Mission: The Rhyne Odyssey 
Day: 1
Stardate: 2446.03.02
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/0 LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0155)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/0 LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0205)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Main Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0215)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room  - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0220)
(USS Rhyne - Deck B Ð TIC Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0200)
(USS Rhyne - Deck B - TIC - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0211)
(USS Rhyne Ð Cargo bay & Deck 5  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0215)
(USS Rhyne Ð Decks 2/3Ð  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0220)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Sickbay - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev - 0225)
(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Lost - Leeza Pel - 0230)
(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Chief of Security- Lt (jg)  Keung Lee - 0231)
(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Chief of Security Lt (jg) Keung Lee  - 0235)
(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Leeza Pel - 0237)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 12 Ð Aft Shuttle Bay Ð Medics Fox Mulder and Dana Scully - 0300)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 - ÔFive ForwardÕ - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory, acting XO Michael Weston, Leeza Pel - 0330)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Scikbay - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, SC Lt. Lee, Leeza Pel - 0400)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Sickbay Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) 0401)
(USS Rhyne - Somewhere --  Leeza Pel -- 0405)
(USS Rhyne - Somewhere --  Chief of Security -- 0410)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - acting XO Michael Weston - 0410)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - Ops Officer - Outrider 1 - 0411)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - aXO- Michael Weston - 0412)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0415)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0416)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0417)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 14- Upper Engine Support Bay - Ops, Outrider 1- 0418)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - aXO- Michael Weston - 0419)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, XO Michael Weston - 0430)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0440)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 15 Ð Main Engineering Ð EO Ð Ensign Angus McGuyver - 0441)
(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Conn- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday - 0442)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/0 LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0155)

The ship started to rock violently.  ÒWhatÕs going on?Ó he called out to no one in particular. 

ÒIt appears we are being drawn deeper into the maelstrom,Ó replied the Android. 

ÒMcGuyver, can you get me more power?Ó

ÒTrying Sir,Ó the young engineer replied as the ship continued to be tossed like a boat in a storm.  

ÒHold on,Ó he yelled, trying to get a grip on the pool as some angry giant shook the Rhyne like a play toy.  Gregory was tossed to the ground, hitting his head and losing consciousness. 

(USS Rhyne - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/0 LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0205)

Gregory opened his eyes to see Outrider one kneeling over him with a tricorder.  The ship seemed oddly calm.  ÒWhat?Ó he started.

ÒYou were thrown and hit your head.  I have scanned you and I do not note any permanent damage.Ó

ÒMcGuyver?Ó 

ÒHere, Sir.Ó

ÒStatus report,Ó he asked as he started to sit up. 

ÒMinor damage, but nothing we canÕt fix.  Shields are still holding, warp core is fine.Ó

Tapping his COMM badge, ÒEngineering to Battle Bridge.  Commander Verin, you ok up there?Ó

=^= Commander Verin is no longer on the ship =^= replied the computer. 

ÒWhere is she?Ó he asked the computer. 

=^= That information is not available at this time =^=

ÒGregory to Illuminar,Ó he said

=^= The Illuminar is not within sensor range =^=

ÒWhat the heck?Ó he said.  

ÒMcGuyver, you and Outrider keep working on repairs. Shields, weapons, sensors.  IÕm off to the TIC to see what is going on.Ó

(USS Rhyne - Deck B - TIC - 2/0 LCDR Dieter Gregory, SFI Michael Weston, Ensign Andy Taylor- 0210)

Gregory emerged from the transporter into the TIC. He looked around to see who was there.  Weston, Lee, Alyl, the pilot Corday, Matrix, and PÕRah.  ÒReport, where is the Commander?Ó

Weston had a look on his face that ranged from confusion to anger to guilt, but he stepped forward, ÒNot sure.  One minute she was there, the next she was gone.  I mean,Ó he had trouble finding the words, Òthere wasnÕt even a transporter effect.Ó

ÒWhat?  Disappeared?  Gone?  I could not raise her on the Comm,Ó he paused, ÒThe Illuminar is not within sensor range either.Ó  

Taylor looked around from the station he was at, ÒYes sir, I havenÕt been able to find them, or the Klingon ships.  IÕm no stellar cartographer, but even the stars look different.  What ever happened, when we went through that gravity well, we areÉ some place else.Ó

Gregory nodded, acknowledging the security officer's comments.   Looking around, ÒComputer, until Commander Verin is found, I am assuming command of the Rhyne.  Let the log show me taking over at this time.Ó

=^= Acknowledge Commander. =^=  

ÒOK, Mr. Lee, I want you to take what security we have and begin a room by room physical search of the ship.  If you find people dead, notify medical and the medics can come take over.  First search is for survivors while getting the dead so we can honor them in Star Fleet Tradition.Ó

(Lee)

ÒMr. Alyl, I need you to figure out where we are, and quickly.Ó 

(Alyl)

Turning to the others, ÒLets get to the bridge.Ó

He looked around at the crew.  ÒWe donÕt know where we are, all we know is weÕre alive, and thatÕs a start.  In an hour, I want to know more than I know now.  Rely on your training, your experience.  WeÕll get back to the Illuminar.  I know we can do this, but itÕs going to take every bit of our collective efforts.  There is a saying in my family, taken from Sir Frances Drake, an English naval officer in the 16th century.  Sic parvis magna, which loosely translates to ÔGreat things from small things come,Õ  Lets do what is great in the finest of Starfleet traditions.Ó

Taylor chuckled as he stood up and joined Gregory, ÒMy mom had a similar saying.  Dynamite comes in small packages.Ó

(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Main Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0215)

Gregory led the team onto the bridge.  ÒMr. Taylor, you are now our chief tactical officer.  Get me weapons status and make sure we can hit back if those Klingons show up.Ó

Taylor looked shocked, ÒMe sir? CTac, sir? I mean, yes sir.Ó  He looked at the tactical station then frowned, asit appeared the entire station was not there, but mixed in with the rubble on the ground. ÒThis may take a little time, sir.Ó  Then he got to work. 

ÒTime, Mr. Taylor, may be a luxury we donÕt have a lot of,Ó  Gregory said, putting his hand on the manÕs shoulder, ÒI know youÕll do your best.Ó 

Turning around, he eyed the pilot.  ÒMr. Corday, the helm is yours.  Figure out where we are and plot us a course to either the Illuminar or the nearest starbase.Ó

ÒAye sir,Ó Corday said, and stepped over the bodies on the way to the Conn station.

Gregory turned to his engineer.  ÒMr. Matrix, you start figuring out what works and what doesnÕt around here.  You have Mr. McGuyver and our android in main engineering.  I want as much online as you can get as quickly as you can.Ó

(reply Matrix)

He sighed and looked at Weston.  ÒMr. Weston,Ó he said, ÒCome join me in the ready room.Ó

Weston looked at Gregory with an almost Vulcan eyebrow raise, ÒShould I be worried?Ó

He looked at the others and shrugged, following the ÒCaptainÓ.

(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room  - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0220)

Gregory entered the ready room.  It was a mess, with PADDs and various knick-knacks thrown around the room.  He turned to the intelligence officer, ÒWe donÕt see eye to eye, do we Mr. Weston?Ó

ÒYou noticed,Ó Weston quipped.

He paused, ÒHowever, Dr. Solice trusts you and I trust her.  The transitive property says I should trust you as well.  And so I will. Right now we have an anxious crew, weÕre lost on a ship that may be haunted or trying to kill us.  I need your skills at reading people.  I know you didnÕt sign up for this, but I want you, I need you, to serve as my Executive Officer.  ItÕs not going to be easy, and weÕll be pulling 12 hour shifts, if weÕre lucky.  With luck weÕre back home soon, but IÕm not going to rely on luck.Ó

ÒWell thatÕs the wisest thing IÕve heard out of anybodyÕs mouth in a long time,Ó Weston replied.  ÒExcept for the part of being your XO.  You noticed that we donÕt see eye to eye, but have you noticed that you are not alone in those feelings.  In fact, most of the command staffÉ well, to put it bluntly, hate me.  IÕm not sure why, but there it is.  IÕm sure it was no easy thing for you to say you need me.  However, it has always been my job to do whatever is needed.  You need me, you have me.Ó
He paused for a moment then looked very serious, ÒYouÕre not going to require me to wear a uniform are you?Ó

ÒJust as long as you donÕt show up naked, I think we can dispense with the uniform,Ó Gregory replied. 

ÒComputer, enter into the log on this day, at this time, Mr. Michael Weston is now my acting executive officer with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that come with that role.Ó 

He put his hand out, ÒAnd we didnÕt hate you, just didnÕt trust you, Mr. Weston.  But the life of the crew is in your hands as much as it is in mine.Ó

Weston put a look of consternation on his face, :ÓWell thatÕs a sobering thought.Ó

(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge  - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0230)

Gregory strode back onto the bridge and looked around at the crew working there.  Sitting down in the Captain's chair. ÒComputer, open a shipwide channel.Ó 

=^=Channel Open =^=

ÒThis is Acting Captain Dieter Gregory,Ó he began.  ÒIf there are any crew from the USS Rhyne, we are here to help.  If you can, please assemble in 5 forward in one hour.  All Illuminar Crew, please assemble at that time as well.Ó 

Weston had followed Gregory out of the Ready Room and stood behind him as he sent his shi wide message.  When the Captain was done he stepped around the chair.  He looked around the bridge and took a breath.

ÒCaptain, might I suggest weÉ remove the bodies that we find to a central location,Ó Weston said.  ÒSome place that we can depressurize to preserve the bodies until we canÉ well dispose of them.Ó 

ÒLetÕs get the medicÕs on that detail now.  I think we can devote part of the flight deck for that,Ó he replied.   ÒOnce we have them identified, and recorded we can honor them appropriately.Ó

ÒTo be blunt, sir,Ó Weston continued, Òthe bodies on the bridge are in the way.  Mind if I transport them to the flight deck now?Ó

ÒGo ahead Mr. Weston,Ó  Gregory replied.  

