Start of Compile, Part 2: Compile Mission: Requiem, Days 1-3 Stardates 2406.07.01 - 2406.07.03 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission Requiem, Day 3 Stardate: 2406.07.03 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, COUNS Dr. Domini Alizara, 0110) Domini had been awakened out of sleep by a call from the bridge saying that survivors were being beamed aboard and would she be so kind as to go and meet them? She walked into sickbay right as the FO said : "Doctor Troi If it is alright with you, I will assist in the exterminations. How about I start on the other side and we can meet in the middle?" Domini walked up to Grailik and stood right in front of him. "You'll have to do so over my dead body." She said, crossing her arms and glaring at him in her best doctor mode. "Did the Captain say to kill them after we have rescued them?" She said, very angry. "And you, Kestra, are no better. What happened to your oath as a Doctor?" (replies :-) Domini deflated and said, "Oh." She then grinned. "You need more coffee then, Mr. Grailik." She said, moving away to let them work, but kneeling beside one of the people. "This one is a betazoid." Domini said, noticing the distinctive traits that all betazoids shared. She knelt down beside her and probed downward, searching for any hint of personality, any spark of soul. She felt nothing, but continued to search around, and hit the telepathic center that most humanoids had. She backed away from it, as it looked like something black was consuming it. She shook her head, clearing her vision. "There is something black in there, some kind of growth on her telepathic centers." Domini spoke, very unsure. "It looks like it's trying to consume them." She concluded. She'd noticed that the two doctors were conferring, and then looked at her chronometer -- a lot of time had passed. "Do we have identities?" She asked, curious, as she went over to confer with them. Having three doctors on board, three highly trained doctors, was really not a bad thing at times like this. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0110) Sevant signed off on the Fuel Consumption report and handed the PADD back to the engineering crewman who had presented it to him. With a nod he sent the woman off and steepled his fingers as he watched the stars flash by on the screen. "Captain, I'm getting an emergency beacon," a couple seconds passed as the Operations officer looked at it, "Federation, Civilian, SS Backtron..." The officer at Tactical said, "I've got it on sensors, two light-years to starboard. Hanging dead, it looks like." "Alter course for intercept, best speed." Sevant ordered quietly, "And pull up all known information on the Backtron." He leaned forward, "Standby to take down the cloak on my command." His monitor flashed as someone sent him the database information on the Backtron. Their database had been fully updated at Geneva before their launch, at least that much could be said. Sevant scanned it as the ship heeled over on their new course. The Backtron was a civilian charted research vessel, supposedly conducting nebulae studies in the deep. It was seven months into their three year cruise. The Captain looked back up at the screen a few minutes later, when it was announced they were coming in range of the pod. "Bring us out of warp, put us along side. And put it on screen." The screen flashed from a star background, to a magnified image of the escape pod. It was a largish, warp capable variety made for deep-space assignments. It only had warp 2 capability, and that only for a few days, but it was far better then pure impulse. "The pods hull has been crystallized in a couple places, whether by weapons fire or natural phenomenon is unknown." Ops stated. "Life signs?" "Ten, Sir... Very faint." "Beam them directly into sickbay, pull the pod into shuttle-bay 2. Scan for the Backtron herself, use the ion trail of the pod to track it." Sevant said as he quirked his head at the pod. This was an interesting development. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0125) "Sir, shall I have Security prepare quarters for our guests?" Sevant half turned his head so he could see the Security Ensign in his peripheral vision, and gave a single shallow nod. "Aye sir," Sevant folded his hands together as he watched the pod get grabbed by a weak tractor beam. He tapped a button on his chair, "Bridge to first officer. We have guests in sick bay, see to them, Ill be down shortly." (reply: Grailik) "Let's hope they've got an explanation for this, cause I'm stumped," Ryko said from the Security station. Sevant turned in his chair, "I dislike mysteries, grab a team of engineers and scan that pod, find out what happened and report back." (reply: Ryko) Sevant nodded and turned back to face the screen once the Ensign was on the move. He tapped his fingers together for a few moments, then stood. "Keep a full scan of the area and keep us under cloak. Let me know the instant the Backtron, its wreckage, or the trail to it is found. Ops has the bridge." (reply: any, if desired) Sevant headed for the ready room, while his crew did their jobs. (reply: any) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Ensign Ryko Skylynx - 0125) "Sir, shall I have Security prepare quarters for our guests?" Sevant half turned his head and gave a single shallow nod. "Aye sir," Ryko said as he made the necessary arrangements. He activated the tractor beam and watched as it locked onto the pod. "Let's hope they've got an explanation for this, cause I'm stumped," Ryko said from the Security station. Sevant turned in his chair, "I dislike mysteries, grab a team of engineers and scan that pod, find out what happened and report back." "Got it," Ryko said. he logged off the tactical console and nodded to the relief officer standing by. He tapped his badge. "Engineering team to shuttle bay 2. Immediately." he said as he entered the turbolift. (By the way, Saim can join in if desired) "Shuttlebay 2," Ryko said. The doors closed and he was on his way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, Commander Grailik, 0126) Grailik was sitting at his desk enjoying a late lunch, while going over some departmental reports. He had just taken a large bite out of his sandwich when the comm came alive. =/\=Bridge to first officer. We have guests in sick bay, see to them, Ill be down shortly.=/\= Quickly chewing and swallowing, Grailik was up and on the way toward the door, slapping his comm-badge en route. "On my way," He said, turning back to grab his drink to wash down his hastily swallowed food. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, Commander Grailik, 13:30) NRPG: Time on this part might need adjusting as well. RPG: Grailik entered Sickbay and quickly looked around. He could see Dr. Troi and her staff working on the refugees from the escape pod in the quarantine section of Sickbay. Nodding his head with approval, Grailik moved toward the door and grabbed a gown and mask. Putting them on, he entered the quarantine field, his trained eye moving over the still bodies on the bed. "Doctor Troi," He said, moving up beside her, "If it is alright with you, I will assist in the exterminations. How about I start on the other side and we can meet in the middle?" He was all business, no time for pleasantries now. Lives were a stake and the sooner they knew what was wrong the sooner they could fix it. (Reply Kestra) NRPG: Assuming she agrees. She would know that Grailik is a qualified doctor and a former CMO himself. RPG: "Your with me," Grailik said, pointing at one of the nurses and heading to the other side of the quarantine ward grabbing a medical tri-corder as he went. Approaching the first bed, Grailik snapped open his tri-corder and began to scan the person laying on it. A young human boy, perhaps 7 or 8 years old, lay staring blankly as the ceiling. Grailik felt his throat tighten as he looked at the boy, absently brushing some of the boys sandy brown hair back off his small freckled face. Swallowing his emotions, Grailik looked at the tri-corder and then the bio-bed, a frown growing on his normally smiling face. ~What in hell?~ The boys brain chemistry was not right. Nothing immediately live threatening, but very odd. His breathing raspy and labored. "2 cc's Certimine, "Grailik ordered, his hand outstretched waiting for the hypo. The nurse slapped the hypo in his hand. Grailik verified the dose and quickly administered the drug into the boys system. His breathing eased almost immediately. Grailik brought up his tri-corder again and began scanning the boy from head to toe, looking for signs of trauma, or anything else out of the ordinary. Anything that might be a clue as to the boys current vegetative state. Typing in a command onto the bio-bed a 'clam-shell' rose up on either side of the bed enclosing the boys upper and lower body. Within seconds a holo-image of the boys insides showed on the monitor, the computer automatically highlighting anything it deemed abnormal or injuries. In this case nothing. Except to the abnormal brain chemistry the boys was perfectly healthy. So, why was he totally catatonic? Grailik's brow furrowed as he continued to work on the boys for several more moments with out success. Finally, convinced there was nothing more he could do for the boy at present, Grailik moved on the next bed. An Andorian female. She was in exactly the condition as the boy, and so was the next, and the next. Eventually, he and Kestra met and Grailik could tell by the look on her face that she was a stumped as he was. They compared notes briefly, then she went off to inform the Captain. Grailik remained behind, preparing the patients for more in-depth, more aggressive tests. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Sick Bay - 2O/CMO Lt. Cmdr Kestra Troi - 0145) Kestra had been in a long deep sleep when her alarm went off signaling that she was needed urgently in sickbay. For her to be summoned so, she knew that it had to be something important. She had quickly dress and made her way to sickbay to find out what was going on. As she arrived, Ensign Garav Aldrin, third shift Medical Officer, Came running up to her to inform her that the ship had encountered a distress signal, which, had a federation tag to it and the Boudicca had went to see what was happening. They had come across an escape pod that had ten very faint life signs and they were going to beam them to sickbay shortly. "Ok Ensign set up the quarantine sections where we will be taken care of them in." She instructed him and watched as he went off to accomplish what she said. "Sickbay to Bridge, we are ready sir." Kestra said as she tapped her combadge. (Reply from bridge iyw) Kestra walked over to the area that was being set up as the quarantine site noticing that there had been ten beds set and ready. She put on her gown and mask as had the others with her and entered the area to wait for the escapees. (USS Boudicca, Quarantine section, 2O/CMO Lt. Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0210) It was not long before all ten were deposited on the floor of sickbay. They quickly, as they came in, started putting them gently on the beds that had been arranged for them. Kestra and her staff started running scans on the escapees. Each scan proved to be the exact same thing, which, baffled Kestra. She could not fathom what had happened to them or who could have done this to them. She and her team did all that they could for them then she stepped to the side to talk to the Captain. "Sickbay, Cmder Troi to Captain Sevant, Sir we have a problem here with the escapees" She told him. (Reply Sevant) "I am not really sure what has happened to them, but, they are barely alive and I don't understand why." She told him (Reply Sevant) "Well, my staff and I have scanned them using every test we know of and their minds have been wiped clean of everything except for the basic motor functions of keeping the body alive. We will continue to monitor them and see what we can find out, but, I have never seen such a thing before." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - ShuttleBay - Ensign Saim Enaj - 0210) Saim had met the engineering team earlier in the hall way. A few minutes later Ryko, whom Saim had met in the officer's meeting appeared. "Hi. Did you com for us? What's up?" "Heard about that adrift pod we found? We need an analysis. The captain wants to know exactly what happened to it," Ryko said, with an unnecessary emphasis on the word "Exactly". "Right, if you cover the outside my team can have a look inside." Ryko imputed the code to release the doors and went inside first, phaser primed. Ryko deactivated the tractor beam and closed the hull doors. He ordered the team to begin their analysis, and took out his tricorder. Saim and her team got to work. Saim had a good engineering team and they got to work quickly and efficiently for the ten minutes they had before Ryko's communicator bleeped. =^=Bridge to Ensign Ryko and Engineering team, what's your preliminary analysis on that Pod?=^= Ryko closed his tricorder and answered, "Just as I thought sir. There are some sort of burn scars across the hull. I think this was definitely a result of weapons fire. Problem is, I can't tell which type. These residuals aren't like anything I've ever seen. One more thing," Ryko said. "The Ops officer was right, the hull is crystallized in placed. Whether this is a consequence of the weapon or not I don't know, but these scans reveal the existence of Trilite Armor plating where the crystallization occurs." Saim then interjected, "We have only just started inside but at first glance it looks like everything is dead and there does not seem to be any weapons damage inside just as melted panels. I can give you a better report if I have about an hour more." The bay's yellow alert lights lit up. "Just what is going on up there?" Ryko asked. (Reply Sevant) "Ensign Enaj can take care of the analysis, sir. Shall I return to the bridge?" "I'll be fine taking over. I have enough people with me." Saim offered. (rply Sevant) "Aye captain, on my way," Ryko said. He nodded to Saim and left the shuttlebay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0210) =^=Sickbay, Cmder Troi to Captain Sevant, Sir we have a problem here with the escapees.=^= Sevant looked up from his PADD, "Go ahead Commander." =^=I am not really sure what has happened to them, but, they are barely alive and I don't understand why.=^= The Vulcan frowned, and leaned back in his chair. "Explain." =^=Well, my staff and I have scanned them using every test we know of and their minds have been wiped clean of everything except for the basic motor functions of keeping the body alive. We will continue to monitor them and see what we can find out, but, I have never seen such a thing before.=^= Sevant opened his mouth to answer, then shut it again. ~Wiped?~ His eyes glazed over for a second as he 'scanned' his own knowledge of weapons. He had run into about everything in his tours of duty, and had learned about dozens more. There were weapons that could cause amnesia, partial memory loss. But complete and utter wiping of everything? No, that was well beyond his experience as well. "Let me confirm I've heard you right. Their minds are clean, nothing but automatic functions? No memories, scraps of personality or knowledge?" (reply: Troi) "Keep them in triage, Ill send you a security contingent." (reply: Troi) NRPG: Room for more, if desired) RPG: Sevant stood immediately and walked back out onto the bridge. The doors hadn't even finished sliding closed behind him when he barked, "Yellow Alert, shields and defensive systems to full." (reply: Any on the bridge). He tapped his badge, "Bridge to Ensign Ryko and Engineering team, what's your preliminary analysis on that Pod?