USS Illuminar

Illuminar Compile: Mission Exogenesis
Dates: March 16th - 31st
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Mission: Exogenesis
Day: 7
Stardate: 2446.06.07
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(USS Illuminar - Isolation 1 - SO CPO P'Rah - 0901)
(USS Illuminar -- Medical Lab -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0934)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1001)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward - Counselor/Bondmate - Temas Laredo - 1004)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1005)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1008)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Counselor/Bondmate - Temas Laredo - 1255)
(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- MO Dr. Meredith Grey -- 1302)
(USS Illuminar - Dexk 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1323)
(USS Illuminar - Dexk 6 - Biochemistry Lab - CO. Captain Sekal - 1325)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1 - SO - Lt. Cal Dogan - 1330)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Isolation Ward - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1345)
(USS Iluminar - Deck 10 - Shuttlebay - CSRD - Lt Bohb - 1400)
(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- Dr. Agnes Vanderstein -- 1515)
(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- 2/)&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1516)
(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 1517)
(USS Iluminar - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1518)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1530)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - CO, Captain Sekal- 1535)
(USS Illuminar -- Biochemistry Lab -- Deck 6 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1540)
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - Isolation - Dr. Agnes Vanderstein, 2/O&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory and
3/O&CMO Dr. Quinna Solice - 1600)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1601)
(USS Illuminar - Biochemistry Lab - Deck 6 - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1605)
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1606)


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DAY 7 (2446.06.07)
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(USS Illuminar - Isolation 1 - SO CPO P'Rah - 0901)

Three days. Three days he had to sit in containment. This was worse
than when he was caught as a guttersnipe. Caged, no better than an animal.

Sure, the away team was here. Commander Gregory was here, and he was in
bad shape.

P'Rah has been climbing the walls, literally.

He needed to get out of here, somewhere, anywhere. Deck 6, the
arboretum would be the best place. Fresh air, well, as fresh as you
could get on a starship.

With that in mind, he kept watch on the door. He was patient, and soon
he'd be free.

(Reply any/none)
(Posted by Tim)
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(USS Illuminar -- Medical Lab -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 0934)

Quinna sat back in her chair. It had been 72 hours since exposure and she was not showing any
symptoms. It was hard for her to be back on the Illuminar and not be with Michael.

“Chief Medical Officer’s Log. Stardate 2446.06.07. It has been three days since the crew started
feeling ill. Although not everyone is ill and showing signs, I have put most of the ship on quarantine.
In return since I have put myself into self-imposed isolation to protect the baby. The baby seems to be
fine. The disease has breached isolation protocols. Starfleet Medical has already sent me a nasty
message about it and I am going to face an inquiry. Oh well.”

“So far this disease reacts differently with people. Fevers, inebriation, paralysis, not to mention others.
I have been able to find the bugger in the bloodstream but I cannot seem to find a way to vanquish the
little bugger.” Quinna stood and crossed the medical lab she isolated herself in. She grabbed a cup of
decaf tea. She drank it but really needed some coffee. She needed to not sleep. The crew was
counting on her. “I have to figure this out soon or based on what I know about the fate of the Tellarites,
there will be no reason to worry about my pending inquest.” Quinna moved back to the chair and sat.
“Computer, end log.”

(Reply Any)
(posted by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1001)

The entity kept talking about the songs. She didn't understand what the song were but had something
to talk to the entity about. The malice she figured to be mining on the planet but will confirm it with the
entity.

:: What are the songs. I am sorry for the mining on the planet but the ore being mined will greatly
improve our ship capabilities. I can relay your feelings on the matter if you want me to.::

She needed to know more about the entity to help it further. It is not really reciprocating the information
about herself she is giving it. She could use help from Luma so she tried to open a separate mental
channel to Luma.

:: Luma please help me. I am in contact with an entity from the planet. Please help me talk to it and
figure it out.::

(Reply Entity, Luma)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward - Counselor/Bondmate - Temas Laredo - 1004)
Temas had spent a great deal of time over the past few days with those who had been taken ill by this
illness. The most unusual one, though, was Ariel Trei. She was not exactly ill. However, she had been
unconscious since her return from the planet. But unconscious was not exactly the correct term. She
was not conscious, but her mind was quite active.

Temas found a seat and placed it on the outside of woman’s quarantine area. With a deep breath he
centered himself and closed his eyes. His mind stretched out and touched on the fringe of what he had
been sensing for the last three days. What ever it was had surrounded Trei’s mind and encapsulated it.
The young officer did not seem to be fighting it. In fact, she seemed to have initiated the contact and
purposely stayed in it.

He did not want to disturb the connection between Trei and what he was in contact with. He had no
idea how that might affect her. But he did want to insert himself into the situation. So he slowly looked
for a way in. What he found was incredible. It was an entity that was in contact with Trei. An entity
outside of time and space. Almost antithetical to Luma, who crossed time and space. It showed signs
of intelligence, and yet not intelligent at the same time. Not that it was stupid, but more like… lacking of
knowledge. Almost an innocence about it.