Michael made his way to the science station and wiped all of the debris covering it onto the floor.  He banged on the monitor and it came to life.  It took him a moment to access the transporters and deck plans and opted to put them in the shuttle bay on deck 12 aft.Ssoon the bodies that had littered the bridge disappeared in the hum of the effect. He looked around the room and sighed.

ÒAn XOÕs job is never done,Ó he said, and began to transport the debris in a wide dispersion into space.  After a few minutes the only sign of what had occurred were the actual stations that had exploded, and the blood stains.  There was only so much that he could do.

Then he tapped his comm badge, ÒLt. Lee, we are clearing a space on the hanger deck on deck 12, aft. Transport any bodies you recover there.Ó

(reply Lee)

ÒWeston to Scully, and Mulder,Ó Weston said, tapping his badge again, Òmake your way to deck 12, aft shuttle bay. We are storing the bodies of the dead Rhyne crew there. YouÕll need to depressurize the bay and remove the atmosphere to preserve the bodies.Ó

=^=Roger that, Mr. Weston. On our way. =^=

Gregory needed information, and the best place to find that was the CaptainÕs logs, or at least he hoped there was something in there.  Notably how a ship that disappeared near Deep Space 9 in 2374 appeared near the Klingon border, 100Õs of light years away  in 2446.  

(Reply all - Matrix, Alyl, Lee)
(posted by Al and Tim)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck B Ð TIC Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0200)
       Chief Lee who had been checking the passageways for any possible hostiles had entered the battle bridge of the Tactical Information Centre to see on the main viewscreen, the attack on the Klingon ship been blasted by RhyneÕs phasers. The impact of the explosion of the Klingon ship struck the Rhyne. Lee found himself helplessly thrown across the desk  as he had nothing to hang on to and fell heavily on the deck floor, his head narrowly missing the edge of a console. He landed heavily on his front. He laid there taking whooping breaths as he quickly checked his limb movements; nothing was broken.. except possibly his pride. Finally, Lee stood up and  stretched his arms,  He was astonished to Verin disappeared as he watched Weston attempting to grab of her.
        
ÒWhat just happened?Ó asked a startled Lee.
        
(reply anyone)
(Posted by John)

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(USS Rhyne - Deck B - TIC - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0211)
Gregory emerged from the transporter into the TIC. ÒReport, where is the Commander?Ó
ÒNot sure.  One minute she was there, the next she was gone.  I mean there wasnÕt even a transporter effect.Ó
ÒWhat?  Disappeared?  Gone?  I could not raise her on the Comm,Ó he paused, ÒThe Illuminar is not within sensor range either.Ó  
Taylor looked around from the station he was at, ÒYes sir, I havenÕt been able to find them, or the Klingon ships.  IÕm no stellar cartographer, but even the stars look different.  What ever happened, when we went through that gravity well, we areÉ some place else.Ó
Gregory nodded, acknowledging the security officer's comments.   Looking around, ÒComputer, until Commander Verin is found, I am assuming command of the Rhyne.  Let the log show me taking over at this time.Ó
=^= Acknowledge Commander. =^=  
ÒOK, Mr. Lee, I want you to take what security we have and begin a room by room physical search of the ship.  If you find people dead, notify medical and the medics can come take over.  First search is for survivors while getting the dead so we can honor them in Star Fleet Tradition.Ó
(Lee)
ÒMr. Alyl, I need you to figure out where we are, and quickly.Ó 
"Aye, sir," Jaton replied, turning to the sensor readouts on his monitor.
(reply Lee, any)
(posted by Spencer)
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(USS Rhyne Ð Decks 2/3Ð  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0214)
       Chief Lee turned sharply at the entrance of the battle bridge to see four Gorns suddenly appear. He raised his phaser rifle and fired at the group, one of the Gorns collapsed.  To LeeÕs surprise, the Gorns turned and ran.  Glancing at Weston ``I'm going after them.  Secure the bridge.Ó  Without waiting for an answer from Weston, Lee immediately left the battle bridge onto the deck in pursuit of the Gorns.  He stood puzzled in the middle of the passageway  to find it completely empty..where did they go?  Gorns were slow moving creatures. 
        
       At the end of the passageway, there was a fixed metal staircase which headed to deck 3. Lee  climbed the staircase  with  his phaser rifle aimed at the top.  As he neared the top, he could hear roars of sounds of laughter and cheers. They were the sound of..Klingons.   He had reached the top,  lifted his phaser rifle over his head and began firing in short, controlled bursts.. He had been taught to shoot back even if you had to guess and didn't know where the enemy was precisely.  It had the psychological effect of letting the enemy know you were not a sitting target and kept their heads down, reducing their ability to continue firing. At least that was the theory!   He cautiously climbed onto deck 1 to find nobody on the deck, not even bodies.  WhatÕs going on, here?  He rotated 360 degrees expecting to find any hostiles.  He was startled to hear a loud roar coming from somewhere.  There were doors along this particular deck so he attempted to open the entry panel for each door but there was no response in the doors opening.  Cautiously he walked along the deck, still hearing this roar coming from somewhere and then crying!  The lights in the passageways started flickering.  It was unnerving.
        
       Yet, unperturbed by the distraction of the roar and crying, Lee  covered about thirty meters of the corridor before he paused. The noise had stopped and the deck seemed now to be semi-lit. Someone playing with the lights!  He reached a T junction and there was a turbo lift in front of him. The turbo lift doors opened to reveal it was empty. Lee entered the turbo lift.  ÒDeck 2Ó he ordered.   He was aware of music in the turbo lift!  Lee licked his dry lips and felt the anticipation rising in him as the turbo lift arrived at Deck 2. He raised his phaser rifle as the doors slide open to reveal a group of waiting armed Cardassians.  Without hesitation, Lee fired in a wide arc blasting the Cardassians with a burst of red dispersal beams.  They collapsed in a heap in front of LeeÉthen disappeared!  Lee leaned against a bulkhead in surprise and then shook his head in confusion.  He could feel his heart racing as he heard a roar again!  He continued along Deck 2 which seemed to be getting darker.  So far he hadn't located any of the Rhyne crew, not even bodies.  Lee wished he had his tricorder with him!  
        
(reply none)
(posted by John)

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(USS Rhyne Ð Cargo bay & Deck 5  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0215)
Lee emerged into the cargo bay, a two-tiered chamber split by a catwalk. He moved out of the passage and stood on the railless walkway, as the sound of the throbbing machinery echoed around him. Suddenly a disruptor bolt flashed over his head. From pure instinct, Lee rolled over into a prone firing position, and began firing in short, controlled bursts back in the direction of the attack, which was a shadowy alcove at the far end of the chamber. His senses were sharp and he was trying to figure out the exact position and strength of the opposing force. He could hear the sound of a roar and snarls. He continued to fire. The bright red flashes threw a pattern of shadows on the bulkheads and he saw what he thought were four figures at the far end of the room. They look like Romulans. They seem to appear to take cover behind an oversized pipe. His last shot went clean through the pipe before it hit a couple of shadows who had been mostly behind cover. Lee heard the sound of something rolling and he saw a glint of light reflecting off a small orb the size of a tennis ball. It bounced along the floor, rolling toward him, before it burst outwards in a sizzling globe of blue energy. Lee crouched down covering his face with his hands as he realized with horror he was about to be hit with an energy wave. He yelled in defiance! Then nothing. No energy wave! He looked up expecting to see an attack by his opponents. There was no opponents! 
Lee found himself sitting against a bulkhead feeling disorientated. Some extraordinary things were taking place which he found difficult to grasp. The opponents he encountered didnÕt seem to exist. Either he was hallucinating which was unlikely or there may be some alien presence which is creating these opponents. He didnÕt like being the object of being made a fool of. Were the others being affected? The chances of hostile Gorns, Klingons, Romulans plus any other aliens being on the same ship was unlikely.
These incidents could be the work of alien forces like the Q but he wasnÕt sure. Were the others being affected in the same way. Where was the rest of the crew? So far on his travels, he havenÕt found anyone..yet.
Lee made up his mind to ignore any imaginary hostiles who will shoot at him. He stood and shouted. ÒI HAVE NO IDEA WHY I BEING PLAYED BUT I AM NOT PLAYING. IT'S ALL IN MY MIND!Ó
(reply none)
(posted by John T)
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(USS Rhyne Ð Decks 2/3Ð  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0216)
       Chief Lee turned sharply at the entrance of the battle bridge to see four Gorns suddenly appear. He raised his phaser rifle and fired at the group, one of the Gorns collapsed.  To LeeÕs surprise, the Gorns turned and ran.  Glancing at Weston ``I'm going after them.  Secure the bridge.Ó  Without waiting for an answer from Weston, Lee immediately left the battle bridge onto the deck in pursuit of the Gorns.  He stood puzzled in the middle of the passageway  to find it completely empty..where did they go?  Gorns were slow moving creatures. 
        
       At the end of the passageway, there was a fixed metal staircase which headed to deck 3. Lee  climbed the staircase  with  his phaser rifle aimed at the top.  As he neared the top, he could hear roars of sounds of laughter and cheers. They were the sound of..Klingons.   He had reached the top,  lifted his phaser rifle over his head and began firing in short, controlled bursts.. He had been taught to shoot back even if you had to guess and didn't know where the enemy was precisely.  It had the psychological effect of letting the enemy know you were not a sitting target and kept their heads down, reducing their ability to continue firing. At least that was the theory!   He cautiously climbed onto deck 1 to find nobody on the deck, not even bodies.  WhatÕs going on, here?  He rotated 360 degrees expecting to find any hostiles.  He was startled to hear a loud roar coming from somewhere.  There were doors along this particular deck so he attempted to open the entry panel for each door but there was no response in the doors opening.  Cautiously he walked along the deck, still hearing this roar coming from somewhere and then crying!  The lights in the passageways started flickering.  It was unnerving.
        