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - ShuttleBay - ATAC Ensign Skylynx - 0210) Ryko met the engineering team halfway to the bay. (Reply Saim, if desired) "Heard about that adrift pod we found? We need an analysis. The captain wants to know exactly what happened to it," Ryko said, with an unnecessary emphasis on the word "Exactly". (Reply Saim) Ryko input the code to release the doors and went inside first, phaser primed. Ryko hated the idea of being caught with his pants down, so he always did things like this. He checked the area was clear, and waved the team inside. The pod entered the bay as the team moved into position. Ryko deactivated the tractor beam and closed the hull doors. He ordered the team to begin their analysis, and took out his tricorder. His communicator bleeped. =^=Bridge to Ensign Ryko and Engineering team, what's your preliminary analysis on that Pod?=^= Ryko closed his tricorder and answered, "Just as I thought sir. There are some sort of burn scars across the hull. I think this was definitely a result of weapons fire. Problem is, I can't tell which type. These residuals aren't like anything I've ever seen," Ryko said. He was surprised that even his vast knowledge of weapons had let him down. "One more thing," Ryko said. "The Ops officer was right, the hull is crystallized in placed. Whether this is a consequence of the weapon or not I don't know, but these scans reveal the existence of Trilite Armor plating where the crystallization occurs." (Reply Sevant, Saim if desired) The bay's yellow alert lights lit up. "Just what is going on up there?" he asked. (Reply Sevant) "Ensign Enaj can take care of the analysis, sir. Shall I return to the bridge?" (Reply Sevant, Saim (if desired) "Aye captain, on my way," Ryko said. He nodded to Saim and left the shuttlebay. On his way he had a thought. "Skylynx to sickbay," He said. (reply any in sickbay) "Is Lt Schafio okay to resume her duties? We could really use some help on the bridge," he said. (Reply sickbay, Schafio if desired). "Great. This is gonna be a hell of a day," Ryko said to himself as he entered the lift. "Bridge," he said, and the turbolift took off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - CSO's Office, ACSO Kyle Rin - 0211) =^= Might i inquire to what is going on sir and if i can be of any use? =^= "Make your way to Shuttlebay 2 immediately, you will be filled in on the situation there by the ACEO." was the immediate response. =^= Aye Sir, I'm on my way. =^= Taking to his feet Kyle grab a tricorder and equipment case and made his way to the nearest turbolift "Shuttlebay 2" he said the computer responded and he was on his way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0211) "Keep them in triage, Ill send you a security contingent." =^=Aye sir I don't think they are going anywhere just yet. The security would be appreciated as this is a little spooky, like they seem to be zombies. I just hope that if there are any abnormalities brought aboard with these visitors, we can contain them here and find out how to handle them before they spread throughout the ship. If there was someone or something that caused this, sir, I would feel better with a shield around the ship." "Noted, Doctor." was the Captains reply. "Sir I do have something to add that just came to mind. In the state that they are in at present, they could theoretically be programmed with anything we want to put in them. I would hate to think that someone or something had that in mind. Then again, there could be the possibility that they saw something that they were not suppose to see." "Keep on it Doctor, I need answers." was Sevant's short reply. "Aye Sir, I will let you know if there is any change in their status." She answered his orders. (reply: if desired) NRPG: And a small jump... RPG: Sevant moved to the bridge and immediately called for a Yellow Alert. A few moments later, he called out to the investigative team in the Shuttlebay. "Bridge to Ensign Ryko and Engineering team, what's your preliminary analysis on that Pod?" =^= Just as I thought sir. There are some sort of burn scars across the hull. I think this was definitely a result of weapons fire. Problem is, I can't tell which type. These residuals aren't like anything I've ever seen,=^= Sevant's eyes narrowed, "Very well," =^=One more thing, The Ops officer was right, the hull is crystallized in placed. Whether this is a consequence of the weapon or not I don't know, but these scans reveal the existence of Trilite Armor plating where the crystallization occurs." Sevant tapped his fingers on the chair, running through his collected mental 'database' of weapons. He would have to look at the information gathered to be of much use, nothing was coming immediately to mind for what he was hearing described. He had seem some strange things as Security Chief of both Boudicca and Nimitz, but there were always other strange things never before encountered. He took a breath, "Get some scientists on the job, and get me a report Within an hour." (reply, if desired) =^=Just what is going on up there?=^= came the TAC/ASC. "We have evidence that this was a straight attack, the ship is on defensive alert." was Sevant's reply. He didn't need to mention the Doctors advice in this, it would have extended the conversation far longer then he wanted to take it on open channels. =^=Ensign Enaj can take care of the analysis, sir. Shall I return to the bridge=^= He heard another person on the line vaguely say they had enough people, Sevant assumed it was the Engineer. He considered saying no, but there was little for the security officer to do until the Engineers and Scientists finished their basic analysis. Finally, he said; "Aye, Ensign." =^=Aye captain, on my way,=^= and the channel clicked closed. Not even ten seconds later, his badge beeped again. =^=Rin to bridge Capt. Sevant respond =^= "Sevant here, Doctor." said the Captain. =^= Might I inquire to what is going on sir and if I can be of any use? =^= "Make your way to Shuttlebay 2 immediately, you will be filled in on the situation there by the ACEO." was the immediate response. (reply: Rin) Once the channel was closed again, Sevant tapped a button on his chair, "Bridge to Lieutenant Bush, get a small security contingent to Sickbay on the double." (reply: Bush) Sevant looked around his bridge, a solid frown on his face. A quick glance at his monitor showed that nothing had been found in terms of wreckage for the Backtron. "Conn, lay in a course to follow the pods ion trail, warp 2. Bring us immediately out of warp if you encounter anything out of the ordinary, or the Backtron herself." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - CSO's Office, ACSO Kyle Rin - 0211) Setting aside the final report on the sensor repair from yesterday Kyle snapped to attention as the yellow alert system came to life in the office. Tapping his com badge he wondered if he could be of any help. =^= Rin to bridge Capt. Sevant respond =^= (reply Sevant) =^= Might i inquire to what is going on sir and if i can be of any use? =^= -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Bridge – OPS Lt. Schafio – 0212) "A little," he said, smiling again and taking his station. He logged in and directed his attention to the screen again. "Now, what have I missed?" he said as he programmed the console. “Well, there's that pod where we have found people inside. They seem to be dead when they are not, or maybe they are close to it. And right now, we are searching the direction that pod took. In other terms, we are trying to find the how and the where at the same time. I'm still working on it and making sure the ship's resources are available for immediate use, lucky that I have help with Ensign Wolfgaard.” (Reply from Wolfgaard) “I think that's the most of it. I forward a few reports for you.” She smiled to Riko and return her attention to work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Bridge – ATAC Ensign Ryko Skylynx– 0212) "A little," he said, smiling again and taking his station. He logged in and directed his attention to the screen again. "Now, what have I missed?" he said as he programmed the console. “Well, there's that pod where we have found people inside. They seem to be dead when they are not, or maybe they are close to it. And right now, we are searching the direction that pod took. In other terms, we are trying to find the how and the where at the same time. I'm still working on it and making sure the ship's resources are available for immediate use, lucky that I have help with Ensign Wolfgaard.” Yalta said, as she turned her attention to her assistant. Ryko looked at Yalta for longer than he knew he should have. She caught his eye and smiled. Ryko couldn't help but smile back. He started drifting until a vivid image of Fox brought him out of his trance and he refocused on his surroundings. He still felt a pang of sorrow when he remembered what had happened to Lisa. But that was 4 years ago. Perhaps it was time to move on. Ryko shrugged and coughed slightly. He shot another glance at Yalta then looked back at the Tactical console. So this was what it felt like to "get back in the loop". ~I just don't know if I'm ready yet,~ he thought to himself. ~but then, why do I feel like this every time I see her?~ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Shuttlebay 2, ACSO Kyle Rin - 0213) Upon entering the shuttlebay Kyle found the ACEO running scans on what looked like an escape pod or shuttlecraft of some sort. "What is the situation?" Kyle asked with a raised eyebrow. (reply Enaj) "I see, well you continue what your doing i'm going to check the outside shell." With that said Kyle set down his case and opened it up pulling out a large scan tripod. Opening his tricorder he punched a few buttons in and set the frequency for the tripod to match that of his tricorder. Should anything be picked up by either he would know Kyle began to walk around the front of the pod ever-so slowly as not to miss anything detected. There was a small spike on the read-out panel that caught Kyle's attention he glanced over it and stored the information then continued on. Finding nothing else Kyle closed his tricorder and tapped his com badge. =^= Rin to Capt. Sevant =^= (reply Sevant) =^= I seem to have found scorching of some sort on the front of the pod. It seems to be linked to some kind of weapon fire but not of phaser or torpedo. =^= (reply Sevant) =^= I'm sending the data to your console now sir maybe you can make something out from it. =^= (reply if desired) =^= I'm going to continue my scans i'll report anything else i find Rin out. =^= -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Shuttlebay 2 - Ensign Saim Enaj - 0213) "What is the situation?" Kyle asked with a raised eyebrow. "We have started our analysis of the outside and have nearly finished the outside. At the moment it looks very strange. Everything is not working but there is no burning, no sign of any weapons fire in the inside though there is clear evidence of it on the hull. Here is the data so far," Saim said handing over the PADD. "I see, well you continue what your doing i'm going to check the outside shell." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Bridge – OPS Lt. Schafio – 0215) “I think that's the most of it. I forward a few reports for you.” She smiled to Riko and return her attention to work. Yalta remain silent has she completed a small task and then turn again toward Ensign Skylynx. “Ensign Skylynx... you do eat sometimes right?” She wasn't sure but there was something in Riko's eyes that she like even if she hadn't really look at him and conversation wise, it started without this awkward feeling and reactions for a change. (Reply from Riko) “Well, how about around 0700? a good breakfast in Ten Forward.” ~Good... public first, private later.~ “Great, if nothing else pops on then.” She smiled and return her gaze back to her console trying to hide a bit excitement in her body language and voice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – ATAC/ASC Ensign Ryko Skylynx – 0215) Ryko busied himself, but looked up just long enough to catch Yalta's eye. She smiled again. That pinball-table-bright smile. Ryko tried to concentrate but it was hard. He felt as though he should say something. It was as though Yalta had read his mind. “Ensign Skylynx... you do eat sometimes right?” she asked. Ryko was a little puzzled by the question. "Yeah, I do. Why?" he asked, although he had a feeling "why" already. He was right. “Well, how about around 0700? a good breakfast in Ten Forward.” Ryko did an inner flip. "Sure," he said as he tried not to jump. "Sounds great." “Great, if nothing else pops on then," Yalta said, flashing the smile again. Ryko tried to hide his excitement. ~I dunno, maybe I am ready to move on,~ he said as he went about his work. ~It's been 8 years already. What the hell, it's worth a shot.~ He smiled to himself and went back to his work. He resisted the temptation to whistle. It was a silly thing to do especially considering the ship's current situation. He checked the time. It was time for his shift to end. "Skylynx to Bush," he said, tapping his comm badge. (Reply Bush) "Your presence is required at the tactical console sir, shift change," he said as he began to program the console to standby. (Reply Bush) "Aye, sir. I will leave tactical systems on standby." Ryko finished. He logged out of the tactical station and headed for the turbolift. He passed Yalta on the way out. "See you in the morning," he said, smiling. (reply Yalta) Ryko smiled again and headed to the lift. He ordered it to take him to his quarters and the doors closed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Engineering- Ensign Saim Enaj- 0125) Saim was burning the midnight oil to keep the ship together when she heard her combadge beep. Quickly checking the time Saim was surprised to see how late it was. =^= Engineering team to shuttle bay 2. Immediately.=^= "I'm coming. Saim checked the roster to see who was soonest to have their shift and commed them, telling five people to meet her in forty minutes in shuttle bay 2. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Sick Bay, Quarantine - 2O/CMO Lt. Cmdr Kestra Troi - 0215) =/\=Let me confirm I've heard you right. Their minds are clean, nothing but automatic functions? No memories, scraps of personality or knowledge?=/\= Kestra could feel the same disbelief and confusion as she had along with her staff coming from Sevant. "Yes Sir, you heard me right. No memories, no scraps of personality or any knowledge what so ever. All we could find was the basic motor functions just enough the keep the body alive." She reiterated to him as confirmation. "I will try and run this through the computer to see if there has been anything like it before. Any other instructions sir?" She asked. =/\=Keep them in triage, Ill send you a security contingent.