USS Spectre Compile - June 1st-30th 2014 by Alan Reading ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa, Part Two – Fallen Comrades Day: 5 Stardate: 2414.10.15 (ATV Garallon - Deck 12, Corridor - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:21) (ATV Garallon - Deck 12, Corridor - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:22) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:29) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:30) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:34) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:35) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:41) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:42) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:45) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:55) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 21:03) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Engineering Officer Gork - 21:10) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:12) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Dr. Riven Mias - 21:18) (USS Spectre - Arboretum – Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya – 21:19) (USS Spectre - Bridge – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:20) (USS Spectre - Arboretum - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:21) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Engineer Gork - 21:23) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Medical Research Asst, Dr. Michaella Kirien - 21:23) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias - 21:32) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:32) (USS Spectre - Engineering - TAC/ASC, Ensign Will Frost - 21:33) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Marine 2nd Lt. Lhiannon Kindell - 22:33) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Science Officer, Lt Amari Riya - 21:35) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Medical Research Asst - Dr. Michaella Kirien - 21:35) (USS Spectre - Bridge – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:35) (ATV Garallon - Deck 9 - Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:35) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - TAC/ASC, Ensign Frost - 21:36) (USS Spectre - Bridge – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 21:37) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:38) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - TAC/ASC, Ensign Frost - 21:39) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:40) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:41) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:43) (USS Spectre - Dreamscape - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:45) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias - 21:46) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:49) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:51) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:52) (USS Spectre - Engineering – ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere – 21:54) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:57) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:59) (USS Spectre - Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:59.5) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:00) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens Jake Haltom - 22:01) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering – Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias – 22:02) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:03) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:03) (ATV Garallon - Deck 4 - Academy Cadet Porsa - 22:09) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:09) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:10) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:12) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias – 22:13) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:13) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:14) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:16) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – Medical Research Asst, Dr. Michaella Kirien – 22:16) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 22:17) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:18) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:20) (USS Spectre - Ten-Forward - FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell - 22:20) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:21) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - Marine, Corporal Houseman - 22:21) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:22) (USS Spectre - Ten-Forward - Medical Research Assistant, Dr. Michaella Kirien - 22:22) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:23) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer- 22:24) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:25) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - ACMO. Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:27) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:28) (USS Spectre - Deck 4 - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:29) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Corridor - ACMO Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:30) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:31) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:33) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Marine, 2nd Lt. Lhiannon Kindell - 22:33) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:35) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:37) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:39) (Unknown - Unknown - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:41) ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa, Part Two - Fallen Comrades Day: 5 Stardate 2414.10.15 (ATV Garallon - Deck 12, Corridor - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:21) "Twinnings!" "We are at the forward torpedo launcher. Where are you?" He smiled as he heard Porsa’s voice. she sounded close and the forward torpedo launcher was not far away. “We are on our way stay there we will be there in a moment.” He looked over at Kurrik. “We better not keep the lady waiting.” (Reply Kurrik) He pushed himself forward as fast as his suit enclosed body could move. "Twinnings, Kurrik. Are you there?", ~Ow she is so impatient~ “We care nearly there just stay there and we will be there in a moment.” He began to sweat as he pushed himself faster. the EVA suit was not designed for fast movement and he was going as fast as he could. It would be good to get everyone back together again and work out how to get off the ship. ~Come on, come on~ He skidded to a halt as he entered forward torpedo launcher. It was completely empty he could not see Porsa any where. “Porsa where are you. We are here at the forward torpedo launcher.” There was no reply just the sound of his breathing through the suits filters. He sighed and turned to Kurrik. “Where do you think she could have gotten to?” (Reply Kurrik) (Reply Kurrik, any) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garallon - Deck 12, Corridor - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:22) The sound of Porsa's voice had clearly been a big plus as far as Twinnings was concerned. After all, in the last hour it had seemed that they might not see one another again. As it was though, and despite the reassurance that their comrades voice seemed to carry, Kurrik was conviinced that something wasn't quite right. “We are on our way stay there we will be there in a moment.”, said Twinnings, in response to the calls. “We better not keep the lady waiting.” Kurrik raised an eyebrow and quirked his head. "Indeed", he answered, just as Twinnings set off towards the sound of Porsa's somewhat insistant voice. "Twinnings, Kurrik. Are you there?" Kurrik stopped just briefly, and then looked down at the tricorder that he still had with him from his excursion over to the Tellarite ship. It was strange, the readings weren't quite right, the time seemed skewed, but scanning for any sign of chronoton type particles showed a clean scan. Twinnings sped on, seemingly trying to run faster than his suit would allow him but eventually arriving at the destination Porsa had relayed to them a minute or so beforehand. But there was nobody there! “Porsa where are you. We are here at the forward torpedo launcher.”, said Twinnings, confused now and turning towards the Vulcan with a shrug. “Where do you think she could have gotten to?”, he asked. Kurrik looked down to his tricorder once again, tapped it with his fingertips briefly, and then shook his head. "I do not know", he answered. "Although there is something... unusual in this place", he added, referring now to a faint signal echo being displayed upon the tricorders screen. (Reply Twinnings) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:29) "I do not know. Although there is something... unusual in this place", Twinnings looked around the empty torpedo room before looking back at Kurrik who was looking at his tricorder “There is something unusual with this whole situation.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “So what do you think is unusual about here?” (Reply Kurrik) (Reply Kurrik, any) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:30) If Vulcans ever scratched their heads, either metaphorically or otherwise, then Kurrik was doing it now. Twinnings query was one that could not be given a relaiable or valid answer at that moment, but the Vulcans logical brain was most definitely on it. "So what do you think is unusual about here?", Twinnings had asked. Kurrik didn't answer right away, he simply formed a hypothesis and then paused before giving it. It was not 'Vulcan' to hypothesise of course, Vulcans dealth with facts and empirical data, and to simply hazard a guess, was not in their nature. However, he had just spent the last four hours searching for his mothers recipe for Plommik soup on the hull of the Garallon! Logic clearly didn't apply in this place. "Time, Mr Twinnings", answered Kurrik. "Something is unusual in regards time" (Reply Twinnings) "If I did not know better I would say that we, or perhaps Porsa, are out of phase with the normal continuum", he added, knowing as he spoke that Twinnings was sure to ask for some proof on that, which was precisely what Kurrik didn't have. Preempting the query, Kurrik spoke again. "I have no empirical data with which to formulate an answer", he offered, "nevertheless, something is wrong with time and I believe that the words we have been hearing from Porsa, were not uttered at the same time as we heard them" (Reply Twinnings) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:34) "Time, Mr Twinnings. Something is unusual in regards time" “Time! as in some sort of distortion?” Twinnings tried to dig through his mind for the lectures he had received on temporal mechanics. "If I did not know better I would say that we, or perhaps Porsa, are out of phase with the normal continuum" ~Ow this is great and a visit from temporal mechanics when we get back~ "I have no empirical data with which to formulate an answer" "nevertheless, something is wrong with time and I believe that the words we have been hearing from Porsa, were not uttered at the same time as we heard them" Twinnings thought about this for a moment before speaking. “Do you have any idea about how far forward or backward in time we are. We need to find Porsa and get this sorted.” (Reply Kurrik) (Reply Kurrik,any) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:35) Twinnings was clearly deep in contemplation now. Time contraction and expansion though was obviously not a strong point with him, a fact that was obvious whenever the three of them, that is, Porsa and the two of them, got together. Twinnings often feigned tiredness when Kurrik went off on a scientific rant, but today he seemed unusually interested, his interest no doubt having been piqued by the fact that their very lives now depended upon it. “Do you have any idea about how far forward or backward in time we are. We need to find Porsa and get this sorted.” Kurrik looked to his trusty tricorder once again. As before there were no chroniton detections to imply that his theory was sound, and yet he knew that it was. Time had been messed with. "Logic dictates that we are behind Porsa's timeframe", said Kurrik, "her voice came first, and then when we arrived here, she had left, indicating that she did not hear our response until much later" (Reply Twinnings, IYW) "Logic also dictates that the entire situation is no longer a fixed scenario, it may change at any time and we may suddenly find that we are the ones in front of Porsa's timeframe", said the Vulcan, aware that the whole situation was very probably frying Twinnings brain right now. (Reply Twinnings) "We have two choices available to us", said Kurrik. "We remain in one place and call out, but that one place must be close to Porsa's location, otherwise she will not hear us", he added. "Two, we attempt to fathom what is causing the time distrotion and rectify it in order that our timelines coincide again" (Reply Twinnings) Kurrik nodded. Neither option would be easy and they had no guarantee that either would be successful, but doing nothing clearly was not an option. "Do you have any other options we might consider?", he asked, open to anything now... (Reply Twinnings) (Reply Twinnings) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:41) "Logic dictates that we are behind Porsa's timeframe. Her voice came first, and then when we arrived here, she had left, indicating that she did not hear our response until much later" Twinnings nodded. “Okay.” "Logic also dictates that the entire situation is no longer a fixed scenario, it may change at any time and we may suddenly find that we are the ones in front of Porsa's timeframe" “Right!.” "We have two choices available to us" "We remain in one place and call out, but that one place must be close to Porsa's location, otherwise she will not hear us" "Two, we attempt to fathom what is causing the time distortion and rectify it in order that our timelines coincide again" “Okay so its stand here and shout and hope that Porsa hears us or wander around the ship trying to stop the distortions?” He saw Kurrik nod at what he had said. “Do you have any other options we might consider?" He thought for a moment as both options were not exactly great. ~Beats doing nothing~ “Okay lets try and stop the distortions as hanging around shouting is just going to get boring. Do you and your fancy tricorder know where we can start?” (Reply Kurrik) Twinnings nodded. “Okay let get started.” (Reply Kurrik) (Reply Kurrik, any) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:42) “Okay lets try and stop the distortions as hanging around shouting is just going to get boring. Do you and your fancy tricorder know where we can start?”, said Twinnings, apparently trusting to the Vulcan's edge on the matter. Kurrik glanced about the forward torpedo launcher bay, his tricorder running in an attempt to scan for residual traces that might indicate anything that might maximise their chances of a result. The machine pinged, and then produced numerous tones before its operator glanced up again. "Initial scans suggest that Porsa was at this location approximately Twenty Two minutes before our arrival", said Kurrik, "allowing for that time drift, she could be anywhere between this deck and two others, given that we are currently on auxiliary power" (Reply Twinnings, IYW) "We have no chroniton particle detection so we cannot set the tricorder to offset by that amount in order to adjust for the time delay", said Kurrik, his mind attempting to provide work around after work around whilst hitting one brick wall after another. "We can however 'track' Porsa's residual fingerprint, thus giving us a reasonable chance of knowing where she may have gone, or perhaps where she 'may' go, should the variables change again" (Reply Twinnings) Kurrik pointed his tricorder down a corridor leading off from the forward torpedo launcher. "I suggest that we begin with turbolift Four", said Kurrik. "Assuming that is, that Porsa is still OK. In the meantime, the bridge might also be a good starting point as we can patch into the internal sensor network to assist" (Reply Twinnings) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garallon - Forward Torpedo Launcher - Academy Cadet Twinnings - 18:45) "Initial scans suggest that Porsa was at this location approximately Twenty Two minutes before our arrival" "allowing for that time drift, she could be anywhere between this deck and two others, given that we are currently on auxiliary power" Twinnings thought through what Kurrik had said. “Is there a way to change the twenty two minutes?” "We have no chroniton particle detection so we cannot set the tricorder to offset by that amount in order to adjust for the time delay" "We can however 'track' Porsa's residual fingerprint, thus giving us a reasonable chance of knowing where she may have gone, or perhaps where she 'may' go, should the variables change again" He nodded. “Okay that’s cool so where do the bread crumbs lead.” He saw Kurrik pointed his tricorder down a corridor leading off from the forward torpedo launcher. "I suggest that we begin with turbolift Four" "Assuming that is, that Porsa is still OK. In the meantime, the bridge might also be a good starting point as we can patch into the internal sensor network to assist" He shrugged. “Yep, okay lets start there.” He followed Kurrik along the corridor (Reply Kurrik) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - Academy Cadet Kurrik - 18:55) Auxilliary power was not great when you needed to get somewhere in a hurry, and neither was a mind that was being frayed by hallucinations and warps in the timeline. Turbolift Four had stopped a total of four times during its assent to the bridge, prompting Kurrik to go off on a minor OCD rant regarding the number '4', and how it might be in someway relevant to their situation. It fell down when the assumption was made about there being some Twenty Two minutes time lag between the two of them, and Porsa, but the fact remained that the void was making its presense known once again. Stepping out onto the bridge though, the Vulcan headed straight to the console that he felt most confortable with, which just happened to be 'Science One' , to begin inputing commands into a panel that threw up power outtage error after power outtage error, much to Kurriks consternation. The idea now was that if they could tie in the ships internal sensors to Kurriks Tricorder findings, then that might lead to an edge towards solving their time slippage, which was precisely the point that the Vulcan lost it again. "Mr Twinnings", he asked, turning towards his compatriot. (Reply Twinnings) "I don't suppose that this could be anything to do with my Mother's recipe?", he asked. "Plommik soup", he added. (Reply Twinnings) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 21:03) Kurt was sitting on one side of astrometrics, doing research on the void. He turned to face the large screen to his left. He and McKenzie had split up the tasks delegated to the department by the Captian. So far he couldn't find anything useful. The science chief scratched the back of his head squinting at the screen. ~that doesn't seem right...