       Yet, unperturbed by the distraction of the roar and crying, Lee  covered about thirty meters of the corridor before he paused. The noise had stopped and the deck seemed now to be semi-lit. Someone playing with the lights!  He reached a T junction and there was a turbo lift in front of him. The turbo lift doors opened to reveal it was empty. Lee entered the turbo lift.  ÒDeck 2Ó he ordered.   He was aware of music in the turbo lift!  Lee licked his dry lips and felt the anticipation rising in him as the turbo lift arrived at Deck 2. He raised his phaser rifle as the doors slide open to reveal a group of waiting armed Cardassians.  Without hesitation, Lee fired in a wide arc blasting the Cardassians with a burst of red dispersal beams.  They collapsed in a heap in front of LeeÉthen disappeared!  Lee leaned against a bulkhead in surprise and then shook his head in confusion.  He could feel his heart racing as he heard a roar again!  He continued along Deck 2 which seemed to be getting darker.  So far he hadn't located any of the Rhyne crew, not even bodies.  Lee wished he had his tricorder with him!  
        
(reply none)
(posted by John)
(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5  - Lounge Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee - 0217)
He made his way out of the cargo onto another corridor and took a turbo lift to deck 5, without further incident. Here he discovered the lounge which was empty of any crew. As he explored the room, he found tables with uneaten food and glasses still with liquid. There was a pool table which clearly had evidence of a game being played. He picked up a blue ball as he continued to look around and rolled the ball into a pocket.
He suddenly heard the sound of whimpering. It came from behind the bar. Not again, thought Lee. He decided to ignore it as perhaps another trick and was about to walk out when he heard crying. It occurred to Lee that this was different and it piqued his interest. He slowly approached the bar and raised his phaser rifle as he cautiously leaned over the bar counter. To his surprise, expecting another imaginary hostile, he saw a crying little girl huddled against the back of the bulkhead. She looked real.
ÒHey. Little girl. YouÕre alright?Ó asked Lee.
(Reply Kris)
(posted by John)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Sickbay - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev - 0225)
 
The ship rocked hard and Kyllee had to hold onto Mertz to keep him from flying off the bio bed.  Then a wave of nausea passed through him.  When his head cleared and his body settled  he tapped his comm badge.
 
ÒKylle to Commander Verin.Ó
 
[Commander Verin is not on board.]
 
~What?~
 
ÒKyllee to Lt. Commander Gregory, what happened to Commander Verin. What is going on up there?Ó
 
=^= Dr. Kyllee, we are working on assessing the situation.  Do you have anything to report? If not, we will be assembling in about an hour to discuss what we know. =^=
 
ÒMe?Ó Stev asked sarcastically, ÒWell, I could report my one patient was almost thrown out of his bed, or that something outside the door is trying to kill us, or that Cardassian voles are crawling through the ship. But I wonÕt report that. I will say that our new friend, Computer Specialist Fred Mertz is now sedated, and being treated for severe malnutrition and dehydration.  Other than that things are just fine.Ó
 
~DonÕt worry that you didnÕt even mention the missing Commander.~. But he thought it best to keep that thought to himself. 
 
=^=Now is not the time for sarcasm, doctor. We have a complex situation and in an hour, we will know more. =^=
 
ÒI canÕt think of a better time for sarcasm, Commander,Ó the doctor said. ÒIÕll be there if I can get there alive.Ó
 
He turned to Dever and smiled, ÒAn hour, eh?  LetÕs see if thatÕs enough time to get Mr. Mertz here on his feet enough to make it up four flights.  Hopefully the turbo lifts are still working.Ó
 
ÒHe doesnÕt look that heavy, Doc. I can carry him no problems,Ó Devers said, ÒBut that means you have to man the phaser rifle.Ó
 
Stev frowned at the probability of him having to wield a weapon, then shrugged, ÒWe still have an hour.  Hopefully he can walk by then.Ó
 
(Reply none)
(Posted by Al and Tim) 

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(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Lost - Leeza Pel - 0230)

Leeza was lost.  She should not be out but her Mommy and Daddy were gone and her holonanny was no longer online.

ÒHey. Little girl. YouÕre all right?Ó asked Lee.
Leeza wiped her tears.  ÒDaddy?Ó  she softly questioned as she held her dolly closer.  She looked at the man and smiled.  She jumped and threw her arms around her neck.  She clamps tight.  ÒDaddy, Daddy, I scare.Ó

(Reply Lee)  

ÒDaddy no leave me.Ó  Leeza would not let go.  ÒMamma?Ó

(Reply Lee)
(posted by Kris B.)
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(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Chief of Security- Lt (jg)  Keung Lee - 0231)

ÒMy feet hurt, Carry me,Ó  said  Leeza as she lifted her arms to be carried.
 
Lee hung his phaser around his back and lifted Leeza in both his arms.  She wasnÕt heavy..about half the weight of a sack of potatoes so Lee was able to cope for now.  Now he decided to make his way to Deck 5 ÔFive ForwardÕ.
 
ÒYou're okay!Ó said Lee as he continued along the corridors, hoping that they would not encounter any hostiles.
 
(reply)
 
(posted by John)

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(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Chief of Security Lt (jn)  - 0235)
 
Lee almost fell as the little girl jumped and threw her arms around neck.  ÒDaddy, Daddy I scareÓ
 
Lee put her down gently and knelt to her level ÒNo, No.  IÕm not your daddy.Ó
 
The little girl exclaimed ÔDaddy no leave me.  Mamma?Ó
 
ÒThey must be around somewhere.Ó Said Lee softly.  What happened to her parents.  Lee saw two rows of dark spots going from the top of her forehead down to her neck.  She was a Trill.  Tell me..whatÕs your name?Ó
 
(reply Kris)
 
ÒIs that your dolly? WhatÕs your dolly name.Ó 
 
(reply Kris)
 
ÒTell you what.  You want something to drink.  You like chocolateÓ asked Lee looking around, he spotted a food replicator.
 
(reply Kris)
 
Taking hold of her hand, he approached the food replicator.  ÒTell you what.  As the replicator for you want.Ó
 
(reply Kris)
 
Satisfied that the girl, Leeza, got what she wanted, Lee wondered what to do with her.  He couldnÕt leave her alone here.  Perhaps he could ask the hologram bar person who was cleaning some glasses to look after her.  Then realized that the hologram bar person was only programmed to serve and make drinks. I doubt that it would be programmed to make conversation.  He guessed he would have to take her.  A risk but there wasnÕt much choice.
 
ÒTell you what Leeza.  We go and find your daddy and momma.  Actually they might be in your quarters..er.home.  Do you know where that is?Ó
 
(reply Kris)
 
ÒLetÕs go.Ó  Said Lee, hoping that her parents were still alive and in their quarters.  He took hold of LeezaÕs hand and held his phaser rifle in the other.  This was a challenge he did not expect. .  
 
(reply Kris)
(posted by John)

____________________________________________________________________________

(USS Rhyne Ð   Deck 5 --  Leeza Pel - 0237)

Lee almost fell as the little girl jumped and threw her arms around his neck.  ÒDaddy, Daddy I scareÓ
 
Lee put her down gently and knelt to her level ÒNo, No.  IÕm not your daddy.Ó
 
The little girl exclaimed ÔDaddy no leave me.  Mamma?Ó
 
ÒThey must be around somewhere.Ó Said Lee softly.  What happened to her parents.  Lee saw two rows of dark spots going from the top of her forehead down to her neck.  She was a Trill.  Tell me..whatÕs your name?Ó
 
ÒSilly, Daddy you know I am Leeza.Ó
 
ÒIs that your dolly? WhatÕs your dolly name.Ó
 
Leeza shook her head.  She thought that her Daddy was acting weird,  ÒSilly, Daddy.Ó
 
ÒTell you what.  You want something to drink.  You like chocolateÓ asked Lee looking around, he spotted a food replicator.
 
But Daddy, you said I am not allowed to have chocolate.
 
Taking hold of her hand, he approached the food replicator.  ÒTell you what.  Ask the replicator for what you want.Ó
 
ÒOh I know, but it is working funny.Ó
 
ÒTell you what Leeza.  We go and find your daddy and momma.  Actually, they might be in your quarters..er.home.  Do you know where that is?Ó
 
ÒDaddy, do you not love me?Ó  Leeza was not understanding why he was acting that way
 
ÒLetÕs go.Ó  Said Lee, hoping that her parents were still alive and in their quarters.  He took hold of LeezaÕs hand and held his phaser rifle in the other.  This was a challenge he did not expect. . 
 
ÒMy feet hurt, Carry me,Ó  Leeza lifted her arms to be carried.
 
(Reply Lee)
(posted by Kris)

____________________________________________________________________________
       
 
(USS Rhyne - Deck 12 Ð Aft Shuttle Bay Ð Medics Fox Mulder and Dana Scully - 0300)
 
When Mulder and Scully first arrived in the shuttle bay they found the handful of bodies that had transported there, laying in the middle of the bay.  Fortunately there was a rather large, open space that they had determined was suitable for a makeshift morgue.  They had found some large tarps and laid them out on the floor and transported the bodies from where they were onto the tarps.  They laid tarps over the area where they had been to cover the blood stains that they had left behind.  
 
Then they went over and arranged the bodies in some manner that might make it easier to identify them once they got their hands on a crew manifest.  The easy part was uniform.  These were all red shirts.  Command officers.  There was also a security officer that they moved to a different area.  Once they got their organization set they stood back and waited.  
 
