  With catlike grace, he jumped onto the biobed.  Grabbing a phaser with his tail, he pushed up the air vent. ÒIf you donÕt believe me, IÕll bring it back to you.Ó 

ÒDamn it,Ó Kyllee said, trying to grab at PÕRahÕs leg.  But he was no match for the Caitian.  PÕRah pushed him away and disappeared into the air duct.  All he could hear was TÕMurÕs words, Òstay together.Ó  It was like a cardinal rule.

He turned and looked at Dever, ÒIÕm telling you, there was no sound coming from the door.  IÕm not sure whatÕs going on here but something is affecting us, even through our environmental suits.Ó

He picked up his tricorder and scanned Dever, quickly.  He looked at the readings, showing an increase of neural activity in the amygdala.  Something was activating their fight or flight center of their brain.  He scanned Alyl to find him completely unaffected.  Then he scanned himself, finding the same.  ~Why did it affect the two security men but not the scientists?~

He looked back at the hole in the ceiling, and then back at Dever, ÒWhatever your hearing, Petty Officer, itÕs not real.  ItÕs in your mind.Ó

He showed the scans to Alyl. ÒWhat to do we do about PÕRah?Ó

ÒI need you here to look after Mertz, Stev. I canÕt afford to have you go after PÕRah.Ó Jaton turned to Dever. ÒI know itÕs a big ask in your current state, but I need you to go after him and bring him back. I have enough phaser training to hold off an intruder if need be, but IÕll need you to hurry back.Ó

Devers looked at the Lieutenant, ÒAye, Sir,Ó he replied.  He jumped up on the Biobed and got ready to jump up to the air vent. 

ÒStop!Ó Kyllee yelled. ÒAre you people out of your mind. The last order we were given was to NOT separate. DonÕt you remember that.Ó  He turned to Alyl,ÓYou may have confidence in your phaser skills, but I sure as hell donÕt.  And IÕm not willing to risk one other person.Ó

ÒIÕm sorry Doc, but the Lieutenant is the ranking officer here,Ó  Devers said.

ÒThat may be true,Ó Kyllee said, Òbut IÕm the ranking medical officer here. And in my opinion, whatever happened to PÕRah has likely affected the rest of us. IÕm willing to make the jump that it has affected everyoneÕs judgment, including Lt. Alyl. I will make that call if I need to, Lieutenant.Ó  His eyes met with the TrillÕs, challenging him. 

ÒI understand where youÕre coming from,Ó Jaton said, Òbut fact of the matter is that weÕre already separated. And we canÕt exactly ask Mr. Mertz to go into the vents after PÕRah, now can we? And neither can we leave him alone. Nor can we leave PÕRah alone. We have no choice in the matter. Right now PÕRah is probably the most physical threat weÕre facing, so we need someone to go after him who can handle that. ThatÕs not you and itÕs not me.Ó

Jaton placed a hand on StevÕs shoulder in a calming gesture. ÒI know itÕs not an ideal situation, but I donÕt see what other choice we have right now.Ó

Kyllee frowned and shook his head, ÒIÕm sorry Lieutenant but you are not in command here. I relieve you of duty as you are medically compromised. I am now the ranking officer of this group, and Mr. Dever stays. Please donÕt force me to have you restrained.Ó  With that he nodded at Dever. 

Devers nods to the doctor, and looks at the Lieutenant with a feral grin on his face. 

Jaton frowned. ÒAnd on what grounds do you make such a judgment?Ó He stood his ground and crossed his arms.

He was clearly going to make this the hard way, ÒIÕve already stated my reasons. If you have a problem with it take it up with the CO when we get back. You can get on board or restrained for everyoneÕs safety. Decide now.Ó

Jaton sat on the biobed next to Mertz. ÒI do this under protest and will be lodging a formal complaint with the captain when we return. And if PÕRah is killed, on your own head be it.Ó

ÒIÕll accept that responsibility over being responsible for the death of another as well,Ó Kyllee said, Òor the team as a whole.  Now let me check something out.Ó

He ran his tricorder over Alyl a second time them shook his head. ÒAnd there it is.Ó  It was the same thing that affected Devers, and most likely PÕRah. Something attacking the amygdala with increased cortisol and adrenaline. ÒItÕs called an amygdala hijack.Ó  

Stev turned to look at everyone,ÒThe best way to control your response to it is to get control of your breathing. Focus on that. Breathe in, breathe out. Focus on how your body is feeling. ItÕs why, I believe, that Mr. Mertz was safe in the stasis chamber.Ó

Jaton nodded, and began breathing exercises. But after a moment, another question entered his mind. ÒHow are we to know that youÕre not affected either?Ó

(reply Kyllee, Dever, P'Rah, any)
(posted by Al, Tim and Spcencer)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI Michael Weston - 1954)

Michael watched as the others seemed to be able to do more now that there was a semblance of power on the bridge.  But somewhere in the back of his brain he knew one thing for sure.  he'd spent enough time in dangerous situations, and he had felt fear... real fear.  He knew that right now he was feeling that same real fear.  But he also knew that he had no real reason to be feeling it.  He contemplated the causes of his anxiety.

"We may have been exposed." Verin suddenly called out.  "A few minutes ago when I made my notes, the ensign at the auxiliary engineering station had died when his console exploded, like in a battle. But now the station is whole, and the ensign looks like he was killed via phaser fire.  Is anyone else noticing things..changing? From moment to moment?"

He could feel the collective chill running down everyone's spine, as they continued to work.

"Oh fudge." Sienna cursed, turning towards Weston, "It seems that the command codes were changed recently, like in the last few days. Any suggestions on how to hack the system and get in?"

ÒYou canÕt spend time in intelligence without figuring was around command codes,Ó Weston admitted. ÒCan I get in at that station?Ó

"Give me a second.  T'Mur feels 'closer' than she did a few minutes ago. I hope the Captain didn't send her over." 

Weston fought to not roll his eyes. HeÕd felt weirder thoughts this night. ÒI doubt it. Perhaps the ship moved closer.Ó

He watched VerinÕs face as she closed her eyes. He face strained as she was clearly making some effort to communicate telepathically. Suddenly her eyes shot open.  She dropped to a knee and drew her phaser.   A moment later she stood up and put her weapon away. 

"I thought... I thought something touched my shoulder,Ó she said, fear in her voice. ÒDid anyone else feel the wind of someone passing?"

ÒCommander,Ó Matrix finally spoke, Òsomething touched my right shoulder, but the sensation is now gone. Nonetheless I have access to some of the operation and engineering systems. I should be able to bring up a ship wide status report in a few minutes.Ó 

"Now that you mention it," Weston added, "this dead ensign just winked at me and I'd swear she spoke." He motioned his head to the body by the Ops station. ÒAnd I have been getting the distinct impression weÕre being watched.Ó

He moved Verin aside, ÒHere, let me get in there.Ó

Weston pulled off an access panel and looked at the isolinear chip configuration for a minute. He cocked his head to the side, smiled, and winked at the commander. Then he reached behind his back, into a pouch, and pulled out a gold card and two sets of clipped wires. He clipped the wires to a pair of chips then removed one. He replaced it with the gold card, then stood back. 

ÒComputer, access command functions,Ó he said. 

There was a momentary delay followed by a beep. 

[Access granted.]

Michael couldnÕt help but look a little smug. ÒThere you go maÕam. Go do that voodoo the you do so well.Ó

Suddenly he felt a pair of lips kiss his neck. He spun around to see that nobody was behind him. 

ÒWhat in the..Ó he began then stopped. ÒThe sooner we get out of here the better.Ó

(reply Verin)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge -  ACSO T'shalaith - 1954)
 
"I am attempting to find a frequency that our communication system can get through this electromagnetic interference.  If you care to join me, we can double our efforts."
 