~ He moved to a center terminal in front of the screen and tapped a few buttons, "Hey, is...." He turned to address his colleague, but no one was there. He spun around surveying the lab. "Hello?" He glanced at the time at the top of the closest terminal. ~1608.... It's been 4 minutes since I arrived?~ "Computer, time." he barked nervously The digital chirp of acknowledgement came overhead, but no response followed. He tried again "Computer, what time is it." Nothing again. "Palmer to McKenzie" Nothing. "Palmer to bridge." Nothing. "Palmer to anyone!" ~ hmm~ Kurt moved toward where the exit should be, but there was a terminal that seemed to have sprouted while he was working. He put his hand up to the display, it felt real. He moved across the bulkhead feeling for an exit, feeling more and more frantic. ~seriously?! It was right there.~ The science chief looked back to the screen, and scanned the room once more. He seemed to be stuck. (Reply, any, none) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Engineering Officer Gork - 21:10) The Tellarite was cursing up a blue streak even for a Tellarite as she shook the human ACEO while trying to get him back to consciousness. Every time one of the engineering crew came too close and threatened to interfere she would turn and snarl at him or her until the poor unfortunate backed off. Were those intent on interfering real or were they figments of her verdant imagination? Truth was she didn't know much less care. If they were trying to help then they could do no more than she was doing and if phantasms... well did it really need to be carried to the logical conclusion? The one she saw walk in with the long, dark hair was no exception, especially when she pointed a finger at Gork in accusation and intoned. "What happened?" "What happened, WHAT HAPPENED?" Gork boomed, her voice seeming to be far greater than her mass. "What is happening to this whole flaming ship doctor, can you tell me that? For that matter how do I know you are who you look to be? If I find you are an illusion I swear I will tear the essence of your memory into infinitesimal shreds and urinate on them." (Reply: Angeni) The Tellarite lowered Jake to the floor and stood up gingerly and turned flaming eyes back to the ACMO. "Well then let's just pretend you are the real thing. The Mind Healer came tearing into engineering, turned the Assistant CEO into a screaming mess, demanded to know where Dr. Kirien is holed up and tore off at warp speed." She stepped up to Angeni, her eyes dangerous. "Now unless you can put together what he tore apart I'd say you are no use here." (Reply: Angeni, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:12) "What happened, WHAT HAPPENED?! What is happening to this whole flaming ship doctor, can you tell me that? For that matter how do I know you are who you look to be? If I find you are an illusion I swear I will tear the essence of your memory into infinitesimal shreds and urinate on them." Angeni's first instinct was to step up and bristle right back. She was a little dog who wasn't afraid of a fight. At the same time, she was holding Jake up and he wasn't moving...at all...which caused her pause. She spread her hands in a submissive gesture, hunching her posture a bit and not allowing her eyes to meet the Tellarite's. She tried to have as diminutive of a posture as possible. She licked her lips nervously, her gaze never meeting Gork's. "I am Angeni Olathe Windsong-Trommashere..." her voice was soft and non direct. "I am a Physician onboard this ship. I am humanoid. I promise I am as real as you are. Now, can you please set that man down...and gently...please." She watched as Gork set Jake down. Another nervous lip lick followed the wringing of her hands. Now was not the time to be Alpha. Now was not the time to show her true colors. Now was the time to ensure the safety of her crew and friends. "Thank you. Now, can you please tell me what happened?" "Well then let's just pretend you are the real thing. The Mind Healer came tearing into engineering, turned the Assistant CEO into a screaming mess, demanded to know where Dr. Kirien is holed up and tore off at warp speed." The Tellarite invaded Angeni's personal space faster than she was prepared for. She immediately bristled and puffed up, but she immediately took up the submissive posture once again. Those watching could've mistaken the young Doctor to be absolutely fearful of Gork, but it was the exact opposite. She understood where she was; the whole ship was wary and cautious of everyone. No one was safe. She was prepared to walk out with some sort of black eye or injury trying to show herself to be different than the illusions that were plaguing everyone. "Now unless you can put together what he tore apart I'd say you are no use here." Angeni turned her head away, then she turned back to him, staring at a spot on the Tellarite's chest. "I am going to try." She held up her hand which held a Tricorder. Secluded away in her palm was a neural stimulator. It would allow her to restart Jake's brain. She had no idea what was actually wrong with him, but she wanted to figure it out and quickly. (Reply Gork) Angeni knelt down and swept the Tricorder over Jake's lifeless form. She reached down and began to touch his face, doing a Trauma Assessment to make sure there was nothing broken. She then let her fingers run over the back of his neck. As she did, she placed the stimulator at the base of his skull. Glancing at the Tricorder, she realized he was just about as unconscious as someone could get and still be breathing. She set the stimulator to keep him that way, but still allow him to come back on his own. "Do you know what caused him to be unresponsive? What happened to him?" (Reply Gork) She glanced over to where Riven was kneeling next to Dr. Kirien. A quick pang of jealousy ran through her, but it faded quickly. She stood up, glancing at Gork, but not maintaining eye contact. "I'm going to check on Dr. Kirien. Can you watch Jake? If he wakes up, just keep him calm and quiet." (Reply Gork) She walked over to Riven, kneeling next to him. Her voice was soft. "Dr. Mias. Is there anything I can do to help?" (Reply Riven) She swept the Tricorder over Dr. Kirien quickly, looking for any problems. (Reply Gork, Riven, Any in Engineering) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Dr. Riven Mias - 21:18) Riven ignored the footsteps running in behind him. he was much too concerned with the woman he was holding in his arms who was in a fetal position and crying softly. His eyes melted as he brought her head close to his lips and kissed the crown of it softly through her sliky hair. ::Michaella.:: He prodded gently. ::Michaella I am here.:: (Reply: Michaella) ::Nonsense.:: He nudged her back toward mental solidity. ::There have been no communications to the ship since we entered the Void.:: He helped her slowly to her feet and held her for a moment before he saw the officer who was looking on. "Would you double check her message logs please just to verify?" (Reply: Any, Michaella) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Arboretum – Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya – 21:19) Amari sat under one of the trees in the arboretum, sipping a juice that she had acquired from the replicator before sitting down. Her skills as a telepath were not that developed since she was a half betazoid who had been raised on Earth. Her cocoa colored skin glistened under the artificial lights of the arboretum as she closed her chocolate eyes against the bright artificial lights. She knew that a lot of the ship were having issues with the void, but fortunately so far she had been untouched by the effects or so she seemed to think. She liked that she seemed to be immune to the effects. It wasn't often that she was the best at anything, but it seemed that for once being a half Betazoid was in her favor. She looked up as the arboretum doors opened with a whoosh, letting in a blast of ice cold wind that brushed along the skin of the tropical loving botanist. With an angered hrmph she hopped up and headed over towards the still open door. Oddly enough no one was there, yet the doors didn't seem to be closing. And it was.. snowing? outside her arboretum? She frowned, shivering in the wind. "Lt. Riya to Ops? Ah, it seems to be snowing in the hallway outside the Arboretum." Her voice held fear in it. She was by nature a timid person, loving her plants more than other people. Being on a starship was difficult with her nervouseness, but she seemed to do well when interacting socially with the other telepaths and Elani had become a very good friend over time. ~Maybe when this is all over with I can talk with Elani about seeing Dr. Mias..~ She was too nervous waiting for help, and she was very concerned about her tropical plants with the doors not wanting to shut. She paced outside the door, venting some of the nervous energy that she was dealing with. Maybe all the other people who were being affected by the void were wearing on her as well. That would make sense, even thought her telepathic abilities were more annoying than useful. ~Yes, I definately need to visit the mindhealer.~ She looked up hopefully as she heard the sound of feet coming around the corner, hoping that it was the operations staff to deal with this latest malfunction. (reply Ops, any) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Bridge – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:20) =^= Lt. Riya to Ops? Ah, it seems to be snowing in the hallway outside the Arboretum. =^= Remae looked over at the CO and then at OPS as that call came in. "Bridge here, thanks Lieutenant, we're sending down a team.", said the First Officer, he pointed a finger at Ensign Smith as a silent response to 'get it fixed' and then checked his own control panels, wondering while the environmental alarms weren't alarming. He had limited understanding of the void and its impact on the crew, perhaps it was one of those hallucinations, he wasn't sure. Shortly thereafter, he had one of his own and that helped clarify that situation. (Reply from OPS, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Arboretum - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:21) Amari waited outside the arboretum until the repair crew came to fix the issue. She stood there, arguing with them. The controls and their own experiences told them rather plainly that the deck was indeed not snowing. While mid argument she stopped and looked around, the tempreture having returned to normal and the snow having evaporated. With a look of confusion on her face, she went back into her arboretum and stood for a long moment, breathing deeply as she tried to calm her uncharacteristic anger. "Computer, can you locate Ensign Frost for me?" She grinned as the computer told her that he was in engineering. (Reply None) (Posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Engineer Gork - 21:23) "I am going to try." She held up a medical tricorder as she continued to stare at a point below Gork's chin. The Tellarite grunted in irritation. ~Just like most humans!~.She didn't even try and hold back the derisive snort. She had found very few of the species who could discourse in a civil way and this was no exception. Jake was one of the rare ones who could give as much as he took which was why she had been excited to find out she would be working with him and he was a good friend. If this was a figment of her imagination though so far it had proven to be a benign one. She stepped away from the ACEO though her eyes never left the Dr's face. "I hope you get him up soon but I will be watching." "Do you know what caused him to be unresponsive? What happened to him?" "No." She said simply as the medic began checking him over. "Mias simply looked in his direction and he fell to his knees within seconds and started screaming or wailing or whatever it is you humans catagorize it as. After that he sank to the floor. He has been out ever since." Gork followed her eyes and wondered what she was looking at, just a bare patch of floor against the bulkhead on the port side of main engineering. She wasn't aware that Angeni was seeing exactly what she wanted to see. Jake had settled Kirien in a maintenance office one deck above the floor here and slightly forward. "I'm going to check on Dr. Kirien. Can you watch Jake? If he wakes up, just keep him calm and quiet." She nodded. "If he doesn't wake up soon and start basting me for dereliction of duty I will hold you personally responsible." She watched quizzically as Angeni moved to that spot she had been starting at and started talking to thin air! "Ah doctor..." She raised her voice. "Have you gone loony as well?" Then Dr. Trommashere began acting as though she were struggling with someone. Gork put her hand to her aching head and shook it slightly. "No this one is real and needs to be locked away." It was at that moment that the real CEO/Acting FO stalked onto the deck and Gork started grinning as he pulled out a can of caustic and nasty. "Okay, if someone wants to tell me what is happening, now would be a good time.",He didn't say so much as shout. Holy Monkey...." Angeni breathed out. She then flushed a deep red, going to an at attention stance, "Sir..." Gork was grinning evilly as she attempted to report around a mouthful of foot. She stammered, looking around her. "I...uh...we..." "It seems as if Dr. Kirien was affected by the Void. Dr. Mias sensed it and came here. Dr. Williams and I were asked to come here due to there being a medical emergency..." She gestured to the still unresponsive Jake behind her as she continued. "Everyone else seems to be having their own personal issues." "The game plan is to move those affected to Sickbay if injured, or to the anciliary bay or Ten Forward where we have mind healers that are creating what can be considered a safe haven. The affects of the Void are either diminished or unpalpable there. I believe there's a contingency of officers from various departments that are in those locations. Even once they leave the areas, it takes several hours for the full effect of the Void to come back." "Do you have any questions for me, sir?" (Reply: Ktell) Gork snorted. "This one is as daft as any Chief. Sure she looked at Haltom but she's spent the rest of her time playing with invisible friends over there in the corner. If she really wanted to know where Kirien was all she had to do was ask. And Mias if you ask me is even more crackers than she is. They both need to be kept watch over." The Tellarite then smirked as both officers turned questioning glances in her direction. (Reply: Ktell, Angeni, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Medical Research Asst, Dr. Michaella Kirien - 21:23) Michaella lay in Riven's arms unresisting as he began the slow attempts to bring her out of the hallucinations that the void had attacked her with. Michaella found herself standing on a precipice over a gorge in a desert. The wind blew hot and hard, the few struggling plants and bushes swaying in the violent wind. The sand and grit was stirred up in the winds, pelting her face with gravel. She found herself screaming Riven's name, over and over again as she stared down the gorge to the floor below, possibly a hundred feet below her. The fall would certainly kill her. The wind seemed to block out any sound but the menacing howling of itself. And then she heard it. Riven. His voice, calling to her. Somehow she found strength to scream his name louder, loud enough to be heard over the malevolent environment. As Riven took charge of the hallucination the gorge began to rise, filling in with dirt, then grass until it was level with the former precipice. The hot wind died down, transmuting into a more gentle, lighter breeze. The barren landscape grew trees and grass, and a babbling brooke behind her. And next to her, where only a scragly bush had struggled to grow was a strong, deeply rooted apple tree, the tree flowering. Riven stepped out of the tree like a forest dryad, and took Michaella into his arms. She whimpered as he held her, telling him all about the message from Starfleet, that one of her children was now dead and she was