After a while, waiting for dead bodies to arrive got to be, well, unsatisfying.  They were on the shuttle bay level, and looked at the map on their PADDs.  Below them was another shuttle bay level.  They had decided to go down to that level and see if they could find anyone else, dead or alive.  It hadnÕt taken long to find bodies.  The weird one was the body that appeared to have been impaled by the arm of another body, not far away.  They found another half dozen bodies, all of which died under various  nefarious methods.  Each one was transported up to the deck 12 bay.
 
Having cleared the level, the two medics went back up to arrange the bodies in their grid and looked at the work.  There was a mixed sense of satisfaction and disgust at their work.  The body count was up to fifteen, but on a crew of nearly five hundred they had to wonder where everyone was.  
 
ÒWeÕd better start heading up for the briefing,Ó Mulder said, turning to Scully.  ÒI just wish I knew where everyone went.  ItÕs just weird.Ó
 
Scully looked at him, then out into space, ÒMaybe theyÕre out there.Ó
 
(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
 
 ____________________________________________________________________________

(USS Rhyne - Deck 5 - ÔFive ForwardÕ - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory, acting XO Michael Weston, Leeza Pel - 0330)

Weston had been the first to enter the room. He looked around, noting how spacious it was, and how empty it felt. It reminded him that he was on his own now. Typically that was how he liked it. But now he had others directly relying on him. It wasnÕt like having a government rely on him, or the Federation. It was more personal. And he was starting to miss Quinna. He wondered how she was doing. 

He arranged some seats so that he and Gregory would have a place to address the crew, and to have his command staff on display. They had to give the others a show of unity and strength. 

The next to arrive was Ensign McGuyver. He walked through the room and offered a hand to Weston. 

ÒAngus McGuyver,Ó he introduced himself. ÒEngineer.Ó

ÒMr. McGuyver,Ó Michael took his hand and the engineer gave it a vigorous squeeze and shake. ÒMichael Weston. SFI and, apparently, XO for our little outing.Ó

ÒGus,Ó McGuyver said, Òonly me mother calls me Angus. So your the sasenach everyoneÕs been talking about.Ó

Michael shrugged his shoulders, ÒI guess so.Ó

ÒAch, donÕt take it to heart lad,Ó McGuyver consoled, Òyou seem like a nice enough fellow.Ó

Michael chuckled as the door opened and Dr. Kyllee came in with Petty Officer Dever, supporting Fred Mertz. They plopped him down in a chair and the doctor approached the pair. 

ÒDr. Kyllee,Ó Weston said, shaking the doctorÕs hand. ÒGlad you were able to get here alive.Ó

ÒYou and me both,Ó Stev smiled. ÒMr. Dever and I were able to carry Computer Specialist Mertz with us. HeÕs going to make it, but heÕs still pretty weak, and emotionally a wreck.Ó

The next to arrive were Andy Taylor and Arthur Corday. They had been talking on the bridge and continued their conversation all the way to the lounge. 

ÒAnd then all I heard was BOOM!Ó Taylor said and Corday burst into a fit of giggles. They joined the growing throng. 

ÒGentlemen,Ó Corday nodded. McGuyver shook hands with both of them and was introduced to Snoopy. 

ÒSnoopy?Ó the engineer asked. 

ÒItÕs a long story,Ó Corday said, ÒIÕll tell you later. Pretty sure weÕre going to have some time to get to know one another.Ó

ÒIndeed,Ó Weston agreed. 

The three medics all entered together and found seats. They turned and continued the conversation they had started before. Klinger had been able to find a clean uniform that sort of fit him. 

Lee walked in, looking and feeling exhausted, after searching the decks but he was holding a little girl that he found alone in the Lounge.  ÒThis is Leeza, everyone. SheÕs looking for her daddy and mummy.Ó  He found a couple of seats and sat Leeza next to Weston. Lee gave a look to see what WestonÕs response would be. 

Weston looked from Lee to the little girl and took a knee.  ÒWell hello there little one.  What are you doing here?Ó

Leeza scooted closer to Lee, ÒI found daddy!Ó  Leeza used her two year old tone.  She then pulled up her dolly and pulled the stuffed symbiot and put it on the table. 

ÒWell that is very nice for you,Ó Michael stood up and smiled at Lee.  ÒCongratulations Mr. Lee. looks like itÕs a girl.Ó

Leeza flashed her blue eyes to Michael and gave him a smile, and then scooted closer to Lee.

Jaton walked in, looking worse for wear. He had been going non-stop ever since he had arrived onboard without so much as a moment to catch his breath, and was wondering what fresh hell would be thrown at them now with the latest developments.

Gregory walked into the lounge.  Like all ships, designers added a lounge area on the ship where the crew could relax.  Not that relaxation was in the air today.  He looked around the room to see a few faces he didnÕt recognize. Maybe all hope wasnÕt lost.

ÒI called you here to the lounge so that you all understand that this is informal.  Yes, IÕll ask for updates, but right now, I need everyoneÕs mind on the task.  We need all ideas in the open.  Nothing is out of the realm of discussion and if I donÕt have an answer, I'll tell you straight up.Ó

ÒFirst order of business.  Mr. Weston will serve as the executive officer till we get home.  IÕve also appointed Mr. Taylor as our chief tactical officer,Ó he said.

ÒMr. Alyl, have you had any luck determining when and where we are?Ó

ÒNot yet. Readings are absolutely chaotic. I can barely make heads or tails of them so far. WeÕre working on it though, sir,Ó Jaton replied.

ÒHow about you Mr. Corday?Ó

Arthur stood up out of habit, ÒWell, I canÕt tell you exactly where we are, but I can tell you where weÕre not. I know that sounds vague. We are where we were, but weÕre not. The RhyneÕs star charts are sixty years old but things are missing. And another thing. I think we had a time slip. Some of the star systems I recognize should be slightly further apart.  But if I didnÕt know better IÕd say we are still at the old Romulan border. Ò

ÒMr. Matrix, engineering update.Ó

(reply Matrix)

Gregory took all the information in and shook his head, ÒSo we donÕt know where we are, or when we are.  We just know we are here.  ThatÕs a start.  Mr. Alyl, can you take the data that Mr. Corday has and run it through Astrometrics to see if we can figure out when and where we are with a little more precision.Ó

ÒCan do, sir. IÕll let you know when we have a result,Ó Jaton said, nodding.

Leeza sat there quietly but tugged on LeeÕs clothes.  She softly said ÒI need to go potty.Ó

ÒWell, that means we better find some pilots,Ó Gregory replied.  

ÒDoctor Kyllee, what is the status of sickbay?  Any more information you have gleaned from the CMOÕs records as to what happened on the ship?  And can you take the girl, Leeza, for a full exam.  See if you can find out who her parents are, or were, and if there are any relatives we can try to get in contact with.Ó

Leeza looked up when her name was said.  She was not going to let anyone separate her and her Daddy.  She tugged on Lee again.  ÒDaddy, I need to go potty.Ó

ÒOther than finding Mr. Mertz in a stasis pod there is little to report,Ó Kyllee said.  ÒSickbay, itself, is in pretty good condition.  It looks like it hadnÕt been attended to in a while, but thatÕs easily cleaned up.  Supplies are low, but hopefully replicators are on line and we can easily fill our stocks with the necessities of healing.Ó

He pulled out his PADD and pulled up the data that heÕd taken from his scans of Mertz and the others.  ÒNow as for the things that have been occurring, I do have a couple of theories.  I Ôve been taking scans of the brains of the crew when IÕve had chances.  There is something that is affecting our brain chemistry.  ItÕs causing a sense of fear and paranoia.  I may have stumbled on a clue to help with that.  But thereÕs also something out there that is a very real threat.  Some of the bodies that IÕve seen have, clearly, been acted upon by an outside force.Ó

ÒSpeaking of which, Mr. Matrix, what is the status of our subspace communications?  It would be good to try to get a hold of Starfleet Command.Ó

Leeza stood in her chair, She put her one hand on each of LeeÕs cheeks ÒDADDY, I HAVE TO GO POTTY.  You said big girls use the potty.Ó  Leeza then slammed her Dolly on the table.  The stuffed Symbiont shot out the dollÕs belly and across the table.

Gregory picked up the stuffed worm and tossed it to the security chief. ÒMr. Lee, the child seems to have an affinity for you, so if you could please assist her, and then bring her round to the doctor.  Mr. Matrix, please continue.Ó

(reply Matrix)

ÒOK people, weÕll reconvene in 4 hours.  I will be on the bridge doing research into the ship's logs. As you learn things, let me know.  Top two items are where and when we are. Third is trying to get a message to  SFHQ,Ó he paused.  ÒDoctor, please share the information with Mr. Lee and his security team, such as it is, about these bodies youÕve discovered.  After that and the checkup of our little guest here, meet me on the bridge to discuss your other theories.Ó

He paused again, ÒI know you are all tired.  Once we have some answers, we can get a shift rotation going so people can get some sleep.  ItÕs just like finals week in the academy.  Just another exercise.Ó 

ÒDismissed.Ó 

(reply none, any)
(posted by Tim, Al, Spencer, John and Kris)
 ____________________________________________________________________________

(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Scikbay - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, SC Lt. Lee, Leeza Pel - 0400)

Kyllee had managed to make the Sickbay look more likeÉ a Sickbay, by the time Lee had arrived with his charge.