T'shalaith gave a nod and ran her hands across the nearby console. They began to synchronize their searches, working in a joined rhythm that seemed to create a harmony of communication frequencies. TÕMur was pulled away to speak with the captain as the ACSO continued working.  The interference was doing something that had occurred on the previous mission.  It was adapting and shifting to their adjustments.  She felt something connect in her mind as she continued working.  The harmony wasnÕt an accident or a result of something they had done.  It was working in concert with something on the Rhyne. 
 
The captain corrected TÕMur for the second time as T'shalaith added her thoughts to the console report that the CTO would see upon her return to the station.

"Ms. T'shalaith begin focused scans of this sector. I require data on the quantum level, multi-phasic distortions, inter-universal overlap fractures if quantifiable, and tachyonic resonance patterns. Any and every scan that might explain both the Rhyne's appearance in this sector of space and any devolution of known physical and scientific natural laws."

The assistant chief science officer gave a nod to TÕMur and quickly returned to her own station as she re-tuned the sensors to search for what the captain had identified.  The data began to stream by in raw form and her mind quickly spotted patterns as she allocated the data into reports on the second screen of her console.  Something was certainly up, and she was getting the sense that Captain Sekal was starting to operate under a theory.

She heard him reference a very old tale with, "The Intrepid."

The conversation between the command officers continued as T'shalaith continued her scans and reformatting the data to match causation.  She kept one ear to the discussion and she raised an eyebrow when she made the logical connection he was making.  The scans, as scattered as they were, were starting to exhibit something resembling a hypothesis.  A hypothesis that would run parallel or even perpendicular to Captain SekalÕs thought process.  She listened as she worked.
 
"I am not hypothesizing that such a creature is responsible nor is there any evidence of a negative energy zone however there is one similarity, the sheer illogic of the situation.  EM fields do not appear where power is not being generated nor do they cause interference with telepathic communication. Something about this sector of space is ... wrong. And if I am correct sensor readings of the area will pinpoint what is causing the contradictions."
 
"That Doctor Solice is the connection.Ó
 
T'shalaith spoke up, ÒCaptain, I have preliminary data on your requested data search patterns.Ó

(Reply Sekal)

ÒThere are multiple multiphasic distortions,Ó she tapped her console and the data sprang to life on the main viewscreen.  ÒThey are all connected to the USS Rhyne, but they appear and vanish at irregular intervals and levels.  There may be a connection to the EM fields but more data is required.Ó  She tapped the console again and new data slid on the screen, ÒGiven the interference to our sensors, I cannot for certain confirm the existence of inter-universal overlap fractures but hereÓ, she focused on several points in the sector as well as around the Rhyne, Ò...and there are signs of fractural events of an unknown type.  The tachyonic resonance patterns that I have been able to identify suggest a temporal distortion has occurredÉ is occurringÉor will occur.  The levels are oddly harmonic in nature.  I would theorize there is a language buried withinÉor something alive.  The same effect occurred when I and Lieutenant TÕMur were working on the communication frequencies.  Further data gathering and examination must occur.Ó

(Reply Sekal, any)


(Reply Sekal, bridge, any)
(posted by Aaron DeLay)
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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CTO - Lt. T'Mur - 1955)

As the Illuminar began to drag the Rhyne from its location the ship shook with the effort and the controls of the tractor beans seemed to fight its hold on the other ship.  But she adjusted and began to anticipate the changes she was going to have to make.  To the casual observer it appeared to occur flawlessly.  However the truth was that T'Mur's impassive face did not show the strain of the concentration required to maintain the lock.

Everything seemed to be going as planned when the captain ordered the helm to move at one half impulse.  The sound of the impulse engines began to hum.  T'Mur got distracted by a warning light.  She glanced at her sensor to see the incredible happening.

"Captain, the Rhyne is powering up their phasers," she called out.  "They are targeting our impulse drive."  She dropped the tractor beams and powered up the shield and their own phasers.  "Shields up, phasers on line and ready to target their weapons systems."

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 -  Personal Quarters  - Doctor Ambrose Harris - 1955)

ÒThis isnÕt how I pictured the end of our time together.Ó  The strained voice of his wife echoed from the screen as it flickered from where it lay on the floor.  Her fading green eyes had once been bright jewels in his life.  Now he was locked inside their quarters, watching the last message she had sent from across the ship as she lay dying soaked in the blood her those that had sheltered in place with her.  Her cough startled him, even after having watched it over and over and over.  Her fragile life that he had loved, adored, and held onto over the last year was fading away on the recording.

ÒYou need to get off this ship, Ambrose.  You need to get away from this place.  Whatever it is thatÕs killing usÉitÕs not going to stop.Ó  She had coughed then and nearly passed out as she adjusted the screen on her end.  ÒI donÕt want you to see how this ends.  I need to make my amends.Ó  She shook her head, ÒYou are forgiven, husband.  Do not grieve.  Survive.  That is what you can do for me.Ó  Another series of coughs.  He had counted eight as the blood filled her lungs, causing her to gasp in those final moments.  ÒI love you, Doctor Ambrose Harris.  To the moon and back.Ó  She had looked into the camera for a moment longer and then ended the recording, sending the message.  

He could only hope she had died quietly in that room.  He didnÕt believe that she had died quietly.  No one had died quietly on the USS Rhyne.  It had been loud, terrible, and violent.  He took a moment to focus his efforts.  He would need to secure the room further and start to make a plan for escape.  He had transferred aboard the ship as a medical doctor with his wife, who had been specializing in scientific studies within the genetics branch of Starfleet.  They had hoped to find some time to work on her journal articles and the like.

That was never going to happen.  Ambrose Harris straightened his uniform and shakily stood.  He needed to get off the ship. There was a lot of work to get from where he was to something resembling a craft capable of escaping this nightmare. 

(reply none)
(posted by Aaron DeLay)
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 (USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn)  Keung Lee  - 1956)

Lee was still puzzled why the readings showed that the phaser banks were low in energy and suddenly shivered for no apparent reason.  It felt as though there were some sort of presence.  He glanced around to see the others also experiencing some sort of reaction.  He picked up his phaser and was alert to any possible hostile encounter.  Apart form the dead bodies, there was nothing out of place.   Yet there was something which he couldnÕt identified.  Ghosts? Nah?  He didnÕt believe in ghosts.  But he felt sure that there was definitely some presence.  He set his phaser rifle to a higher setting.and scanned around the area.  He felt nervous.
 
(reply any)
 
(posted by John)    

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(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge -  CO - Captain Sekal - 1957)

 ÒCaptain, I have preliminary data on your requested data search patterns.Ó

He sat down. "Please continue Ensign."

ÒThere are multiple multiphasic distortions,Ó 

He watched with interest as the Rhyne disappeared momentarily from the screen to be replaced by an overlay of this sector. Several roughly oval outlines in green undulated there, pulsing, growing and then disappearing to be replaced by others. The size of the fields varied widely but were never static and continually changing.

 ÒThey are all connected to the USS Rhyne, but they appear and vanish at irregular intervals and levels.  There may be a connection to the EM fields but more data is required.Ó  

He nodded approvingly at the logic of her point.

ÒGiven the interference to our sensors, I cannot for certain confirm the existence of inter-universal overlap fractures but hereÓ, 

A number of jagged blue areas roughly 300 to 500 kilometers in length with varying densities wavered on the screen as the sensors struggled to lock onto their signatures. They were scattered across an area of several light years with two shimmering within 1 AU of the Rhyne ... and the Illuminar.

Ò...and there are signs of fractural events of an unknown type.  The tachyonic resonance patterns that I have been able to identify suggest a temporal distortion has occurredÉ is occurringÉor will occur.  The levels are oddly harmonic in nature.  I would theorize there is a language buried withinÉor something alive.  The same effect occurred when I and Lieutenant TÕMur were working on the communication frequencies.  Further data gathering and examination must occur.Ó

"Agreed." He rose to his feet once more and took up a position before the viewscreen as he studied the varying anomalous signatures while attempting to discern a pattern. No pattern was clear at this time and they appeared wholly random. 