=/\= "Aye sir I don't think they are going anywhere just yet. The security would be appreciated as this is a little spooky, like they seem to be zombies."Kestra replied to him as she shivered a bit at the thought. "I just hope that if there are any abnormalities brought aboard with these visitors, we can contain them here and find out how to handle them before they spread throughout the ship. If there was someone or something that caused this, sir, I would feel better with a shield around the ship." She did not even suggest what the Captain should do, but, was honest as how she felt. (Reply Sevant) "Sir I do have something to add that just came to mind. In the state that they are in at present, they could theoretically be programmed with anything we want to put in them. I would hate to think that someone or something had that in mind. Then again, there could be the possibility that they saw something that they were not suppose to see." She said to him as her mind was racing trying to make sense of this. (Reply Sevant) "Aye Sir, I will let you know if there is any change in their status." She answered his orders. Not long after Sevant closed the channel, Kestra heard the Yellow alert warning go into affect. Also, several security personnel arrived and placed themselves around the quarantine area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Security office - TAC/SC – Lieutenant William Bush - 0220) William had been busy filling reports and going over readiness drills he had been running; his assistant had been covering the post well. As William moved over to the replicate he ordered his strong black coffee and stood as it began to emerge. Reaching for it his hand snapped back as the com link came to life. =^= Bridge to Lieutenant Bush, get a small security contingent to Sickbay on the double. =^= William did not give it a second thought his hand slapped the com badge. “Aye sir!” William replied running over to the weapons locker and collecting his phaser and rifle. As he began to run down the corridor he tapped his com badge again. “Bush to security teams delta and Gamma converge on Sickbay, the area is to be locked down!” Bush shouted as he ran down the corridor. The various crewmen must have thought his quite rude as he knocked them out the way in his hurry to reach the sickbay. The captain’s message sounded desperate he needed to know what the hell was going on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Sickbay – TAC/SC – Lt. William Bush – 02:24) As the turbolift came to a halt William activated the power on the rifle and held it in a relaxed posture keeping his finger off the trigger. He did not plan on shooting any civilians that happened to be running around. As he came to the sickbay entrance it appeared that people were walking around behind a force field. Moving his hand to indicate for the security detail to take positions he moved towards the 2O. “Commander, what the hell is going on sir!”? William stated attempting to remain respectful but with what he was seeing that was a difficult feet to accomplish. (Reply Troi) “Sir what are your orders? We can drop them if you want?” William could not help it he was a military man and not one to put up with what ever these things were. From what he could observe they were like the 20th century film baddies mindless automatons the name slipped his mind and then came to the front zombies! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca- Quarters- Ensign Ryko Skylynx- 0225) Ryko entered his quarters and headed straight for the shower. He knew no-one was watching him, but he still felt sort of giddy. He shook off the feeling as he undressed. "Computer, activate sonic shower." The computer obliged. Ryko showered, cleaned up and went to bed. He dimmed the lights and lay down. He stared out of the quarters' window- one of the things he did to keep himself calm, besides shooting stuff on the holodeck. He sighed. It had been a hell of a day. He smiled to himself in anticipation of breakfast later on. He knew it was going to be special. ~I just hope I don't screw up,~ he said as he remembered that Yalta was a senior officer. Ryko rolled over. Everything would be okay. ~Just get some sleep~ He drifted off to sleep, ordering the computer to wake him at 0620. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, Quarantine, 2O/CMO Lt. Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0230) Kestra had just got off the com channel with Sevant when Cmder Grailik entered sickbay. She made eye contact with him and knew what he wanted motioned her head for him to come in. After dawning the appropriate mask and gown he came in to the quarantine area. He looked at the still bodies on the bed as he walked over, she knew that he had once been a CMO. "Doctor Troi," He said, moving up beside her, "If it is alright with you, I will assist in the exterminations. How about I start on the other side and we can meet in the middle?" She looked at him funny as his use of exterminations, but, knew that he meant examinations as she would not let him exterminate any patient she was in charge of. She looked at him as he started to work as he was different, he was all business, no time for pleasantries now. "Sir, I could use all the help I can get as I am not liking what I have found and told the Captain. A second pair of eyes would be a good thing as I might have missed something. I hope I have as I don't like what I have found or not found so far." She replied to him. "Your with me," Kestra heard him say as he went off to start again at the other end of the group from her. She knew that he would not find anything medically different than she had already found and as they closed with one another his look told her she was right. They went over the notes each one had taken while examining the visitors and had come to the very same conclusion. It was decided that Kestra would inform the captain of what they had found and Grailik would remain behind to start some more in-depth, more aggressive tests. Once she had left Grailik, a thought crossed her mind, Counselor Alizara was a mind healer and these seem to be affected by something of the mind. ~I wonder if there would be something she could find that so far has eluded Gailik and I.~ Kestra thought to herself. "Commander Troi to Counselor Alizara, Domini we have ten patients in quarantine, could you take a look at them?" Kestra said after she tapped her combadge before leaving sickbay to see the captain. (Reply Domini, any) "Well, their brain seems to have been wiped clean of anything except basic motor functions to keep the body alive. Otherwise it seems they are as healthy anyone else on the Boudicca." Kestra explained to her. (Reply Domini, any) "Thanks, Commander Grailik and I will be waiting in the quarantine area. Troi out." After talking to Domini, Kestra decided to return to the Quarantine to let Grailik know what was up instead of informing the captain just yet. She thought that maybe with Domini there she would be able to give the captain a bit more info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, Quarantine, COUNS Dr. Domini Alizara, 0250) Domini had been sitting in her Quarters meditating to center and focus herself after the bridge had informed her that she would most likely be needed in sickbay. When Kestra had called, she had risen gracelessly and went down to sickbay. She was stopped at the quarantine area by a security officer, and once she had gotten through, had dawned the appropriate precautions. Touch contact would have made it easier, but she would do the best she could. There were a number of instances in Betazed's history of the symptoms that Troi had described. Most of them were recoverable, but a few were not. Domini hoped that the former would be the case. She exchanged pleasantries with Grailik, who she was surprised to see and Troi. She was a little dissatisfied that Troi had summoned Grailik instead of her. If she had known, she would have liked to help. It wasn't fair, this prejudice against Counselors that Starfleet seemed to possess. She shoved that thought away, since she was about to enter a trance and negative thoughts would not be a boon. She looked the patients over, and saw that one was a Betazoid. "Kestra, this one is a Betazoid." She said in surprise. She sat down next to him and looked him over. He looked fine, if a bit pale. He looked like he was sleeping. She centered herself and did what the Betazoids called 'Grounding', which was just to find a stable place inside her from which to draw from. Once she was there, she reached downward, into the patient's mind, closing her eyes in concentration. Her breathing slowed into a rhythm, and she sat stock still on the stool that had been provided. It was a bit unnerving to watch, actually. She found herself on a cold barren landscape, darkness overshadowing everything. She looked around and frowned. This was not a normal thing. There should be something here, rooms, buildings, fragments of the person's personality. Instead there was nothing, not even a tree growing. "Hello!" She called out. "Can anyone hear me?" She asked. She looked around the barren landscape for the shining part that indicated the persons soul. Nothing answered, not even a breeze. She went deeper, down to the next level, and found herself in a cold steel box. She looked around it, seeing a few scrapes here and there, but nothing to indicate a person there. She felt herself shivering in her astral form, and wondered what was going on. She went deeper, down to the last level of the mind and saw a dark transformer where the telepathic center should have been. She walked over, next to the transformer, and saw a bottle laying broken on the ground. This was where she had been taught that the soul lived. The reason this person couldn't wake up was because he had no soul. She looked around and saw nothing else. It was like everything had been taken away. There was a scuff mark in one corner, and a scrape somewhere else, like everything had been dragged away. She screamed as her mind went into a panic and her physical body went into convulsions. She threw herself out of rapport and saw Kestra looking down at her in concern. She didn't trust herself to speak yet, just sat there shivering. She couldn't get warm, and her body was manifesting what she had sensed psychically. She looked up at Kestra through the mask and said, "He isn't going to wake up, Kestra. He might as well be dead." She couldn't stop the shaking, then she felt Grailik supporting her, out of the quarantine area. He and Kestra helped her through the decontamination procedures, then when they had gotten out of sickbay, they had sat her down in a chair, wrapped a blanket around her and made her drink hot tea. She sipped on the tea while relating what she had seen. "It's like..something went in there and ate his soul." She said, not liking the way that sounded. "There is nothing there. He can't wake up, because bodies can not function without the spark that is life. I don't want to look at the others right now." She said, not wanting to think about what the others might look like. "There is nothing that can be done to heal him. Actually that isn't true. A more skilled mind-Healer, such as the legendary Kreya of Betazed or T'Ling of Vulcan, could transplant the spark from a dying individual to this one. But he won't be 'he' any more." She said, not managing to stop shivering. "I don't know of anything that could do that. Even those Betazoids that are mind-warriors don't destroy souls." She said.. "They just break the mind in such a way that the person couldn't function without a mind-healer." Domini finished, feeling warmer physically but not psychically. She sighed, because she felt that she wasn't shedding much light on the situation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, Quarantine, 2O/CMO Lt.Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0300) Kestra was pleased to see that Domini had answered her call nodding to her as she came in. She saw that Domini went right to work trying to help them find what was wrong with the patients. She had felt that Domini was upset with her that the First Officer was there first, but, just pushed it away as the professional side of her coming through. "Kestra, this one is a Betazoid." Domini said seemingly in surprise. Kestra saw that Domini sat down next to him to look him over. Kestra had went back to doing her examinations while Domini continued, knowing now that she was right in calling Domini over. The patients had not needed a counselor, or not at the moment, but, she was a skilled mind healer and that was what was needed. Kestra spun around as Domini let out a blood curdling scream physically and mentally. Her body immediately went into convulsions. Kestra had moved to help her through her convulsions just as Domini came out of them to look up at her. Kestra immediately motioned for blankets to be brought quickly so she could warm Domini up. Kestra wrapped the blankets around her and noticed that Domini had a far away look to her as if she had yet to completely disengage where she had been. "He isn't going to wake up, Kestra. He might as well be dead." She said as she looked up. Kestra motioned to Grailik that she wanted to take Domini out of the area, which, he came over to help her. Together they helped her through the decontamination procedures, then when they had gotten out of sickbay, they had sat her down in a chair, wrapped a blanket around her and made her drink hot tea. While sipping on the tea, Domini related what she had seen. "It's like..something went in there and ate his soul." She said, "There is nothing there. He can't wake up, because bodies can not function without the spark that is life. I don't want to look at the others right now." "There is nothing that can be done to heal him. Actually that isn't true. A more skilled mind-Healer, such as the legendary Kreya of Betazed or T'Ling of Vulcan, could transplant the spark from a dying individual to this one. But he won't be 'he' any more." She said, not managing to stop shivering. "What could have done this? You have any ideas or see anything inside that might give you a clue?" Kestra asked concerned. "I don't know of anything that could do that. Even those Betazoids that are mind-warriors don't destroy souls." She said.. "They just break the mind in such a way that the person couldn't function without a mind-healer." Domini finished. Kestra saw Domini sigh and knew that she had wanted to do more, but, couldn’t at the time. "It is ok Domini, you did what you could and at least you confirmed what we had already found out. I have heard of what you have told us, but, I am not a mind healer as you are. I am glad we have you on board, as we may need you more before this is over." Kestra was just as frustrated as Domini was, but, it was up to her to find what in the world was going on. She was the Chief Medical Officer and everyone on the ship looked to her to know the answers medically. Looking at her medical team, she could also see that want in their minds and eyes also. "Make sure that they are fed to keep their bodies healthy till we can return them. Call me if there is any changes." She informed her staff. "Domini please be ready to brief the Captain on what you saw while in there. I am going to go see him and hopefully we will be able to set up a conference to talk about it. I will let you know when the conference will be, thank you Domini for coming. Commander Grailik, want to accompany me to the bridge?" Kestra said as she started heading to the bridge while entering the data onto the PADD she was carrying. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, FO, Cmdr Grailik, 0305) Grailik had remained busy with the comatose patients they had rescued when Dr. Alizara had arrived and begun her own, phycic examination of one of the patients. He easily recognized the play of emotions that crossed her face when she saw him. He took a mental note to check up on why his presence would elicit such a display of negative emotions from the ships counselor. He was slightly surprised when Alizara began screaming and convulsing violently after moments after she had begun to probe the mind of one of the patients. He rushed over to help Dr. Troi and see what had happened. He helped Troi carry Alizara through decon and out of the quarantine area and to a seat a ways off. Quietly he listened to what she had seen, not liking what she said one bit. Finally, Troi stood. "Domini please be ready to brief the Captain on what you saw while in there. I am going to go see him and hopefully we will be able to set up a conference to talk about it. I will let you know when the conference will be, thank you Domini for coming. Commander Grailik, want to accompany me to the bridge?" Kestra said as she started heading to the bridge while entering the data onto the PADD she was carrying. "Not right now," Grailik said, also moving toward the door leading out of Sickbay. He handed her a PADD "You go ahead. I'm gonna go look in on the engineering and science teams no doubt going over the escape pod we found these people in. I'm gonna have Ensign Rin assign his best people to assist you in trying to figure out just how, what ever was done to these people was done. (Reply Troi IFW) Grailik said a quick good bye to Troi and moved off on his own. He slapped his comm-badge as he walked quickly. (USS Boudicca, shuttle bay 2, FO Cmndr Grailik, 0315) Grailik entered the shuttle bay at a brisk walk. His eyes quickly scanned the bay and the escape pod. Engineering and Science personnel moved about and on the pod, with various tools in their hands. Grailik moved toward the pod seeing Ensign Rin and Saim conferring. He walked up to them. "Report," He said, his eyes still on the pod. (Rely Rin and Saim) "Have you been able to access the pods computer system and down load any of the ships logs?" He asked next. NRPG: The logs will be badly corrupted, but by this time, science should of been able to piece some of it together. Just been too busy to review them yet and is still working on reconstructing the rest. RPG: (Reply Rin or Saim) "Let me see what you've got so far," Grailik ordered, pointing at one of the consoles in the shuttle bay. He followed Rin over to the console and waited while the ACSO worked for a few seconds before stepping back to view the log as well. The picture was bad so was the sound. Static filled air and garbled disjointed pictures flashed across the screen. Amidst the static screams and weapons fire could be heard. People ran back and forth in front of the recording sensor blocking much of the view. There was no sign of exactly who or what was attacking them, but in the few seconds that the log lasted it was clear that the civilians had been slaughtered. They hadn't stood a chance. Grailik's face was grim. "I want a copy of that file, Ensign," He said, his voice cold and firm. He took the isolinier chip Rin handed him and nodded approvingly at the ACSO. "Good work so far Ensign. Keep at it and let myself or Captain Sevant know the second you find anything new. (Reply Rin) Grailik moved out of the Cargo bay, chip in hand. As he headed toward the turbo-lift he slapped his comm-badge. "Grailik to Sevant." (Reply Sevant) "I'm on my way to the bridge with a portion of the computer log that science has been able to piece together so far. You will want to see it. I recommend you have Lt. Bush, and Major Straton present as well. It's not good Sir." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Deck 7, Sickbay, 2O/CMO Lt.Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0308) "Not right now," Grailik said as he moved toward the door leading out of Sickbay. He handed a PADD over to her as he continued, "You go ahead. I'm gonna go look in on the engineering and science teams no doubt going over the escape pod we found these people in. I'm gonna have Ensign Rin assign his best people to assist you in trying to figure out just how, what ever was done to these people was done." "Aye sir will meet you on the bridge" Kestra acknowledged as they both left sickbay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - shuttle bay 2 - Ensign Saim Enaj - 0315) Grailik entered the shuttle bay at a brisk walk. His eyes quickly scanned the bay and the escape pod. Engineering and Science personnel moved about and on the pod, with various tools in their hands. Grailik moved toward the pod seeing Ensign Rin and Saim conferring. He walked up to them. "Report," He said, his eyes still on the pod. "I've nearly done all my scans but the pod is quite a puzzle," Saim reported. "Have you been able to access the pods computer system and down load any of the ships logs?" He asked next. "I haven't but then I could not find anything. Then again I have not been looking for anything like that." (reply Rin) "Let me see what you've got so far," Grailik ordered, pointing at one of the consoles in the shuttle bay. He followed Rin over to the console and waited while the ACSO worked for a few seconds before stepping back to view the log as well. Saim leaned over to see what they had got. The picture was bad so was the sound. Static filled air and garbled disjointed pictures flashed across the screen. Amidst the static screams and weapons fire could be heard. People ran back and forth in front of the recording sensor blocking much of the view. There was no sign of exactly who or what was attacking them, but in the few seconds that the log lasted it was clear that the civilians had been slaughtered. They hadn't stood a chance. Grailik's face was grim. "I want a copy of that file, Ensign," He said, his voice cold and firm. He took the isonliniar chip Rin handed him and nodded approvingly at the ACSO. "Good work so far Ensign. Keep at it and let myself or Captain Sevant know the second you find anything new. (Reply Rin) Grailik moved out of the Cargo bay, chip in hand. As he headed toward the turbo-lift he slapped his comm-badge. "Grailik to Sevant." (Reply Sevant) "I'm on my way to the bridge with a portion of the computer log that science has been able to piece together so far. You will want to see it. I recommend you have Lt. Bush, and Major Straton present as well. It's not good Sir." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, shuttle bay 2, ACSO Kyle Rin, 0315) "These logs are very disturbing Saim..." Kyle snapped to attention as the FO entered the shuttle bay. "Report," Grailik said, his eyes still on the pod. "We've been performing scans on the outside right now sir. We've finished inside scans." Kyle said in a stern voice. "Have you been able to access the pods computer system and down load any of the ships logs?" Grailik asked next. "There seems to be heavy corruption in the data logs but i've been able to extract small portions and piece some of the data together." Kyle replied. "Let me see what you've got so far," Grailik ordered, pointing at one of the consoles in the shuttle bay. He followed Rin over to the console and waited while the ACSO worked for a few seconds before stepping back to view the log as well. The picture was bad so was the sound. Static filled air and garbled disjointed pictures flashed across the screen. Amidst the static screams and weapons fire could be heard. People ran back and forth in front of the recording sensor blocking much of the view. There was no sign of exactly who or what was attacking them, but in the few seconds that the log lasted it was clear that the civilians had been slaughtered. They hadn't stood a chance. Grailik's face was grim. "I want a copy of that file, Ensign," He said, his voice cold and firm. He took the isonliniar chip Rin handed him and nodded approvingly at the ACSO. "Good work so far Ensign. Keep at it and let myself or Captain Sevant know the second you find anything new. "Aye sir, I'll see what i can do." Kyle nodded and turn his attention back on the console. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, deck 7, turbolift, 2O/CMO Lt Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0318) Kestra entered the turbolift while reading the information that she had entered the PADD to ensure that she had everything up todate. "Bridge" she said absentmindedly after the doors shut behind her. As the turbolift started moving, a feeling started in the pit of her stomach, which, made her feel nauseous. She could not understand why it was happening as she really had not eaten anything for a while and she was dressed appropriately in the quarantine area. After a couple of minutes the feeling was subsiding and the doors to the bridge opened. She took a deep breath and walked out onto the bridge. (USS Boudicca, Bridge, 2O/CMO Lt. Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0325) As she entered the bridge, Kestra looked around for Sevant. She saw that the Ops officer had the bridge. "Where is Captain Sevant?" Kestra asked (Reply Ops, any) "A closed meeting with whom?" Kestra asked not knowing why she would not have been invited if it was about what was going on. (Reply Ops, any) "Hmm, the CO, FO, TAC/SC, TAC/ASC, MCO, and the MFO without the CMO? I don't like this, not one bit." Kestra said as she sat down in her Bridge chair to wait for them to finish. "Lt.Cmdr Troi to Counselor Alizara, might as well come on up to the bridge if you can, we have to wait for the captain to get out of his meeting. Might as well not have any more hold ups." Kestra said after tapping her com badge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Quarters- Ensign Ryko Skylynx- 0321) =^=Lt Shafio to Ensign Skylynx, you better get up, get dress quickly and do like a bat out of hell=^= Ryko shot up. He was awake and he could have sworn he'd heard someone mention one of his favorite songs. He realized it was Yalta giving him a wake up call. "What?" He said, half-awake. "Is it 0700 already?" =^=No, it's not 0700 hrs yet... Captain Sevant call up a meeting and Security department heads are on his list... Get yourself dressed and get to the conference room in a sprint. Also confirm that you are coming. Schafio out!=^= Ryko failed to stifle a laugh, which disappeared when he checked the time. "Holy sh....cow!" He said, and rushed to get ready. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Bridge – OPS Lt. Schafio – 0321) Having the bridge was something that she always enjoyed, it kept her up to speed about what was going on even more then at her position has OPS. Now that she was back behind her console, she could made sure that all was well coordinated. She could hear everything, just like the others on the bridge. =^=I'm on my way to the bridge with a portion of the computer log that science has been able to piece together so far. You will want to see it. I recommend you have Lt. Bush, and Major Straton present as well. It's not good Sir.=^= Sevant quirked his head, "Very well, in the Observation Lounge." (reply: Grailik, if desired) Sevant closed the connection and thought for a few moments, then took a breath and tapped his badge. "Sevant to Marine and Security department heads, report to the observation lounge on the double." (reply: TAC/SC, TAC/ASC, Marines) The Captain looked over his bridge, still at yellow alert, and tapped his fingertips together a couple times in thought. "Keep searching for our target ship, let me know the instant anything comes on scopes." He stood, "Operations has the bridge." “Understood Sir!” Yalta said has she get up. Once she saw Sevant disappear, she push a couple of button on the padd. “Lt Shafio to Ensign Skylynx, you better get up, get dress quickly and do like a bat out of hell.” (Reply from Skylynx) “No, it's not 0700 hrs yet... Captain Sevant call up a meeting and Security department heads are on his list... Get yourself dressed and get to the conference room in a sprint. Also confirm that you are coming. Schafio out!” Once she close the channel, she could have swore that she heard laughing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0321) =^=Grailik to Sevant.=^= "Go ahead," Sevant said, as he steepled his fingers. =^=I'm on my way to the bridge with a portion of the computer log that science has been able to piece together so far. You will want to see it. I recommend you have Lt. Bush, and Major Straton present as well. It's not good Sir.=^= Sevant quirked his head, "Very well, in the Observation Lounge." (reply: Grailik, if desired) Sevant closed the connection and thought for a few moments, then took a breath and tapped his badge. "Sevant to Marine and Security department heads, report to the observation lounge on the double." (reply: TAC/SC, TAC/ASC, Marines) The Captain looked over his bridge, still at yellow alert, and tapped his fingertips together a couple times in thought. "Keep searching for our target ship, let me know the instant anything comes on scopes." He stood, "Operations has the bridge." (reply: any, if desired) Sevant strode into the Observation lounge, to await the First Officer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Quarters- ATAC Ensign Ryko Skylynx-0322) =^=Sevant to Marine and Security department heads, report to the observation lounge on the double.=^= Ryko frowned. He was just about to get into bed when this call came through the comm. ~Can't a guy get a moment's rest around here?~ He dressed into his uniform, attached his badge and headed to the turbolift. He ordered his hair on the way, and stepped inside. "Bridge," he said, and he was off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Marine Staging Center - Major Drizzt - 0322) =^=Sevant to Marine and Security department heads, report to the observation lounge on the double.=^= Already at standing alert, that call made the Andorian MXO frown. He briefly looked at Straton, and nodded as he stood. Being in full BDU, he looked impressive. His hand fell onto his side-arm by habit as he looked out over the active-duty squads during the yellow alert. "all hands, remain at the ready!" "OOOWAH!" The Andorian smiled; a tight, mean little smile that wasn't meant to make people feel good. The Marines were still new, and still being trained, but at least they had the typical Starfleet Marine attitude. Spider turned on his heel to follow the MCO out, they had a security'ish meeting to attend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Marine Staging Center, Major Straton, 0323) Eva and Spider, in full BDU, stood at the large display. Looking over the deck plans for the Backtron. Devising a strategy for boarding and securing the ship, by force if necessary. The experimental AI in Eva's BDU was currently linked to the ships comm-system and keep her appraised of the situation. Behind, them 2 squads of Marines waited, weapons ready. A group of Spiders CCE's waited with them. Ready to go with a seconds notice. On Eva's back, it's scabbard molecularly sealed to her BDU, was the sword she always carried into battle, and by the way things were developing, battle was coming. =^=Sevant to Marine and Security department heads, report to the observation lounge on the double.=^= Her and Spider shared a look. He rose to address the troops before following her to the Observation Lounge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0326) When the last person strode in, Sevant looked at Grailik, and nodded for him to start. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Ensign Ryko Skylynx - 0327) After a rather embarrassing walk across the bridge and a hurried glance at Yalta, Ryko entered the lounge to see the other department heads already there. He cleared his throat and paid attention as the First Officer began to speak. "This is a small portion of the log file science has been able to reconstruct from the escape pod. It's a bit piece meal as the file was badly corrupted, but I think what it shows is rather unsettling." Ryko watched as the file's playback rippled across the screen. It was hard to get a good look at exactly what was going on, but Ryko was glad as the screaming gave him a more-than-necessary idea of what was happening. He narrowed his eyes in astonishment. The short clip ended, leaving the room in silence. "If you would, play that again...Sir." Spider said, looking at the FO. Ryko had a funny feeling that he was thinking exactly what Spider was. These people had no idea what they were doing. (reply: Grailik, any) Ryko grimaced as the video played again. This was not his idea of an eye-opener. He tried to identify the weapon sounds. Nothing huge. A few civilian grade phasers. Ryko caught Sevant's eye and blew out a puff of air to emphasize the surprise he felt at what was happening on the screen. "Comments," the Vulcan finally asked. "It might be a little early to say, but from this vantage point, it looks like they were being raided. And from what I could tell of the weapons being used, they were civilian. I don't think that there's reason to suspect military involvement yet," Ryko said. Spider tapped his long fingers on the table for a few moments. "I hope there is more in that pod then what we are seeing, all this lets us know is that there is something baaad in the neighborhood, it gives us no other useful information for the most part. I would also give my left antenna to know exactly what happened to those people." He looked over at Straton, then shrugged mildly in the BDU, and looked back. "I Would recommend Marine and Tactical patrols of the ship, if we are going to start chasing after whoever did this." "Agreed," Ryko said almost immediately. "I'll have security personnel patrol the ship every 10 minutes, and now may be a good time to implement those defense upgrades, at least the ones that don't require a spacedock." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant/Major Drizzt - 0327) Sevant folded his hands together as the First Officer began to speak. "This is a small portion of the log file science has been able to reconstruct from the escape pod. It's a bit piece meal as the file was badly corrupted, but I think what it shows is rather unsettling" Sevant narrowed his eyes as he watched the screen, out of the corner of his eyes he noticed the rest of Security and Marines doing the same. The MXO's face was a study of blandness as he watched the screen. There were obvious sounds of battle, screaming and battle-yeolps. These men and women had not been trained for hand-to-hand combat. The short clip ended, leaving the room in silence. "If you would, play that again... Sir." Spider said, looking at the FO. (reply: Grailik, any) NRPG: Assuming he does... RPG: Grailik had the jumbled sights of the thing memorized, this time he leaned forward with his eyes closed and listened as well as he could to the staticky sound. There was obvious weapons fire, but everything about it he could pick up seemed to be civilian make phasers, their sides weapons. He cocked his head to the side as the clip ended again. Sevant shifted in his seat after watching the clip for a second time, his face was grim and his mood even moreso. He folded his hands together and looked over the Security and Marine crew. As a former security officer, and man whose talents lay deeply in combat and strategy, what he had just seen was a validation for every ounce of training he had ever received in a 'peacetime exploratory fleet'. This sort of thing was *not* supposed to happen, not to their civilians especially. Starfleet Personnel ran the risk of meeting an unpleasant doom, it came with the uniform. "Comments," the Vulcan finally asked, not as a question. (reply: any) Spider tapped his long fingers on the table for a few moments. "I hope there is more in that pod then what we are seeing, all this lets us know is that there is something baaad in the neighborhood, it gives us no other useful information for the most part. I would also give my left antenna to know exactly what happened to those people." He had in mind the woman and child that the last scene had shown, he didn't know that any bodies had come with the pod itself. He looked over at Straton, then shrugged mildly in the BDU, and looked back. "I Would recommend Marine and Tactical patrols of the ship, if we are going to start chasing after whoever did this." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Cmndr Grailik, 0327) Grailik waited patiently, it was one thing you learned when you'd lived as long as he had. When everyone had arrived, Sevant looked at him and nodded. Grailik stood and moved over to the viewer on one wall. "This is a small portion of the log file science has been able to reconstruct from the escape pod. It's a bit piece meal as the file was badly corrupted, but I think what it shows is rather unsettling. Grailik pushed play and moved back so that everyone had a clear view of the screen. The sounds of strange weapons fire and screams filled the room. The image of the civilians fighting some strange unseen assailants filled the screen. Their terrified voices came over the speakers, some pleading for mercy, some defiant, some incoherent, but it was obvious that what ever was attack gave no quarter, took no prisoners. A mother and small child filled the screen both staring unseeing at the ceiling filled the screen as the file came to and end. Grailik moved forward and pushed stop and the screen went black. He turned back toward Sevant and the others. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Major Straton & Commander Grailik, 0328) No novice to combat, Eva watched the short clip impassively, as did Spider. Her trained eye picking out certain sights and noises that might prove important. "If you would, play that again...Sir." Spider said, looking at the FO. Eva nodded that she too wanted to see it again. Grailik nodded and played it again. Eva did, as she knew Spider was, she closed her eyes and listened. Trying to distinguish some of the weapons fire heard in the clip. "Comments," Sevant finally asked. "I hope there is more in that pod then what we are seeing, all this lets us know is that there is something baaad in the neighborhood, it gives us no other useful information for the most part. I would also give my left antenna to know exactly what happened to those people." Spider said after a moment. He looked over at Straton, then shrugged mildly in the BDU, and looked back. "I Would recommend Marine and Tactical patrols of the ship, if we are going to start chasing after whoever did this." "I got two squads of Marines, ready to move right now in the MSA," Eva said looking at Sevant. " They did not go down with out a fight. I heard several different type 1 phasers in that clip. Standard civilian issue. Not even in the same ball park as what we are packing." She looked at Spider. "What ever did that will have a much harder time if they are foolish enough to board THIS ship. I agree with the Major. Patrols of the ship, with full weapon loads. 15 minuets and I'll have an entire platoon of Marines ready to roll over anything that gets in our way, Sir." (reply Sevant, Security) "Major Drizzt and I have been going over the deck plans for the Backtron that we have on file. We have started formulating an attack plan to board and retake the ship, or destroy it if that is what is required. Once it is finished I will send you a copy for approval, Captain." (Reply Sevant) "The survivors on the escape pod?" Eva asked, "What's the story on them?" At this Grailik stepped forward again. His eye sweeping the officers assembled before meeting Sevant's gaze for permission to divulge that information. Sevant nodded. "They are all catatonic," Grailik said, "Their minds have some how been completely wiped of all personality, all knowledge, expect autonomic functions. Counselor Alizara says their minds are gone. Completely. Their vegetables. Science is working with medical to try to determine how something like this was done, but as of yet, we have no clue." "I want to examine one of them," Eva said, suddenly. What Grailik had just said was suppose to be impossible. The utter destruction of the mind. She looked from Grailik to Sevant and back again. Her eyes locked on Grailik. "You know why I must." Grailik looked at Sevant, then back at Eva. He nodded. "I suggest you ask Lt. Alizara to assist you. She was greatly shaken when she tried to link with one of the patients." Eva only nodded. (Reply Sevant, Anyone else) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Quarters, COUNS Dr. Domini Alizara, 0330) =^=Lt.Cmdr Troi to Counselor Alizara, might as well come on up to the bridge if you can, we have to wait for the captain to get out of his meeting. Might as well not have any more hold ups. =^= Domini nodded. "I'll be there in a few minutes, Kestra." She said, getting up off the floor. She had been trying to meditate to see if there was anything she was missing, but it had not been exactly successful. She went over to the mirror, and looked in it. She picked up her ivory handled hair brush and ran the brush through it. She looked up and saw blank eyes staring back at her. She turned away from the mirror, scared for a moment. ~I am being silly.~ She thought firmly. ~It's a lack of sleep, and my imagination is playing tricks on me.~ She nodded to herself, then headed up to the bridge. She took her seat next to Kestra, then looked at kestra strangely. ::Kestra?:: Domini sent, concern very evident in her voice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (Shuttle Bay 2 - Ensign Saim Enaj - 3.30) Saim had been working steadily. Outside it might look like there was weapons damage but inside there was absolutely no sign of it. In fact there was no sign of any reason why the ship had completely powered down. The fuel had all gone but there was clear evidence they had had a full "tank" less than two hours ago. No ship could burn that much fuel in that amount of time. "Dabase", Saim called over one of her team. "Have you collected a sample of that crystallization. "Aye sir." "I'm going to take it to the Science department. You're in charge here while I'm gone. I want a thorough last check of every system, every inch of this ship." Saim like to be thorough. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0332) "Comments," Sevant asked. The Assistant Security Chief was the first to speak. The Vulcan turned his attention over to him, "It might be a little early to say, but from this vantage point, it looks like they were being raided. And from what I could tell of the weapons being used, they were civilian. I don't think that there's reason to suspect military involvement yet," The MXO and Combat Engineer was next, "I hope there is more in that pod then what we are seeing, all this lets us know is that there is something baaad in the neighborhood, it gives us no other useful information for the most part. I would also give my left antenna to know exactly what happened to those people." The Andorian MXO looked over at his department head, and then shrugged for some reason. HE looked back and said, "I Would recommend Marine and Tactical patrols of the ship, if we are going to start chasing after whoever did this." "Agreed, I'll have security personnel patrol the ship every 10 minutes, and now may be a good time to implement those defense upgrades, at least the ones that don't require a spacedock." was the TAC/ASC's immediate reply. The MCO was next with, "I got two squads of Marines, ready to move right now in the MSA, They did not go down with out a fight. I heard several different type 1 phasers in that clip. Standard civilian issue. Not even in the same ball park as what we are packing." She looked at Spider. "What ever did that will have a much harder time if they are foolish enough to board THIS ship. I agree with the Major. Patrols of the ship, with full weapon loads. 15 minuets and I'll have an entire platoon of Marines ready to roll over anything that gets in our way, Sir." Sevant tapped his fingers for a few moments as he looked at his security and combat personnel. "Coordinate Marine and Tactical patrols, I want half squads of each hooked up and roving the halls. Plus men stationed in Sickbay, Engineering, the Computer core and two on the bridge at all times, in full battle kit, I'm authorizing the armories opened for all trained personnel." He looked over at the Marines, his attention rested on the Combat Engineer for several long moments. He was well aware of what they were trained to do. Whatever other skills they might have possessed as the Marines special forces, they were primarily trained to either repair and protect in combat situations... Or destroy a ship to prevent it to fall into enemy hands. He folded his hands together, "Are the Marines ready to take the ship if we find it intact?" "Major Drizzt and I have been going over the deck plans for the Backtron that we have on file. We have started formulating an attack plan to board and retake the ship, or destroy it if that is what is required. Once it is finished I will send you a copy for approval, Captain." Sevant nodded, "Work out contingencies to leave at least a squad behind, preferably a heavy-infantry, and work out plans with Security for fully turning over all combat patrols here on the ship to them in that situation." He looked back at his Security chiefs. He had been a security officer himself, he would have burned if he had been told he would be left behind. But this was not a standard enemy, the Boudicca was his primary concern, and he wanted his full Security staff on-board to protect the crew from what could be a very nasty situation. "I want one of you to work closely with medical and engineering, see if you can find a way to protect against whatever wiped the Backtron crew. And break out the Tactical BDU's, all on-duty security is going to have as much protection as we can possibly afford." (reply: Any, all) "The survivors on the escape pod?" Eva asked, "What's the story on them?" Grailik stepped forward and looked at Sevant. The Captain quirked his head, they needed to know. He would keep it from most of the ship for as long as he could, to prevent a breakdown in morale... But these were the leaders that would take his forces into combat, the more they knew the better they could plan. "They are all catatonic," Grailik said, "Their minds have some how been completely wiped of all personality, all knowledge, expect autonomic functions. Counselor Alizara says their minds are gone. Completely. Their vegetables. Science is working with medical to try to determine how something like this was done, but as of yet, we have no clue." "I want to examine one of them," the MCO said. Sevant quirked an eyebrow as she turned her attention to the First Officer. "You know why I must." The First Officer, if he was surprised, hardly showed it. He looked at Sevant briefly then back over, "I suggest you ask Lt. Alizara to assist you. She was greatly shaken when she tried to link with one of the patients." The MCO nodded, and Sevant cleared his throat. "Is there anything else?" (reply: any) NRPG: Room for more RPG: Once it was over, Sevant stood. "Good luck, Dismissed." He made a gesture at Grailik to stay behind, and waited for the Marines and Security heads to depart. Once they had and the door had closed he said, "Why must she look at those bodies? Her determination was obvious, I wouldn't have stopped her, but I am curious." (reply: Grailik) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Bridge. COUNS Domini Alizara, 0338) ::Allurenate, I will examine one of the victims. Your presence is requested. Do not fear the Dark. I shall protect you.:: Domini had been talking with Kestra when she heard another's voice in her mind, and looked up to see Major Straton. She blinked rapidly, knowing exactly who Allura was, but surprised that Eva did. ::Of course.:: She sent. "Kestra, the Major and I are going to go look at the.. survivors... again. If you would excuse us." she said aloud. Domini stood, almost on auto-pilot her mind running through the possibilities that she had briefly sent. Eva felt sort of like Domini's mother. Very like her mother in some respects, but... different. Once they were away from the bridge, Domini looked at Eva curiously. ::Major, Pardon my interruption, but I am curious. You feel to me the same way my mother feels, but different. I don't know how to describe it:: She said, sending both the way she perceived Eva and the way she saw her mother. :: Are you a Protector?:: She said, referring to the fact that the Peace Keepers per se were mostly ornamental -- the Protectors tended to deal with the things that went wrong. Like renegade Betazoids.... Domini felt a pang of homesickness for a moment. She missed her mother, greatly. Not her step-father, though. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Bridge. Major Straton, 0338) Eva stepped onto the Bridge, Spider at her side. Her eyes fell on Dr Troi and Alizara. She looked toward Spider. "Go get the troops ready," She said, "I will be there shortly." Spider nodded and moved off. Eva stepped down to the command deck and walked over to Alizara. She looked briefly at Kestra, then her gaze went back to Alizara. ::Allurenate,:: Eva sent, using the ancient title for Mind Healer to show respect, :: I will examine one of the victims. Your presence is requested. Do not fear the Dark. I shall protect you.:: That ancient mantra had been part of her Order for thousands of years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Bridge. 