ÒAh, Lt. Lee,Ó Kyllee smiled warmly.  He rather enjoyed working with children.  In general they tended to be overly honest.  He smiled at Leeza, and took a knww.  ÒAnd you Miss Leeza, it is a pleasure to meet you.Ó

Leeza turned and grabbed Lee by the neck,  ÒNO!Ó  She was getting a bit testy.  ÒDaddy, tell him to go away.Ó

(reply Lee)

Kyllee maintained his mood, ÒItÕs quite alright. DonÕt worry Leeza, I wonÕt hurt you. In fact,Ó his eyes twinkled as he looked at Lee, Òyour daddy can stay with you and hold your hand the whole time. And if I hurt you, you can punch me in the nose.Ó

Leeza looked on Lee but then held out her doll, ÒBaby firstÓ

Stev nodded, ÓFair enough.  WhatÕs babyÕs name?Ó 

ÒLeeza,Ó the girl replied, as if it were obvious. 

He held out his hands for the doll, ÒWould you like to hold her hand while I check her out?Ó

Leeza let go of the dolly into KylleeÕs hand.  She then gave instructions to the doll.  ÒLeeza be good.  Pel be quiet.Ó  then Leeza grabbed tight to Lee.

Kyllee gently lifted the doll, and spoke to it with kindness. ÒNow Baby Leeza, I donÕt want you to worry. You can sit right here and IÕm going to have a quick look to see how youÕre doing.Ó

He carefully place the doll on the bio bed and pulled out his medical scanner. Out of the corner he watched LeezaÕs reaction as he scanned the doll. 

ÒWell thatÕs very interesting,Ó he said thoughtfully, but then nothing more. He could even see a look of interest from the security chief. 

Turning to the girl he said, ÒWould you like to try and do this? ItÕs such a big girl job.Ó


Leeza looked and reached her free hand out to Kyllee.  ÒNo Belly Check.  OK?Ó  Leeza then looked at Lee.  ÒIts a secret, right Daddy?Ó

(Reply Lee)

Kyllee nodded, ÒOnly what you feel comfortable with.Ó

As he handed the scanner to the girl he set on an autodiagnostic, so it would show the basic vital functions of the holder. 

ÒJust press the red button and hold it over your baby where you want to see,Ó he said and stepped back from the table. 

Leeza took the device and pushed the button.  She ran it over her dollÕs heart.  ÒLeeza is smart.Ó  

Kyllee looked on like a proud uncle, ÒShe is smart.  What do you notice?Ó  He watched over her shoulder. 

Then Leeza ran the device over her dollÕs check.  ÒLeeza heart is good.Ó

Kyllee nodded, ÒShe has a strong heart. See those numbers, they tell me how many times a minute her heart is beating, and how much oxygen is in her blood.  Would you like to check anything else, Doctor Leeza?Ó

Leeza then handed the device to Kyllee, ÒAll done, no more scans.Ó

Kyllee took back his tricorder and nodded,  ÒNow it is your turn my young friend. WeÕll do the exact same scan.Ó

Leeza started to whimper.  She did not want to be scanned.  ÒUmmm ok.  No BellyÓ  She squeezed Lee tight.

ÒYou are very brave Leeza,Ó Kyllee said. ÒAnd I told you, I will do the exact same scan that you did for Baby Leeza.  ÒYouÕll hardly notice anything.Ó

He patted the table, indicating to sit down. 

Leeza looked.  ÒNo!  Daddy hold me.Ó

Kyllee looked at Lee, hoping to get some help. Her insistence to avoid a belly scan had raised a concern and he was having a thought he didnÕt like. 

Leeza started to yawn.  ÒI want chocolate cake.Ó

(Lee)

ÒPerhaps,Ó Kyllee offered, Ò if you are a very good girl, and do what ask you to do, LÉ your daddy will get you some chocolate cake.Ó

ÒI be good.  I always good.Ó  Leeza said, ÒYou scan me.Ó

ÒExcellent,Ó the doctor smiled and lifted the girl onto the bio bed. 

His hand brushed across the controls of the bed to disable the monitor, so all Leeza would see was the display on his tricorder.  He was careful to limit the display to show her upper torso.   

Turning the device he showed Leeza, ÒLook at that. You are even healthier than Baby Leeza.Ó

He did see some concerning reading in the girlÕs heart rate, blood pressure and certain enzymes. HeÕd seen them before in other Trill.  Certain other Trill.  

ÒGive me just a minute,Ó he said to Leeza and Lee. 

He stepped away from the bed and synced his tricorder to its monitor. What he saw didnÕt surprise him as much as dismay him. Stev remembered what Leeza said at the beginning, ÒDaddyÕs secret.Ó  He knew what that secret was. 

Coming back to the table Stev took a deep breath. He looked from Leeza to Lee, and back to Leeza. 

ÒLeeza, I would like Lt. Lee to step out of the room for just one minute. I think you and I need to talk.Ó

Leeza looked at Lee, ÒDaddy?Ó  Silent tears rolled down her eyes.  ÒOkÉ.  Daddy, hold Leeza baby.Ó  Leeza then held her doll out to Lee.

(reply Lee)

As Lee stepped outside Stev looked down at his young companion. ÒLeeza, I know you said you had a secret. Your daddyÕs secret, in fact.  And IÕm pretty sure you donÕt really think Lt Lee is your daddy.  It might be a good idea if you tell me what your secret is. Your daddy wonÕt mind.Ó

ÒDaddy will be mad.Ó  Leeza said.  ÒDaddy has the secret now.Ó

Stev shook his head, ÒNobody is going to be mad at you, sweetie. YouÕve been such a brave girl. But I need to know if you understand whatÕs happened.Ó

ÒYou  scanned my belly?Ó  Leeza asked. ÒWhy?Ó

Kyllee took a deep breath, ÒI didnÕt really have to scan you to see that something happened to your body.  But once I realized something had happened, as a doctor, I had to check.  I know you didnÕt want me to, but I kinda had to.  ItÕs sort of a doctor rule.  Can you tell me why you have a symbiote in your body?Ó

Leeza started to get mad,  ÒThat is DADDY! Daddy Secret!ÓLeeza started screaming at the top of her lungs.  ÒDADDY!!!!  DADDY!!!!!  DADDY!!!!!Ó

It suddenly came to him.  ~What an idiot I am.~  

ÒShhhhÉÓ he soothed her, ÒI understand.  DaddyÕs secret is in you.  Pel, right?Ó

Leeza curled up in a ball in the biobed crying.  ÒWhere is Daddy?Ó

ÒThatÕs kind of what IÕd like to know,Ó Stev muttered, more to himself than to Leeza.  He picked the girl up and held her, ÒItÕs going to be okay, Leeza.Ó

How do you explain to a child that she is housing the symbiote that had been her own father.  That was some weird Oedipus/Electra stuff right there..  Still he had to try and get some kind of answers from her.  Like why hadnÕt the symbiote share its memories, or could in with such a small child.  The process of becoming a joined Trill was grueling.  It must have been a drastic measure.

ÒLeeza, I know these are hard questions, but I have to ask them,Ó he pressed on.  ÒWhy would your daddy put his secret in you?Ó

Leeza rolled her eyes, ÒI can not tÉtÉtell you.  Daddy angry.Ó  Leeza then said, ÒPel miss Daddy.Ó

ÒIÕm sure he does,Ó Kyllee said Òand he canÕt be terribly comfortable in you.  But I must know why your daddy would put Pel inside you knowing it isnÕt particularly safe.Ó

ÒUmm, I Big girl.  I Trill.Ó  

Stev smiled a warm smile, ÒYes, yes you are.  A very big girl.  And you have had to do something that only big Trills have been asked to do.  But I have to know why.Ó

ÒDaddy told me I was a good girl and got my sybot early.  We are special.  Only Trill.Ó  Leeza said.  Typically Leeza would not say a word,
 but Pel was having a moment of unison with Leeza.

This was a little more difficult than Kyllee had hoped it would be.  Perhaps it had something to do with her fatherÕs work.  ÒKylleeÉ Pel, what did your daddy do on the ship?Ó

ÒNo! No!  Daddy Secret say too much.  I want Daddy! I WANT MY DADDY!Ó  Leeza protested.

If there was an adult symbiote inside Leeza it was either being obstinate, or its personality has not been able to take hold of the childÕs immature mind.  Perhaps heÕd pushed the girl far enough for one day. 

ÒVery well, my friend,Ó he acquiesced, Òwe will do this your way. But I am going to want to check on you regularly. So I will ask LieutenantÉÓ a smile crossed his face, Òyour daddy, to bring you back every three days, so I can make sure you are still okay.Ó

He hoped that his message got through to the symbionts Pel. He walked over to the door and invite Lee back in. 

ÒThere you go, Lieutenant,Ó he said, ÒLeeza is all yours. She is as fit as a fiddle and deserves some chocolate cake.Ó

(reply Lee)
(Posted by Al M. and Kris B.)
____________________________________________________________________________
(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Sickbay Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) 0401)
 
Lee arms were beginning to ache as he carried Leeza into sickbay and greeted Dr Kyliee Stev who was certainly pleased with seeing Leeza.  Lee almost fell as Leeza grabbed him by the neck.
 
 ÒNO!.  Daddy, tell him to go away.Ó Said Leeza
 
ÒDonÕt worry.  ThereÕs nothing to be afraid ofÓ reassured Lee ÒThis nice man is a doctor.Ó  Lee was wondering if he could leave Leeza in the hands of the Doctor.  There was no logistical way to carried out his security duties if he constantly had Leeza in tow. There were no sign of her parents.  Why did Leeza keep insisting on calling him ÔDaddyÓ even he though, he tried unsuccessfully persuade Leeza otherwise.Õ
 
ÒItÕs quite alright. DonÕt worry Leeza, I wonÕt hurt you. In fact.  Your daddy can stay with you and hold your hand the whole time. And if I hurt you, you can punch me in the nose.Ó

Lee looked at the doctor in surprise as Leeza held our her doll to him.  Lee found a seat, sat down holding LeezaÕs hand as he watched the interaction between Dr Stev and Leeza.  He was quite impressed with how the doctor handled the situation with Leeza.  He had taken the doll called baby Leeza and placed it on the biobed, scanning it with his Medical scanner before asking Leeza herself to scan the doll.  After she scanned the doll who she declared the heart was good.
 