"While the signatures appear random at this point a prolonged study might show a pattern within the fluctuations. Continue your scans while using auxiliary scanners focused on the Rhyne. Monitoring both in parallel should give us an indication as to the effects of this area of space on that ship as well as forewarn us not if but when the Illuminar is affected as well."

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He turned to his left. "Ms. T'Mur will we be able to take the Rhyne under tow under these conditions and move it to a more stable area?"

(Reply: T'Mur, any)

"Nevertheless an attempt must be made. Mr. Montero plot a course out of this sector and away from the anomalies. Ms. T'Mur attempt to lock on to the ship with the tractor beams. If successful we may buy ourselves some time."

(Reply: Montero, T'Mur, Quinna, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
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Mission: The Parallax Syndrome
Day: 1
Stardate: 2446:03:01

 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal, 3/0 Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, CTac Lieutenant T'Mur, ACSO Ensign T'shalaith and SPC Luma Lenai- 1957)

Reports were encouraging, the ship had reached one half impulse and was holding. He was about to order a further increase in speed when the unthinkable happened.

"Captain the Rhyne is powering up their phasers. They are targeting our impulse drive. Shields up, phasers on line and ready to target their weapons systems."

"Belay that Lieutenant! De-energize weapons." His voice was lifted into a shout to cut through the sudden cacophony on the bridge. His eyes were on the mini viewer which showed no such reading. "Operations drop shields and reinstate the tractor lock."

TÕMurÕs hand froze over the weaponÕs controls. Why would the captain make such an order?  Could he not see the danger they were in?  The only logical option was that he could not.   She tapped in a command that locked out any attempt to alter the shipÕs current status without actually cutting all power to the bridge. 

Quinna turned.  She was wondering what was going on.  ÒSir!  Dropping the Shields would be bad.Ó  Quinna wondered if the Captain had gone mad.

"The Rhyne has not powered up their weapons." Sekal snapped uncharacteristically. "They are dead according to sensors." He motioned toward the pop-up viewer as he rose.

And then the Maelstrom opened its maw.  It started small, then grew bigger and bigger.  At first it appeared to be a simple hazy circle of unfocused energy.  However, as it grew it was uncertain if it was pulling energy in, or spewing energy out of its epicenter.  Within moments it became a spiraling display of energy, and in the center seemed to be a focal point. 

T'shalaith ran her fingers across the console.  ÒThe energy surge is redlining the sensorsÉmultiphasic distortions are increasing at incredible speed. Tachyonic resonance patterns are increasing in volatility.  Whatever that isÉit is not something Starfleet has encountered in itÕs recorded database or sensor results.  We are beyond the bounds of accepted science.Ó

Who had stated it was lost in the chaos on the bridge. Sekal's eyes lifted to the main viewscreen to see a digital enhancement of an energy field pulsing in golden sheen off of their port bow.

The Captain tore his eyes from the sight as he stood to his feet. "Lieutenant, that was an order, power down weapons."

ÒThat is not advisable at this moment,Ó TÕMur said, defiantly.  

Quinna moved from the communication station back closer to the center of the bridge.  She grew concerned with the recent actions of the Captain.  She turned her head and looked at what Sekal was looking at, ÒCaptain, What is that?Ó  

He glanced toward her. "A spatial rift with an incredibly high energy output. Its effects are not, as yet, quantifiable."

Although the anomaly was very active, so was the readings of the weapons systems from the Rhyne.  Nothing had changed from that perspective.  None of this made sense.  It was illogical that the Rhyne even had a working weapons system, and yet, clearly, there were power readings on her sensors.  But then again, the ship had not yet fired.  Why?

ÒCaptain, we are caught between the Rhyne and the anomaly,Ó TÕMur urged.  ÒWe must maintain our shields and our weapons availability.Ó

She tried to reach out to Luma with her mind, but was only met by the sound of the Lenai whimpering.  Luma could easily remove them from this situation, but did not, could not or would not.

Sekal"s eyes were blazing as his right hand flexed and he walked toward Tactical slowly. "Lieutenant, allow me to enunciate this clearly. That ship currently does not have a working weapon system. We are attempting to tow it from this sector in order to protect us and it from the effects of spatial anomalies such as the one on the main viewscreen. You will obey my order or you will be forcibly removed from the bridge by security."

TÕMurÕs eyes narrowed at the threat from the CO. He was not himself. Nor was she, for that matter, and she could feel it. The raw emotion flowing from Sekal was palpable. But she knew that she could not allow him to disable the shipÕs defenses. Their lives depended on it. 

ÒMy sensors indicate otherwise,Ó she said as her hand moved to the weapons controls. With a deft move she locked in the automatic firing sequence, targeting RhyneÕs phaser arrays that indicated a power up. 

He noted her maneuver and covered the distance between them with two fast strides. He had to shut tactical down quickly before she could destroy the other ship! Of course she reacted, attempting to keep him from doing soÉ

Her hand shot out quickly and grabbed his wrist with a vice grip as the hand moved towards the console. Her eyes said everything she needed to communicate. This was her station and nobody touched it.  

He reacted on instinct, jerking his hand back which unbalanced her toward him then using his right leg swept hers out from under her causing T'Mur to topple.. His hand then lashed out in an outward chop to her jaw as she fell.

Gathering himself the CO then stood over the tactical console. "Computer, release tactical controls." Over his shoulder he called out. "Alter course! Ninety degrees starboard."

=^= Tactical controls are locked. =^=

An automated sequence fired a phaser blast that narrowly missed the other ship as the Illuminar's sudden maneuver threw off the tactical lock.

"Computer this is the Captain, command override Sigma 5, Alpha Blue, 3 Green."

The tactical board powered down for several long seconds before re-initializing. As it rebooted the computer spoke again.

=^=Command override accepted.=^=

He quickly shut down the automated fire control and powered down the phasers. Rage smoldered beneath the surface at what she had done. That task completed, he looked down at Lieutenant T'Mur who lay unconscious on the deck where she had fallen. He had struck her in anger and it had been É satisfying.

T'shalaith stood at the science station and watched it all unfold with something approaching morbid fascination and scientific curiosity.  TÕMur had been hit by the captain in his effort to stop her, and the bridge was starting to resemble a chaotic circle.  Her fingers continued to work the console and the sensors but T'shalaith began a new search on another screen.  This one was a search of the physiological readings on the bridge crew and the rest of the ship.  Something was happening here on the Illuminar and if she was right, the Rhyne had been the first victim of whatever horror was unspooling before them.  She kept one eye on the ongoing events on the bridge as she saw the CMO move quickly towards TÕMur.

Quinna grabbed her stashed med kit and headed to TÕMur.  ÒCaptain, you are crossing the line.Ó  But apparently her comment went on deaf ears.  She pulled her tricorder and started to scan.  She also kept her eyes on the captain.  While tending to TÕMur, she was relieved that no serious damage had been done.  She called for medics but they were busy.  Until then, Quinna was facing another dilemma

"Captain, is there anything I can do?"

Yeoman Whitney stood nearby. He looked at her and realized the truth of what the crew had been saying, her hair was indeed beautiful. The long golden locks were tied neatly upon her head with the tail hanging free behind her. His eyes slowly lowered to take in her black eyelashes, blue eyes, perfectly tapered face and full red lips. 

Her neck was graceful and her body voluptuous. She wore a knee length skirt which didn't completely hide her tanned and shapely legs. 

Sudden desire burned through him and his hand came up. He was aware vaguely of a voice, a thought screaming somewhere within the depths of his mind but he ignored it. "JaniceÉ"

His hand which had been extended to cup her chin stopped halfway, seemingly of its own accord. The energy that was surging through him was strange but invigorating. It felt É natural and he was almost drunk on the wave of it.

Her eyes had widened a bit questioningly. He realized he could claim her, take her as his own. He was the Captain, she was his yeoman, it was his right! He could use his mind to bring them together under an unbreakable bond. The voice in his mind was still screaming, attempting to co-opt his attention.

Moisture was now on her lips. His hand crept forward again only to stop once more as he realized that the inner voice was his own. He staggered back a few steps, clutching the console for support with the hand he had withdrawn.