alone. Riven put his hand under her chin and lifted her chin so that she could look into his deep eyes which glistened with the unshed tears of understanding. "Nonsense, Michaella. There have been no communications to the ship since we have entered the void." His voice rang both around her and in her mind. His thoughts twined with hers, and he placed soothing barriers in her mind, to control the depths of her grief. And then with a shimmering of the landscape around them, they were again in Engineering. Riven asked one of the officers to access her communications logs to verify, and that was when she realized that he had been speaking aloud about her hallucinations to the others in the room. Angeni for one, who was technically one of her supervisors. The young engineering ensign that was being held by that tellerite who was treating him like her mate. And then the FO materialized and Michaella found herself holding Riven's hand, fingers curled in his. She was quite shaken from the battle she had endured, and she was tired. This wasn't what she needed. As always Angeni took charge of the situation. Michaella glanced over at Riven nervously, then back to the FO. "I'm sorry, Sir." Michaella spoke softly, her voice raspy with the tears that she had shed. "The Void affected me, and through me, Dr. Mias. " She looked around sickbay, getting dizzy for a moment from the battering of the others around her before Riven shielded her from it. It seemed like some blamed her for the crises, and many were angry that Jake was injured. Some of that was directed at Michaella and some was directed at Riven. She looked down at Jake, unable to sense anything about his condition due to Riven's shielding. "Dr Trommashere, is there anything that I can do to help you with Ensign Haltom?" She reached for her tricorder which was somehow missing. An inquisitive look at Riven for input was given. (reply the party in engineering) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias - 21:32) She had found her way back. Riven smiled softly and stroked her cheek then gave her a querilous look as he attention turned inward. Curious he followed her and found himself beside her among several ohters on the main deck of engineering. Riven gave a start of surprise, Michaella was picking up something that was even now going on outside of their environ! He shook his head as she pleaded with the FO for mercy on his part. "I'm sorry, Sir. The Void affected me, and through me, Dr. Mias. Dr Trommashere, is there anything that I can do to help you with Ensign Haltom?" She was reaching for something as Riven caught her hand. ::Michaella we are not with them. You are in an office and telepathically seeing something that is going on outside through your mind.:: He gave her a grin. ::On the other hand for some reason you seem to be very sensitive right now. We'd better go down and see what we can do:: (Reply: Michaella) ::Or rather what I can do.:: The image of Ensign Haltom lying senselessly upon the deck made him queasy at what he might have done, he needed to get to him quick and bring him around. "Come on." As Michaella opened her eyes he helped her to her feet and began leading her out the door. (Reply: Michaella) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:32) Along the way towards Engineering, Amari had stopped at a replicator and acquired a tall glass of alderberry smoothie that she had just recently perfected in the programming. However when she reached engineering a scream cut across her mind, causing her to fall to her knees and drop the smoothie to the deckplates. She reached up and clamped her hands over her ears, trying in vain to block out the psychic screams that she was being subjected to. As a half betazoid she wasn't very conversant in the skills necessary to do so. Within a few minutes that to her felt like hours, the screaming had died down and she was able to get up, brushing off her uniform before making her way to the replicator and ordering two smoothies this time. She needed the sugar to counteract the shaking she was experiencing from the psychic noise. In fact her ears rather rang with the unexpected silence. She turned a corner and saw Will talking to one of the other engineers so she smiled, walking up and holding out the smoothie to him. "Will, do you have a moment that we can go and talk?" She looked pale under her cocoa skin, and her face held pain lines. (reply Frost, any) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Engineering - TAC/ASC, Ensign Will Frost - 21:33) Will was still in engineering, but was feeling better after his "incident" and lapse of reality that he had earlier. He was still in engineering finishing his shift at the security station there. He was talking to engineer, just shooting the breeze, when Lt. Riya showed up behind him. "Will, do you have a moment that we can go and talk?" she asked. Will turned to the engineer and dismissed him, then turned to Amari, smiled, and replied. "Sure, what's up? We can go to the security station if you want." (reply Riya) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Science Officer, Lt Amari Riya - 21:35) "Will, do you have a moment that we can go and talk?" she asked. Will turned to the engineer and dismissed him, then turned to Amari, smiled, and replied. "Sure, what's up? We can go to the security station if you want." Amari looked into Will's blue eyes and grinned, handing him his alderberry smoothie. She looked around, the grin vanishing as she did. "Where?" She waited him to lead her there. Once they had reached the station she perched herself atop a table, her own smoothie set on the table beside her. She ran her fingers though the wiry spiral curls that came from her african based human parent along with her cocoa colored skin. This led them into further disarray, her attempt at keeping it under control. "I should probably go to one of the counsellors, but Elani is busy in ten forward with the numerous psychiatric issues everyone has been facing. But mine was... different than others that I have heard about. It bothered me badly and I feel very unfocused and on edge. There was also...also something...in engineering. There was a psychic scream that cut across my mind in a white hot flash of pain. I couldn't block it out, but I don't know enough about the void." She bit her bottom lip while looking up through her dark eyelashes at him. She wasn't being actively seductive, but she did want a friend and this was one of her only ones. Ami after all, wasn't very good at making friends. (reply will, any) (posted by mel) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Medical Research Asst - Dr. Michaella Kirien - 21:35) Michaella exited the lift with Riven, her hand tucked in his. It surprised her that the scene was almost exactly what she had 'seen' upstairs. Her hand tightened on his arm, pausing him for a moment in the doorway. ::Riven, do you think the void is affecting us? I don't mean the visions, but the fact that what I just 'saw' happened through your block. I shouldn't have?:: She looked on at Jake, not realizing that she was actually projecting her sadness and the tinge of despair Then it hit her. She had said it upstairs, that this was her fault, entirely. "Go." Michaella whispered, staying back as she urged Riven forward. She tried to make herself invisible, but by the look of her she had obviously seen better days. Her fine silky black hair was matted in places, her face was tearstreaked, her skin pale with touches of fever red here and there from the emotions that had been coursing through her. Another glance at Angeni, and Michaella was sure that she was going to be hearing it from her boss over the way she looked, in a crumpled and dirty uniform. She felt like a lowly Ensign again. Seventeen was not the age that Michaella would choose to repeat if given the choice. And so she watched, and waited while Riven worked. She knew she needed to get back to her quarters, shower, eat, change her uniform and consume caffeine instead of sleep. But she was afraid of being seperated from Riven, which caused her to stay in Engineering lng past when she was actually useful. (reply Riven, engineering) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Bridge – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:35) Remae had his little hallucination with his Bajoran heritage, it hadn't been unpleasant but he to confront some of the feelings he had put behind him for many years, the thought of the Prophets after so long had brought into focus long forgotten feelings about the nature of the Bajoran religion. He put that aside, again to focus on what the ship really needed at this point and that was to talk to the away teams and the Garallon. Attempts so far had failed. "Captain, request permission to head for Engineering. I want to see if we can boost the communications gain, perhaps we can get a signal through. Even at this close range, we're not having much luck.", he said standing. (Reply from T'Vhor) He nodded and headed off the Bridge but first he stopped at the OPS station. "Ensign Smith, I'll contact you when I am down there. I have an idea." (Reply from Smith) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (ATV Garallon - Deck 9 - Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:35) He cursed himself for his bad luck. He had just scanned the junction ahead which was clear and began to cross it when the lights on the deck had flashed into light. The illumination had caught him in the open with no where to go. He slammed himself into a bulkhead and scanned the corridors for any sign of the enemy. When the TACOM showed that there was no targets he took a deep breath to calm his pounding heart. "Well, someone has obviously restored power to the ships systems" "which means...." "Houseman" With one last glance at down the corridor he moved back to his commanding officer. "now that the ship appears to have power, do you think you might be able to access the internal sensor array without alerting anyone here that we are, well... here?", Houseman nodded. “Yes Sir. No problem.” "Get it done, and make it sooner rather than later" “Copy that.” He knelt down by the communication panel and inserted two access cable. He moved with as much speed a s caution would allow as altho the Garallon was a starfleet vessel and so most of the access codes would accept his requests he did not know what surprises anyone had left. His suit’s hacking system took a few minutes insert it into the Garallon’s system before he removed the access cables so that he could work remotely and not keep the marines tied down to one spot. He looked over at Kowalski and motioned that he was inserted and that they could move on. (Reply Any on Marine detail) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - TAC/ASC, Ensign Frost - 21:36) "I should probably go to one of the counsellors, but Elani is busy in ten forward with the numerous psychiatric issues everyone has been facing. But mine was... different than others that I have heard about. It bothered me badly and I feel very unfocused and on edge. There was also...also something...in engineering. There was a psychic scream that cut across my mind in a white hot flash of pain. I couldn't blockit out, but I don't know enough about the void." She bit her bottom lip while looking up through her dark eyelashes at him. "Amari, I want you to know, you can talk to me about anything." Will took a good number of counseling classes in the academy, and enjoyed being a shoulder for people to lean on. This would be know different. Besides, he could never say no to a pretty face. (reply Amari) "And no worriest, the void, well it makes things seem weird. I had moments where I thought bunnies where taking over the ship, and accused one of the engineers of cheating on me, because I thought she was an ex. Though, I am more concerned I thought bunnies were going to take over the ship." (reply Amari) "Anyways, so, about what you experienced, what happened?" (reply Amari) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Bridge – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 21:37) It was a relief to see the hull of the Garallon ablaze with a degree of interior lighting once again. Beforehand she had seemed dead, like some closd down hulk that had taken its last breath. Now there was life again, and that was all down to Ktell and his spark of genius. For a moment or two though he had seemed a little far off, vague. Pondering their next move perhaps. Needless to say his plan to energise the auxiliary power cells with their own reserves piggy backed onto a phasor beam, had worked. "Captain", said the Engineer returning suddenly now from his momentary distraction, "request permission to head for Engineering. I want to see if we can boost the communications gain, perhaps we can get a signal through. Even at this close range, we're not having much luck." The Captain nodded. The logic was sound, even though so far they had failed to get anything back from their Marine away team. "Granted. Keep me appraised on your progress Lieutenant. If we manage to punch a signal through then we will have to move quickly before the signal degrades again", said the Captain. (Reply Remae) The Acting FO/CEO then left the bridge as requested... (Reply Remae) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - Science Officer, Lt. Amari Riya - 21:38) "Amari, I want you to know, you can talk to me about anything." A look of profound relief crosses Ami's face and she grins again. "Do you like the smoothie?" She asked him, her sudden grin fading as she notices he hasn't taken a sip of it yet. (reply Will) "And no worries, the void, well it makes things seem weird. I had moments where I thought bunnies where taking over the ship, and accused one of the engineers of cheating on me, because I thought she was an ex. Though, I am more concerned I thought bunnies were going to take over the ship." Her pretty smile widens at his explanation and she scoots further back on the desk so that she can sit 'indian style' comfortably. Ami took another drink of her berry smoothie as Will spoke. "Anyways, so, about what you experienced, what happened?" A deep sigh from the half betazoid woman, closing her eyes for a moment. "I was in the Arboretum and everything changed. It'll sound silly, but the door opened. No one came in and then a blast of arctic air whistled through, wilting several of my seedlings." She began to tug on one of her curls with a slight frown, "Some of them were essential to the work that I've been doing creating heat resistant crops for one of those almost inhospitable worlds that is overly warm. Like Vulcan unfortunately, but when the plants were moved, none of them survived a week." She blushes along her cheeks as she realizes that she was prattling along. "So I stepped outside of the Arboretum and called for a technician for repair of both the hallway and the Arboretum. The circuitry said nothing was happening, but it was clearly snowing, I was wet. I don't know why the repair crew didn't see what I was doing. It was stupid, that I didn't feel that it was a hallucination. I've never had a hallucination where everything about it was so real. It was tactile, it smelled right. I caught a snowflake on my tongue and it tasted right. I was cold. Everything about it was so real to me." Another deep breath. "Some of my plants survived, the important ones did not and I'm going to have to have a talk with Palmer about the delay in that project, and Will, Will I'm so afraid that he's not going to be understanding." She now found her eyes trained on his feet. Her low self esteem showed in her body language and vocal tone. She was a lonely woman, generally only associating with the Betazoids aboard, and occasionally with the science staff. "The other Will, it was a memory. It was one of my worst memories. That's the really bad one, and I don't... I don't know that I can handle talking about it, but I know I need to. It was the most horrific event that I have ever been through." She had begun to quietly cry, tears dripping down her face and her chin. (reply Will) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Engineering - Security Station FoxTrot - TAC/ASC, Ensign Frost - 21:39) "I was in the Arboretum and everything changed. It'll sound silly, but the door opened. No one came in and then a blast of arctic air whistled through, wilting several of my seedlings." She began to tug on one of her curls with a slight frown, "Some of them were essential to the work that I've been doing creating heat resistant crops for one of those almost inhospitable worlds that is overly warm. Like Vulcan unfortunately, but when the plants were moved, none of them survived a week. So I stepped outside of the Arboretum and called for a technician for repair of both the hallway and the Arboretum. The circuitry said nothing was happening, but it was clearly snowing, I was wet. I don't know why the repair crew didn't see what I was doing. It was stupid, that I didn't feel that it was a hallucination. I've never had a hallucination where everything about it was so real. It was tactile, it smelled right. I caught a snowflake on my tongue and it tasted right. I was cold. Everything about it was so real to me." Another deep breath. "Some of my plants survived, the important ones did not and I'm going to have to have a talk with Palmer about the delay in that project, and Will, Will I'm so afraid that he's not going to be understanding." Will listened and nodded, he didn't know what else to add, so he just nodded. He always nodded. He always tried to act like he was listening. "The other Will, it was a memory. It was one of my worst memories. That's the really bad one, and I don't... I don't know that I can handle talking about it, but I know I need to. It was the most horrific event that I have ever been through." She had begun to quietly cry, tears dripping down her face and her chin. Will leaned in and wiped away some of the tears under one of her eyes. He always hated seeing a girl cry, Well he hated seeing anyone cry. "It's ok, Amari, it is okay. No need to worry, no need to cry. The void just has a way of messing with our heads. It has a way of making us feel like we have to relive our worst moments, have to relive the things that make us feel like we just want to disappear. It happens to all of us. When...when I had my break, I went back to a time, before I joined Starfleet, back when I was a fighter. I had just come back from a tour, you know, doing promotions, string of fights, and competing in different tournaments. I had hurt myself in a fight pretty bad, had to break my own ankle to get out of a hold, won the fight, but had to take a few months off. I hadn't been back on earth for about two months and went to see the girl I thought I was gonna marry." Will paused for a bit and took a deep sigh. "Anyways, well went to see her, and found out she was pregnant, about 6 weeks possibly. Or rather far enough, or short enough along, that there was no way it could have been mine, and well, the hallucination, took me right to that moment, right to that weakness, and I had to relive it. Again. It happens, but we have to know, that well, it isn't real. It prays on our memories, it makes it feel real, but it can't be real. Because it already happened. It just uses our memories to haunt us with our own emotional ghosts." (reply Amari) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:40) The First Officer noted that not a great deal of work was being done and a lot of the crew seemed to be standing around. Subtlety wasn't his strong suit. "Okay, if someone wants to tell me what is happening, now would be a good time.", he said in a voice loud enough to be heard by all in Engineering. (Reply from T'Vhor, Smith, Someone in Engineering...) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:41) The FO was looking at the situation, which was, less than good. "Do you have any questions for me, sir?", said the ACMO and her quick, decisive attitude had impressed the FO, although it seemed appropriate to get a move on rather than trying to treat everyone in Engineering. She had brought the Bajoran up to speed and that was enough. Remae looked around, it was a lot worse than he realised. People were dropping like flies. "Very well, Ensign. Let's move. Split into two groups. Take the injured to Sickbay and we'll take the others to Ten-Forward. "This one is as daft as any Chief. Sure she looked at Haltom but she's spent the rest of her time playing with invisible friends over there in the corner. If she really wanted to know where Kirien was all she had to do was ask. And Mias if you ask me is even more crackers than she is. They both need to be kept watch over.", said the Telleraite and Remae stopped in his tracks. ~ and it was such a good plan as well ~ "Look, there isn't time to play 'guess the crazy'... the lot of you, we're all going to Ten-Forward. Grab who you can, carry them... do what you have to.", he said opening a small opening in the wall. Inside, there were a number of anti-gravity trolleys, used to carry heavy objects around Engineering, now they have a new purpose. "Grab one, head for Sickbay. Turbolift to the left.", he indicated as someone grabbed it open, held the doors as the soft buzzing from the hovering platforms protested as crew were loaded on. "Engineering to Sickbay, anyone available, head for 10-Forward. Engineering to any Counsellors available, head for 10-Forward. Engineering to Bridge. Captain, our problems are getting worse than we thought.", he said smacking his commbadge around as he opened multiple channels around the ship. (Reply from the madness of the Spectre, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:43) "This one is as daft as any Chief. Sure she looked at Haltom but she's spent the rest of her time playing with invisible friends over there in the corner. If she really wanted to know where Kirien was all she had to do was ask. And Mias if you ask me is even more crackers than she is. They both need to be kept watch over." Angeni felt as if a veil was lifted from her eyes. The scene before her made her stomach drop to the floor below her; Jake was the only one there. Mias and Kirien weren't on the floor and Gork hadn't approached her. She stood before the FO, her mouth opening and closing not unlike a Large Mouth Bass that had been thrown onto the shore. She wrung her hands together, unsure what to say or do. She took a step back, gathering her things. All she could do was try to save some face and clean up the gigantic mess she got herself into, but the FO seemed to take it all in. The slight verbal smack-down on Gork caused just the corners of her mouth to flinch upwards as if to smirk, but she left it alone. As she cleaned up her things, an Anti-Grav Trolley appeared next to her. With a gesture, they had Jake loaded onto the trolley and she checked the settings on the Neural Stimulator and his condition. She glanced over at Gork, a concerned smile on her face. This time, she looked her dead in the eyes. "Please, feel free to stop by Sickbay if you need to get away from the craziness. I'm sure Haltom would like to see you when he wakes up." With that, she exited Engineering, rallying her Medical troops around her as she walked out the door. (Reply Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Dreamscape - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:45) Even when asleep it sometimes amazes the sensations we can feel. Like for instance when a person dreams of falling. The stomach knotting terror it engenders can be quite overwhelming and often is the cause of the person waking up in a start. Jake's unconcious time had been quite uneventful and nondescript until the sensation of floating had begun to intrude rudely on his restful interlude. The dream it sparked was not foreign to him at all, the sense of weightlessness upon plantfall as the shuttle was coming into Titan was actually very pleasant... the fact that it continued and the dream started to loop though he found to be disquieting. He turned his mind's eye to the passenger beside him and said conversationally. "So do you have a feeling of deja vu?" The woman didn't seem to hear him and just kept up the inane blabber that was her constant feature to the man across the aisle whom she seemed to know, if not it stood to reason that she had the hots for him. There was still that teenage boy in front of him reading from a PADD and the various occupants being waited on in turn by the fetching stewardess whom he had a crush for on that flight. Seeing the outer plants had been a fun time with some luscious distractions. "Ah." He held up his hand as she walked by him. "Stewardess is this flight repeating?" "What can I get for you sir?" She asked with a gorgeous smile and he could almost feel the rise of heat under his collar." "Ah... No. I don't want anything, I was just wondering if you had noticed that the flight is abnormally long or if some things are repeating? For instance the pilot has announced our arrival three times as far as I know." The woman gave him a fetching grin. "We have several teas you might like but I'll have to scan you for alcohol. You look to be at that age that it's hard to tell." "No I don't want anything." Jake was starting to get annoyed at her single-mindedness. "I was just looking for some confirmation." "Once you make up your mind let me know." She gave him another smile and turned to someone else who got her attention. Jake started having second thoughts at that time about just how fetching she was, the fact she had the intelligence of a rock was not ingratiating. "Something is definitely wrong." he muttered as the ship set down, there was no jolt and no sense of stopping, just that same sensation of weightlessness. It suddenly occured to him that a sensation of weightlessness should be completely out of place on a ship since it had artificial gravity. This shuttle didn't but why not? All of the Spectre's shuttles had working artificial gravity. Then he found himself back in orbit again with the pilot announcing their arrival at Titan. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias - 21:46) ::Riven, do you think the void is affecting us? I don't mean the visions, but the fact that what I just 'saw' happened through your block. I shouldn't have?:: He could feel her self condemnation and squeezed the hand in reply. :: Undoubtedly and stop blaming yourself, it's not like it is easy to tell where reality ends and visions begin in this sector of space. The Void as we call it is a nightmare place of unreality and terror and our presence here is not welcome I think nor should it be prolonged.:: "Go." Michaella whispered to him and hung back as he crossed the intervening distance and stopped before the cluster of people gathered around the ACEO of which Chief Ktell was in evidence. The Tellarite was glaring at him as were a number of engineering personnel whom he could vaguely recall had been present earlier when he had blown through the area like a hurricane. He was calm now though, perfectly alert and cognizant of the surroundings and what was happening. Despite Michaella's adament stance on assuming blame he knew it was his fault after all, he had let his mind be compromised by the Void for a while and it had perhaps been costly. Even if Jake bounced back quickly Riven's own confidence would be sure to take a hit. ~Perhaps I was overconfident after all, taking a black eye to my self assurance in that case would not be a bad thing.~ "Sir my apologies," he spoke to the A/FO as he neared. "I do believe this is my doing and I would like the chance to make amends." (Reply: Ktell, any) Riven nodded grimly at Angeni and pushed by her but was blocked for an instant by the Tellarite engineer who growled in his face. "I don't make friends easily mind healer and am not happy at the moment. Don't make me angrier." (Reply: Ktell, Angeni, any) Gork growled but backed away at a command from the chief and Riven smiled at what was taking place behind her. ~Thank goodness everything is going to be all right.~ (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:49) "All right that does it! Where the hell am I?" The answer was patently obvious and caused him to struggle back toward wakefulness. "I don't have time for this and I don't remember going off shift!" Then he was opening his eyes at long last to find himself on an anti-grav skid with Angeni, Ktell, Gork and others clustered around. His shoulders when stretched could feel the outer contours of the skid and he was just above waist height with the humanoids and slightly higher with Gork who was being quite peevish with someone beyond her. Ktell snapped an order though and she backed off and he saw Dr. Mias standing beyond her as she moved aside. The Betazoid began beaming at him and he grinned self-conciously as the others turned to see him moving to a sitting position. "Sorry Chief, did I just get caught sleeping on the job?" He had never been more embarassed in his life and his grin had a nervous cast. (Reply: Ktell, any) (Posted by Charles) :-) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:51) Angeni leaned over, grabbing Jake by the wrist. She slid his hands over his chest, supporting them in position by his elbows. As she did, she felt his muscles contract in his arms and his eyes flew open. She turned around, listening to Ktell. "All right that does it! Where the hell am I? I don't have time for this and I don't remember going off shift!" Angeni was busy listening to Ktell bark orders. She hung around, waiting to see if Medical popped up, but it seemed as if they were to just continue the way they had been. When she heard Jake talking, she turned around and looked at him, relief washing over her face for a moment before she jotted something down on her padd. "Sorry Chief, did I just get caught sleeping on the job?" Angeni chuckled and just patted him on the shoulder. "Were you at least having a good dream?" (Reply Jake) "I'm gonna take you down to Sickbay and give you a once over. You were out for a while. I want to make sure all your screws are in place." She winked at him. "Normally, I'd make someone stay on the trolley, but if you feel strong enough, I'll let you walk." (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 21:52) Remae had decided to get everyone out of Engineering and down to a larger space, 10-Forward was mentioned as a good place but Doctor Mias spoke up. "I do believe this is my doing and I would like the chance to make amends.", said the Counsellor, coming back from wherever he had been. "That sounds like the best news I've heard so far today.", said the First Officer, "How is Lt Kirien?", asked but unfortunately, he never got a reply. The Telleriate Engineer seemed to take issue with that but the Bajoran had no time for that foolishness. He looked at Gork, "Step aside, you can make up and be friends later." "Sorry Chief, did I just get caught sleeping on the job?", said Haltom. Remae smiled for a moment as he looked around at the scene. "I'm gonna take you down to Sickbay and give you a once over. You were out for a while. I want to make sure all your screws are in place.", said Angeni and Remae spoke up. "Doctor, I don't want to spend time barking orders. I am not good at it. However, I did want to take anyone with physiological problems to 10-Forward with Doctor Mias, I need him to explain to me what is happening and to check over the others.", he paused looking around. "However, it's your call. Who do you want to send where?", Remae asked as an ever larger group was gathering around them... the soft hum from the hover-dollies hung in the air. He had no problem recalling the officers he had asked to meet them in 10-Forward, they could all go there or they could split up but he was anxious to talk Riven and soon. (Reply from Angeni, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Engineering – ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere – 21:54) "Doctor, I don't want to spend time barking orders. I am not good at it. However, I did want to take anyone with physiological problems to 10-Forward with Doctor Mias, I need him to explain to me what is happening and to check over the others. However, it's your call. Who do you want to send where?" Angeni unconsciously tugged on her lab coat hem and she put her hands behind her back. "I have a few Medics in Ten Forward at the moment, but they only have bare bones medical equipment. Right now, anyone who is suffering just psychologically can go to Ten Forward, but, anyone who is having any physical symptoms I want cleared through Sickbay first. Psychological trauma has the potential to exacerbate any underlying physical condition, so a quick once over isn't a bad idea." She paused for a moment as she pulled her hair up into a bun. The entire time she was talking, it felt like someone was tugging on her hair. She glanced at her watch before continuing. "By 2345, we will be able to send any and all medical emergencies to either Ten Forward or Sickbay. By Zero Hundred, you will have a C and I Report with a Medical Plan of Action." (Reply Ktell, Any) Angeni nodded. "Thank you, Sir." With that, she nodded at those around her and she headed towards Sickbay. (Reply Ktell, Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Jake Haltom - 21:57) "Were you at least having a good dream?" Jake noted smiles of relief from everyone around and though he was still a bit embarassed it made him wonder just what might have been going on. "I don't remember actually." "I'm gonna take you down to Sickbay and give you a once over. You were out for a while. I want to make sure all your screws are in place." Angeni winked at him and he gave her a confused look. ~Make sure all my screws are in place, what the hell happened. Did I go off the deep end and start chasing dragons again?~ "Normally, I'd make someone stay on the trolley, but if you feel strong enough, I'll let you walk." Now that did sound serious! Funny thing was that he didn't feel like he had gone through some traumatic experience, he felt... well he felt kind of rested actually. While she and the chief made plans he spun on his glutes which made the skid wobble slightly although it was a very stable platform and hung his legs over the edge. He couldn't feel any weakness, his head was a bit clearer than it had been earlier although a longer nap would have been better and he wasn't in any pain so he shrugged and slid off the edge. His feet had been only a few inches off the floor so he didn't drop far and landed solidly. He tested his legs for an instant and turned his head to Angeni which caused a bare instant of slight dizziness otherwise he was good. "I'm up for walking doc," he said after she finished making plans with Ktell. (Reply: Angeni, any) "Sickbay it is," he sighed and started toward the door. ~Dang it, I'm seeing entirely too much of that place today and it can't be healthy!