Suddenly he could “hear” a voice. :: Luma please help me. I am in contact with an entity from the
planet. Please help me talk to it and figure it out.::

It was Ariel Trei. He latched onto the thread of her reach out and drew along it until he made contact
with her.

:: Ariel, you have been connected with this entity for three days. Are you all right?::

(reply Trei)

He wanted to help her and he knew that by trying to understand this entity he could. Slowly, carefully,
he probed at it. He see in his experience through Luma.

::Hello.::

The entity startled slightly and Temas could feel a change in it happening.

::The songs. Where are the songs? Why can I not hear the songs?::

The desperation he could feel in the entity’s request was almost palpable. Luma often spoke of the Star
Songs and sang them. They were beautiful and filled the universe when she sang in her own language.
The language was incomprehensible but the the meaning would fill his mind with wonder.

But this had none of that wonder. Only loss. Temas began to recall one of her songs and channeled it
through his mind towards Ariel and this entity.

The desperation subsided but never disappeared. There was always that sense of loss. It knew the
song was only a memory, but even the memory was somewhat soothing.

::How do you know this song?::

::I have had it sung to me.::

Anger began to boil. ::By who. There are none that know these songs. They have gone forever. You
only share a memory. Not the actual song. I need the song .::
The vehemence of the entity was frightening. Temas worried about what it could do, more specifically
what it could do to Ariel Trei, who seemed caught in its… mental pathways.

Quickly he dove his mind through the entity’s and his mind took hold of Trei’s. ::We must go Ariel. We
must go now.::

He wrapped his mind around hers and pulled her from the grip of the entity. The psychic backlash was
immense. Pain seared through his mind. He began to see images he could not understand and feelings
of rage, and intense sorrow. Resignation and… the desire for entropy.

Once he had Ariel free of the entity he began to extricate himself. A war rage within his mind. In his
body his heart rate skyrocketed and his body began to seize. Finally, he felt a gentle pull from… Luma.

::Come my Temas. Come home to me.::

Finally he was free. His eyes opened and he looked around him, surprised to find himself still on the
Illuminar. He looked at Trei who appeared to be breathing more easily, as if she would wake up any
moment.

Something trickled down his upper lip. He lifted his hand and touched it. When he pulled it away his
fingers were coated in blood.

“We’ll that’s not good,” he said as his body collapsed to the floor.

(reply Trei, Luma, anyone in quarantine)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1005)

Ariel felt herself being pulled from a intense conversation with an entity. She started to wake up and
found Temas standing by her cot. She was relieved to be out of that situation but was fascinated with
being the first to contact the entity. The entity became more aggressive before she woke up and she
was glad for that. Through the mind of Temas she had an understanding of the songs the entity was
talking about. She needed to eat something but delayed that when she saw Temas bleeding.

"Temas thank you for helping me. Are you OK."

(Reply Temas iyw, Any)
(Posted by Edward)

(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward ENTITY- 1007)


Quiet. It had become quiet except for song. Where was the Betzoid? “Where did you go?” It called
out.

The other being had taken her away. The song changed to that of strong beating. “COME BACK TO
ME” It yelled.

A telepathic scream of loneliness came from the entity. A powerful emotion that could even be
possibly felt by anyone with the smallest telepathic ability.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Kris B)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward SPA LT Ariel Trei - 1008)

Ariel was willing to be a temporary companion to the entity but the entity had to be a considerate
partner in the exchange. She was not sure the entity was capable of doing that. She felt the loneliness.
She tried to help the entity.

:: I understand you are lonely but you have to be considerate of who you talk to. When you can control
your emotions, then we can talk.::

(Reply Entity)
(Posted by Edward)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Counselor/Bondmate - Temas Laredo - 1255)

There was the sound of a baby crying, echoing in his mind. It took him a moment to realize that the
sound he heard was his own crying through the minds of his care takers. The next sound he heard was
a physical voice.

“Make it stop! Make it stop!” the woman cried. “It’s in my mind all the time. I can’t stop it.”

“Feed him,” the man demanded. “He’s hungry Just feed him.”

The man had realized that the other side of that crying was the sensation of pleasure they all shared
when baby Temas ate. He ate with gusto and passion. And they all shared in it. It was almost sexual.
These were the sensations that had driven his real parents to abandon him. His lasrt set of surrogates
had committed suicide. These surrogates were on the verge of insanity.

Five year old Temas lay on the floor screaming. The continuous input of minds streaming through his
never ceased. Surface thought of violence against him, deep thoughts that he barely comprehended
with his child’s mind. Every mind within range of his considerable strength. It had come to a point where
he could not distinguish his own thoughts from others. But that went the other way as well. Others
were unable to distinguish their thoughts from his.

A pair of lovers were suddenly repelled by the intimacy that they were involved in. They were five years
old and the other had cooties. A parent disciplining their child suddenly dropped to their knees, crying,
as he fought back for the one who could not. A thought came to him that he was able to hold onto.