"Captain, are you all right?"

"Janice, IÉ"

He forced himself to straighten up and looked down at her. "IÉ"

She suddenly looked over his left shoulder and those luscious lips opened in a scream. She turned but was stopped short as his hand shot out and latched onto her upper arm. She was his prizeÉ., his!

Still holding the screaming woman he turned his head to the left to see no sign of what had frightened her, only the activity of the bridge crew and the viewer beyond them. That inner voice againÉ it finally broke through but in a quiet whisper which he mouthed. "I am a Vulcan. Emotion has been subjugated to logic."

But had it? Was logic tyranny and emotion freedom? Were other species correct in their scorn of the Vulcan way? Had suppressing their natural inclinations, their needs made them greater or had it lessened them as a species? The short fight had been exhilarating and possession of a beautiful woman felt right.

"Feelings are a snare. They blind one to reality, mire one in the self destructive cycle of emotion."

His eyes returned to the hand closed about her arm. She was his, he would protect her. She had stopped screaming and struggling and turned. There was still alarm in her eyes.

"Captain please let go, you are hurting me."

And that set off alarms deep in his own mind as he struggled to reassert control. His hand loosened its grip until she could extricate her arm.

"I'm sorry, I did not mean to hurt you."

She smiled, the gesture lighting up her features. "I know Captain. I'm sorry I screamed. I thought I saw something horrible but it's gone now. I know you will protect me."

That innocent comment was jarring as he teetered once again upon the precipice. Desire, want, need rose then was slowly fought down. Not that it was suppressed completely but he was able to reassert some semblance of control.

"Yes." He croaked then forced himself to turn from her and look once more across the bridge.  

"Call security and have them confine Lieutenant T'Mur to medical for an examination." His voice was strained and nothing like his normal, even tone but the command in it was unmistakableÉ and it held a gritty edge that promised repercussions for disobedience.

T'shalaith felt concern for the captain.  Something had unraveled his emotional control.  Whatever it was out there had made it onboard the Illuminar.  What form and what power it would have over the ship was unknown, and her monitoring of the physiological readings showed that currently only the bridge crew was experiencing elevated readings.  The Yeoman and Sekal were two significant readings.

ÒI already have medics on their way.Ó  Quinna answered.  She looked down at TÕMur and whispered to the unconscious form. ÒI am not sure what is going on now but I am going to find out.Ó

On the viewscreen the anomaly still hovered near the ship, mocking them in its stubborn solidity.

Quinna approached the Captain, ÒWhat has gotten into you?Ó  This may have been her first time on the bridge but she knew that this was not how things rolled, ÒPerhaps I should have you confined to sickbay.Ó  

His head turned quickly toward Quinna but though his fists clenched he kept them at his sides. His eyes were smoldering but his voice when he spoke was under control if only thinly. "Now is not the time doctor. I am in control if only by a slim margin. I could not allow TÕMur to destroy the Rhyne with our people aboard. That ship is defenseless and we saved it by the slimmest of margins. And as you can see,.." he held out his hands before him with his palms up, "... I have no phaser."

ÒBarely,Ó  Quinna said.  ÒYou barely have it together right now.  Ordering our shields down when phasers are locked on us.  Punching out an officer under your command.Ó  Quinna leaned in closer to the Captain so only he could hear the next part, ÒYou are acting emotionally.  DonÕt get me started on what I witnessed between you and the yeomanÓ 

He shook his head. "DoctorÉ Lieutenant Commander Solice the phasers aboard the Rhyne were never energized. It was only in T'Mur's mind. The sensor logs are clear and you may access them at any time. That ship was never a threat and she would have destroyed it É with her mate and my First Officer aboard. Does that not seem strange to you?"

ÒYou make a bit of sense, still not buying that you had to punch her lights out, and that does not explain your actions with Yeoman Whitney.Ó  Quinna continued.

He turned his head out of reflex but avoided looking at the Yeoman by a supreme effort. He shook his head as he forced his eyes back to Quinna's. "Yes. All I could see, could think about were her. All of my training, my logic stripped away in an instant leaving only a savage, primal need." His eyes bored into hers. "This is why Vulcans are as they are Doctor, our natures suppressed by eons of tradition, training and meditation. All of it designed to suppress our savage, barbaric nature. This is why we have eschewed emotion for the control of logic. But it is not Pon Farr if that is your concern. I have already been bonded to another and at the time of Plak Tow I will return to Vulcan to claim her."

ÒSay no more about that.  But you came awfully close to that line.Ó  Quinna said, ÒAnd you know meÉÓ  and Quinna said no more.

He nodded slowly. "And that is why you have been elevated to your current position. I trust that if the need arises you will do what is necessary."

He turned away from her then, his point had been made.

Ensign Tavay had taken the Tactical station.  The young Romulan had been in the wings waiting for when she was needed.  ÒSir, everything is secure and the ship is holding.Ó

Luma had listened to the chaos, and the emotional eddies that were drifting through the ship. And Luma did not approve. 

=^= Luma senses another Lenai and Luma is unsure if this is real. The small ones should be recovered from the ghost ship and we should leave. Quickly. Blow up the ghost ship to destroy the chaos that is leaking from it. =^= The Lenai was phobic about death and violence, yet she had been advocating it since they had received the first distress call. If there was another Lenai on the Rhyne, why would Luma advocate destroying it? 

"We cannot destroy that ship now Luma." Sekal raised his voice. "We have people aboard we cannot communicate with or extract at this time. And we have no evidence that the Rhyne is the cause. We need more data on this sector in order to make a determination."

"Ms T'shalaith do you have anything further to report?"

The ACSO stabbed a few buttons and data overlay slid over the screen.  ÒThe readings are more in concert with LumaÕs statement than anything I am currently able to discern but I am as confident about that conclusion as I am about the theories I have about theÉthing out there.  There is an additional data pointÉÓ, she slid the sensor data away and replaced it with the physiological readings on the bridge and beyond.  ÒCurrently sensors are showing elevated physical vital readings only on those that have experiencedÉÓ, she paused, Ò...events that suggest something is having an effect on certain individuals here on the Illuminar.  I will continue to monitor external and internal sensors.Ó

He spun back forward. "Why is that ship not under tow as I ordered?"

ÒWorking on it Captain, but IÕm having trouble getting a solid lock on it. One minute IÕve got it, the nextÉ itÕs like it shifts out of our space time continuum.Ó

T'shalaith shifted the sensors once more and began to inspect closely as much of the Rhyne as she could given everything that was happening out in their shared space, ÒThere is considerably more phasing occurring than before - itÕs suggests a response of some kind to our arrival, boarding, and actions.Ó

He strode back to the Conn and resumed his seat. Once there he took a deep breath and attempted to clear his mind, it was working albeit slowly. His people were doing everything in their power and the adrenalin from his short face-off with T'Mur was beginning to wane. 

"The communication boosters sent to the Rhyne should have been installed by now. Redouble efforts to punch through the interference and send out those shuttles. I want our crew and any survivors found evacuated back to the Illuminar post haste. We will not remain in this sector any longer than necessary."

ÒShuttles ordered,Ó the Ensign at Ops called out. ÒSir, the Rhyne, itÕsÉ dissolving?  Well, the time it is out of our reality is increasing. IÕm not sure the shuttles will make it in time.Ó

T'shalaith sounded an alarm as she discovered it at the same time, ÒThe readings have been chaotic since our arrival, captain but Ops is correct.  The phasing of the Rhyne is increasing to unstable levelsÉor more unstable levels given what has been experienced since we arrived.Ó  The Vulcan assistant chief science officer watched as the phasing accelerated and then slowed, reversed, and sped up again.  Was somethingÉplaying with them?  Was LumaÕs thought closer to the truth?  For a moment the ship nearly looked as if it would simply vanish from sight into whatever place in space it had come from..but it resolved back, still flickering and fading in pieces and parts.