Whatever ploy the Doctor was doing to give Leeza confidence might work observed Lee.  That was  until Dr Stev told Leeze that he was going to scan LeezaÕs own belly.  She started to whimper as she held Lee handÕs tighly.  Now she was becoming uncooperative  about having her belly being scanned.  What made Leeza so upset about not wanting to be scanned.  There was something wrong here, but Lee couldnÕt work it out. 
 
Lee helped Leeza to sit on the biobed when she suddeny yawned asking for chocolate cake.
 
ÒYou can have some chocolate cake laterÓ said Lee, glancing around for the replicator and then at Dr Stev.
 
Dr Stev continued to reassured Leeza that if she is a good girl, that daddy would get her some chocolate cake.  The idea that Dr Stev referring to Lee as Daddy wasnÕt  making the situation any better.  Leeza then agreed to be scanned.
 
The monitor was switched off as Lee watched the doctor scan Leeza with his tricorder but was he unable to see the readings although Dr Stev did show the readings to the little girl remarking that she was even healthier than baby Leeza.  Lee continued to observe the doctor at work who then went to check his tricorder with his own monitor.  Leeze was too concentrated on playing with her doll but Lee noticed something about the doctorÕs body language had changed.  The doctor returned to the table who looked at Lee before looking at Leeze.  Lee sense that something was not right but didnÕt comment any further.  
 
Lee was then asked to leave the room whilst the Doctor wanted to speak with Leeza alone.  He saw leezaÕs tears coming down her check as she asked Lee to take the doll.
 
ÒOkay.  I look after baby LeezaÓ smiled Lee.   
 
Lee stepped outside the room, feeling relived for the first time that Leeze was not with him..at least for time being.  He wondered what the doctor had to say that was so confidential that he had to leave but decided it wasnÕt really of his business.  He didnÕt want to get emotional attached to the little girl.  He looked at the doll and said ÒWe really have to find LeezeÕs parents.  I canÕt hold onto Leeze nor you.  YouÕre too much of a risk.Ó  What are the available options, thought Lee.  Maybe the doctor could sedate her in the meantime.  He seemed to have quite a way with kids.  
   
A few minutes later, Dr Stev called Lee back in
ÒThere you go, Lieutenant, Leeza is all yours. She is as fit as a fiddle and deserves some chocolate cake.Ó
 
Brilliant, thatÕs all I need, thought Lee as he took hold of LeezaÕs hand as he went in search of a replicator to produce some chocolate cake..at this time of the morning!!  Perhaps he can find LeezeÕs parents quarters and then drop her off there.  Leeza yawned earlier so she maybe getting tired.  He thought of an idea that might just work. 
 
ÒLeeza.  After you had your chocolate cake, you must get to bed.  You need your beauty sleep.Ó Suggested Lee.
 
(reply)
(posted by John)
____________________________________________________________________________

(USS Rhyne - Somewhere --  Leeza Pel -- 0405)
 
 
ÒLeeza.  After you had your chocolate cake, you must get to bed.  You need your beauty sleep.Ó Suggested Lee.
 
ÒOK.Ó  Leeza agreed.
 
They managed to find the chocolate cake and Leeza get most of it in her mouth.  ÒDaddy, IÕm not sleepy.Ó
 
(Reply Lee)
 
ÒI AM NOT SLEEPY!Ó  Leeza screamed at the top of her lungs
 
(Reply Lee)
 
Suddenly the chime rang.  Leeza started jumping around laughing and giggling.  ÒCome inÉÓ  She playfully said to the door.  
 
(Reply Lee and Gregory)
(posted by Kris B.)
____________________________________________________________________________

(USS Rhyne - Somewhere --  Chief of Security -- 0410)
 
 
ÒLeeza.  After you had your chocolate cake, you must get to bed.  You need your beauty sleep.Ó Suggested Lee.
 
ÒOK.Ó  Leeza agreed.
 
Lee went to the food replicator and asked for a small dark chocolate cake.  As the cake appeared, Lee gave it to a Leena watching her devouring it.  As far as Lee was concerned, chocolate supposed to help an individual to enable to feel satisfied and sleepy
 
To Lee dismay, Leeza said ÒDaddy, IÕm not sleepy.Ó
 
Trying to patient, Lee said softely ÒLook Leeza.  It getting very late.  You need to get to bed.Ó 
 
ÒI AM NOT SLEEPY!Ó  Leeza screamed at the top of her lungs
 
Lee was taken aback by Leeza outburst.  This situation was getting awkward.  It was easier to deal with angry Klingons than a kid with her tantrums.   
 
Suddenly the chime rang.and to LeeÕs surprise, her tantrums suddenly disappeared.  Leeza started jumping around laughing and giggling.  ÒCome inÉÓ  She playfully said to the door.  
 
Lee felt he was being played.  ÒCome in!Ó 
 
(Reply Leeza and Gregory)
( Posted by John )
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - acting XO Michael Weston - 0410)
 
Weston had spent his time attempting to decrypt the captainÕs logs.  It hadnÕt been easy.  As soon as he seemed to have a working decryption code it seemed to change, almost as if someone were changing it as he worked.  He went back and downloaded the changes on his PADD to try to analyze the pattern of the changes.  At first it appeared to be random, as if the encryption algorithm was programed to rotate periodically.  But the changes were too subtle, and too precise.
 
Then he started looking at the systems that had been shut down and noted the sequence in which theyÕd been shut down.  It was all very curious.  He was not a computer expert, but he had become quite proficient atÉ accessing information that he was not entitled to.  The road blocks that were being put in front of him were frustrating.  He sat back in his seat and took a deep breath.  He needed a distraction.
 
He tapped his comm badge, ÒWeston to engineering, how are things coming along down there?Ó
 
=^=There coming along slowly,=^=  the heavy brogue of McGuyver replied.  =^=WeÕve managed to stabilize the power flow to the shipÕs systems, working on recharging the batteries.  Once we can get the warp engines online that will go a great faster.=^=
 
ÒAnd shields,?Ó Weston asked.
 
=^=Shields are up and stable, sir.  At about 42%.  But much like everything else, waiting for the warp core to fully charge.=^=
 
ÒWell that appears to be the number one priority,Ó Weston said.
 
=^=Tell me something I donÕt know,=^= came the exasperated response, =^=sir.=^=
 
Weston wanted to warn everyone about calling him ÔsirÕ but realized that not only would it be a moot point, these people needed their hierarchy to function.  They were not spies.
 
He looked around the bridge to see the others in action.  Corday was busy trying to make sense of the star charts they recovered.  That was way out of MichaelÕs comfort zone.  Alyl was at the science station doingÉ well whatever he was doing.  Then he looked over at Outrider 1.  He was sitting at the Ops station.  He stood up and moved over to the seated android.
 
ÒSoÉÓ he began, ÒOutrider 1É look, we have to have a better name than Outrider.  If nothing else, it will make everyone else more comfortable around you.  Any suggestions?  I was thinking Oscar.Ó
 
(reply Outrider 1)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - Ops Officer - Outrider 1 - 0411)

 Outrider 1, the former William Hardy replacement, brainchild of Professor Gilber, a Roanoke operative, former Commander of Defensive Platform 7 in the Altair system, a descendant of the technology pioneered by Dr. Soong and highest pinnacle of artificial intelligence, an intelligence that had been ruled intelligent life by the Federation was in a delicate predicament according to his calculations.

 Captain Sekal had recommended his punishment be remanded in favor of service aboard the Illuminar which he was aware had a 96.7 probability that it was in order to 'watch' him, gauge his reactions and determine if he could be counted on in the future to meet StarFleet guidelines for behavior and protocol. What would happen in that instance he didn't know but as far as operational parameters he was able to accomplish any task set for him.

Now this android did have a bit of improvement over those models he had been based on, in short he could mimic the semblance of emotions. Did he actually FEEL emotions? The answer in the case of those he followed was no but the outward appearance of conveying them or more precisely William Hardy's emotions made it possible to blend in nearly seamlessly with those he interacted with.

On the subject of emotions, it could be said he was somewhat curious as to their importance though.not overly concerned about having them. At least not yet. Being able to project them appeared to be sufficient for those around him.

His audial sensors routinely picked up what was said around him, what caught his interest he would focus on while the rest was recorded for him to consider at a later time or in an underlying subroutine. His focus at the moment was on monitoring the operations board, routing power flow to essential systems as it became available and troubleshooting issues that cropped up as those systems came online. Life support was currently running at less that full capacity due to a power drain on Deck 3. It wasn't simply a matter of routing around it as it was occurring within a central hub connected by EPS conduits. His current hypothesis was that there was a leak in one of the low energy plasma EPS conduits and this would have to be reported.

Engineering systems were occupying the bulk of their manpower resources however, as long as life support continued uninterrupted it was at a lower priority.

ÒSoÉOutrider 1É look, we have to have a better name than Outrider.  If nothing else, it will make everyone else more comfortable around you.  Any suggestions?  I was thinking Oscar.Ó

He looked behind him to see that Michael Weston, Star Fleet Intelligence operative and acting executive officer was addressing him.

"Suggestions sir?" He used the fingers of his right hand to scratch his chin. "Might I suggest Bill or William? While I no longer use the pseudonym of Commander William Hardy it would be considered a continuation and a simple adjustment on my part. Also according to my understanding of old Earth historical media Oscar has mirthful and derogatory connotations."