::It would be kinder to put him out of his misery.::

::And ours.::

Feeling of being alone. Helpless. Hopeless. Those were his. But they were. Someone else’s as well.
Curiosity about anyone who suffered as he did overpowered the dismay. He looked for the source.
A bright red light flashed anger. It wanted revenge. It was trapped. It wanted freedom. Unused to
being alone it was secluded. Kept from its own kind. But knowing that it’s own kind was gone. It was
alone. Forever alone. And for a brief moment it was not. The strange ones had come and provided it
with company, of a sort. But they didn’t understand. There was fear.

Fear created the demon. The demon destroyed. But something else destroyed as well. But in the end it
was alone again. Now it couldn’t trust that anyone who came would stay… or help. It wanted to love. It
wanted to haste. It wanted…
A face appeared in front of an adult Temas. He recognized the face.

::Riven Mias? What is happening?::

::You have it in you to be in control Temas. You always have. Focus. Concentrate on who you are.::

Another voice called to him. ::My Temas.::

::Luma. You know.::

His eyes shot open and Temas was aware. He was surrounded by medical staff, but none of them were
actually looking at him. Suddenly a pretty, young nurse looked at his readings and went over to him,
smiling at him.

“Doctor,” she called out, “he’s awake. Take it easy Temas. You gave us all quite a scare.”

His throat was dry, and it took him some concentration before he could speak. “Luma?” He reached
into her mind to find her name. “Sakura, is Luma okay?”

“I don’t know,” she replied.

::Luma.::

He looked at the nurse. “Sakura, I must speak with Commander Verin.”

“You’re in no cond…” she began to protest when he grabbed her arm.

“No,” he said more forcefully. “Must.”

The nurse scurried away to get… somebody.

Temas closed his eyes to wait.

(reply Verin, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- MO Dr. Meredith Grey -- 1302)

“Doctor,” she called out, “he’s awake. Take it easy Temas. You gave us all quite a scare.”
Meredith had turned to see the patient. She had been hopping between patients. Unfortunately, she
was with a patient when she was called and had to take an extra minute. The second she was
available, she made her way to Temas.

“Mr. Temas, you should lay still. Can you tell me what happened?” she wondered what he
remembered.

(Reply Temas)

“Would you like a sip of water? Help your throat.” Meredith offered.

(Reply Temas)
Meredith looked at Temas’s scans and noticed that some parts of his brain that were not normally active
are very active.

(Reply Temas)
(Played by Kris B)
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(USS Illuminar - Dexk 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1323)

While medical and science people had been sent to the bio lab to work on the crisis afflicting the health
of the crew, Zara asked for, and was given, permission to remain by Yevan zh'Firre's side. The
Andorian engineer was in the worst condition of anyone, so Zara felt it was important for someone to
stay with her in case the worst happened.

In their three days together, Zara and Yevan had become close, a bond forming even Zara couldn't
explain. Yevan was the first to pass from the contagion and Zara was now in the lab, doing everything
in her power to make sure there were no more.

Zara received some comfort in the hope and knowledge, while with the Earth Guardian now, Yevan was
strong again.

"Ms. Khatri, I would like for you to review this."

The voice brought Zara from Yevan to the task at hand. She moved to a work table where Captain
Sekal was using an archaic microscope.

"Sir?"

"Yes. It occurred to me that we have been looking for the wrong agent," said Sekal.

That was certainly possible. They had tried, retried, and tried again, everything they were supposed to
do, with no results.

Sekal stated what they all knew, what had been baffling them, that a biological organism would have
been discovered and stopped.

"Something of mechanical origin however, might be able to avoid detection from scanners," said Sekal.

Of course! That made perfect sense. It was something Zara should have considered. Her grief over
Yevan was keeping her from being her best. Taking a cleansing breath, she forced all thoughts of the
last three days out of her mind. Though feeling guilty, there would be time later to continue mourning.

"Observe the stain closely and within it what can only be a submicroscopic nanite,"said Sekal.

While looking, Zara was fascinated by the captain's explanation about how these nanites were
attacking the crew.

"Their own weakness being that they cannot avoid visual detection and the spectrum of light," said
Sekal.

Light! Zara's eidetic memory kicked in. "Sir, there's something from my first year at the academy..."
Zara rushed to her work station, accessing the computer logs. "There!" She waited for Sekal.
"In 2366, on the Enterprise-D, a civilian scientist was conducting a once-in-a-lifetime experiment on a
neutron star. On board, one of the school children was doing his own experiment with nanites. Two of
them escaped containment and evolved into sentient life. To survive, they were consuming circuitry in
the computer core. This was ruining the neutron experiment and put the ship in danger. To stop them,
the scientist flooded the core with gamma radiation, which destroyed most of the nanites.
Unfortunately, there's nothing in the log that states the intensity level of the radiation."

Zara was so excited that she may have found a solution, she needed to slow down.

"Captain, I don't know if this is the answer, but if it is, medical will need to find the balance between
stopping the nanites without killing the crew."

(reply Sekal, any)
(posted by Mary Lou)
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(USS Illuminar - Dexk 6 - Biochemistry Lab - CO. Captain Sekal - 1325)

He watched as she suddenly spun and ran to a terminal where she began looking through the data
feverishly. "There!" She turned and looked toward him, obviously waiting.