Suddenly a klaxon blared from her console and tactical. TÕMur was still out of commission so T'shalaith quickly took charge and checked the alert.  She felt significant concern as she read the report out, ÒCaptain, long range sensors have been able to punch through the interference intermittently.  Detecting an incoming vessel bearingÉÓ  She slid the report overlay onto the main screen, Ò...here.  TheyÕve just entered long range sensorsÉdetails are limited due to the nature of the readingsÉ,Ó she searched again, Òbut with 85% certainty I can say it is not a Federation or Starfleet vessel.Ó

"Acknowledged." He realized during the hectic moments earlier he had neglected alert status and set it for yellow. "Tactical, continue to monitor the incoming ship."

ÒYes, sir,Ó Tavay replied. 

They could not tow the Rhyne, couldn't communicate with her yet and sending in the shuttles at this time exposed more crew to danger. This was just such an emergency as they had trained for however. "Can you give me an estimate on how long before the Rhyne becomes unreachable?"

T'shalaith wasnÕt hopeful, but she made as many sensor sweeps as everything that was happening outside would allow, and quickly calculated as rough of an estimate as she had ever made in her logic-filled life.  ÒEstimated best case scenario one hour unless circumstances and readings changeÉworst case one half hour.Ó

"If you can get through to the crew on the Rhyne, have them prepare for an emergency evacuation. Keep those shuttles en route until the last possible moment." And if they were too late? It was necessary to consider the possibility though he found it unusually difficult to do so. If they were too late he would have to consider further options.

Quinna found herself back at the communication station, she first sent messages to the Rhyne to evacuate the ship.  Then she sent word to the shuttles to get our people home.

TÕMur opened her eyes.  Immediately she realized that she was not on the Illuminar.  She did not recognize the configuration of the bridge she was on but she did recognize the bodies that were laying around.  Lt. Lee  was hanging over a railing as if his body had been broken in half.  Ensign Matrix was sprawled across a console, also dead.  Michael Weston looked as though heÕd been brutally beaten to death.  And finally her eyes fell to Sienna.  She was sitting in the command chair, slumped backwards.  Dead.  They were all dead.  Sienna was dead.  As she sat up Sienna raised her head.  

ÒYou couldnÕt save me,Ó was all she said, then her head flopped back.  

TÕMur jumped from her prone position, straight to her feet, screaming.

ÒNo!!  Sienna!Ó

She blinked back the tears in her eyes as her vision cleared.  She was on the Illluminar, and everyone was looking at her.  Shaking her head to clear the fuzzy feeling in her brain, there was a slight recollection of what had transpired, but it was overshadowed by the memory of what she had just seen.  She breathed deeply, and concentrated on her heart rate. 

Then TÕMur looked from face to face to see if there was any confirmation of what he transpired, but there was none.  Only the look of concern from Quinna.  She shook her head again and looked at Tavay standing at the console of the Tactical Station.  She really could not remember what the last thing she remembered was.

ÒCaptain?Ó she asked without asking a real question

His eyes locked with hers for an instant, reading and weighing before he gave a simple nod. "Lieutenant." He then turned his attention back to monitoring events on the ship.

Then T'Mur stepped back to hover over Tavay, ÒReport.Ó

ÒMaÕam?Ó  Tavay asked before she relinquished the station.  Tavay stepped back to the waiting perch where she was stationed.

ÒIÕll take it from here,Ó she said, her voice full of a confidence she did not truly feel.  

She took a moment to familiarize herself with her setting again and began to intensify the scans on the incoming ship, while continuing to watch what was going on with the Rhyne.

Sekal's eyes found Yeoman Whitney again, this time as a test of his own resolve to see how well his control had been reinstated. It was shaky, nearly failing but held as he stiffened against the inevitable rise of desire. She however noticed him looking at her and smiled. The Captain gave a nod to her and looked away. It occurred to him then that his earlier gaffe could have future repercussions which he would have to deal with. But first he must bring his ship through this trial and himself with his sanity and dignity intact. Then and only then would he be able to pass that test when, if it came. And unfortunately logic such as he could summon at this time in its tattered state indicated it would.

(Reply: Any)

(Posted by Charles G- Sekal
 Melinda G - Luma Lenai
Kris Bailey - Quinna Solice
Al Muir - T'Mur
Aaron DeLay- T'shalaith)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 13 - Jeffries Tube- Engineer Angus McGuyver - 1958)

McGuyver got to the junction box he needed and sat in the 'engineering' squat so he could keep his balance in the tube while having both hands free.  He made quick work of opening the box.  He loved the older architecture of this ship.  There was an elegance to it.  Admiring the arrangement of isolinear chips, he identified the two he needed.

Mounting the transmitter to the wall, he got to work connecting the device to the ships systems. It only took a few minutes and the system showed green.

Running a diagnostic, everything looked fine.  He was able to connect the three transmitters to each other.  As he watched the tricorder readings he was surprised when a blob of something landed on the screen.  A moment later a second one landed.  Looking up, McGuyver saw a large pulsing sac secured to the Jeffries tube with something that looked like string or rope.

A third blob fell, and he noticed a crack in the sac.  Not wanting to find out any more, he grabbed onto the ladder and slid down to the deck.  Looking up, he saw dozens of dark things moving out of the crack in the sac. 

Hitting the deck, he moved out towards the shuttle as he started shouting, "I've got company, beam me in." 

A wave of spider-like creatures came rushing out of the Jeffries tube, moving towards the engineer. 

McGuyver turned around and started shooting what he could with his phaser.  "Any time now," he called again.

(reply Shuttle)
(Posted by TIm) 
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 (USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn)  Keung Lee  - 2000)
 
There was still that sensation that some unknown presence was on the bridge.  Chief Lee looked at the dead bodies arming his phaser rifle in the likelihood that they might rise again either physically or in some form of ghostly figures.  Then again, what good would a phaser rifle do against suchÉthings!  He had a memory of a being a child when he watched a horror movie.  He was alone in the house and when he went upstairs to his room and opened the door, a ghostly figure appeared infront of him.  It scared him and he ran out of the house!  Half an hour later, when he had the courage to come back, Lee cautiously went back to his room to see if the ghost was still there.  It was only when he switched on the light, that the ÔghostÕ he saw was a reflection of him in the mirror!   Lee lowered his phaser rifle and smiled at the memory.  The concern that it was not ghostly appearances on the bridge but the possibility of an alien who had some unique abilities like invisibilityÉmaybe a non- corporate form.  He spoke up
 
ÒThis presence we are experiencing.  Could there be the remote chance..thereÕs an alien here..maybe a non-corporate entity. Is there a way of checking?Ó 
 
(reply any)
 
(posted by John)    
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering -  2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, SO Ensign Andy Taylor, Outrider-1 - 2000)

The two humans and the android continued to work on the various systems.  ÒEureka,Ó Gregory called.  ÒI have the deuterium injectors working,Ó he called out.  The room suddenly filled with the sight and sounds of a fully active warp core.

Outrider 1 had been working on the sensors, ÒSir, the sensors are working nominally.  However, there is an unknown event that is impacting the electromagnetic spectrum, which may explain why the communicators and the scanners are not working correctly.Ó

Gregory opened up another window, and started reviewing the data.  ÒI see that,Ó he said.  ÒAny chance that we can boost our signals to break through this event?Ó

ÒUnknown at this time Mr. Gregory,Ó Outrider 1 replied. 

ÒSee if you can make it happen,Ó he said to the android. 

Walking over to the security officer, ÒReport, Mr. Taylor.Ó

ÒNearly got it, sir,Ó Taylor said.  ÒWith some power to the warp core I É now have power to the ships shields and weapons.  Shields are at 13%  Phaser banks are completely depleted.  ItÕll take time to charge them to a useful level.  However, the energy converters in banks 3, 5 and 6 are totally fried.  TheyÕd need a complete overhaul.  Our big hope in a fight right now would be that they wonÕt expect us to be able to defend ourselves.  But never underestimate the element of surprise.Ó

ÒLet's hope we donÕt have to fight Mr. Taylor,Ó  

Taylor nodded, ÒI live in hope, sir.Ó

Suddenly there was a beep from the monitor and the lights around the weapons arrays blinked out. 