~ (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:59) "I'm up for walking doc," he said after she finished making plans with Ktell. Angeni nodded at him. "You'll be in and out, promise." She waved away the skid and she gently grabbed Jake by the elbow, steering him to the door. She did it out of reflex; old habits died hard as she was used to guiding patients around by the arm if they refused the skid or chair. If someone went to stumble and fall, she could catch them before they hit the ground. "Sickbay it is." Replied Jake. Angeni organized the troops a bit, splitting up the medical teams between Sickbay and Ten Forward, then she walked out the door with Jake. (Reply Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 21:59.5) Angeni let go of Jake's arm once it seemed as if he was steady enough on his feet and wasn't going to bite it in front of her. "How are you feeling? Dizzy? Light headed? Nauseated?" (Reply Jake) As he spoke, she quickly scanned him with the Tricorder. It was interesting to see the Void's effect on brain activity. Every so often, the waves would separate, showing how the Void was influencing the brain. Some waves would be stronger than others, some would cross the corpus callosum and seep into the various lobes. If the waves made it through, each one could cause a host of hallucinations. As a particularly strong wave crossed the face of the machine, she looked up at Jake. "How are you feeling now?" (Reply Jake) She nodded and quickly removed the Neural Stimulator, placing it in her pocket. They stood quietly outside the doors of the Turbo Lift and she glanced over at him one more time before staring at the closed doors in front of her. (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:00) Remae may have been a Counsellor a lifetime ago but this was going to need the triage experience of a Medical Doctor. "By 2345, we will be able to send any and all medical emergencies to either Ten Forward or Sickbay. By Zero Hundred, you will have a C and I Report with a Medical Plan of Action.", she said with efficiently. "Very good, let's do it that way.", he said moving closer to Doctor Mias. "Thank you, Sir.", she said and began gathering up the patients going to Sickbay. "Doctor Mias, you are with me but I want you to help me gather up patients going to 10-Forward, the Psychological injuries are coming with us.", he said looking around. The First Officer could see one of two of the crew who appeared uninjured. It appeared the logical place to start. (Reply from Mias, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens Jake Haltom - 22:01) "How are you feeling? Dizzy? Light headed? Nauseated?" "Mm, mm." He noted while shaking his head slightly. "Just a little dizziness when I stood up but none since then." He cut his eyes over to see her holding the cylindrical medical tricorder in her hand and watching it closely. That particular piece of equipment had always intrigued him until he had actually taken one apart one day and learned how it operated. Medical tricorders could be linked to a PADD for a full function readout and control, used a system of blinking indicators to show the numbers for whatever life sign was chosen by the pressure sensitive trigger buttons or was read by means of the audible signals which it gave off that was only learned through years of use. Alternatively a PADD with a full sensor suite and appropriate firmware could also be used and often was by many medical staff, expecially the younger generations who didn't have the patience or knack for using the older but tried and true model. Whatever she was seeing must have been interesting as engrossed as she was in the readout. She was walking almost without looking ahead, following his steps except for the time or two she glanced up to make sure she wasn't bulldozing through somebody. And then the corridor turned into a tremendous cavern beneath the bowels of Miraak's temple on Solstheim. The aforementioned villain was standing calmly on the other side of the bowl shaped depression which was recessed three steps below the level of the floor. His golden mask with the boar shaped tusks jutting up the sides glittered in the firelight from the torches hung on the pillars arrayed around its circumference. Not one but three dragons were at cardinal points between them not counting his own steed which was hissing in rage and fear behind him. The gloom caused by the cavern walls which could not be seen in the limited lighting pressed against them solemnly. The Harbinger noted the staff with one butted and one claw end made of gold which the first Dragonborn held in his left hand. Its butted end rested upon the floor. Miraak's power though was not in his staff though it was a formidable weapon in its own right, no his power lay in his voice as befitted one of the dragonborn. "I am offering you power beyond that which you have ever known Dragonborn." The voice wheezed from behind the mask. "Not only to rule the bloodthirsty world upon which you walk but to shake the very realms of the Daedric Princes and become a god yourself. There is no need for blood to be spilled between us this day, you have only to join your powers with mine and free me from this prison." "Herma Mora doesn't seem to care much for your idea." The chuckle was merciless and without humor. "I assume you talked it over with him since he seems to know all about your plans to escape his realm." He gave a snort of true mirth as Miraak's knuckles whitened about the clawed head of his staff. "As a matter of fact he seems to think I would be a more able replacement than you. You don't have to worry though..." he said as his adversary clenched his right fist and hissed in rage. "I turned him down. I have no desire to be the pawn of a Daedra Lord which is something you should have considered before you accepted his offer." Miraak's hand unclenched and he visibly relaxed. "No the only reason I'm here in a deal with the devil as they say..." the Harbinger continued. "... is because a maleovalent being of your power is a true threat to Tamriel. I doomed the life of a noble man unknowingly because allying with Mora was the only way to stop you from returning to our world. That and I take exception to your worshippers who seem to think there is room for only one Dragonborn on Nirn and I don't fit into the picture." His reply was not in keeping with the exclamation of a serial villain at all. "How are you feeling now?" Jake shook his head in surprise, as he did so the cavern disappeared to be replaced by the corridor once more. "Holy moley!" He said. " I alternate between living the good life on a Federation starship and being a true hero out of legend. What more could you ask for out of life?" His grin disappeared as they came to a turbolift door that stubbornly refused to open. "Hmm! Let me have a look at this." Jake muttered and his thumb keyed open a panel beside the door. The power indicator lights were dim which had the look of a drain from someplace. (Reply: Angeni) He retraced his steps a bit down the corridor and opened a nexus panel and looked closely at the power readouts. "Strange, the turbolift seems to have an interruption. Computer list nearest personnel to the power junction for the turbolift." [Palmer, CSO is in closest proximity to the main junction panel.] He tapped his combadge. "CSO Palmer this is Jake Haltom ACEO. Is there any way you can get to the turbolift power junction for me and make a few tweaks?" (Reply: Palmer) "You're what?" Jake's eyebrows rose. "Well then it looks like we can help each other. If you can get a steady power flow back to the turbolifts we can come extricate you. Of course if you can't it will take a bit longer considering the climbing," He added apologetically. (Reply: Palmer, Angeni, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Main Engineering – Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias – 22:02) Riven was feeling much better now seeing the ACEO walk out of the doors on his own without assistance. Angeni was gathering a number of others together including Gork the Tellarite who was not doing a good job of hiding a headache. Ktell and her had made extensive plans to get those with physical symptoms checked out in medical, his job as it appeared along with the rest of the counseling staff was to see to those whose minds were being affected by the Void in ten forward. "Doctor Mias, you are with me but I want you to help me gather up patients going to 10-Forward, the Psychological injuries are coming with us.", he said and started sweeping with his eyes over those gathered with interest. "Yes sir," Riven said and gestured to Michaella, as she appoached he took her right arm gently. "Feel up to taking a walk with me to ten forward? The view there is most certainly better than it is here." (Reply: Michaella) The engineering crew watched him warily for a time he noted no doubt their suspicons were based on the fear he might go on a tear again which was not going to happen. As time passed they calmed though and he was able to gether a group to accompany them. The fact that Michaella was with him he noted was helping as well to settle them down. After the group of less than a dozen was in order he led them back to the A/FO. "We appear to be all set sir. Would you like us to go ahead or wait for you?" (Reply: Ktell, Michaella, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:03) Angeni watched as he shook his head, clearing the cobwebs. They had stopped moving for a moment and she watched as the tricorder spiked with Void readings. She had stood close by him, her fingers on the tranquilizer hypo in her pocket just in case he lashed out. As the readings subsided, he spoke. "Holy moley!" He said. " I alternate between living the good life on a Federation starship and being a true hero out of legend. What more could you ask for out of life?" She laughed and touched his arm. "Oh, I could think of a few things. We have a holodeck program to finish, but this isn't bad..." A small voice echoed through her mind. Not like he'd be willing to do any of them with you, silly girl. The voice made her freeze and she stared at the Turbo Lift door. She absently fingered the beads in her hair as her mind went silent. She pressed the button next to the door and was surprised to see it not open. "This...is weird...." "Hmm! Let me have a look at this." Angeni watched as Jake began to fiddle with the panel next to the door. Engineers weren't unlike Doctors. It was always said Starships were akin to the human body; the Warp Nacels were the heart, Computer systems the Brain, Fuel Tanks the stomach, and so on and so forth. Everything had to be working in harmony to function and it seemed as if the humors were out of sorts. "Do you know what's wrong with it?" He started walking down the corridor and she followed a few steps behind. "Strange, the turbolift seems to have an interruption. Computer list nearest personnel to the power junction for the turbolift." [Palmer, CSO is in closest proximity to the main junction panel.] The raven haired Doctor stood nearby, watching people walk back and forth. Their eyes were empty and full of fear. Out of pure reflex, Angeni moved a few steps over, her back to Jake's. Her grey eyes swept the corridor, watching everyone walk past without making eye contact. Anyone could want to do harm to them if they thought the two of them were a hallucination and she certainly didn't want to be snuck up on. Her only weapon was a laser scalpel and a tranquilizer hypo and while she was proficient at hand to hand, she would be no match for someone hopped up on fear and adrenalin. "You're what?" Jake's eyebrows rose. "Well then it looks like we can help each other. If you can get a steady power flow back to the turbolifts we can come extricate you. Of course if you can't it will take a bit longer considering the climbing," He added apologetically. She looked over her shoulder at Jake. "Climbing? I'm not particularly dressed for that..." she said with a giggle. She turned to face him, her smile replaced by a concerned glance. "Is there anything I can do to help? I might have a couple of tools in my kit, but we only use them to fix Tricorders on the fly...not sure what they can do to help you." She took her kit off her shoulder and held it out to him. "Engineering is obviously not my specialty..." (Reply Jake) Angeni stood with her back against the bulkhead and she let out a deep sigh. The silence in the hallway made her skin crawl as it was just too quiet. The normal hum of the ship seemed to be duller...quieter in fact. No one had passed them in the last few minutes and she began fidgeting nervously...the quietness was abnormal and all of her senses were on edge. As she stood by, she felt something tickling the back of her neck. She ignored it for a moment, but she felt it moving along her neck. She reached back and she pulled something off of her skin and she looked at it. In her hand was a large, hairy spider. The usually calm, reserved, and fearless Doctor was replaced by a shrieking, frantic Doctor. She shook her hand wildly and she tore off her lab coat. "Get it off!!!" (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Engineering – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:03) Remae was waiting for the group that was going to 10-Forward to gather. In the meantime, he kept an eye on proceedings around him. He had forgotten all about the reason for his visit to Engineering, communications with the Marines. "We appear to be all set sir. Would you like us to go ahead or wait for you?", asked the Doctor. He had Michaella in hand and a small group was gathered. "Go ahead, Doctor. Take as much time as you need. I'll be behind you all.", he said and touched his commbadge. "First Officer to Bridge, we're splitting up the wounded, psychological issues are heading for 10-Forward, the medically ill are heading for sickbay.", he reported and after a brief conversation, he alerted 10-Forward to expect the groups as well. (Reply from Bridge, 10-Forward) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (ATV Garallon - Deck 4 - Academy Cadet Porsa - 22:09) Porsa had been sitting upon the floor leaning against the bulkhead for nearly ten minutes now. She was done in, exhausted, her mind fracturing now as she pondered the reality that she might 'actually', be dead! She had seen the Marines of course, indeed, they had passed right through her without even really noticing her. Twinnings and Kurrik were still nowhere to be seen, even though she had clearly heard their voices on more than one occasion without being able to meet up with them. Perhaps she really was dead? What other possibility could there be? It was almost as though a veil of some kind was separating them one another, an invisible divide that kept them just out of reach. And then there was the Marines of course. She WAS dead! She had to be... Dead people though did not usually feel the effects of a numb bum. In fact, death was supposed to be a release from physical pain. Wasn't it? Porsa stood up slowly and exhaled heavily. OK, if she was dead then she had just found out that there was indeed an afterlife. After all, here she was, umm, living it. Did that constitute a joke? Porsa let out a laugh at the sentiment. Was it possible to 'live' your death? One could go crazy trying to work that out, and yet there still was a certain freedom attached to the place she had found herself. Maybe she could walk through walls? Perhaps even will herself to her homeworld and be free of this damned Tellarite void. Porsa screwed up her eyes and then said aloud. "Take me home" Then she opened her eyes again to be confronted with the very same bulkhead. "OK, so I can't just wish myself home again", said Porsa, again out loud rather than under her breath. "So, what can I do?" The Cadet reached outwards to touch the bulkhead gingerly. Would her hand pass through it? No, evidently not by the fact that her fingers stopped precisely where they should stop, causing Porsa to screw up her face once again. "What good is being dead if I can't do anything that I couldn't do when I was alive?", she exclaimed, again to herself. Then she moved off down the corridor towards the secondary galley, rubbing at her belly. "How can I be hungry if I'm dead?", she asked herself, the truth being that she actually was. None of this was making any sense, and the more she pondered it, the crazier it all sounded. Dead, but not dead. Hungry! Porsa shook the thoughts from her head and continued on, wondering if she'd ever see Kurrik or Twinnings again... (Reply, None, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:09) The science chief stood puzzled -Unable to locate an exit, or contact anyone else onboard. He looked around the lab again... ~there has to be a way~ He rubbed his face in frustration, and just when he was feeling defeated the COMM chimed. =/\=CSO Palmer this is Jake Haltom ACEO. Is there any way you can get to the turbolift power junction for me and make a few tweaks?=/\= "Palmer here. I would love to Mr. Haltom, But I seem to have...." He paused knowing how silly what he was going to say would sound. "...lost track of the.....the exit in Astrometrics." =/\=You're what? Well then it looks like we can help each other. If you can get a steady power flow back to the turbolifts we can come extricate you.=/\= Came a hopeful reply from the Assistant Chief Engineer. =/\=Of course if you can't it will take a bit longer considering the climbing," He added apologetically.=/\= "Can I access that from here?" Kurt replied moving to the main console. "I can't say I'm much of an engineer." (Reply, Haltom) "Acknowled..." Kurt stopped as he faintly heard commotion coming through the other end of the COMM "... Everything alright up there?" (Reply, Haltom, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell – 22:10) A few medical officers were attending to the arrivals but Remae made a direct line for Mias. "How are you feeling now?", he asked both of them, Michaella seemed to be protected by Riven but Remae simply smiled at them both. (Reply from Michaella and Riven) "Sorry to press, but I need to know what is going on. You mentioned that you believed this, this outbreak was your doing... can you tell me what that means?", he asked, grabbed a chair from a table and spinning it around so the back was facing his arms. He rested them on the back of the chair as he listened. (Reply from Riven, Michaella, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:12) =^= Can I access that from here? I'm not much of an engineer.