The Vulcan turned from the table carefully before hobbling toward her, his hip joints were painful and
felt loose which he knew was not true, they were not loose but weak because of the pain. Walking,
hobbling actually was excruciating despite trying to stifle it, it still bled through. His legs had been a
major strength due to his distance training but the nanites had undermined his very foundation along
with his shoulders. Young Vulcan that he may be, he was weak as a kitten until he had moved around
enough to warm up the joints which could be difficult in the chilly atmosphere.

"In 2366, on the Enterprise-D, a civilian scientist was conducting a once-in-a-lifetime experiment on a
neutron star. On board, one of the school children was doing his own experiment with nanites. Two of
them escaped containment and evolved into sentient life. To survive, they were consuming circuitry in
the computer core. This was ruining the neutron experiment and put the ship in danger. To stop them,
the scientist flooded the core with gamma radiation, which destroyed most of the nanites.
Unfortunately, there's nothing in the log that states the intensity level of the radiation."

"Gamma is ionizing radiation and extremely deadly." The CO noted.

"Captain, I don't know if this is the answer, but if it is, medical will need to find the balance between
stopping the nanites without killing the crew."

"I concur. Record a sample of our findings along with your report and transport to Dr. Solice's location.
There are other possibilities such as an electromagnetic field but her determination will be necessary. It
is to be hoped that she can find a suitable treatment without irreparably damaging the host."

(Reply: Zara)

"Carry on." Having found the agent of their destruction it was now in the hands of medical though they
needed to remain ready to assist where needed. He turned and hobbled to a chair to one side to rest
his aching joints.

(Reply: Zara)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Holodeck 1 - SO - Lt. Cal Dogan - 1330)
It seemed odd that anyone would think that a Brikarian would feel boredom. But by nature they were
not a sedentary people. In fact, in times of inactivity, most Brikar get fidgety and anxious. Cal was not
different.
Cal had been provided with a chair that had been reinforced to hold his mass. He had been sitting on it
for a few hours now, andhis foot started moving on its own volition, tapping on the deck plating. Of
course, with his mass, a tap was more of a loud banging. Several eyes turned to him in a silent request
for him to stop.

With a groan, he stood up. His joints ached and his skin crawled. He looked down at his bare arms
and noted another piece of skin that had started to peal off him. He brushed at the loose flesh and
watched at the now delicate flaked fell to the floor. He poked at the now tender spot on his arm, feeling
the sensitive area with his fingers. It was intriguing, as well as frightening. Another sensation he was
not used to. He felt… vulnerable.

He began his usual tour of the room, marching up and down the around his bed, as if he were a sentry
on patrol. He nodded at the other patients he could see. Some were just fine, with no noticable
symptoms. Others were in various states of illness, from unconsciousness to writhing in pain and
nausea.

Standing at the foot of his bed, Dogan put his hand on the surface of the clear panel separating him
from the others. Suddenly he began to cough. By instinct he brought his hand to his mouth as his
body racked. When he pulled his hand away he noticed that it was coated in a liquid. On closer
inspection there was something floating around in the liquid. Was that tissue from his lungs?

Suddenly it became difficult to breath. He found his way back to his seat thinking that this was not the
way he envisioned his own death.

(reply none, any)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 5 - Isolation Ward - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 1345)

Temerity had spent his time in the Isolation Ward quietly separating himself from the crew of the
Illuminar. He didn’t view himself as a part of the ship’s crew, he didn’t even really view himself as a part
of the Marine complement onboard the ship. Deep down he understood and knew that it was his own
fault. He was broken in many ways in addition to dealing with psychological and emotional issues. If
he had just kept his damn mouth shut and not asked who had written that intel analysis. No one ever
bats an eye if you ask “who did the work?” or ask “who was the author?”, but on this everyone took it as
a personal insult. Charles knew Chief Hammons was no more than a messenger passing on intel
reports that come down from On-High.

Hell, after that day, he had become an outsider even among the Marines as well. The Marines that
worked in the Security department were pissed at him because they were not able to wear their Marine
green shirts and be proud of their service; but instead got treated like pretenders in the Operations gold
in addition to being treated like second class citizens everywhere aboard ship except within the
confines of the cargo bay in which they were quartered. Temerity couldn’t really blame them for being
pissed at him. Why not, everyone else was.

T'Lela wouldn’t be upset if he departed from the service again. She wanted him to captain a new
prototype of pirate hunter ship for covert operations currently dubbed the Green Knight-class. He
slightly smirked to himself at the reference to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. But before he did any
of that, he needed to apologize to the Major, again, for his part in the failure of the Major’s experiment.
Then he will need to utilize the Captain’s open door policy with the major and XO present to see if he
should submit a letter of resignation and return to his civilian life with his Gunnery Sergeant pension.

As he sat in a corner, apart from the others confined to the Isolation Ward, he watched the others as
they traded anecdotes, jibes, jokes, and simply be with one another. They were more than a crew; they
were a family, and inside he was happy that they had each other, but he never smiled. And he prayed
to all that was good and holy that they never lose what they have.

If he could go back and tell the Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander T’Mur, that Marines should
wear Marine colors while on duty, he would. If he could go back and not say a word at the initial
mission brief, he would. But he can’t, all he can do is make his apologies, pack his bags, and vanish
back into the vastness of space. But all that will depend on if he is still welcome aboard the Illuminar, or
even in the service at all.