ÒWhat theÉÓ Taylor caught himself short of the expletive. ÒWeapons are offlineÉ again. I donÕt understand. I need to physically inspect the arrayÕs relays.Ó  He looked round at Gregory to see what the 2O wanted to do.

Gregory paused,  ÒWhat is the status of our torpedoes and launchers?Ó he asked, ÒI need to work on getting the engines on-line, and hope that Mr. Matrix, on the bridge, can get things started so we can move under our own power.Ó

With a tap he brought up the torpedo launchers and smiled, ÒWe have power to the launchers but they are not primed or loaded.  Somebody would need to get the loaders online at the source.Ó

Gregory shook his head. ÒDamn, that means up to the battle module.  Ok, letÕs finish up here first before we head up.  WeÕll need to get the transporters working though.Ó 

ÒOutrider, do we have any sensors?Ó  

The Android looked over at the 2nd officer.  ÒI have been able to gain control of the short range sensors, but the long-range sensors are damaged and will require 6.5 hours to repair.Ó  

ÒWhat about internal sensors?Ó 

ÒWe have intermittent control of the internal sensors, there are intermittent outages across the ship,Ó the android replied. 

Outrider stops, and looks around. ÒSir, I am registering distress, the vocal pattern is similar to Crewman Mcgregger.Ó

(reply None)
(posted by Al and Tim)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 -  Personal Quarters  - Doctor Ambrose Harris - 2001)

ÒYou were a terrible husband.Ó  Doctor Ambrose Harris was staring at the nearly lucid appearance of his wife, bloodied and bleeding.  She had appeared as he was securing supplies for his impending escape from his personal quarters.  He knew she was dead.  He had watched her fading into death at her last message to him.  There was no way she had traveled across the ship to taunt him now.

And yetÉ

ÒI married you because my father thought you would make me better.Ó  Ambrose worked on his breathing as his head felt hot from her sharp rebuke.  The element of truth in hallucinations is what made them difficult to differentiate.  Jordan ReidÕs father had endorsed the marriage because he had told Ambrose his daughter needed someone to Òshine the rough diamondÓ or something like that.  For his part, the doctor had chuckled awkwardly and moved the conversation onwards.

ÒYou arenÕt real.  YouÕreÉsomething else.Ó  He sputtered it, feeling the weight of whatever had waylaid and taken over the Rhyne pushing against him.  His wife had been frantically working to identify whatever it was that had trapped and attacked them, but her theories and results had died with her.  A final blow to the possible survival of the crew of the USS Rhyne.

And yetÉ

The facsimile of his wife growled and snarled, ÒYouÕre going to die.  I know you think youÕre still aliveÉbut the sins of the father will revisit the son.  You will die.  And I will laugh.Ó

He leveled his gaze at her or it, or whatever it was.  ÒYou betray herÉand yourself.  A good doctor always tests his patients. A mind isn't so easy to read once the power is known.Ó  He leaned against the wall, the strap of his collected supplies on his shoulder, the bag zipped and ready.  ÒIÕm going to live and IÕm going to get out of this place.  It might be into the cold escape of space, but IÕm going to get the hell out of here.  You hear me!?Ó

His wife cocked her head to the side and gave a low chortle, ÒYou will never escape me, beloved.  I will be your death, and your resurrection.Ó  A pop in the air, and she was gone, leaving Dr. Harris to wonder about the last thing the thing had said.  Death and resurrection?

He pushed the moment to the back of his mind to consider as he began the work of shoving open the door to the hallway.  It took him a few more minutes and the use of a few blunt objects, but he was soon free.  The lights flickered and flashed outside, and the sounds were as nightmarish as they had been when he fled to their quarters.  He had to escape.  He needed to escape.  He stepped out of the door and inched down the debris-ridden corridor.

(Reply none)
(posted by Aaron DeLay)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3/0 Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, - 2001)

Quinna looked around the Bridge.  She looked over at Trei.

ÒAre you able to reestablish medical links with the away teams?Ó  Quinna asked, hoping to get a medical status.

(Reply Trei)

Quinna moved next to Ariel.

ÒWhat can you tell me?

(Reply Trei)

(posted by Kris B)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 20.03)

Quinna asked if she could read any vital signs from the away team.  Alas she still could not because of the interference.

"No Ma'am.  The interference still affects the readings.  The contact has not been reestablished."
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(USS Rhyne - air vents near sickbay - SO PO3 P'Rah - 2005)

He knew something was up here, sure of it.  He didn't understand why the officers didn't believe him or Devers, but then again, they were officers, not noncom's.  Phaser out, he started to crawl through the air ducts.  These were cleaner than some he'd been in.  That was a plus.

Hearing something ahead, he slowed down his approach.  He was coming to a T-section and there he saw it  beady red eyes looking back at him.  The creature started scurrying away down the left T before he could get a shot off.  He needed proof to show the others.

Approaching the section slowly, he listened intently before arriving at the intersection.  He didn't hear anything down the right side of the air system.

Moving down the left branch, he could hear chittering and that horrible scratching.  He depressed the button on his phaser and was rewarded by an animal screech.  He heard a growl, and saw beady eyes rushing him. P'Rah started shooting at the creature, and its buddies who were right behind.  His cat-like reflexes came in handy as he took down the army of enemies.

Suddenly, it was silent.  P'Rah crawled closer and saw the bodies of his victims.  "Damn" he said softly, it was a small colony of Cardassian voles.  If they were here, it meant there was some energy leak that they were attracted to.  No way they could be the cause of the damage to the crew, but who knew what else they could be carrying.

Carefully gathering the vole's up, he headed back to the opening where he entered.   Bringing the half-dozen Cardassian voles to the air vent opening by sick bay.  He started tossing them down into sickbay before looking down, "Told you." he said flashing a toothy grin.

(reply none)
(Posted by Tim) 
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( IKS Dac'kar, Vor'Cha class- Deck 1- Bridge - Ho'D - Commander Kar'chek and San'dras- 2150)

"Ho'D, a transmission!"

The Klingon Commander had been brooding in the subdued lighting of the bridge of the attack cruiser. Their patrol was only within the outer boundary of the territory claimed by the House of Duras. At one time this great and noble house had been one step from the Chancellor's chair until elements had betrayed the Empire to the Romulans. The stain on their honor had been irredeemable due to the actions of Lur'sa and Be'tor. 

 The House had fallen into scorn and derision, much of it had been dismantled in the following wars. But then fate and Kah'less had stepped in and given the remnant another chance to redeem themselves and to accrue glory and honor. Situated on the border with the Romulans and with the Star Empire fallen the remnant had expanded their territory greatly in the vanguard of those houses that were pushing into Romulan space.

Duras, relegated to the role of a minor house had been regaining strength through expending its blood, taking territory formerly held by the duplicitous green skins and stocking Sto'Vo'Kor with valiant warriors.

Kar'Chek turned in the command chair, it's leather giving a muted whisper as he fixed the officer with a stony gaze.

"Ghay'Cha'..." he spat. "Speak!"

The reply was a growl. "It is Federation!"

"Bak'tag!" He nearly leapt from the chair. "Where?"

"Three hundred thousand kellikams h'Od."

"So near?" An unholy light of bloodlust crept onto his face.

"Outside of our space. A distress call."

Kar'Chek stood and looked about, a smile growing upon his face. "Replies?"

"Yes h'Od."

What were the Federation doing so close to space claimed by Duras?

SanÕdras stood up from her station and turned to face her commander. It had been a long and hard road to get to her position as second in command of any Klingon ship, let alone a ship of Duras. It was difficult enough for a woman to move up in rank to begin with, but the lack of trust of women since Lursa and BeÕtor made it even more difficult. 

But SanÕdras had fought hard, and fought often, to stay alive and to move up. And she was no harlot, dependent on any man to give her rights to command. The scars on her face and neck proved that.  If she chose a mate it would be of her own doing. 