(Reply: Weston)

"Correct, as you have asked for my opinion I have given it. I also have a report for you, life support has a power drain on Deck 3 at the junction of EPS conduits. The drain is currently on the order of 6 percent and nor debilitating. With your permission it should be a simple repair of not more than an hour, as your engineering manpower is currently assigned to other matters I request permission to leave the bridge in order to deal with it."

(Reply: Weston)

(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - aXO- Michael Weston - 0412)

"Might I suggest Bill or William?" Outrider suggested. "While I no longer use the pseudonym of Commander William Hardy it would be considered a continuation and a simple adjustment on my part. Also according to my understanding of old Earth historical media Oscar has mirthful and derogatory connotations."

Weston chuckled a little at his last statement, "I must admit, Oscar would not have been my first choice either. Perhaps I was having a bit of fun at your expense.  But donÕt you think using the name of the man you replace after he was murdered is a littleÉ inappropriate?Ó

The android responded as if he were disconnected from the events that had been put to him. He completely changed subjects as he reported about an EPS conduit malfunction leading to a power drain in life support on Deck 3. 

ÒWith your permission it should be a simple repair of not more than an hour, as your engineering manpower is currently assigned to other matters I request permission to leave the bridge in order to deal with it."

Weston moved back to seat and sighed as he reclined slightly. He put some thought to the name situation. ÒBill it is. But not Hardy. Bill Laurel?Ó He shrugged looking for some kind of reaction.   ÒOkay Bill, permission granted. Go fix that power leak.Ó

(reply Outrideer1/ Bill)
(posted by Al Muir)

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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0415)

Jaton ran the numbers over and over, hardly believing that he could be seeing what he was in fact seeing. But numbers didn't lie. Something was very wrong.

"Captain?" he said, turning around to face Gregory and the rest of the bridge crew. "There's something you need to see. With your permission, I'd like to put the local star charts on the main viewscreen."

(reply Gregory)

Jaton nodded, and pressed a few buttons, and the star chart came up on the viewscreen. "The good news is I have a working theory as to where we are. Bad news is I have no idea how we got here or how we can get back." He pressed a few buttons, and an overlay of the current starfield out the viewscreen came up over the star chart. "While the stars mostly line up with where they should be in the mid-24th century, some 80 to 90 years before our time, there are numerous small deviations in the positions of the stars as we're seeing them, some off by more than an entire arcsecond or more. There is no way for this to happen within our own universe, and I can only conclude that we're not in our home universe anymore."

(reply Gregory, any on bridge)
(posted by Spencer)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0416)

Alyl asked if he could display something on the main viewscreen.  Gregory looked up from his work and nodded.  "Please, Mr. Alyl." 

He looked at the star chart that was being displayed and listened to the explanation.  

Gregory frowned.  "This is not good news Mr. Alyl.  Is there any chance your calculations are off?"

(Reply Alyl)

He nodded at the Trill's reply.  "Very well, we are now working on the assumption we are not where we are supposed to be.  'We are strangers in a strange land.' 

As he was about to add to that, the COMM chirpped

=^= Bridge we have just suffered an act of sabotage =^=

Gregory frowned again. "Details, please/"

=^= A phaser set to overload, I managed to jettison it in time.  The upper engineering support bay.  Should I remain here or continue with my repair. =^=

Gregory turned to his first officer, "Mr. Weston, I think this may need your special skills.  We are short at so many levels, but we can't have a saboteur running around with everything else." 

Tapping his badge, "Outrider, Mr. Weston will join you shortly.  Once he is there, you can continue with  your repairs."

(reply Outrider, Weston)

(Reply Alyl, Weston, Outrider)
(posted by Tim) 
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Jaton Alyl - 0417)

Gregory frowned.  "This is not good news Mr. Alyl.  Is there any chance your calculations are off?"

"That was my first thought sir, but I've run the calculations half a dozen times. They all agree. We're not in our home universe anymore."

He nodded at the Trill's reply.  "Very well, we are now working on the assumption we are not where we are supposed to be.  'We are strangers in a strange land.'

"Indeed, sir." Jaton said.

(reply any on bridge)
(posted by Spencer)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 14- Upper Engine Support Bay - Ops, Outrider 1- 0418)

The Android entered the bay and made for the lockers that held the tools he would need for the repair. The outside ring not only held those lockers but equipment needed for fabricating or repairing parts needed by the engineers for the ship. Unbeknownst to Outrider 1 this was the exact area on another ship, the Mystique to be exact where then Ensign Sekal had been fabricating replacements for hull plating that had been damaged over 30 years of neglect.

The first tool lockers he came upon had already been picked over so he moved beyond then to the next set. In the 2nd of them he found a tool kit. A quick perusal of its contents assured him that it was complete and everything he needed was inside so he snapped it shut. 
The inside ring of this bay overlooked main engineering with a catwalk one could access to look down, had he the time or interest he could have checked to see what they were currently elbows deep in.

Taking the kit in hand he began walking back toward the door when a low humming noise registered on his audial sensors. He stopped and turned slowly about to locate it. That noise was out of place here and picqued his interest would be one way of putting it, more precisely the sound exactly matched a very particular, lethal and unwanted circumstance.

His audibly sensors were very keen and omni-,directional and led him to a panel set overlooking main engineering, he was there and attempting to open it quickly. The panel in question could be opened quickly with the proper tool but the rising hum told him he didn't have time for niceties. It wasn't solid but was composed of a wire mesh he was able to get his fingers into and his optical sensors were registering that he had been correct.

With a precise movement of his right hand he tore the mesh guard free and snatched the phaser out that was set on overload them sprinted for a disposal chute that would jettison it away from the Rhyne.

The chute opened only reluctantly so he tore it open wide enough to cast the phaser inside then slammed it shut and hit the jettison button.

There was a muted thump and the ship rocked only seconds later.

He tapped his combadge. "Bridge we have just suffered an act of sabotage."

(Reply: Any on the bridge or in engineering)

"A phaser set to overload, I managed to jettison it in time. The upper engineering support bay. Should I remain here or continue with my repair?"

(Reply: Bridge, engineering, any)
(Posted by Charles G)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1, Bridge - aXO- Michael Weston - 0419)

Weston listened to the exchange between the CO and Bill.   Sabotage?  Out here?  By who?  Why?  And a phaser set to overload was such a strange method. The ship should have had automatic warning alarms going off due to the energy build up. Why did that not happen?Ó 


"Mr. Weston,Ó Gregory turned to him, ÒI think this may need your special skills.  We are short at so many levels, but we can't have a saboteur running around with everything else." 
 
ÒYou got it,Ó Weston replied and headed to the turbolift.
 
"Outrider, Mr. Weston will join you shortly.  Once he is there, you can continue with  your repairs."

As the door opened and Michael turned back to Gregory, ÒBy the way, we had a talk and I believe Outrider wants to be called Bill.Ó
 
The door closed as Michael caught the puzzled look on the COÕs face.
 
(USS Rhyne - Deck 14 Ð Upper Engine Support Bay - aXO- Michael Weston - 0424)
 
Michael made his way to the support bay when he saw Bill standing beside a disposal chute that had apparent signs of damage.
 
ÒWell hello, Mr. ÉBill,Ó Michael nodded, looking at the disposal chute then back at the android.  ÒTell me what happened here.Ó
 
(reply Bill/Outrider)
 
Weston breathed heavily through his nose as he listened, and nodded.  ÒOk, show me where you found the phaser.Ó
 
(reply Bill/Outrider)
 
He gave a cursory look at the mesh panel that had a conspicuous hole in it.  ÒI already know the answer to this, but IÕm going to ask anyway.  Did you see anyone in this area?Ó
 
(reply Bill/Outrider)
 
Michael stepped back, still looking at the mangled panel.  ÒOk, Mr. Bill, go do your repairs.  WeÕll chat again later.Ó
 
(reply Bill/Outrider)
 
Once the android was gone Michael pulled out his tricorder and began to scan the damaged panel.  He started by looking for any sign of organic evidence that that the panel had been opened manually.  There was none.  Then he looked for evidence of energy residue, and was more successfully.  He closed the tricorder and stepped back again.  The phaser had been transported into the panel.  But from where?  And it must have been transported while already in overload mode, which meant that whoever transported it was able to disable the safety protocols that would allow such an action.  
 
It was very lucky that Bill had been where he was at that moment.  Luck was not a phenomenon that Weston put a lot of stock in.  There was a reason that this junction was selected and that moment.  Whoever was responsible could have picked a much more vulnerable place to either destroy or disable the ship.  And the fact that it was the moment that Bill was there.  Were they threatened by the android?  Why?  How would they even know that Bill was an android?  Was it a message?  What was the message?  Get out?  Well that wasnÕt going to happen.  
 
He stepped forward and touched the torn mesh of the panel.  It was a rugged material.  Then he went over to the chute and touched the damage that Bill had caused there.  With a careful visual investigation he saw something unusual.  When he ran his fingers across the bent edge of the housing he touched something.  Something that should not have been there.  The chute had been a victim of the sabotage as well.  This had been a test.  The question wasÉ did they pass the test or did Bill set them up for an even greater test.
 
Suddenly the sensation of someone looking over his shoulder, breathing on his neck was back.  He turned quickly, his heart racing.  Nothing.  Michael shook his head.  Suddenly he had a desire to see Quinna.  He wondered if they ever be together again.  Shaking off the feeling pf paranoia he headed back to the bridge.
 
(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)

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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, XO Michael Weston - 0430)

Stev stepped off the turbo lift, still feeling that he was being watched.  It was a Bajoran rule of thumb, just because youÕre paranoid doesnÕt mean someone is not trying to kill you.  He shook it off as he watched the work going on to make the bridge more habitable.  He could still see some of the desolation that they had arrived to, but clearly, all of their work was starting to pull everything together.  He nodded to the others as they worked and moved over to the center seat. 