Charles mentally retreated further and further within himself. He barely ate or drank anything, was
contending with depression and found himself mourning for those that had been victims of someone
else’s ambitions.

(Reply: Any iyw)

(Reply: Any iyw)
(Posted By: Chuck Raschen)
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(USS Iluminar - Deck 10 - Shuttlebay - CSRD - Lt Bohb - 1400)

Bohb had found a corner of the lab and erected an opaque force field around him. He couldn’t bare to
have anyone looking at him in his current condition. After he had discovered the holes in his bio suit he
realized that the itch across his body was more than just an accumulation of sweat. He noticed that
tufts of his fur had fallen off from his arms, leave patches of exposed flesh.

Now, he had lost so much of his fur that he was more exposed flesh than furry. Any time he caught a
short glimpse of himself in a reflection he gave out a soft, primal grunt/ groan and had to fight back
tears.

Bohb had always prided himself in his appearance. As the only Magillan, to date, who had ever left his
home world, he knew that he represented an entire planet. And humans often judged others on their
appearances. He wanted to be sure that his people were known for their intelligence and culture, and
not thought of as a bunch of apes. He had once been shown a video of an old earth entertainment
called “Planet of the Apes,” and had been appalled by the representations of a culture which looked
somewhat like his.

So he sat in isolation, wearing a jump suit, which he was currently wearing only the bottom half, pouring
everything he had into the microscopic examination of the metals that William had brought to him.
During their examination of the shuttles they had discovered a fine layer of dust throughout the ship and
its systems. He also put his suit through spectral analysis. What he found was the systematic
breakdown of certain substances. In particular… copper.

He sat back on his stool and realized how much sense that suddenly meant. Copper was not a primary
material used in the construction of ships, and an important part of most species' health. It affected their
energy levels, connective tissues, blood vessels, even their neural system and immune system.

As he looked at the varied, known symptoms discovered so far it just made sense. It also made sense
with the dust, which had microscopic traces of copper. An itch on his shoulder caused his to scratch
and his hand came away with another handful of hair. He looked at it in lamentation then brushed it
away to the floor, where it landed with the rest. He pulled the jump suit to cover the top half of his body,
and all that could be seen was head.

He took a deep breath and released a section of the security field. He found Sekal and moved over to
him.

“Son of Saleke,” he said solemnly, “I may have the root of our health problems and why the contagion
was able to get past our security measures.”

He handed him the data PADD showing the results of his analysis.

(reply Sekal)

“It also leads me to be more concerned for yourself and Lt Commander T’Mur, since much of your
anatomy is copper based.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- Dr. Agnes Vanderstein -- 1515)

Anges moved back and forth between sickbay and the holodeck. Earlier that day she had run into the
Commander. Commander Verin wanted to see the Captain. The only thing that Agnes insisted on
what that she wear a biosuit. Other than that, she had no issues letting the commander go in. Agnes
had other things on her mind.

Aggie put on her biosuit and went back into holodeck 1. She went over to Dieter’s bed. “Your oxygen
levels seem to be a lot nicer.”

(Reply Dieter)

“Hopefully we can get this figured out and then freed again.” Aggie smiled. Something, however, was
not right. Her hands started to shake as she took hold of Dieter. Suddenly she was falling to the floor
and her whole body went into convulsions. She lost consciousness slipping into a coma as the seizure
continued to ravage her body.

(Reply Dieter)
(Reply Any)
(Posted by Kris B.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- 2/)&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory - 1516)

Dieter opened his eyes when he heard Aggie's voice. "Your oxygen levels seem to be a lot nicer," she
said.

"I ain't letting you get out of a date that easily," he laughed faintly. "Remember the ocean?" he asked
softly through cracked lips.

“Hopefully we can get this figured out and then freed again," she said.

"I'm only a simple engineer, its up to you doctors..." Gregory began as Aggie's hands began to shake.
"Aggie?" he said concerned.
He watched in horror as she fell to the floor, her body wracked with convulsions. Dieter tried to stand
up, but Lieutenant Pex was quicker.

"Medical emergency in Holodeck 1. Dr. Vanderstein is having a severe seizure despite being in a
biosuit. Either we need to beam her directly to sickbay or I need medical personnel here to help. I
don't know the human physiology," the Trill called out.

Minutes seemed to tick by as they waited for help, while Gregory tried to make his body respond to his
will, to move.

(Reply Any)
(Posted by Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Holodeck 1 Iso Ward -- Deck 5 -- CEO - Lieutenant Jg Tegian Pex - 1517)

Tegian was bored. Three days of isolation. Zara had locked onto Ensign zh'Firre so that he felt
uncomfortable checking in on the Ensign despite his worry over the Andorian's condition. He had a
PADD and had her vitals along with Commander Gregrory's displaying every fifteen minutes while the
rest of the time, he studied all the results of their transporters trials. And now Zara had been asked to
help with the bug and Tegian had been left behind. Granted, he didn't have any background in
biochemistry, but his symbiont had been a doctor in a past host. A very successful Trill doctor. No one
had bothered to check on that history.