=^= The CSO replied. Jake literally scratched his head at the question as he attempted to mentally retrieve the schematics for the deck. All of the senior officers had the codes that would grant them access to the main computer core from any work station on the ship, departmental chiefs could also access the deck subsystems for the other departments and could override most functions. His brain seemed to be wrapped in gauze at the moment at what should be a simple request for information, finally he was able to piece together the reply. "Absolutely chief, you can use your override codes on the turbolift subsystems for deck 4. I can't access those nodes at the moment, only readouts for the power relay on the primary junction here which is being fed from it. If you will input your codes I can walk you through what I need." =^= Acknowledged. =^= Was the reply from the stranded scientist. And that was when all heck broke loose nearby, Angeni was shrieking and tearing off her lab coat as she hollered about getting something off of her. Jake spun at the sound and saw her shaking one hand frantically while trying to remove the garment with the other as she hopped about. He resisted the urge to laugh at her panicked jig and caught her by the left shoulder and spun her around so that he could use his right hand to aid her in shedding the long white coat. "Calm down, everything will be all right." He said as soothingly as he could above her cries, whether she was actually hearing him or not he had no idea. (Reply: Angeni) =^= Everything alright up there? =^= Jake cracked a grin at the question. "We have a very panicky ACMO at the moment. Let me take care of this then we can get on with what we were doing." (Reply: Palmer) He was finally able to remove the sleeve from the arm that she was waving around in the air like it was leprous then managed to hold her still long enough to get her out of the garment. With his hands now free he caught her arms, spun her around and stuck his face in front of hers. "Doctor Trommashere, Angeni it's me Jake! Everything is all right, you don't have anything on you." (Reply: Angeni. Palmer, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – Asst Counsellor, Dr. Riven Mias – 22:13) Riven and Michaella had come up with the gathered group and gotten everyone settled as comfortably as possible in the inner section of the lounge that had a direct view to the outer port so that the people could have a look at space should they wish it. It had been decided that walls would be more comforting initially and as the crew became more relaxed they could wander about and unwind. Ten Forward would be a good spot as well due to its size to become another sanctuary and he was determined to enter once again into the shielding discipline once his reserves of strength had regenerated, for now he would have to be content with being an aide for the medical and counseling staff that had gathered. "What would you like to drink my dear?" He asked her with a smile and a light touch on the arm. (Reply: Michaella) He went to the bar and ordered her drink as well as a strong Betazed berry tea for himself, the caffeine would be a good natural stimulant to his system and it was common practice in the temple to use such to recover from strenuous mind healing procedures. The tall glass of the steaming amber liquid gave off the pungent scent not unlike terran cherries and cinnamon but tasted like liquid gold with only the slightest bitter note at the very end which gave it a strong body and fortifying characteristics. As Riven returned to Michaella with her glass in his left hand and his cradled lovingly in his right Remae saw and made a beeline for them, he arrived as he was passing her the cup. "How are you feeling now?" He asked the two with a soft smile. (Reply: Michaella) Riven gave a wan smile. "A little drained but I'll be back to normal shortly with the help of the delectable contents of my cup and a few minutes off my feet." He sat down with a pleased sigh on a nearby bench seat near one of the windows adjacent to a table and three chairs. (Reply: Michaella) "Sorry to press, but I need to know what is going on. You mentioned that you believed this, this outbreak was your doing... can you tell me what that means?" The chief of engineering and acting first officer then took one of the nearby chairs, turning it around and leaning against the back of it comfortably as he faced the pair. Riven could feel it coming and held up a hand to Michaella as he narrowed his eyes and turned his head toward hers his expression forestalling the outburst, you didn't have to be a telepath to note the intense expression on her face.::Not now my love. He wants to hear the facts and not accept the sacrifice of a scapegoat.:: (Reply: Michaella) He turned his eyes back to Remae. "In essence I was overconfident sir but to understand why you need to know some of the background." (Reply: Remae) Riven took a long sip of the tea and sat back as his eyes got a far away look. "We discovered the sentient ships years ago on a mission with the Mystique. The first one was dying and we took its core aboard the ship and it bonded with the ship's computer becoming the Mystique's computer processor in essence. She warned us about the other of her kind, one that had become insane during its eons long existence. They were created by the ones they called the Ancients and were gifted with strong telepathic powers and sent out to explore... and to seed the galaxy," his eyes came back into focus after remembering the terrible battle that had ensued. "The second ship was indeed insane and used its powers to attack the crew of the Mystique. Vanyssa and I found a discipline whereby we could shield the minds of enough of the crew to keep it functioning until she could defeat it, at nearly the cost of her own life. She herself is a very gifted telepath." He grunted and took another sip. "The attack was eerily similar to the effects the Void is causing, attacking the same conscious and unconscious centers of the brain and releasing the same endorphins and neural transmitters. It dredges up the same primal fears, hatreds and terrors. I found that I could deflect its attacks easily and through the captain we set up a network of telepaths around the ship to shield the minds of the crew." (Reply: Ktell) He waved his hand. "I'm getting to that. I was too assured, arrogant if you will thinking that I was immune. But the Void somehow managed to subvert one in the network and through her fears it touched my own." He smiled at Michaella then looked back at Remae. "I feared for the life of one I loved you see just as she feared for her daughters." (Reply: Remae) "During that time I searched for her my own empathic and telepathic disciplines were in utter chaos and I shared with those around me our shared terror." Riven hung his head. "It was an inexcusable breach on my part for which I am absolutely and utterly apologetic." (Reply: Ktell, Michaella, any) "This also brings up more questions," his eyes got a faroff look again. "Did that ship happen through this sector of space, did its own insanity cause it to lash out against other sentients with the same attacks it recieved?" Riven paused for an instant then stood up and walked to the window to look out. The stars seen here were bright pinpoints of fire as always of course but did their light seem ... subdued? ... as though fighting its way through a very dark and resistant force? "And what are the odds of some random event setting off a chain reaction that brought down the very network of minds that was standing against the Void or was there some other machination at work?" Somewhere perhaps the Void trembled and spat, if you were one that believed the Void had intelligence it stood to reason that anonimity was its defense and battlement and without the secrecy behind which it hid its secrets were exposed. So what do you believe? (Reply: Remae, Michaella, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:13) Not only was the science chief somehow trapped in Astrometrics, but he was just called to the rescue. Not only that, but the task at hand involved computer commands that he didn't find himself using all that often. He stared blankly at the terminal in front of him as he jogged his memory. The engineer confirmed Kurt would be able to restore power to the main turbolift junction before commotion was heard through the comm on the other end. He checked to see if everything was alright. =/\=We have a very panicky CMO at the moment. Let me take care of this then we can get on with what we were doing.=/\= "Alight, I will update you if there are any complications. Palmer out." The COMM closed and Kurt got to work. He stared for a moment to recall, he wasn't the beet at this kind of task, but soon his fingers poured over the main terminal diving in. (Reply, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:14) "Calm down, everything will be all right!" The spiders continued to crawl over her body and all she was focused on were the arachnids that seemed to be trying to burrow under her skin. She barely heard Jake in her panic to get the bugs off of her. She flailed around, her white coat flapping in the breeze she created. "They're everywhere!" She shrieked. She could barely see Jake through the cloud of furry legs covering her eyes and she began clawing at her face, tears streaming down her face. Spots began to dance in her eyesight as she began to hyperventilate, her body going full into panic mode. She felt her body being moved around and she noticed her lab coat suddenly laying on the floor. Strong hands held her tightly and Jake's voice slowly seeped into her brain. "Doctor Trommashere, Angeni it's me Jake! Everything is all right, you don't have anything on you." Angeni's eyes were shut tightly, but she slowly opened them, her face flushed, tears smearing the eyeliner she had applied several hours ago. She took a shuddering breath as she stared into his eyes. "I...hate...spiders...." she gasped. (Reply Jake) Angeni lowered her head, now more embarrassed than anything. She sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "I'm so sorry...." she mumbled. "When I make a fool out of myself, I do it well...." She reluctantly removed herself from Jake's hands and she picked up her coat off the floor. She shook it out, replacing the tools that had fallen from the pockets. She straightened her uniform out, tugging on the hem of her top sharply before turning back to the still non-working turbo lift. She was tired, embarrassed, and frustrated. Nothing had gone right in the last few hours and it continued to look like a downward spiral. She put her forehead against the door, heaving a huge sigh before kicking the door as hard as she could. The hard metal of the door didn't budge, but she muttered a curse as pain shot through her foot. "So...." She began quietly, "What do I have to do to get out of here so I can quit embarrassing myself? At some point in time in the future, I'd still like to have the ability to ask you to dinner without you thinking I'm absolutely crazy...." The words just tumbled out of her mouth and she turned to Jake, trying to explain herself. "I mean...well...just...you know...before we go back to the Holodeck. I'm really looking forward to starting up the game again...but...uhm...let's just focus on getting out of here first." (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:16) "I...hate...spiders...." The woman gasped after prying her eyelids open. Jake shrugged as he released her upper arms now that she had calmed down. "Can't really fault you for that. Tarantulas especially are big and fuzzy and have a bad reputation though when you get right down to it it's not really earned." He gave her a quirky smile. "Nothing like arachnids to inspire a knee jerk reaction though. It's a horror vid staple." He stepped back to give her room to move around. "I'm so sorry....When I make a fool out of myself, I do it well...." She said it so quietly he would have missed it had his attention been elsewhere. She began retrieving her stuff then walked to the turbolift door and tried to take out some of her frustrations on it. Metal though takes a dim view to being struck and bit her back. Jake gave a slight chuckle and reached for his combadge as she cursed, her next words though froze his hand short of its goal. "So...." It was her low tone that caught his attention initially. "What do I have to do to get out of here so I can quit embarrassing myself? At some point in time in the future, I'd still like to have the ability to ask you to dinner without you thinking I'm absolutely crazy...." His amused glance found her face which colored as she spun toward him. "I mean...well...just...you know...before we go back to the Holodeck. I'm really looking forward to starting up the game again...but...uhm...let's just focus on getting out of here first." She may as well have been wearing a placard around her neck that said (I like you but I'm shy) for all the good her stammered recantation did but he played it cool knowing it wouldn't take much to embarass her even more. "If you're thinking anything that happens in this loony toon section of space will be held against you then I can put your mind at ease." He winked. "I'm guilty of a few gaffes myself." His next words were nonchalant as he turned his attention back to the combadge. "Dinner is fine anytime, game day or not. I'll drop you a com and we can get together." Before tapping it he recalled the chief had said he would call back if he had any issues so he dropped his hand again. (Reply: Angeni) "Just one stipulation, leave your communicator in your room." He winked to show he was teasing and walked past her to the open door panel. "If there is any issue on his end we will still need to get this door open so I can access the main tube for the climb. I can do that by shorting the door control to the bypass. It's useless without power to move the lift anyway." (Reply: Angeni) As he worked on shorting the circuits together he began whistling merrily until the portal opened with a sigh. (Reply: Angeni, Palmer, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - 10-Forward – Medical Research Asst, Dr. Michaella Kirien – 22:16) Michaella had followed half in a daze, steered and protected by Riven from the consequences of her failure to handle the void properly. Her mind was spinning in circles and only Riven's presence grounded her. ::Thank goodness that Angeni isn't a telepath.:: Michaella thought grinning as she answered Riven aloud. What she wanted to do was bury herself in his mind and sleep with her head on his shoulder, held close to him, held safe. She didn't feel all that safe these last few days in the void. "Lemonberry slush." She answered without a thought, by far her favorite beverage as he very well knew. It was a terran beverage but she truly did enjoy it. Riven walked away from her, so she turned towards the viewports and stared out into the darkness, punctuated by the silvery twinkle of stars. Riven handed her the ice cold beverage right as the chief engineer who was also doing double duty as the first officer came to talk to them. He was nice, but Michaella was worried. "I'm all right. A bit of a headache, and I'm quite tired, but I bet it's the same as anyone else who has been on duty for longer than usual." She tried to play off some nonchalance but the new first officer pushed and pushed. Michaella went to open her mouth but then Riven forestalled her. She glared at him for a long moment but let him talk. Instead she sipped on her slush, the tart sweetness sliding down her throat and cooling her off from the inside out. She allowed Riven to speak about the experience aboard the Mystique. There had been a number of interesting times aboard that ship, since the vast majority of the people serving on it were Betazoids. Vanyssa Winters had been a strong, forceful personality and she had drawn the loyalty of a great many people. Michaella included. Riven had gotten to the part where he blamed himself for what had essentially been her fault. "During that time I searched for her my own empathic and telepathic disciplines were in utter chaos and I shared with those around me our shared terror." Riven hung his head. "It was an inexcusable breach on my part for which I am absolutely and utterly apologetic." "What Riven isn't saying is that if he and I were not bonded, he would likely not have been drawn into my own nightmare. I'm sorry too, Sir, that the void chose that subject to attack me with. Riven has his own ideas about the void, and I'm not sure what I believe myself." Michaella looked around and noticed two of the other counsellors entering ten forward along with a few more emergency medical types. Michaella herself would be useful with both as soon as the first officer's questions were assuaged. Michaella met Elani's eyes for a moment and the two brushed minds in the way that most Betazoids did amongst their own kind. "Honestly Sir we are lucky that this hasn't happened more often with the telepaths aboard the ship. I know that Riven and I aren't the only couple who have been bound." What Michaella meant to say that it was amongst the Betazoids, not some of the other races, like the vulcans. She truly didn't want to see what a vulcan could come up with for a nightmare induced by the void. In fact that was one thing that she needed to do, she needed to create a spreadsheet for the various races, degrees of psionic abilities and incidents from the void. Tallying the data might help future researchers to be able to come up with new techniques if a ship did need to come into this portion of space. In fact it