ÒMr. Weston,Ó he got the XOÕs attention, Òwhere might I find the captain.Ó

Weston smiled at the word captain, ÒCommander Gregory is in the ready room.Ó  He pointed to the door to the side of the bridge.

ÒThanks,Ó Kyllee said.  He stepped over and pushed the door chime.mmIt didnÕt exactly chime, but gave mure of an electronic pur.  He pulled his hand away, lest he got electricuted.

The door opened and he stepped in.

(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - MO Dr. Kyllee Stev, CO Commander Dieter Gregory - 0431)

ÒCommander Gregory,Ó Kyllee said, Òyou and I need to talk.Ó

Gregory looked up, rubbing his eyes.  He had spent the time since the staff meeting continuing his reading of the ships logs. 

ÒHello Doctor.  What can I do for you?Ó

The doctor came in and sat across from the CO leaning on the desk. ÒIÕve just come from my examination of Leeza Pel. I thought I should deliver this news personally.Ó  

ÒVery well, please have a seat. How is our young Trill?Ó

ÒShe is as healthy as you can be, for being a joined Trill at such a young age,Ó he reported.

Gregory raised an eyebrow, ÒCome again, Doc?Ó

ÒYou heard me correctly,Ó Kyllee said, standing up and pacing. . ÒAnd for the life of me I canÕt understand why IÕm not removing the symbiote before it does permanent damage to the young girl.  How much do you know about a Trill joining?Ó

ÒNot very much, just the general information covered at the Academy.  IÕm taking that this is unusual?Ó

ÒTrill candidates for joining go through a rather rigorous preparation for the process,Ó Kyllee said, Òboth physically and emotionally.  They have to be prepared to give up part of themselves to assimilate part of someone else.  ItÕs É well itÕs hard on adults.  I canÕt imagine what it would be like for a child.  A child who hasnÕt fully developed their own personality.  There is a synaptic pattern displacement that occurs in the joining, a pattern that a three year old doesnÕt have.Ó

He stopped pacing and put his fists down on the desk, ÒAnd it gets weirder from there.  I believe the symbiont used to be her father.  Which is forbidden by Trill law.  Something is going on here, but I couldnÕt persuade Leeza to confide in me any more.  She believes that she is her ÒDaddyÕs secret.Ó 

Gregory leaned back and considered the doctor over steepled hands.  ÒClearly something happened that forced her father to make a choice.  To break a cultural taboo like that it must have been dramatic, unforeseen and absolutely critical.Ó

ÒWith Trill symbionts, some part of the fathers knowledge is contained in the symbiont, if we could get through to it,Ó he paused again. ÒWe do have an expert in the Trill symbiosis aboard the ship.Ó 

Kyllee sat back down, ÒI tried, but little Leeza was quiteÉ obstinate about giving out any information. But I have set up some kind of rapport and I will set up a check-in every three days.Ó

Stev took a deep breath before continuing, ÒOne more thing. For some reason Leeza has latched onto Lieutenant Lee as a surrogate daddy. I know that this may be an inconvenience for him, but it would be unwise to negate that delusion at this time. As far as she is concerned he is her daddy, and we should nurture that delusion until I can figure out how to extricate him from it.Ó

ÒNoted.  I will assign him to detached duty,Ó Gregory said.  

He paused again, ÒComputer, locate record of any officer from Trill, with the name, Pel.Ó

=^= There is no individual by that name on the ships rooster =^=

ÒOdd,Ó Gregory said. ÒComputer, list all Trills serving aboard the USS Rhyne and note any who were joined.Ó

The roster appeared on his screen.  ÒA dozen trill onboard, only three joined,Ó he said to the doctor.  ÒIf you can, anyway, get a chance to do a genetic scan, we can try to find out who her family is and perhaps get her back to, well, their descendants.Ó

ÒNow,Ó Kyllee said to change the subject, Òas for everyone else.

Dieter holds up a finger, ÒBefore we go there, Doctor.  Computer, please note in the ships log that Dr. Kyllee is now appointed acting chief medical officer,Ó 

Stev chuckled slightly, ÒWell thank you for your confidence.Ó  Then he composed himself again and started again. ÒAs for everyone else, whatever has been going on it has affected all of us in a very similar way. There have been a systemic chemical change in our amygdala which has put us all in a constant state of fight or flight. It is not on the air. I can only deduce that it has to do with this area of space. ItÕs generating a form of radiation that is slowly breaking down that part of our brain. The longer we are subjected to it the worse itÕs going to get.Ó

ÒAs soon as I know where we are, and I have warp drive, weÕll be out of here.  Any chance that one of our anti-radiation medicine might help mitigate the effects?Ó

ÒThatÕs my next order of business,Ó Kyllee replied. ÒBut I think getting us out from the influence of that anomaly would fix everything. Meanwhile, I better get back to sickbay and see what I can come up with.  Unless you have anything else?Ó

ÒNot at this time Doctor.  Please keep me posted on your progress,Ó Gregory replied. 

Kyllee stood up and headed to the door. At the last minute he stopped and turned around. 

ÒCommander, it might be a good idea to keep LeezaÕs condition under wraps for the meantime,Ó he suggested. ÒIÕd like more answers before we let it out.Ó

ÒAgreed,Ó Gregory replied.  ÒGo find your answers.Ó  

ÒThank youÉÓ he smiled, ÒCaptain.Ó  Then he turned and exited. 

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Tim B)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge - acting Captain LCDR Dieter Gregory - 0440)

Gregory emerged from his ready room after the doctor had left.  The doctor had made a lot of sense, and the information had to be close hold.  He would of course, have to brief his XO, but Weston was on the trail of a saboteur.

He tapped his com badge, "Engineering. Mr. Matrix, Mr. McGuyver, when will I have warp drive?"

(reply)

Turing to Corday at the con, "Mr. Corday, once we have warp, please set a course towards Earth, best speed. Mr. Alyl can give you the coordinates based on his data."

(reply Corday)

Gregory looked around at the depleted cadre,  "Mr. Alyl, you have the con.  I'll be back shortly."

(reply Alyl)

Gregory headed to the turbolift.

(reply Corday, Alyl)
(posted by Tim B)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 15 Ð Main Engineering Ð EO Ð Ensign Angus McGuyver - 0441)
 
Shields and sensors had been the first priorities.  Now it was propulsion.  With the power theyÕd been able to generate already, maneuvering thrusters were available, as was impulse drive.  Although full impulse speed would be improbable.  The problem seemed to be in the warp core.  When he opened the dilithium chamber he saw the problem.  Many of the crystals had cracked.  They were going to have to rearrange the crystals and align them to prevent the damaged crystals from completely shattering.  Eventually they were going to need to be replaced.
 
=^=Engineering. Mr. Matrix, Mr. McGuyver, when will I have warp drive?=^=
 
Angus sighed and tapped his badge, ÒWell that is the question of the hour Commander.  It is possible that we can have some warp capacity in an hour, maybe two, but I wouldnÕt push it past warp three, until we can get some replacement dilithium crystals.Ó
 
The channel closed without further delay.  Angus shook his head, mocking, ÒWhen will I warp drive, he asks.  YeÕll have bloody warp drive when I can get bloody well get it to ye.  What does he think weÕre doinÕ down here.Ó  
 
He took a deep breath and looked into the chamber again.  ÒWell laddie,Ó he said to himself, ÒhereÕs another fine mess.  LetÕs see what we can do.Ó
 
(reply Matrix, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 1 - Bridge Ð Conn- Lt. Arthur ÔSnoopyÕ Corday - 0442)
 
Arthur had been focused on trying to figure out where they were.  Clearly, the CSO had confirmed where they were not.  They were not in their own universe.  However the star systems were familiar enough to indicate that the universe they were in was similar enough.  They were fairly close to where they should have been to the Romulan border.  If there was a Romulan border.  Which meant that they were in what should have been Federation space.  But was it?  There were enough changes in the systems to show that they were in a different time line, and some stars and planets were conspicuously missing.
 
"Mr. Corday,Ó the COÕs voice startled him from his thoughts, Òonce we have warp, please set a course towards Earth, best speed. Mr. Alyl can give you the coordinates based on his data."
 
ÒAye, sir,Ó Corday replied and automatically set the coordinates he knew were EarthÕs, Òhoping that the Earth is where it should be.Ó
 
When Gregory left Arthur turned around and looked at Alyl, ÒLieutenant, do you really think that the Earth will be where itÕs supposed to be, or that it will be the same Earth?Ó
 
(reply Alyl)
 
ÒI read about some events from the past,Ó he continued.  ÒYouÕve got to wonder how many universes like ours there are.  IÕm not an expert in quantum physics, but surely there is more than one alternate universe.Ó
 
(reply Alyl)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Officers Quaters - acting Captain LCDR Dieter 
Gregory - 0445)

Stepping off the turbolift, he headed towards the right, away from 
sickbay and into the officers quarters.  As he approached the room where 
the doctor told him that young Leeza Pel was staying, he heard the loud 
protests of a young child.  He shook his head, Lee was going to have his 
hands full, and was not going to like what he had to say next.

He pauses before he presses the chime.

(reply Lee, Leeza)
(Posted by Tim)
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(USS Rhyne - Deck 4 - Officers Quaters Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) keung Lee Ð 0447)  
 
Lee was surprise by the change of reaction from Leeza.  One moment she was throwing a tantrum then when she heard the door chime, then it stopped and she happily called out ÔCome in.Ó
 
Lee said ÔCome inÓ
 
The acting Captain walked in.
 
Lee stood to attention, gripping Leeza's hand to stop her running off.
 
ÒSirÓ said Lee with relief  ÒA pleasure to see you.  Are you here to see our Leeza?Ó
 
(reply any)
(posted by John) 
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