He was showing no symptoms other than being irritable and he was attributing that to a lack of sleep.
Since this was a holodeck, he'd created a comfortable chair, out of the way and was dozing when he
heard someone talking to Commander Gregory. All those who had been infected were near each other
and he'd picked a spot nearby.

He opened an eye and saw someone fall to the floor. Jumping up, he tossed his PADD onto the chair
and raced to the form's side.

“Hopefully we can get this figured out and then freed again.” Aggie smiled. Something, however, was
not right. Her hands started to shake as she took hold of Dieter. Suddenly she was falling to the floor
and her whole body went into convulsions. She lost consciousness slipping into a coma as the seizure
continued to ravage her body.

Tegian hit his comm badge. "Medical emergency in Holodeck 1. Dr. Vanderstein is having a severe
seizure despite being in a biosuit. Either we need to beam her directly to sickbay or I need medical
personnel here to help. I don't know the human physiology."


(Reply Any)
(Posted by Keith)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Iluminar - Holodeck 1- Isolation Ward - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1518)

By the time yesterday ended, Quinna had been moved to a medical lab. There was only so much she
could do. She started off making rounds in the holodeck. The lack of sleep was more than evident on
her face and the lack of eating showed loose-fitting clothing. She heard Pex call out for a Medical
emergency and Quinna ended up rushing to the side of another shipmate. “Aggie”
Tapping the commbadge, “Emergency site to site transport to iosroom 3” and the two disappeared into
the beaming light.

(USS Illuminar -- Isoroom 3 --Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1520)

A nurse came in and helped Aggie get out of the suite. Quinna was able to stabilize her and make her
comfortable. But Aggie had slipped into a coma. A blood test revealed that she was indeed infected.
The nurse left the room and wept as they realized what had happened. The abnormality had breech
isolation containment efforts and was now out in the ship.

Before leaving sickbay, she made orders to have Commander Dieter transported to Isoroom 3 along
with his bed. At least they could be together.

(USS Illuminar -- Biochemistry Lab -- Deck 6 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1525)

Quinna had beamed into the biochemistry lab where Captain Sekal and Ensign Khatri were at. She
stood there a moment composing herself as she watch the two work. “Captain, Ensign” Quinna
acknowledged those in the room.

(replies Sekal, Khatri)

“The Abnormality that is making people sick has crossed isolation lines. Dr. Vanderstein is in a coma.
The abnormality is in her bloodstream. I wish I knew what this was.”

(replies Sekal, Khatri)
(Posted by Kris B)

(USS Illuminar -- Biochemistry Lab -- Deck 6 -- CO, Captain Sekal -- 1528)

“Captain, Ensign."

The Vulcan looked up from the chair at the call, his eyes rimmed with pale green due to pain and a lack
of proper sleep.

"Doctor."

(Reply: Khatri iyw)

“The Abnormality that is making people sick has crossed isolation lines. Dr. Vanderstein is in a coma.
The abnormality is in her bloodstream. I wish I knew what this was.”

"We can now assist you in that regard." He inclined his head toward Zara. "We have isolated the agent
responsible." He straightened in the chair. "Ensign Khatri was about to bring you the report along with
our recommendations however now is a convenient time." He glanced over to Zara. "Ensign, the report
please."

(Reply: Zara, Quinna)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1530)

Zara sat at her work station, staring at nothing. She was trying her best to contribute to resolving the
nanite crisis, but her thoughts kept going back to Yevan. Honoring her friend by helping others was all
she had now, but by allowing herself to be distracted, she wasn't helping anyone. The cramped
quarters and body aromas filling the air didn't help and she was hungry. Rubbing her eyes, Zara went
back to searching for ideas.

There was a humming sound. Another distraction.

Doctor Solice beamed into the lab.

“Captain. Ensign.”

"Doctor," said Sekal.

Solice announced that isolation protocols had failed. Zara was normally the optimist, but all this was
beginning to wear her down.

"We can now assist you in that regard. We have isolated the agent responsible," said Sekal.

Zara felt she didn't have enough to help, but the little she had was better than nothing.

"Ensign, the report please," said Sekal.

Zara stood up and began by telling Solice the sicknesses were caused by nanites. She then explained
the incident from the Enterprise-D.

"I know gamma radiation is dangerous, and it's probably a silly option, but it's still one possibility."

"Captain Sekal has suggested hitting the nanites with an EM pulse. That could work, but we would
need to shield the ship electronics and computer systems to insure they aren't affected. Perhaps send
groups of people to the most remote part of the ship, use the EMP, then bring in the next group, and so
on."

"I have one last option. I was able to contact the facility on Earth that manufactures nanites, though I
had to go through several Starfleet channels to be given access. They're built with an emergency
dissolve system. If we can determine that the nanites attacking us also have one and we can discover
the frequency to activate it, we can shut them down. We would then need to purge their remains from
our bodies, either through our natural immune systems or by artificial means."

Zara paused to take a breath.

"This is what I have at this point."