She moved towards the KarÕchek, ÒCommander, the reply. It is from the Illuminar.Ó

"Illuminar?" He spat. Not much was known of the ship except that it was one of two new classes launched in the vanguard of new Federation expansion. Much of the ship had been kept secret, almost gleefully so by StarFleet. The lid they were keeping on those secrets was so airtight it was almost unheard of. "Their ship of secrets!"

He spun toward helm. "How long to intercept?"

 "Three hours h'Od."

"Ghuy-cha! Set course and maximum speed. It is time to learn the secrets of this new ship. wo' batlhvaD (glory and honor for the empire) and for Duras!" 

ÒwoÕbatlhvaD!Ó SanÕdras echoed, staring at the view screen as if she could actually see this Federation vessel. ÒPerhaps we can give them a few surprises of our own.Ó  

She spun and turned to the crew, ÒListen!  Can you hear it?  The songs they are already sing for us at Sto'vo'kor.Ó

His eyes flicked over his second in command, she did not have the bulk or stature of what one commonly saw among higher ranking officers but only the foolish would consider her weak. She had proven to have the speed, agility and guile to embarrass and destroy her opponents in the past, those that considered her too weak to be a warrior. A female she was but she had earned her place.

"We will destroy them and take their ship as prize. Notify the Kar'gesh and Oogak that we go before them to battle and they can tow its hull to Qo'nos. The glory will be ours."

"Qa'pla! CHEGH-chew jaj-VAM jaj-KAK." He bared his teeth in a grim smile. "And an even better day for victory!" He roared in conclusion.

SanÕdor threw head back and roared as well.  ÒHeghlu'meH QaQ jajvam,Ó she called out. 

(Reply: None)

(Posted by Charles G- Kar'chek
and Al Muir- SanÕdor)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal- 2355)

[Gamma shift due on the bridge in 5 minutes.]

Sekal looked up startled from the command chair. Had his sense of time been affected as well as his mental and emotional discipline? He checked the chronometer on the small display at his left hand, it read 2355. By his internal calculation the time should be 2003. Added to that was the fact that only minutes ago that same display had read 1957 and that had been at the moment the Maelstrom had appeared and pandemonium had broken out on the bridge. Why had he named it "The Maelstrom"? It was due to a literary work published in the 20th century on Earth by a noted author named Edgar Allen Poe. Due to the events that had transpired the moniker fit to the proverbial "T".

His head swiveled to the right. "Ms. T'shalaith there is a discrepancy in the timeline. Is there evidence that we may have been caught up in a temporal flux?"

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He turned his head back to the forward viewer where the USS Rhyne was now visible after the turn to starboard at the right edge of the screen, shuttlecraft were already en route to it to evacuate the crew aboard. The Maelstrom was still visible at the far left edge.

"Scan the Rhyne again. Has there been any change?" He leaned forward unconsciously as though that would change the outcome of the scan. Illogical but in his present state understandable.

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He caught himself in that anxious pose and leaned back once more against the cushion. "The Rhyne it appeared had been similarly affected and there had been no change. He caught the feeling of relief and squelched it. Emotions were not far from the surface still and in moments of distraction he would have to exercise greater vigilance.

"Noted. Continue as you were." The addition of temporal anomalies as they had been already discussed had now become all the more real and coupled with the affects of the spatial rift could conceivably be deadly. Once free of this area of space StarFleet would be notified and any future navigation routed around it.

(Reply: T'shalaith, any)

(Posted by Charles G)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - 3/0 Lt. Commander Quinna Solice, - 2356)

Quinna grabbed hold of the console as she felt a wave of nausea for a brief moment.  She composed herself and went back to the first officerÕs seat and sat down.  She wrote it off as being tired amongst all the stress of being on the bridge.

ÒSir,Ó  Quinna asked?  

(Reply Sekal)  

ÒIsnÕt there records for the last almost 4 hours?Ó  Quinna Statenly asked.  ÒWe cannot just not-exist for that time.Ó  Then she thought if maybe Penn and Teller might need to be consulted.

(Reply Sekal, any)

(posted by Kris B)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - ACSO Ensign T'shalaith - 2357)

"Ms. T'shalaith there is a discrepancy in the timeline. Is there evidence that we may have been caught up in a temporal flux?"

The assistant chief engineering officer was already ahead of him, having sensed a shift in time herself.  The sensors and internal sensors were showing the time as 23:57:30 but her mind, while wrestling with her condition, was still able to comprehend that something unknown had occurred to hurtle them forward in time.

She redirected the sensors once more to focus on the space around them, the USS Rhyne, and as far beyond as the ship could tell.  There was a path of something that had impacted the sector and everything within it.  What it really was and what she was hypothesizing was more than likely very close to each other but there was a difference between confirming a finding and stating a possibility.  Logic had saved her.  She owed it that much.  ÒReadings suggest a temporal eddy current having recently come through this sector of space andÉfor lack of a better word, pushed us forward in time.  It is highly likely we are not the only ones to have noticed the phenomenon.Ó

"Scan the Rhyne again. Has there been any change?"

The science officer refocused the sensors to the Rhyne.  It took her a moment to compare the readings from the Illumuninar, the sector, and the other ship.  The answer was concerning, but a relief at the same time.  ÒThe Rhyne appears to have experienced a similar time change.  I would note that for now, we are all at the same time and moving forward at a regular rate.  I will engage the computer to monitor this passively as well to alert us to any changes.  The Rhyne remains in the condition she was before.  No change in her status aside from the time shift.Ó

"Noted. Continue as you were.Ó

The ACSO returned her attention to her console while keeping the bridge in her peripheral.  The attack by the captain on TÕMur was not far from her mind.  The issues seemed to have been resolved, but she remained concerned.  The sensor readings on the bridge crewÕs physical vitals continued to play on a nearby screen, and every few moments she would glance at the readings.

(Reply None)
(Posted by Aaron DeLay)
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 (USS Illuminar Ð Deck 4 - Sickbay - SecO Ensign Larry 'Luck' Day - 2359)

Lucky been managing to entertain the female staff in medical. He was actually quite charming, when given the opportunity, and the staff imagined that he was probably very popularÉ wherever he came from.  

At this moment he was re-enacting an event where he, and his buddies Ned and Dusty, faced off against a group of ten Nausicans.   The trio had lined up to face the Nausicans. He had the women laughing as he described Ned eerie ability to use his phaser, and that it was likely he treated his phaser like a woman. 

ÒSo there we were,Ó Lucky said, standing like a cowboy in a shoot out, Òready to fight when Ned saidÉÓ

At that moment Larry wrapped his arms around his mid section and cried out in pain. He fell to the deck, writhing in agony. The medical team that had been watching him moved quickly.  A medical tricorder was out, and scanning the man.  A hypo spray of an analgesic was applied, to no discernible affect. 

Kelly tapped her comm badge, ÒSickbay to Doctor Solice. Something is going on with Ensign Day.  He appears to be in great pain,Ó she looked at the tricorder reading, Òand hos cells are demonstrating a great deal of stress.  Almost a temporal flux.Ó

(reply Solice)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 -Medical Center - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CSO Lt. Jaton Alyl, SO PO3 PÕRah and PO3 Hercules Dever- 0000)

ÒHow are we to know that youÕre not affected either?Ó Alyl asked, looking at Stev.

Stev shrugged, ÒI donÕt, or more I canÕt be certain. However, as long as IÕm not making rash decisions IÕm willing to go with the belief that, at this moment in time, I am unaffected.Ó

Suddenly, there was a series of thumps of something hitting the floor.  Devers looked around to see something fall from the air vent.  As he approached the area, he saw PÕRah pop his head out, ÒTold you.Ó the Caitian said.

Devers started laughing uncontrollably. 