2O/CMO Lt Cmdr Kestra Troi, 0340) Kestra had been waiting with Domini for the meeting to end, so, they could tell what information they had. Kestra then saw that the marine CO and XO emerge from the room and stood waiting for some kinda of information. Kestra saw that Eva Straton looked at her and Alizara then turned away to speak with her XO. "Go get the troops ready," She said, "I will be there shortly." The XO then nodded and moved off. Kestra watched as Eva stepped down to the command deck and walked over to Alizara where she once again looked at kestra, but, said nothing to her. Kestra could tell that she was talking to Domini mind to mind and that she was purposely left out of the conversation. Domini turned to Kestra after a few seconds of conversation with the major. . "Kestra, the Major and I are going to go look at the.. survivors... again. If you would excuse us." she said aloud. Kestra stood there dumbfounded that they would decide to go to sickbay without her. She could not understand why the Major could assume that she had the authority to go into her sickbay without her permission. Then it dawned on her that the CO and or the FO had probably given her orders to do just what she was doing. Understanding came with the knowledge that she was not privy to what was going on at the time. She knew at one point the CO or FO would tell her all that she needed to know. Sitting back down she waited for the FO to emerge so she could talk with him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Turbolift, MCO, Major Straton, 0340) Once they were away from the bridge, Domini looked at Eva curiously. ::Major, Pardon my interruption, but I am curious. You feel to me the same way my mother feels, but different. I don't know how to describe it:: She said, sending both the way she perceived Eva and the way she saw her mother. :: Are you a Protector?:: She said, referring to the fact that the Peace Keepers per se were mostly ornamental -- the Protectors tended to deal with the things that went wrong. Like renegade Betazoids.... ::I am Allurekazata,:: Eva replied, without looking at the Counselor, using the ancient name of her Order. ::What you would call Third Order.:: Eva would not hide from the Counselor what she was. They could not work together effectively if their were lies between them. Eva was how ever curious how Domini would take this revelation. There were not many of the Third Order left. Few made their presence known. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Turbolift, COUNS, Dr. Domini Alizara, 0340) ::Major, Pardon my interruption, but I am curious. You feel to me the same way my mother feels, but different. I don't know how to describe it:: She said, sending both the way she perceived Eva and the way she saw her mother. :: Are you a Protector?:: She said, referring to the fact that the Peace Keepers per se were mostly ornamental -- the Protectors tended to deal with the things that went wrong. Like renegade Betazoids.... ::I am Allurekazata,:: Eva replied, without looking at the Counselor, using the ancient name of her Order. ::What you would call Third Order.:: Domini seemed stunned. "The third order? But history says that there were only two." She said, speaking aloud, and not telepathically. Then the turbolift opened, and the two exited. As they got near the quarantine area, Domini helped the Major with the preparations to go in. After a few moments, and Domini triple checking the two of them, they cycled through the lock. ::Well, there they are. You've heard my report.:: She said, feeling somewhat claustrophobic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Cmndr Grailik, 0340) Grailik waited quietly as everyone else filed out of the room leaving him and Sevant alone. He knew what was coming. It was to be expected under the circumstances. ~He has a right to know.~ Grailik thought as the doors shut and Sevant turned to him. "Why must she look at those bodies? Her determination was obvious, wouldn't have stopped her, but I am curious." Grailik sat down and looked at Sevant seriously, quiet for a few moments while he decided just how to tell him. "Captain," He began, "what I'm about to tell you is classified. You won't find any of this in the Majors record or anywhere else for that matter. Admiral LoDona saw to that some time ago. Only reason I know is that I've served with the Major before and I was on the Admiral's personal staff. Do you understand?" (Reply Sevant) "Eva Straton is a very rare Betezed, and I'm not talking just about her red hair. She is a member of a very ancient and very martial sect. Dating back to Betizieds war like past. That this sect still exists today is amazing taking into consideration the physiological outlook of most of the species. Eva is what a modern day Betizied would call a 'Mind Killer'. Vulcan had it's own version in it's bloody past, so I'm sure you can imagine how the general public would react to know they were still around. Let alone walking amongst them. Now, Eva's order has a very strict code of conduct. A Code of Honor, if you will. Enforced by all members. She needs to make sure that this was not done by any member of her order. There have been rouge members of this order in the past. Who have rouge terrible havoc before being hunted down and killed by others in the order." Grailik paused to see if Sevant had any questions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0340) "Captain," He began, "what I'm about to tell you is classified. You won't find any of this in the Majors record or anywhere else for that matter. Admiral LoDona saw to that some time ago. Only reason I know is that I've served with the Major before and I was on the Admiral's personal staff. Do you understand?" ~Interesting.~ Sevant folded his hands together, and inclined his head. "Continue," Continue the First Officer did, and what a story it was. "Eva Straton is a very rare Betizied, and I'm not talking just about her red hair. She is a member of a very ancient and very martial sect. Dating back to Betizieds war like past. That this sect still exists today is amazing taking into consideration the physiological outlook of most of the species. Eva is what a modern day Betizied would call a 'Mind Killer'. Vulcan had it's own version in it's bloody past, so I'm sure you can imagine how the general public would react to know they were still around. Let alone walking amongst them. Now, Eva's order has a very strict code of conduct. A Code of Honor, if you will. Enforced by all members. She needs to make sure that this was not done by any member of her order. There have been rouge members of this order in the past. Who have rouge terrible havoc before being hunted down and killed by others in the order." The Captain leaned back in the chair, his eyes half-closed as he considered the implications of what he was hearing. It wasn't exactly hard to get his mind around the concept, battle-trained Telepaths were not unknown. Considering the peaceful nature of the Betazoid society made it slightly more difficult, but not when he stopped to consider the martial nature of the Major herself. He briefly tried calculating the odds of a rouge betazoid operating in this area, and gave up when he ran into about five different unknowns in the equation. It was possible, he supposed, but not likely. However, that didn't matter much. He was trained in combative mind techniques, though his broadcast telepathy was weak (with the exception of those he had bonded too, none of which survived any longer). He could easily carry a conversation with another talented telepath, he usually couldn't converse with a non-telepath unless he was touching them... Or had mind-melded with them. Even so, he knew combative techniques, if for no other reason then knowing the weapons allowed for a better defense. Straton was, he presumed, far more practiced with offensive techniques, meaning she would likely recognize a psi-weapon even faster and with better reliability then he would. Once again, presumably, faster and with more reliability then *any* 'typical' telepath or Empath. That, he decided, was no bad thing. The Mind-Lords of Ancient Vulcan had been truly terrible. His people had been highly passionate, and often-times their arose from the pools of violence and passion a man or woman with truly exceptional mind-powers, who would use the passion of their people against them and brute mental violence against the rest. The Mind-Lords had successfully divided the entire planet amongst themselves, creating terrible wars and forming armies of Combatant Telepaths for their fell purposes. Surak had brought his people order and logic, and in controlling their passions they had defeated those Mind Lords and destroyed or hidden the artifacts which increased violent telepathic resonances. Since then, Vulcans and their telepathic abilities had more-or-less declined into the touch-telepaths they were today, but there were always exceptions. Even today, there were dissenters that wished to go back to old times. Sybok hadn't been particularly violent, but he was an example of the dissension against Logic. There were others that sought to regain some of the mental controls and Combat skills of the earlier Mind-Lords... Such people were usually suppressed in the *strongest* meaning of the word by Vulcan authorities, that was one of the lesser known functions of the Priests of Kholinar on Mount Seleya; to suppress dangerous telepaths that could conceivably kill a good portion of the population with little effort in this day and age. He had studied his planets history, he had graduated the Academy into Tactical with a degree in history. He was aware of how easily the darker part of nature could take over, especially in those that possessed great abilities, it was no different in Betazoids as in Vulcans. That was, however, a worry for a later time. "So she is a Telepathic Warrior, what the wicked Vulcan Mind-Lords of the past used to call totsu't'r'vavat;" He paused, searching for the best possible translation from ancient Vulcan into modern English. "...Mind Murderers." He leaned forward slowly, "Then she will be able to tell us in short order, most likely, if this was a deliberate psychic attack. I see no issue with this, we may need all the help we can get along those lines if it proves to be true." Sevant looked at his First Officer, "Is there anything else I should know?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Turbolift, MCO, Major Straton, 0341) Domini seemed stunned. "The third order? But history says that there were only two." She said, speaking aloud, and not telepathically. ::Your version of history is, false,:: Eva sent as the lift came to a stop and they exited the lift heading to sickbay. They donned the appropriate attire and entered the quarantine area. ::Well, there they are. You've heard my report?:: Domini asked. Eva could feel the counselor unease at seeing the comatose patients again. ::Commander Grailik told us what you had found. As well as a non-telepath could. His report, while vague by our standards, was disturbing. Would you care to add to what he reported? Their minds are gone? Any evidence of phycic residue?:: Eva said, moving over to one of the patients laying on the bio-bed. Eva looked down at them, mentally preparing herself for what was to come. She calmed her mind and tightened her mental shielding. Preparing for phycic combat. Not knowing what she might find. (Reply Domini) NRPG: Room for more here if needed. RPG: Eva looked up at Domini her mental preparations complete. She nodded and motioned for Domini to join her. ::I will not ask you to endure such pain again. As Allurenate you are trained to be sensitive to the pain of others. It is a useful skill in healing the phycic wounds of others, but at the cost of your mental defenses. This is not a journey you should make again. You will serve as my anchor. Allowing me to remain connected to the physical world.:: Eva sat down next to the bed lifting one hand toward Domini and taking the patients hand in the other. She closed her eyes and reaching out to anchor herself in Domini before plunging into the mind of the betizied patient. (Mindscape, Eva Straton, ????) Eva found herself on a desolate landscape. Her hand immediately fell to the hilt of her sword, a representation of her phycic weapon. She looked around at the utter emptiness around her, her eyes narrowed. She could feel Domini like a strong current in her mind. Taking a deep breath, Eva plunged deeper into the void around her. She was floating in a ocean of nothingness. Blackness engulfed her completely. She grimaced, as her mind reflexively recoiled from a feeling of utter shock and something so alien as to be indescribable. She forced her mind to calm and tightened her mental armor even more. She dove deeper, peeling away the layers of what was once a living mind. Arriving to the finally level of the once living mind, Eva turned slowly. Her eyes looking high and low, examining, searching. After a short time, Eva was satisfied and turned her focus on her link with Domini. Using it she pulled her self up and out. Back to the physical world. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Bridge. Capt Sevant, 0343) Sevant stepped onto the bridge and looked around. His eyebrow quirked slightly when he noticed the CMO on the bridge, in the command chair. "First Officer has the bridge," he announced, before pointing to Kestra and then at his ready room. They had things to discuss, things that were becoming important quickly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Ready Room, CO Sevant - 2O/CMO Troi, 0400) Sevant stepped onto the bridge and looked around. His eyebrow quirked slightly when he noticed the CMO on the bridge, in the command chair. "First Officer has the bridge," he announced, before pointing to Kestra and then at his ready room. They had things to discuss, things that were becoming important quickly. Kestra was happy to finally see the CO and FO emerge from the meeting they had been in. She hoped now that she would be able to give the captain her briefing but also thought that it was a waste of time seeing the FO knew what she did. She got up as she saw Sevant point to his ready room indicating that he wanted at least to speak to her in private. She walked ahead of Sevant into his ready room. Sevant walked into the ready room, still mulling over the information from the meeting. The situation was far from good, the worst part being he didn't have a clue what they were up against. He sat behind his desk, and gesture for Kestra to sit as well. "Report." Kestra sat down as Sevant bide her and tried to decide what she wanted to start with first. She was still a bit unnerved by the marine Major having authorization to enter her sickbay to look at her patients without her. "Sir, before I report, Can I ask you something?" She asked hoping she could without being insubordinate for doing so. Sevant folded his hands together, "Continue..." Kestra knew that she was probably treading on thin ice for asking but she had started it, now she would have to continue. "Sir, why does a Marine Major have authorization to examine my patients without me? What would a marine Major need to know that she could not have gotten by asking me? She will find nothing more than what myself, the FO and the counselor have not found already." Kestra was a little nervous thinking that a little of her frustration had shown through by asking her questions. Maybe Sevant will understand a bit of what she was going through with no real answers to her biggest mystery. That was a question he should have expected, but it hadn't been the greatest of his worries. Truthfully enough, he said "I do not understand the dynamics of the MCO's request Doctor, something dealing with her betazoid culture. I believe it is more curiosity, but Im not going to put a single possibility down because it closely mirrors other activities. You can join them once we are done here, with specific questions." Sevant