(reply Sekal, Solice)
(posted by Mary Lou)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - CO, Captain Sekal- 1535)

Dr. Solice had taken a call from medical and learned that one of her staff had expired, to the Captain
the loss of yet another crewman was intolerable. The lab had been sealed under his order yet
Lieutenant Bohb came strolling in as though taking a walk. Sekal stood up like a shot despite his painful
joints and stepped forward. The Magillan was wearing a suit which was quite unlike him and the
exposed fur was patchy.
“Son of Saleke, I may have the root of our health problems and why the contagion was able to get past
our security measures.”

"The nanites are not the only thing bypassing our security measures...," the Vulcan intoned, "...how did
you gain access to this lab?"

(Reply: Bohb)

The Magillan passed him a PADD.

“It also leads me to be more concerned for yourself and Lt Commander T’Mur, since much of your
anatomy is copper based.”

Sekal shrugged which elicited a wince. "We are no less at risk than any other crewman. The agent has
just been isolated and are nanites, since you are available I expect you to help Doctor Solice find a way
to neutralize them. If you require additional assistance myself and the science department are also
available."

(Reply: Bohb, Quinna, Khatri)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar -- Biochemistry Lab -- Deck 6 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1540)

Bohb grinned. He had already sent the data to their lab. “I had the same idea. I have also been
following the data from Dr. Kyllee with Ms. Tavay. He has found some interesting tidbits that might be
useful.”

At this point, Quinna was just nodding. Nanites, copper, and Medical school did not have a class on
nanite technology. You would think that after all decades that had passed since the Borg had been a
part of their lives. One would think people would want to learn more.

Among her nodding, she received a call.

=^= Kyllee to Solice, I have an idea, but I’ll need some help.=^=

Quinna tapped her badge in reply, “I am on my way.” She turned to the rest of the group, “Sorry I am
needed in sickbay.” Quinna left the lab on her own two feet. She herself, knowing that isolation was
broken, chose to limit transporter use.

Along the route to sickbay, she tapped her communication badge. “Solice to Dr.s Penn and Teller” She
hoped they would take her to call.

(reply Penn and Teller)

“Lt. Bohb has sent you some information. Please can you make it a priority? Apparently, it may be a
key to what is making our people sick.”

(Reply Penn and Teller)

“I am needed in sickbay, But if you need me, I can come after I am done there.”

(Reply Penn and Teller)
(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1550)

Quinna walked right into sickbay and into the isoroom where Kyllee was with Tavay. She had been
warned that he had a bad temper. Quinna would have been more surprised if he was not. not.

“Hey there, What’s on your mind?” Quinna asked.

(Reply Kyllee)

She noted the look of exhaustion on his face.

(Reply Kyllee)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - Isolation - Dr. Agnes Vanderstein, 2/O&COps CMDR Dieter Gregory and
3/O&CMO Dr. Quinna Solice - 1600)

Those who say that when you are in a coma, you cannot hear anything or feel anything. Those who
say that are totally wrong. Aggie could feel Gregory holding her. She heard his whispers of what he
had planned to do when they were feeling better. She could feel his lips on her. She could also feel
him grope her once in a while. She liked that feeling.

As a person out of her time, she wondered how she really had gotten there. She was supposed to live.
She was supposed to have this great life with Dieter and live happily ever after. That is what he told her
years ago during their first time around in their romance. A bright light filled her space.

There in front of her was the older Dieter. His hair was grey, but the twinkle was in his eyes. He
cracked a smile at her. “What are you doing here?” he asked her, “Its not your time.”.

“I agree. I am to be with you. Where am I?” Aggie started to look confused.

He looked around. There was a gray fog surrounding them. “I am not sure, or why I am here. You
have much life to live till I am grey. Out of Starfleet, living our best life.”

Aggie moved closer to the older Dieter. “We are to be together.” Her hand lifted up to touch his face.
“How do I go back?”

He put his hand on hers while reaching out to touch her face, “But I don’t want this to end,” he said
softly, “And yet, you need to go back so we can go forward.”

Another flash of light occurred and a Bajorian woman covered in head to tow in purple and orange
spoke. “Your job is done. Your task completed.” The woman turned to Gregory, “you remember what
has to happen now. You were there.”

Aggie turned to Dieter, “What is she talking about?”

Gregory, his hair brown now, shook his head, “You know that we cannot share that kind of information.
The past, the future, must not be changed by a slip,” he said, reaching down to hold her hands, “It pains
me, but is how it must be.”

“You brought me here. You brought me into this exciting life.” Aggie reached up to kiss the Dieter in
front of her. But the bright light faded to darkness. She could feel his lips on hers. She moaned softly.
Gregory watched as Aggie opened her eyes. He tried to blink away his tears as he glanced at the
biobed monitors. They were barely active. He knew what was coming, and he was not ready for it.
“Aggie,” he said softly, as he touched her cheek softly.

Aggie struggled for a breath. “I am sorry.” She looked into his eyes. “You are so loved.” she said as
she tried to move her hand to touch him.

He grabbed her hand, holding it tight. “Don’t be sorry my love. Stay with me. Stay with me.” he
whispered, his voice pleading.