was a veritable certainty that there would be another crises that required a ship to venture into this area. Michaella rubbed one eye in weariness, her thoughts all over the place now that she and Riven weren't touching. Thankfully he did so again and her thoughts settled down from the warp speed rush they had been running at for the last several minutes. She would have to run the statistical analysis by one of the cmos but that should be easy enough to get their verbal permission to start on. Her attention re centered on Ktell and Mias. She smiled at them both. "I'm sorry Sir. I had my mind on a research project for a moment. I'm wondering what the incidence of the nightmares and paranoias are to the amount of psionic talent the species possesses. It might give us some future ideas on what sort of precautions can be taken. I don't want anyone else to undergo this horror." Understatement of the year as she waited for either a verbal approval or a verbal spanking for wasting resources that could be better spent elsewhere. (reply Ktell, Mias, any) (posted by melinda :-) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - MXO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 22:17) Right now, nothing seemed to be making any sense. The bridge logs had showed very little due to being wiped clean by whoever had set the ship adrift before that had left, leaving nothing for them to go on and precious few answers other than that the self-destruct had been initiated sometime over the last few days. And yet the ship was still here... What were they missing? Who had ejected the warp core? It was all senseless, and with that notion now lodged firmly in the MXO's mind, he knew that he was very probably becoming compromised by the void! The blurred, people shaped images were bothering him a great deal and whilst he alone seemed to be witnessing them, he couldn't help but feel that they were in some way real. Not imagined at all but, real! But how could that be? They all knew that this place was more than capable of projecting phantoms and distorting reality. Indeed, everything suggested that the visions were not real, and yet.... "Houseman!" The MXO's sudden request had seemed clipped, perhaps a little... out of character. The Marine though had arrived immediately to Kowalski's side, his III-C rifle slung over his shoulder as he awaited the order that he would no doubt be receiving from the XO. Instead though, he got only confusion, Kowalski seemed distant, detached. "Where is Rameriz?", asked the MXO, glancing around the bridge itself. (Reply Houseman) Rameriz, the photonic that had been assigned as their saviour should things go wrong, was indeed missing! How could that be? It was his job to remain with them at all times! Kowalski put the fingers of his right hand against the side of his head and slowly began to massage his temple, his eyes closed now, his head quirked to one side as he tried to rationalise the unrational. Then he stood from the command chair and grabbed roughly at Houseman's lapel. (Reply Houseman, Any) The Marine remained stoic. A big man that would probably be a sure match for the XO's prowess in a personal conflict, and one that had proved himself many times over. But he remained still and resolute, such was the level of respect any Marine held for their superior officers. His gaze though was steely and fixed. Kowalski relaxed his grip and then somewhat curiously brushed the mans BDU with his fingers as though removing an errant piece of dirt from its surface. "Mr Houseman. If we don't have the photonic", said Kowalski, "then we are all freaking screwed. Do you understand what I'm saying here?", he asked, hinting now that his own mind was snapping without actually saying so. Rameriz was the only one that could not be affected by this place, and if the MXO was fraying, then who next? (Reply Houseman) "Find that lightshow, and find him fast", said Bruce, walking now towards the viewscreen and staring at the Spectre sitting dead centre within it. "And find me a way of getting some sort of communication with the old girl out there", he ordered, to nobody in particular... (Reply Houseman, Any on Team) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:18) "If you're thinking anything that happens in this loony toon section of space will be held against you then I can put your mind at ease." He winked at her and she felt her face and neck go hot. "I'm guilty of a few gaffes myself. Dinner is fine anytime, game day or not. I'll drop you a com and we can get together." Angeni turned to him for a moment, then looked away again. It wasn't like her to be shy or reserved. She didn't get where she was in life by acting like a shy school girl. The Void had made her jumpy and uneasy, which was wearing away at her normal icy resolve. She went to close off her posture; to shift her body away from his and cross her arms over her chest, but she wondered what it would be worth in the end. If she had discovered anything over the past few days, it was that she had to quit shutting people out and actually let someone in for once. The only people who seemed to be fairing well psychologically were the ones who had people to rely on, someone to remind them that the spiders were figments of their imagination. She turned back to him, a small smile on her face. "Just one stipulation, leave your communicator in your room." He winked at her again and her face flushed again. "If there is any issue on his end we will still need to get this door open so I can access the main tube for the climb. I can do that by shorting the door control to the bypass. It's useless without power to move the lift anyway." She rolled her eyes and laughed. "The communicator has been the Harbinger of Doom these past few days. I have half a mind to throw it out of the nearest airlock when this is all said and done. Besides, I can't think of a better reason to unreachable than to actually be having fun for a few minutes..." Angeni watched as he worked in almost silence. He was whistling a tune she was unfamiliar with, but she just stood by him. She fumbled through her kit, looking for anything to help. She felt naked without her tactical kit she had on her person at almost all times. It held all sorts of gadgets that always seemed to come in handy, but she had just a regular, Star Fleet regulation med kit. She fumbled through her lab coat pockets; she always had something hidden in them. She had no idea how far they'd have to climb, so she fumbled around, looking for something to help that. She pulled out a small jar and she smiled brightly. "Perfect...." She opened the jar and sniffed it. It smelled like sandalwood and had a creamy texture. She rubbed a bit on her hands and almost immediately, her palms dried up. As the doors hissed open, she held out the jar to Jake. "For the climb..." (Reply Jake) "It's something I use to keep my hands from sweating inside my gloves or during target practice. I'm not sure how long of a climb we have, but sweaty hands and ladders aren't exactly the best combination." She looked up into the shaft of the turbo lift, then back at Jake. An uneasy feeling swept over her, but she pushed it away. "Silly question...is there any chance the turbo lift could start working again while we're in the shaft? Being smooshed to death between the bulkhead and turbo lift isn't exactly my idea of a good time." She finished by giggling nervously. (Reply: Jake, Palmer, Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:20) Jake heard her give an exclamation of satisfaction and a very earthy scent bloomed in his nostrils as he stepped up to the now open door and looked up the tube. Tubular rails climbed into the dimness which was reminiscent of Miraak's gloomy lair in Apocrypha both on this side to the left of the door and across the tube from them. "For the climb..." Jake saw the ointment jar in her hand when he turned and took it from her then sniffed the paste. "Smells good. What is it?" "It's something I use to keep my hands from sweating inside my gloves or during target practice. I'm not sure how long of a climb we have, but sweaty hands and ladders aren't exactly the best combination." His eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah so it works like pine tar then. I see." Baseball may have evolved slightly over the centuries but held tenaciously onto its traditions and the pitcher and hitter's resin bags were still a staple. Speaking of traditions there still holdouts to this day who hated instant replay which had been implemented early in the 21st century and those same traditionalists were threatening to quit the game completely if they dropped the omnipresent umpires and went to electronic oversight of the game. Hearing "Steerike!" over a speaker could never have the same impact as a fallible human's voice in Jake's opinion. He slipped the implement into his small tool pouch then returned it to his pocket before scooping a bit of the ointment from the jar and working it into his hands. "Silly question...is there any chance the turbo lift could start working again while we're in the shaft? Being smooshed to death between the bulkhead and turbo lift isn't exactly my idea of a good time." Her giggle had no humor behind it. He shook his head as he handed the jar back. "Nah the proximity sensors in the tubes can't be seen unless you know what to look for but they would register our presence and redirect any lifts coming into the area. Also if any one or more failed it would shut down power to all adjacent junctions..." His voice trailed off and his face went blank as he followed the train of thought. (Reply: Angeni, Palmer, Any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Ten-Forward - FO/CEO, LT (Sg) Remae Ktell - 22:20) Remae had listened to Dr Mias explain what had occurred with his telepathic abilities and how the void had somehow protected itself. Michaella had also apologised. There was no need to. He considered their words... and explanation. It was clear, he would never fully understand and he looked down at the pair. "I appreciate the explanation however, I suspect I will never fully understand. It seems to me you both put your mental state as well as your lives in jeopardy for the sake of the crew and ship. I don't think we could ask more but I feel I need to.", he said now sitting the bench. "Do you have a specific recommendation to make? I take it protecting the crew is no longer an option at least, not totally, so it seems.", he commented as it seemed that further hallucinations were taking place. (Reply from Mias, Kirien, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer - 22:21) Though it took a few minutes to get the procedure in the correct order, Kurt was surprised he was able to maneuver his way around the power distribution network. It was part of basic training at the academy, but not something he found himself doing very often. He input the last bit if his override code and after a few moments the terminal chimed, verifying power had been restored. "Perfect!" He smiled at his success. For a Starfleet officer working with computers constantly, Kurt never seemed to have luck getting things to work properly. He wondered from time to time how he even managed to get through a lot of the technology-related courses at the academy. However, since being transferred to the science department on the Spectre he was forced to expand his elementary computer knowledge. "Palmer to Haltom." Beaming silently, the science chief tapped his commbadge. "Power has just been restored to the main turbolift junction." (Reply, Haltom) As Kurt listened to the reply, he noticed his stack off PADDs had disappeared from his previous work station. (Reply, Haltom, any) ((Post by Cody)) (ATV Garallon - Bridge - Marine, Corporal Houseman - 22:21) "Houseman!" He stepped up to his boss at attention waiting for his instructions but as the seconds ticked by he began to worry about Kowalski "Where is Rameriz?" He gave himself a mental sigh of relief that Kowalski was still in the game “I do not know sir I have not seen him for a while.” Concern crept into his mind again as he saw Kowalski put the fingers of his right hand against the side of his head and slowly began to massage his temple, his eyes closed now, his head quirked to one side as he tried to rationalise the unrational. He then watched him as he stood from the command chair and grabbed roughly at his lapel. “Boss!” He waited for Kowalski to calm down as he stood still and resolute in front of him with a fixed gaze. He was the man who helped Houseman after he had shot the LT. He could have been stripped of his rank and thrown in the brig so he would give him some leeway and help him. "Mr Houseman. If we don't have the photonic" "then we are all freaking screwed. Do you understand what I'm saying here?" Houseman nodded. “Yes Sir.” "Find that lightshow, and find him fast" "And find me a way of getting some sort of communication with the old girl out there", “On it sir.” He stepped away from the Major and walked over to the comm console. His fingers moved across the console trying out different combination as he tried in vain to get communication with the Spectre. As he did this he accessed the comm channel in his HUD and spoke. “Hay Rameriz where are you. Get your arse up to the bridge.” (Reply Rameriz) (Reply Rameriz, Any on Team) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:22) When Jake started talking about baseball, her eyes lit up. She was a lover of most 21st century sports...not the updated versions that were currently in existence. She thought about the box full of holodiscs under her bed, each one chock full of various sporting events from her favorite teams. She loved both baseball and football, her favorite teams being those from Pittsburgh. Her favorite football team had the most championships out of all the teams that played football, an achievement that had stood for centuries. Her inquiry had revealed an answer that she wasn't exactly happy with. "Nah the proximity sensors in the tubes can't be seen unless you know what to look for but they would register our presence and redirect any lifts coming into the area. Also if any one or more failed it would shut down power to all adjacent junctions..." As he trailed off, she noticed the lift slide effortlessly into place as if it had been there the whole time. She turned to him with a 'dumb dog' look on her face as she gestured to the lift. "Was...was that there the whole time?" (Reply Jake) Angeni hesitantly took a step into the lift, palming the laser scalpel in her pocket. She peered around the enclosed space, then she took another step forward. The floor felt steady under her feet. She reached out, touching the walls, then she turned back to Jake. "Is...is it real?" She bounced up and down on the lift. (Reply Jake) She shrugged her shoulders. "So much for a climb I guess." She pressed her back up against the wall, making room for him to come in. "Oh, I guess you could say it's like pine tar, but it's less sticky. It's more akin to 21st century deodorant, without all the bad chemicals. I didn't realize you were a Baseball fan...that's actually pretty neat. If you want, I can let you borrow some of my holodiscs with various baseball games on them. They are most 21st century games, though." (Reply Jake) Making small talk was the only thing keeping her calm. The overwhelming feeling that something bad was about to happen was making her stomach turn. (Reply Jake, Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Ten-Forward - Medical Research Assistant, Dr. Michaella Kirien - 22:22) Michaella listened, her hand clasped into Riven's, intensifying the telepathy between the bonded pair. She tilted her head for a moment, then cast her eyes across Ten Forward where the main Counsellor, Elani Caras, was working quietly with an engineering officer in yellow. "We sent Elani to rest, so she should be fresh enough to take over an area. We don't have a lot of telepaths that are currently rested. The void takes a lot out of you." Michaella looked towards Riven to see what he had to add. ::Are there any bonded pairs on this ship? I don't think so.:: Riven would know better than she. Most of her time was taken up with the research that she did in her lab. She hadn't realized that the chief engineer had known who she was, but it was a flattering thing. Had they worked on any projects in the past? She wasn't sure. Her train of thought had caused her to tune out the conversation, so she blushed lightly. "I don't want to experiment on the crew, but if these hallucinations are tied into your psychic abilities then maybe there is something that can be done. Perhaps inhibiting those abilities. Most people are marginally sensitive. What I would be interested in is if we can find a crewmember who has had no hallucinations versus one of the people who have the most. If we can compare the brain scans, then maybe we would have a better idea of what we are dealing with. This is all theoretical, and guesswork at this point. I'm not sure why I didn't think of it earlier." (reply Ktell, Riven, any) (posted by melinda) (USS Spectre - Deck 13, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:23) Jake was ruminating on how easy it would be to bypass the sensor failsafes in the tube to get the lift running again when his combadge chirped. =^= Palmer to Haltom. Power has just been restored to the main turbolift junction. =^= If it were possible for a pleased smile to make its way through the comm unit then Palmers' s cheshire cat grin would be floating in the air in front of him. The CSO sounded utterly pleased with himself. "Thanks chief," Jake replied as the lift slid smoothly to a stop in front of him. Its arrival almost made him jump but he covered it by taking a leisurely step back. "We'll be at your location shortly," he then realized he had forgotten it if it had been mentioned. "Where did you say you were again?" (Reply Palmer) "Roger we'll be there shortly. Haltom out." "Was...was that there the whole time?" He shook his head with a slightly amused expression on his face. "Chief Palmer just restored power so we are good to go." He took out the small tool pouch to undo the sabotage he had done on the door mechanism as she stepped gingerely into the lift as though the tube had become an illusionary pit with sharpened stakes at the bottom. "Is...is it real?" She began testing the lift's solidity with her weight as he removed the temporary short on the isoboard. "Real enough to get us where we're going," he finished and snapped the cover back in place but the door swooshed shut on him before he could take a step. It opened almost instantly though as he strode in and sank back against one wall. (Reply Palmer) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics - CSO, Lt.jg. Kurt Palmer- 22:24) The assistant engineer confirmed he was on his way =/\=Where did you say you were again?