Jaton rolled his eyes. ÒYes, that was well worth the excursion to be sure.Ó

ÒAs you say Lieutenant,Ó PÕRah says jumping down with cat-like grace. ÒIt proves I was not hearing things and more to the point, do you know what it suggests?Ó

Kylle shrugged, ÒI am not sure. What do you think it suggests?Ó 

He moved over to the imobile creature that lay under the vent and opened his tricorder. He had to admit that he felt badly about not believing the Caitian, but his actions were out of the ordinary, even under those circumstances. As he scanned the vole he noticed something strange about it.

ÒThatÕs odd,Ó he said.

ÒWhatÕs odd?Ó PÕRah asked. 

ÒWell,Ó he began, Òthis appears to be a typical Cardassian Vole, in season. But the energy signatures are all wrong. Whatever itÕs been feeding on, it is not a standard federation energy source.  AndÉ, thereÕs probably going to be a lot more of them.  They might be the cause of the power problems.Ó

PÕRah smiled triumphantly.  ÒThey are attracted to energy sources, Lieutenant, and if what the doctor is detecting is true, then we have another issue on our hands.Ó 

ÒWell,Ó Jaton said, giving a dirty side-eye to Stev, ÒdonÕt tell me about it. IÕve been relieved of duty.Ó

PÕRah scoffed and looked at Devers before moving to talk privately with his fellow security guard. 

Stev looked back at the Trill and smiled, ÒCorrection, youÕve been relieved of command of this team. We could still use your help.  What do you know about Cardassian voles?Ó

ÒOnly the basics,Ó Jaton replied as he leaned back against the biobed and crossed his legs. ÒTheyÕre considered pests on many ships and stations across the Alpha Quadrant primarily and are attracted to energy sources.Ó

ÒSirs,Ó Devers says. ÒWe recommend that we open the door and check the hallway.Ó  

Before anyone could answer, their COM badges sprang to life, =^=To Illuminar Crew, this is Medic Mulder in the Shuttlebay.  If you can hear this please acknowledge.=^=

Jaton tapped his comm badge to respond. ÒLieutenant Alyl here. WhatÕs your status?Ó

=^=We have a shuttle in the hangar bay for emergency medical evac, if you need.  We have transmitters setup to communicate inside the Rhyne.  Hopefully weÕll be able to communicate with the Illuminar soon.  WhatÕs the status of your team?=^=

Kyllee spoke up, ÒWeÕre holed up in the Medical Center. We have a survivor. Our team is,Ó he looked around at each member, Òhealthy so far. But thereÕs something out there.  And this ship is infested with Cardassian voles.Ó

There was a moment's pause. =^=Roger that. Can you make your way for an extraction in the Shuttlebay on deck thirteen?=^=

Kyllee looked at the others, hoping someone would urge him to stay or to leave. The two security men looked on dumbly, and Alyl simply crossed his arms and looked away. 

He sighed, ÒThatÕs an affirmative. We can make the trip, but we are not ready. We still havenÕt been able to access the information we need. We need some time to find some answers.Ó

=^=Roger that. You have fifteen minutes.=^=

Stev sighed, ÒIÕll  contact you then to tell you our status.  Out.Ó

He turned and looked at Alyl, ÒOkay Lieutenant, time to stop moping around and earn your keep as the chief science officer of the Illuminar.  If anyone should be able to get information from these computers it should be you.  So get off your butt and get to work.Ó

(reply Alyl)

Then he turned to PÕRah, ÒAs for you, you may have been able to confirm your suspicions but in doing so you left us in a precarious position.Ó

ÒWith all do respect, Doctor, you do the doctoring, and Herc and I will do the security-ing,Ó PÕRah says with a feral, toothy grin.

ÒThen I suggest that you do your security-ing right here, and keep us secure,Ó the doctor replied, Òand not crawling through the air vents of the ship, and leaving usÉ un-secure.  Now stand still while I check something out.Ó

He ran his tricorder over the Caitain and altered the settings for his particular metabolism.  As he suspected, there was an increase in his Caitian version of an amygdala, and another change had occurred.  This time it was in his hypothalamus. His suprachiamatic nucleus was not at the point it should be.

ÒCan I get a picture of that, Doc?Ó PÕRah asked, ÒItÕll go sexy with the girls.Ó

He looked at the chronometer on his device. ÒHow long have we been here?Ó

ÒSir, about 30 minutes or so,Ó Devers replied. 

ÒWell according to my tricorder,Ó he said, turning for the others to see, ÒweÕve been here over four hours.Ó

(reply Alyl, any)
(posted by Al, Tim, and Spencer)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 1 - Bridge - CO - Captain Sekal - 0001)

ÒSir?"

The Captain turned to the communications console where Quinna had taken up station.

"Yes?"

ÒIsnÕt there records for the last almost 4 hours? We cannot just not-exist for that time.Ó  

"An astute observation." His control was beginning to firm up and his voice showed it.

"Technically speaking we did not cease to exist as you noted during the intervening time lapse. While temporal mechanics is not my speciality I know something about the subject. For a more detailed analysis you might ask our resident civilian scientists however I can explain the basics."

Speaking on this was helping as well, allowing him to focus his memory on an academic subject which in turn pushed his emotional battle deeper. "Time travel is tied to the speed of light, as one accelerates to light speed time slows down in localized space while outside of it time passes as normal. For someone traveling at the speed of light time will appear to stop while outside of that localized area of space it continues as before. What does that mean in this instance and how does it relate to a temporal distortion?"

He turned his head to the viewscreen for an moment as he focused on the mathematical equation then back to face her. "A temporal eddy current passed through this area of space and accelerated us to the speed of light. The speed of light is equal to two hundred ninety nine million, seven hundred  ninety two thousand, four hundred fifty eight meters per second and according to our chronometers two hundred thirty five minutes passed seemingly instantaneously. By those numbers we should have traveled four trillion, two hundred twenty seven billion, seventy three million, six hundred fifty seven thousand, eight hundred meters or roughly four and one quarter billion kilometers. If I am correct and the spatial anomaly itself was the cause of the temporal eddy then our position relative to it should reflect that. Why do I theorize it was the cause? Because its appearance coincided with our loss of time."

He turned his eyes to his ACSO. "Ms T'shaliath please compare our current position relative to the anomaly with our position when it first formed."

(Reply: T'shalaith)

He nodded and turned back to Quinna. "So in essence one outside the area if they were able to observe us would have seen us accelerate to light speed until we had covered the formentioned distance while to us no time had passed. We never ceased to exist, our perception of time merely stopped."

(Reply: Quinna, any)

He interlaced his fingers before continuing his dissertation. "Due to time dilation which is the affect on those who are accelerating to the speed of light the impulse drive on starships is limited to .6c or six tenths of the speed of light. The drive is capable of reaching light speed but only on the authorization of its commanding officer. The warp drive however uses a subspace bubble to fold space and due to the technical terms and formulae necessary I will refrain from explaining how it bypasses the time dilation effect."

(Reply' Quinna, any on the bridge)

(Posted by Charles G)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 5 - Sickbay - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 0001)
 
Kelly tapped her comm badge, ÒSickbay to Doctor Solice. Something is going on with Ensign Day.  He appears to be in great pain,Ó she looked at the tricorder reading, Òand his cells are demonstrating a great deal of stress.  Almost a temporal flux.Ó
 
ÒI got this, Quinna,Ó  Mason had been stuck on the ship so he decided to quit pouting about not being able to leave and headed back to sickbay.  
 
Mason moved to Ensign Day, his readings were off the chart,  Mason looked at the nurse, ÒLets see here.  You gave Mr. Day some gabapentin. And there was no response.Ó  
 
Mason opened the medical tricorder.  The scans were wild.  ÒThis man seems to have different aged body parts.Ó  Looking at the manÕs feet.  ÒHe seems to be 75 in his feet, Internal organs are about 10, hand range in his 40Õs.Ó  
 
ÒMr. Day, Can you hear me?Ó  Mason asked
 
(Reply Day if able)
 
In lue of any more pain meds, ÒLets get him  methohexital.  We are going to knock him out to give him some relief.  After that, let's get an MRI and see what is going on.Ó
 
(Reply any in sickbay)
 
(Posted by Kris B)
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