“I love you,” Aggie said. “I am always with you. I…” Aggie closed her eyes as she was in pain. She
wanted to stay with him too. “Our family needs you.”

“Hold on, Aggie. Hold on. Fight it,” he whispered, “I can’t do it alone.”

“I want you.” Aggie was struggling but she was fighting for Dieter. She struggled to remain there. All
she wanted to do was sleep.

“I’m here. I’ll always be here,” he said softly as his lips brushed her forehead. It was hot and she was
covered in sweat.

“Quinna.” he called out. “Quinna!” he said louder. “Do something.”

Aggie squeezed Dieter’s hand. “Please, just be here.”

Quinna came into the room and looked at Aggie. Noting the sweat, she knew that she that her immune
system started to fight but the latest readings were also showing that her body was starting to shut
down despite the efforts being done. She looked at Dieter in the eyes. A slight shaking of her head
said it all. Aggie was going to lose the fight. She slowly backed away knowing that those last moments
should be just between the two of them.

Dieter saw Quinna shake her head. As she backed away, he knew what happened next. “He
squeezed her hand, “Always,” he said softly as he listened to her labored breathing.

“Our Children will need you.” Aggie said, “They love you more.” Aggie said. “I love you, forever.”

The tears fell down his face as she closed her eyes for the last time. Her labored breathing stopped as
the monitors fell to zero.

He knelt there in silence, holding her hand.

(reply none)
(posted by Kris and Tim)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Biochemistry Lab - Deck 6 - CMO/3XO Commander Quinna Solice -- 1605)

Quinna was a bit lost one of her friends was direly ill from a contingent that broke isolation protocols.
She still felt the need to limit exposure but did not feel like keeping everyone crammed in the holodeck
was needed. A bit of hope glinted in her eyes when she was told about the discovery.

Quinna thought about it. Nanite technology, even if Quinna has a base knowledge of the topic, was a
bit out of her wheelhouse. Quinna took in the information. “I agree that Gamma radiation is an extreme
way to eliminate the buggers, the other side effects are something that may not set likely with the crew.
But this EM pulse,” Quinna paused for a moment, “It might render these Nanites impotent but would it
remove them from the system?” Quinna asked but then continued, “Not trying to poke holes in what
you are saying, but you contacted a manufacturer on earth? Are you saying that WE, put these nanites
out there?” Quinna tried to focus more.

(Reply Khatri, Sekal)

“Are you able to get ahold of one of the bugger and find what it is made of?”

(Reply Khatri, Sekal)

Suddenly a communication came through to Quinna, =^= Sickbay to Dr. Solice, Dr. Vanderstein just
passed away. =^=

Quinna took a deep breath as she was trying to get ahold of her emotions, “Thanks for letting me know,
Solice out.”

“That took her quickly.” Quinna continued. It may have seemed that Quinna was a bit cold about the
situation but she really was trying to hold everything together from the inside out. “I admit, I only have a
rudimentary skillset when it comes to nanites. Maybe our resident scientists Penn and Teller may be
able to help. At this point, Isolation protocols are worthless anyway.”

(Reply Khatri, Sekal)
(Posted by Kris B)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1606)

"Are you saying that WE, put these nanites out there?" said Solice.

"No, I'm not saying that," said Zara. "I thought the best place to get information on nanites, was from the
people that designed and manufactured them."

"Are you able to get ahold of one of the bugger and find what it is made of?" said Solice.

"Yes. Captain Sekal has some on a slide under a microscope. You can look at them if you want," said
Zara.

They were interrupted by a comm call informing Solice that Doctor Vanderstein passed. This stung
Zara's heart, as it brought everything about Yevan back into her thoughts. She had to sit down and turn
away to compose herself.

(reply Sekal, Solice)
(posted by Mary Lou)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 - Biochemistry Lab - ACSO Ensign jg Zara Khatri - 1601)


There was a comm call informing Solice that Doctor Vanderstein passed. This stung Zara's heart, as it
brought everything about Yevan back into her thoughts. She had to sit down and turn away to compose
herself.
"Ms. Khatri, it would appear that our quarantine efforts, which were aimed at stopping a biological
threat, have been fruitless," said Sekal.


"Hm? Um... yes, sir," said Zara. It made sense since the contagion wasn't biological. While the captain
spoke with others, she had to get her focus back on the situation.


"The nanites might at some point have jumped to mechanical systems," said Sekal.


Zara had already considered that based on the Enterprise-D incident. If they had, that's when gamma
bursts could be effective without harming the crew.


"And we need to be able to find them if they have. Begin working on alternative scanning methods
targeting their material composition, which may be more reliable than a general scan," said Sekal.


"Yes, sir," said Zara. She watched the captain leave, limping as he walked. Vulcans were strong at
resisting and controlling pain. His must have been severe.


Moving to the microscope with the nanite slide, Zara began the process of determining their makeup,
what she called, their ingredients.


When Zara had completed her task, she sent a priority message to the bridge science station, telling
the person there what she discovered and what scans needed to be done.


Letting out a deep sigh, Zara leaned back in her chair, closing and rubbing her eyes. What a last three
days this had been.


(reply any)
(posted by Mary Lou)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
End Compile