=/\= "Astrometrics lab, deck 4" =/\=Roger we'll be there shortly. Haltom out.=/\= The COMM chimed off. ~now where did I put those PADDs...~ Kurt scratched the back of his head. He walked the room looking on and below the various consoles that lined the bulkheads. No sign of them. ~What is going on in this lab?~how do 6 PADDs just misplace themselves...~ There was no unexpected turbulence; nothing to scatter the PADDs around the floor, and Beyond the usual mechanical beeps and boops, the lab had been very quiet. He hadn't heard anything drop. Then, across the room something caught his attention. The science chief puzzled for a moment before taking a few steps further. ~Now how did that happen?~ He was looking directly at his stack of PADDs and mug of coffee. The curious thing was they were about 2.5-3 meters up, on the top of a very tall terminal. Obviously Kurt was unable to reach that high up. He hoped would have remembered straining to place all of these items that high up. He moved to stand in front of the terminal in question, looked up, and attempted to give the computer a slight wiggle. Kurt knew this was not going to be an effective approach.If it did Starfleet would have to look into more effective ways off attaching things to bulkheads. It was at this point Kurt decided there was only one option. He placed both of his hands on the console, hoisted himself up with a grunt and a haphazard symphony of chimes and beeps from under hand and foot. He stood, one arm stabilizing him and the other fully extended in the hopes of catching a finger on the PADDs containing a full day of work. The more he strained the further the top of the terminal seemed to be. (Reply, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:25) "So much for a climb I guess. Oh, I guess you could say it's like pine tar, but it's less sticky. It's more akin to 21st century deodorant, without all the bad chemicals. I didn't realize you were a Baseball fan...that's actually pretty neat. If you want, I can let you borrow some of my holodiscs with various baseball games on them. They are most 21st century games, though." Jake gave her a tired grin and nod. "I'll take you up on that soon thanks. It's hard to find something that old nowadays." He closed his eyes in relief for an instant before remembering their errand. "Deck 4." The lift began to accelerate smoothly in response to his command and he could feel the floor press for an instant into his boots. His eyes popped open and he sighed. "I was too sick to eat this morning, too preoccupied for lunch and too damed busy for dinner which has come and gone. Youve got a replicator in sick bay as I remember." (Reply:Angeni) He nodded. "I don't care if it's a ham sandwich and a cup of soup but I'm going to have to put something in my stomach once we get there. My head is starting to spin a bit and my energy level is tanking." (Reply: Angeni) He gave a grim smile. "Rescue operations first then food. It can't come too quickly." (Reply: Angeni, Palmer, Any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - ACMO. Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:27) "I was too sick to eat this morning, too preoccupied for lunch and too damed busy for dinner which has come and gone. Youve got a replicator in sick bay as I remember." Angeni had closed her eyes and was leaning against the turbo lift wall. It felt so good to just relax for a moment as she listened to Jake talk. "I know the feeling. If I didn't have granola stashed everywhere like a squirrel, I probably would've done the same thing. Yes, there's a few floating around. Is there anything specific that you want?" She turned to him, looking at him. "Some of us have put our favorite dishes on them, so you should find something you like." He nodded. "I don't care if it's a ham sandwich and a cup of soup but I'm going to have to put something in my stomach once we get there. My head is starting to spin a bit and my energy level is tanking." "I'm sure you are. I can see it on your face. Why don't you go for food, I think I can handle this from here...key word...I think." "Rescue operations first then food. It can't come too quickly." Angeni stood in front of him, rolling her eyes. "Who rescues the rescuers?" She rummaged through her kit and she handed him a gel pack. "15 grams of protein and 10 grams of carbs...that should give you a boost of energy and clear your head a bit." (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Corridor - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:28) Jake stepped into the Astrometrics lab and gawked for an instant at the sight of the CSO standing on a desk and seemingly trying to touch the ceiling from his tiptoes. He couldn't help but watch in fascination for an instant before clearing his throat. "Ah ... Chief Palmer is there something I can help you with?" "Lead the way." Jake turned his head to see Angeni stepping out of the lift behind him, the package she had given him was half consumed and still in his right hand. He lifted it back to his mouth as he wondered why his head seemed to be spinning. Was it from not eating or something else? He wasn't used to being sick, tired or starving like he was at the moment but then again this was an unusual day. "Follow me then." He nommed the last of the gel pack and began walking down the corridor to the right that would take them to the science labs. The hallway was mostly deserted but the few crew whom he saw appeared to be clear headed for the most part, he had to assume that one of the telepaths on this deck was still holding up a protective "umbrella" so to speak for their minds. The Harbinger pulled back a bloody Dawn Breaker and watched in fascination as the wounded villain let forth a shout he was unfamiliar with, the serpentine dragon to his right fell mortally wounded and its life essence life a fiery mist left it and enveloped Miraak. The man's wounds healed before his very eyes and he laughed at him. "You will never defeat me." The Harbinger pulled back his sword as he prepared to shout again but something collided with him from behind. His eyes blazing, sword arm pulled back for a killing blow he saw Angeni standing in the corridor once more. "Oh! Sorry....I was lost in thought." Jake dropped his arm and returned to a relaxed position with a sigh. "We're almost there, just a few more doors." He then turned back around and began walking with a purpose, the adrenalin rush had served to boost his strength for a bit. (Reply: Angeni) (USS Spectre - Deck 4 - ACMO, Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:29) She leaned back up against the wall and she sighed as the doors opened to Deck 4. She stepped out into the corridor and she looked up and down the hallway. It was completely silent and she wrinkled her nose as she turned to Jake. "Lead the way." (Reply Jake) She walked behind him, looking around. She couldn't remember exactly what was on this deck, but it seemed as if either everyone was hard at work or somewhere safe. It reminded her of the training 'towns' she had worked through. The only time they had residents was during training and the residents were other law enforcement or UFP officials. The walkthrough to make sure there were no unauthorized people there always wigged her out. The houses and businesses looked like someone had just left for a few minutes and would be right back, but it was on the scale of an entire town. She was lost in thought and she didn't see that he had stopped in front of her and she walked headlong into him. "Oh! Sorry....I was lost in thought." (Reply Jake) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Corridor - ACMO Ens. A. O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:30) "We're almost there, just a few more doors." He then turned back around and began walking with a purpose, the adrenalin rush had served to boost his strength for a bit. Angeni looked at him quizzically. She had seen him zone out for a few seconds; his eyes glazed over and he moved robotically. By the time she had pulled out her tricorder, he was moving again and speaking to her. She put her tricorder back in her pocket and she felt something wet, squishy, and not hers. She pulled her hand out of her pocket and her fingers were covered in blood and brain matter. It was such a bizarre thing to find in her pocket that it didn't even phase her. She wiped her bloody hand off on her coat as they walked into Astrometrics. (Reply Any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab - ACEO, Ens. Jake Haltom - 22:31) Jake stepped into the Astrometrics lab and gawked for an instant at the sight of the CSO standing on a desk and seemingly trying to touch the ceiling from his tiptoes. He couldn't help but watch in fascination for an instant before clearing his throat. "Ah ... Chief Palmer is there something I can help you with?" (Reply: Palmer) He rocked on the balls of his feet as though he had been struck and turned to Angeni. "Do you have a feeling of Deja Vu? I could almost swear this has happened before." (Reply: Angeni, Palmer, any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Deck 4, Astrometrics Lab - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:33) Angeni stood in the doorway and she watched Palmer teetering on the edge of a desk, reaching for something that wasn't even there. Jack was standing a few feet in front of her as she surveyed the scene. She zoned out for a moment; her brain just glitched for a moment and she came back to Jake talking to her. "Do you have a feeling of Deja Vu? I could almost swear this has happened before." She looked around, "N...no. We just got off the turbo lift and walked straight here..." The young Doctor walked over to Palmer and she stood behind him, one hand up just in case he began to totter backwards. The other hand reached over and tapped him on the calf. "Ensign Palmer?" (Reply Palmer) "Let's get you out of here. Are you feeling okay?" (Reply Palmer) She nodded and smiled. She gestured to Jake, "Help me get him down from here..." (Reply Jake) Angeni watched as Jake just stood there, seemingly ignoring her. Her frustration bubbled over and she snapped at him. "Didn't you hear me? Let's get him down and get out of here!" (Reply Jake) She was facing Jake, but looking right through him. Her eyes were glazed over and lifeless, but she continued ranting. She took a staggering step forward, the Jake and Palmer in her mind now laughing at her. "Will you two just shut up? We need to go and now!" (Reply Jake, Palmer) Life snapped back into her eyes and she looked around, the two men staring at her as if she had magically grown three heads. Her face flushed and she looked down. "I am so sorry. Gotta love a good hallucination!" She said with an embarrassed giggle. (Reply Jake, Palmer, any) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - Marine, 2nd Lt. Lhiannon Kindell - 22:33) The trauma from the phaser wound to the symbiont had kept her sedated for far longer than the wound would have taken to heal. So when the sedation began to wear off and Lhiannon awoke with little sense of the symbiont she found herself whimpering softly before she knew why. The sound alerted the nurse on duty, who brushed the trill's long blond hair back from her spotted face. "Ah, Lass, be still. Ye took a bad wound to yer symbiont ye did." The thick scottish accent was difficult for Lhia to decipher. "Await'a moment and I'll get th' Doctor." The nurse moved away as Lhiannon struggled to sit upright, the biobeds forcefields holding her flat. Since she could not sit up, her long fingers sought the site over where teh symbiont was joined, probing the sensitive area, palpating it, trying to get some sense of if they were still joined. The medications made her brain foggy, she couldn't tell if Kindell was still there. She turned towards the sound of the doctor approaching, searching the doctor's eyes, "I need to know if Kindell has been damaged, or...worse." She whispered the last word, tears choking her voice as she was certain that her life was going to soon come to an end with the symbiont's death. (reply sickbay, any) (posted by Mel) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:35) Andrew moved slowly through sickbay checking the more severe patients that were being kept in for observation. He had been called away to other parts if the ship and he needed to keep on top of their changing conditions. He looked over to Hamish who was speaking to Lhlannon. Hamish then turned and walked over to him. "Hallo Doc. The Lass would like tae have a word with ye.” Andrew nodded and smiled at him. It had taken time to get use to Hamish’s strong scottish accent but he understood it fine now. “Thanks Hamish.” He handed the PADD he had been carrying to Hamish and said. “I’ve charted some more sedatives to Ensign Silk and Ensign Agnus. Also Crewwoman Reid will need another two units of blood as well as platelets and fresh frozen plasma. it there is no change after that then we will have to rethink our approach.” Hamish nodded as Andrew glanced at the chronometer and then swept his gaze around sickbay. “Ow I hope that you don’t have any plans for tonight as I think its going to be a long one.” Hamish gave a quick smile and shook his head. “Ah Doc. Ye ken ah dinnae have a social life. Ah love ma job.” Andrew smiled and nodded. He then crossed over to Lhlannon but before he could say thing she spoke in a whisper. "I need to know if Kindell has been damaged, or...worse." He gave her a warm smile and perched on the side of the bed so that he would not be looming over her when he spoke. “Every thing is okay Lhlannon. The Kindell symbiont is healed and inside you. We have given you powerful drugs as well as some immunosuppressants to stop any complication with operation.” (Reply Kindell IYW) “You were both badly injured. Dr Trommashere and my self had to operate on both of you. We had to remove the symbiont to repair the damage. It went well and you are both together again.” (Reply Kindell) (reply Kindell, any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - ACMO, Ens. A.O. Windsong-Trommashere - 22:37) Angeni had just finished up with what she thought was her very last chart. The Cherokee woman rubbed her eyes sleepily as a nurse walked in, breaking her half slumber. "Lt. Kindell is asking for a Doctor." Angeni nodded as she thumbed through her stack of PADDS, looking for Kindell's file. She looked up to see Andrew already speaking with her. She figured she'd go out once he was done. "Thank you, ma'am!" The nurse nodded and Angeni stood up, stretching her arms above her head, yawning as she did. She slipped the PADD ' in her pocket and she walked out to where the Marine was laying. She was whimpering quietly, trying to emerge from the fog of drugs. Angeni put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's Dr. Trommashere, Lieutennant. I just wanted to speak with you very quickly, You are going to heal up just fine, as Dr. Williams already explained. Is there anything I can do for you? Are you comfortable? In pain?" (Reply Kindell) Angeni swept the tricorder over the woman, nodding at the readout. "You maybe groggy for awhile, but you should be back to normal feeling within a few hours. Do you have any questions for me?" (Reply Kindell) (Posted by Kari) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:39) He glanced at the chronomiter and realised that he needed to give himself a caffine boost soon or he would start for flag. He had a long shift to go and if he was lucky he might get a nap some time. ~Time for some caffeine~ As he crossed sickbay heading towards the replicator he heard a whining sound and looked around to try and find the source of the noise. ~What the hell is that~ He spotted a crewman standing beside a console which the whining sound emanated from. He lunged for the crewman who was turning towards the sound. He connected with him and pushed him out of the way as his world went white. (Reply None) (Posted by Robbie) (Unknown - Unknown - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 22:41) Andrew eyes flickered open. His head was throbbing like someone was slamming his head against a bulkhead. He pulled himself off the floor into a sitting position against the wall of a starfleet looking corridor which looked familiar but he could not place where he was. He looked both ways along the deserted corridor as she realised that he was not in the sickbay. “Where the hell am I.” He muttered to himself as he hauled himself into a standing position. “Hallo.” All he heard was his ecco. He then tapped his comm badge. “This is Doctor Williams can any one hear me.” (Reply anyone) (Posted by Robbie) =====================================================================