looked at her a moment longer, "Any other questions before we begin?" At least Sevant had been honest with her and she was willing to let it go at that for the moment. But, it was something that would have to be answered sooner or later. "No sir" She answered him then she was ready to give him her report. "Sir, The FO and I had completed a exhaustive examination on the 'zombies'" she had decided to name them that as that is what them resembled, " and could not find anything even remotely medical that could explain what is going on. I then asked the counselor to come in to help as I had knowledge that she was a mind-healer of a sort. I figured that if anyone could find anything it would be her. I could scan them myself, but, a mind-healer is more adept at the procedure." Kestra paused to gather more of her thoughts before continuing. "She started looking at the patients and found one that was a Betazoid, so, she tried to enter the mind of that one. After a few minutes she came out very shaken and we had to remove her from the room. She could tell you more of what she saw, but, from what I gather the mind of the person had been, how can I say it, sucked out or dragged out." Kestra stopped as she shuddered at the thought and what she saw how it affected Domini. "I have never heard of anything that could or would do something like that. My search of starfleets database have come up with nothing either. Whatever happened on that ship, we had be very careful it does not happen to us." Kestra stopped to see if Sevant had anything he wanted to ask. Sevant leaned back in the chair and half closed his eyes as he began to think. "I am not an expert in telepathy, Doctor, though I have it myself. Could this be some sort of, hmm, psychic weapon?" He fully opened his eyes and gazed at her, "I can't think of anything else, personally, that could cause such a malady myself. No physical weapon ever devised can simply drain a mind of all experiences and knowledge. Even my telepathic combat training scrambles memories, not deletes them." Kestra thought for a moment on what Sevant said before giving him an answer, but, not much had actually surfaced that would seem to be an answer. But, she just could not make herself think that what she saw was an attack or weapon of some sort. It would seem to her that it would leave more scarring if it was. From what Domini described it seemed too clean and only one thing came to mind when she thought of that. "Sir, anything could be possible, but, from all indications it was not a weapon of any sort. It seems to clean for that, but, now bear with me on this as it is pure conjecture. From what comes to my mind when the counselor described her visit inside the Betazoid, it would seemed that it was sucked out as in maybe ......" Kestra had a hard time thinking any species could do this and she was not sure that Sevant would accept what she was about to say, but, she had to say it. "Food." Now, THAT caught Sevant's attention. He leaned forward again with a small frown touching the corners of his lips. "I like conjecture," he said, "Continue on." "Sir, I have seen damage done by weapons and heard it described, but, this is too clean. Now there are so many species that we have not ran across yet and maybe one of them feed upon the minds of others weaker than them or unable to defend themselves as the science ship. They were not meant for battle and maybe this species was or they somehow got inside the Backtron's defense attacking like friends or something. Then once in over powered them." Kestra was now pulling strings as she was entering an area that she really had no knowledge of. "I don't know what they look for in the food that they need or want at this point. I just think that something out here is very dangerous in a way we never before encountered and it gives me the shakes to think of it." Sevant tapped his fingers together as he looked at Kestra. He had known her long enough, and this certainly didn't strike him as a Flight of Fancy. The tapes he had watched had contained no sounds of weapons fire besides their own, it was entirely possible the enemy had carried none. Weather or not they were food, at this moment, was irrelevant however. If that was indeed the motivation, they would have to find this enemy quickly before they stopped in for dinner. If it was something else, the same situation still applied. He leaned back in his chair again, "Work on it, pull the people you need. We are tracking down this enemy, we are going to be faced with the same situation. If we *are* food, I want to know how to make ourselves unpalatable. If it's a weapon or combat technique, especially a telepathic variety, I want to know how to block it. We have enough telepaths on this ship trained in combat OPS that we should be able to conceive of a defense in that case." The Vulcan frowned, "And work quickly. Our first goal is to survive, we can worry about restoring the minds and memories of the others, if possible, once we know this won't happen again." "Aye sir I will let you know what we find if we can find anything" Kestra answered him, "As far as it goes that is all I had sir." Sevant nodded, "Dismissed." Kestra got up and nodded to Sevant then turned and left heading for sickbay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - ACEO Enaj - 0400) After finally finishing the scans and computation of every inch and every circuit board of the shuttle bay, Saim liked to be thorough, she eventually packed up and told her team to head to bed until their shift. Saim was really starting to feel exhausted, she had had hardly any sleep, the problem was that with the state the ship was in and this recent mystery there was too much to do to sleep. ~ I'll just take these reports to engineering and then turn in for a couple of hours ~ Saim promised herself. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge – OPS Lt. Schafio - 0400) Yalta was observing the shuttle craft and analysis confirm that it was no danger and also the occupants of the ship. Additions to the crew. “USS Boudicca to Shuttle Epsilon we have confirmation of your identification... please enter Shuttle Bay Alpha.” =/\= Roger that Boudicca. Shuttle Epsilon entering Shuttle Bay Alpha.=/\= “Thank you!” Yalta close the communication link and watch the progression of the shuttle has it enter the shuttle bay. “Confirmation from Shuttle Bay Alpha that the shuttle arrived safely and also that security is present and ready. Sir!” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 0400) Sevant sat in the command chair, his hands folded as he watched the screen at their relatively slow crawl to find the remains of the civilian ship that had been destroyed in the area. His mind was racing along the message he had just heard not long ago, along with the information the Doctor had given him about the bodies found in the pod. All together, it was not a hopeful situation, Sevant was keeping his ship at alert because of it. "Sir, We had a shuttle broadcasting for us." The Captain quirked his head, "Is it friendly?" "Standard shuttle, scans show nothing dangerous. The broadcast message says they have new crew for us." That caused Sevant's eyebrow to quirk. There were very few people that knew where they were right now, still, better safe then sorry. All shields were up, all weapons were warm. IF that shuttle were the precursor to an attack, whoever dared would be sorry in short-order. "Decloak the ship, make ready to bring that shuttle on board." (reply: Ops, engineering) Sevant wanted thirty seconds, while directions were being given to the shuttle. No attack materialized, nothing untoward appeared. He took a slow breath, "Have the new crew report to me in the ready room." NRPG: Assuming he does... RPG: Grailik had the jumbled sights of the thing memorized, this time he leaned forward with his eyes closed and listened as well as he could to the staticky sound. There was obvious weapons fire, but everything about it he could pick up seemed to be civilian make phasers, their sides weapons. He cocked his head to the side as the clip ended again. Sevant shifted in his seat after watching the clip for a second time, his face was grim and his mood even moreso. He folded his hands together and looked over the Security and Marine crew. As a former security officer, and man whose talents lay deeply in combat and strategy, what he had just seen was a validation for every ounce of training he had ever received in a 'peacetime exploratory fleet'. This sort of thing was *not* supposed to happen, not to their civilians especially. Starfleet Personnel ran the risk of meeting an unpleasant doom, it came with the uniform. "Comments," the Vulcan finally asked, not as a question. (reply: any) Spider tapped his long fingers on the table for a few moments. "I hope there is more in that pod then what we are seeing, all this lets us know is that there is something baaad in the neighborhood, it gives us no other useful information for the most part. I would also give my left antenna to know exactly what happened to those people." He had in mind the woman and child that the last scene had shown, he didn't know that any bodies had come with the pod itself. He looked over at Straton, then shrugged mildly in the BDU, and looked back. "I Would recommend Marine and Tactical patrols of the ship, if we are going to start chasing after whoever did this." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, Major Straton, 0400) Eva opened her eyes and took a deep breath, leaning forward in her chair. Releasing Domini's hand, Eva rose to her feet. She looked from Domini down at the male Betizied on the bio-bed. She was silent for a few moments as her mind put into order what she had seen. What she had learned. ::We must talk to the Captain at once,:: Eva sent to Domini, looking back at the Counselor before heading out of the quarantine area. Once out of the quarantine area Eva opened a cmm-channel with her BDU amour. "Major Straton to Captain Sevant." (Reply Sevant) "Captain, we need to talk, immediately," Eva said, heading out of sickbay without a backwards glance. (Reply Sevant) ::No living mind did this,:: Eva said to Domini as they entered the turbo-lift. ::Something worse. Far worse.:: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Engineering - ACEO Enaj - 0405) Saim plugged in the pads, had a quick look around and headed towards the sweet oblivion of sleep ie.her bunk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0405) Sevant had just leaned back in his chair after Kestra had left when his badge beeped, =^=Major Straton to Captain Sevant.=^= He opened his eyes "Go ahead, Major." =^=Captain, we need to talk, immediately,=^= "I'm, Sevant out." (reply: Straton) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Turbolift, Major Straton, 0408) ::Do you know what did it?:: Domini asked. ::I know what did NOT do it,:: Eva replied, ::We may very well have gone from the frying pan into the fire.:: The lift stopped and they stepped onto the bridge. Eva looked back at Domini before heading toward the Captain's Ready Room. (reply Domini) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca,Outside Shuttlebay, ATAC Ensign Skylynx-0408) =^=Major Straton to Lt Bush and Ensign Skylynx. Gentlemen, you are invited to a tactical briefing at Marine Center in 10 min. Captain Sevant requests your presence.=^= Ryko's face went from boredom to relief. ~At last, something to do. I've been sitting here pointlessly for a full hour now.~ He got up off the floor, picked up his rifle and headed to the marine staging center. He tapped his badge as he was entering the lift. "Acknowledged," Ryko said in response as the turbolift's doors closed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0409) "Come," Sevant said as he closed down the monitor and fully faced the door. The MCO walked in, looking none-to-happy. After what he had learned about her and her reasons, this certainly didn't bode well. He waved her down to a chair before she could say anything, "Report." (reply: Straton) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Turbolift, COUNS Dr. Domini Alizara, 0409) ::Do you know what did it?:: Domini asked. ::I know what did NOT do it,:: Eva replied, ::We may very well have gone from the frying pan into the fire.:: Domini thought on that for a moment, and shook her head. She knew that nothing that she had any experience in did this. She saw Eva giving her a piercing look, then realized that she had stopped dead in the hallway. She hurried to catch up with Eva as she entered the ready room. "Come," Sevant said, and Eva entered, Domini right behind her. Domini took the offered seat, and glanced into Eva's eye. Domini really did not want to be the one to tell Sevant the bad news. "I assume Commander Grailik has told you why I needed to look at the patients myself? Well I can say with certainty that no one of my order did this. That's the good news," She said, then her face got grim, "The bad news. There is no psychic evidence of a living mind having done this." Sevant quirked an eyebrow slightly. "Explain," was all he said. Eva thought for a moment for the best analogy to explain what she had seen and felt. Domini listened to Eva give her explanation, finding nothing to add. Eva appeared to be used to giving briefings in tactical terms, and translating for a non-Betazoid to understand. It helped that Sevant was telepathic. Sevant tapped his fingers together as he considered her, his eyes slightly unfocused as he considered her words. "So this is not a purposeful psi-attack." Domini shook her head. "I think it was very purposeful, Captain, and very deliberate. Just because we don't know what did it, that it isn't something that we know of, doesn't mean that it was not a deliberate, conscious action." She finished, surprised that she had spoken up. He mused for a few more seconds, "In that case, what would you imagine this would be, did you find any 'footprints' at all?" Eva scowled. "Anything that did this had to be done on purpose," She said, "You don't just rip another sentient's mind out and devour it on accident. Conjecture leads me to believe that we are not dealing with one mind but many." Domini listened to the Major and Sevant banter back and forth. Sevant closed his eyes, "We are not going to have a choice in this, Major." he said. "That's our job, and the Backtron shows, we are still better equipped to deal with it." "There are some things that could be done." Domini said, speaking up again. "Some people on this ship are more vulnerable to attack than others. We can keep those out of the front lines. The Backtron was made up of civilians. civilians don't generally have military discipline. That should be a point in our favor. The marines are more so." Domini looked at Eva. "Do the marines have any training against withstanding psi-attacks?" She asked, not knowing much about marines. He looked at the Counselor briefly, "And one of you drop a note to the CMO as well, she can certainly make use of this information." Domini closed her eyes against the thought of Kestra's reaction to being left out of all this. "Good," Eva said, standing, "I've never run from a fight before, I don't intend to start now." She put her helmet on and sealed it into place. She looked at Domini. "I'll let you brief the MO. I have to get the troops in order." She looked back at Sevant. "We'll be sure to give the bastards one hell of a fight, sir." Domini nodded, and got up and looked down at Sevant. She waited for Eva to go away. "Captain, you look exhausted. Do you want a stimulant ? " She asked, reaching into the pocket of her lab coat for the hypo that she kept there. (Sevant) Domini walked out onto the bridge, and tapped her comm badge. "Counselor Alizara to Dr. Troi. I have been ordered to brief you and I would like to offer my services in a medical capacity once the teams return with the... survivors." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay Alpha - ATAC Ryko Skylynx - 0410) Ryko Watched as Chang disembarked from the shuttle. He could see that his height intimidated him a little. "Welcome aboard," He said. "I'm Ensign Skylynx, I'll be taking you to see the captain," he said, offering a hand in greeting. "Thank you it's good to be a aboard. This is my first posting and I am eager to make my mark." Edmund replied. "That's the spirit, come on, I'll take you to the captain," he said, smiling as he motioned for chang to follow him. Ryko escorted the new crew member to the bridge. He stopped outside the ready room. He looked at Chang and smiled. "Be honest," Ryko said. "It helps." He smiled, shook Chang's hand once again and walked toward his station. "If you ever get lost, or you need some info, let me know," he added, and left. Chang pressed the door chime.He then took a deep breathe and entered the room. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Ready Room, Major Straton, 0411) "Come," Sevant said, and Eva entered, Domini right behind her. Sevant motioned her toward a chair before asking for her report. Eva sat, still in full BDU, placed her Pallas Helmet on her knee looked at Domini then to Sevant. "I assume Commander Grailik has told you why I needed to look at the patients myself?" She asked, before getting to her report, so she knew how much she needed to say. Sevant folded his hands together and nodded. Eva nodded. "Well I can say with certainty that no one of my order did this. That's the good news," She said, then her face got grim, "The bad news. There is no pycic evidence of a living mind having done this." Sevant quirked an eyebrow slightly. "Explain," was all he said. Eva thought for a moment for the best analogy to explain what she had seen and felt. "A phaser beam leaves a detectable trace behind after it's fired. It's similar to that. A pycic attack leaves a detectable trace behind, if you know what to look for. At least if the attack comes from another living mind, and each mind has their own unique pycic signature. There is no such signature in the victim I examined." Sevant tapped his fingers together as he considered her, his eyes slightly unfocused as he considered her words. "So this is not a purposeful psy-attack." He mused for a few more seconds, "In that case, what would you imagine this would be, did you find any 'footprints' at all?" Eva scowled. "Anything that did this had to be done on purpose," She said, "You don't just rip another sentient's mind out and devour it on accident. Conjecture leads me to believe that we are not dealing with one mind but many." Sevant nodded at that, "Any defenses you can think of? I've racked my brain, and come up with nothing sufficient for anything like this." Eva shook her head. "There is no known technology to block a pycic attack. If it were one on one, mind to mind, I could defend myself against such an attack, at least briefly. The rest of the crew are gonna be sheep before the wolf. Helpless. The best defense in this case, is not to put yourself in it's sights." Sevant closed his eyes, "We are not going to have a choice in this, Major." he said. "That's our job, and the Backtron shows, we are still better equipped to deal with it." He looked up, "Prepare your marines to the best of your ability, and let Security into it. Your order need not be mentioned, just that you have combat-trained telepathy, that is nearly common knowledge anyway. Ill consider my end as well, I've fought other telepathic enemies." He held up a hand, "And go talk to Science as well. If this wasn't one person, or if it is technology based, they need to know and you are one of the better experts." He looked at the Counselor briefly, "And one of you drop a note to the CMO as well, she can certainly make use of this information." Eva smiled a wicked, feral grin. "Captain, you misunderstand me. I never said we shouldn't engage the enemy. Just that we don't put ourselves in their sights. We can not leave something like this running free in the galaxy. I'm sure your aware of the use of hit and run tactics? We have to engage the enemy on our terms, not theirs. At a place and time of OUR choosing, but first we have to find them." Sevant's face turned ever-so-slightly into a grin. Tactics in adverse conditions was one of his specialties, so to speak. He fully intended to use them to their utmost. "It's good to know we are on the same page, Major." he said evenly. "We will certainly be hunting them down." "Good," Eva said, standing, "I've never run from a fight before, I don't intend to start now." She put her helmet on and sealed it into place. She looked at Domini. "I'll let you brief the CMO. I have to get the troops in order." She looked back at Sevant. "We'll be sure to give the bastards one hell of a fight, sir." Sevant nodded, "I expect no less." he said in a dangerous low voice. Eva nodded, looked at Domini and headed for the door. Once on the bridge, she opened a comm-channel to her XO "Spider, get the platoon and squad leaders and meet me in Marine Center in 10." (Reply Spider) Eva closed the connection and opened another. "Major Straton to Lt Bush and Ensign Skylynx. Gentlemen, you are invited to a tactical briefing at Marine Center in 10 min. Captain Sevant requests your presence." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0419) "Captain, you look exhausted. Do you want a stimulant? " The Counselor asked. "No Counselor, I will be resting as soon as I am able." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Bridge – TAC/SC – Lt. William Bush - 0420) William stood in operations the situation was at the moment a confusing one; he stood watching the area and watching the other officers perform their duties. As he looked at the view screen his legs began to feel weak, pushing his hands forward onto the consol William straightened himself up. Perhaps he was getting to old for this. =^= Major Straton to Lt Bush and Ensign Skylynx. Gentlemen, you are invited to a tactical briefing at Marine Centre in 10 min. Captain Sevant requests your presence. =^= William paused for a moment and then acknowledged the call. “Aye Major I will be down presently,” William stated logging off from the tactical consol. As he began to walk his legs began to feel stiff and heavier. Each step he took felt harder than the last, trying not to make it obvious he smiled at the security officer and gestured that he had cramp. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 0422) Sevant looked up from his desk monitor as the chime went off. "Come." He turned in the chair to appraise the officer coming aboard, and looked closely at him. Though no two people were ever alike, this ensign was 'typical' for what appeared to be full-blood humans. Sevant folded his hands together on the desk as the Ensign came to attention. "Ensign Change reporting for duty Sir". Sevant nodded, and held out his hand for the Ensigns orders, a PADD with his bio and base orders. (reply: if desired) The Vulcan took a breath and looked at the PADD he was handed. "Have a seat, Ensign." he said in a flat monotone as he sat back in his own chair. He was being extra careful lately about crew, it would be far to easy for Doenitz to sneak in sleeper-agents. He looked at the name and picture, then looked back up again. "Ensign Chang, is it?" (reply: if desired) Sevant looked back at the PADD and quickly scrolled through it, until he got to the orders. He mentally compared LoDona's access code presented here with the current codes, and nodded his acceptance. This one was the real thing, a new ACMO. ~Serendipity, I need medical on this situation.~ He read through the PADD a little slower, leaving the Ensign to his own thoughts for a couple minutes. Sevant remembered being in that exact position once, on this very ship, many years ago. He had looked on to Captain Rivers with respect, because she had a Spartan Ready Room on board a Warship, and he had been Security/Tactical himself. Sevant briefly wondered how this Doctor would see him, perhaps as a battered warrior on a battered Warship, perhaps as something else. He didn't have the time to wool-gather however, as he gently placed the PADD on the desk and steepled his fingers. "I have asked every incoming officer this same question, Ensign, and now it's your turn. You are serving on board a Warship, in the middle of a war. We are tasked to go into harms way, repeatedly if necessary. Does this pose... Problems, for you?" (reply: Chang, with room for discussion if necessary) Sevant listened to his answer, then nodded. "You have come at a serendipitous time, Ensign. We are searching out a mystery, instead we find you in the midst of that very mystery. Report immediately to Lieutenant Commander Troi, your department head, she will get you caught up on our little problem and put you to work on it." He nodded to the ensign, and did not offer to shake hands. CO's privilege, he could nurture his race's abhorrence to touching other sentients, due to the psychic strain it placed on the touch-telepaths. "Good luck ensign, Dismissed." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - ACMO Chang - 0422) "I have asked every incoming officer this same question, Ensign, and now it's your turn. You are serving on board a Warship, in the middle of a war. We are tasked to go into harms way, repeatedly if necessary. Does this pose... Problems, for you?" "No Sir. I am a Starfleet Officer. Duty, Loyalty and Honour. This is why I joined Starfleet. I am the sixth generation of Chang to serve. I am a solider Sir, and harm's way is just part of the job. If you look at my academy record, my expertise is in emergency surgery and triage medicine. I am ready for combat Sir, it's time I put what I have learnt into practice." If he was indeed half human, Captain Sevant didn't show it. Vulcan's always unnerved Edmund. The lack of emotion made it difficult to gauge whether you were doing well or doing badly. Afterall a Vulcan commanding officer would never take you under his/her wing, mentor you and give you a pat on the back for a job well done. On the other hand. Both the CMO and Counselor on this ship were betazoids. ~Now that is an extreme dichotomy of emotion in the senior ranks~ thought Edmund. Sevant listened to his answer, then nodded. "You have come at a serendipitous time, Ensign. We are searching out a mystery, instead we find you in the midst of that very mystery. Report immediately to Lieutenant Commander Troi, your department head, she will get you caught up on our little problem and put you to work on it." He nodded to the ensign, and did not offer to shake hands. CO's privilege, he could nurture his race's abhorrence to touching other sentients, due to the psychic strain it placed on the touch-telepaths. "Good luck ensign, Dismissed." "Aye Sir" Edmund came to attention, about faced and took his leave. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Captain's Office - Inside - ACMO Chang - 0423) In the room was a desk and behind the desk sat what appeared to be a Vulcan. Edmund had remembered from perusing the personnel files that Captain Sevant was half human but it didn't show. His most striking feature was the scar running from the base of his hairline, across his left eye and down the base of his mouth. Edmund wondered why the Captain hadn't undergone dermal regeneration treatment or cosmetic surgery to repair it. ~It certainly does look menacing though~ Edmund thought. Standing at attention at the desk Edmund, said in a confident voice (trying his best to supress his nervousness). "Ensign Change reporting for duty Sir". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Sickbay, CMO Lt. Commander Kestra Troi, 0425) Kestra knew it was going to be a very long day with what was going on and the mysteries they were proving to have. She had just left Sevant in his ready room and entered sickbay when her combadge chirped. =/\=Counselor Alizara to Dr. Troi. I have been ordered to brief you and I would like to offer my services in a medical capacity once the teams return with the... survivors.=/\= Kestra could not believe that a counselor was ordered to brief the CMO, but, at this time she could use all the help she could get. What caused the patients from the Backtron to be as they were was baffling to her and if anyone could possible explain it to her, well she was all ears. Also, Domini was or had been a CMO at one time in her career, so, she was a capable doctor not just a counselor. "Understood Counselor" She replied. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca – Marine Centre – TAC/SC – Lt. William Bush – 04:30) William stepped out of the turbo lift his legs were still bothering him a little but not as much as before. ~No doubt all that standing behind the consol did that! ~ William thought to himself smiling at the marines as he entered their base of operations. Seeing Skylynx, William walked over and smiled. “Ensign I forgot to enquire what is the status of our Ferengi friend?” (Reply Skylynx) “We will have to remember to fill in the transfer request for when we come in contact with another fleet vessel. We don’t want him becoming part of the furniture,” (Reply Skylynx) “Also I wanted to discuss another issue soon Ryko,” (Reply Skylynx) NRPG add more iyw RPG After finishing talking to Ryko, William walked over to the major of the marines and extended his hand. “Major, I have not been formally introduce as of yet. Lieutenant William Bush and this is my assistant Ensign Ryko Jay Skylynx,” William stated starting the formal introduction, He had seen the major in meetings but never really talked to her nor had much contact. He had to admit despite all the body armour she was not what he had expected. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Marine Center, MCO, Major Straton, 04:33) Eva was talking quietly with Spider about the situation when she sensed someone walk up behind her she turned as Lt. Bush and Ensign Skylynx walked up. “Major," Bush said extending his had toward her, "I have not been formally introduce as of yet. Lieutenant William Bush and this is my assistant Ensign Ryko Jay Skylynx,” William stated starting the formal introduction, He had seen the major in meetings but never really talked to her nor had much contact. He had to admit despite all the body armor she was not what he had expected. Eva looked down at the offered had before taking it and giving it a single firm shake. "Lt., Ensign" She said nodding at each in turn. She turned back toward Spider. "This is my XO, Lt. Major Drizzt." (Reply Bush, Drizzt, Skylynx IWY) "Gentlemen," Eva said after the introductions had been completed. It was time to get to business. Eva moved to the head of the situation table they were all standing around. "You've all seen the data collected so far. Now we have some new information to add to what we already know, as little as it is. After a further telepathic analysis by those on board experienced in telepathic combat we are not dealing with any standard known form of phycic assault. Nor are we dealing with a single entity, but a group. The Captain wants all marines and security personnel briefed so that they can better defend themselves against said assault if possible. Our people are gonna have to be very careful when engaging this enemy. A stand up, face to face confrontation will be disastrous for us, so I recommend, we formulate a planned roving assault method. Engage and withdraw. Engage and withdraw. Not giving the enemy time to bring their phycic abilities to focus. Question?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca, Marine Center, ATAC Ens (jg) Ryko Skylynx, 04:33) "Actually, Ryko, there is something I wanted to talk about with sou soon," Bush said. Ryko was on the verge of asking what exactly Lieutenant Bush had on his mind but he was unable to find out, as Major Straton apporached. “Major," Bush said extending his had toward her, "I have not been formally introduce as of yet. Lieutenant William Bush and this is my assistant Ensign Ryko Jay Skylynx,” William stated starting the formal introduction. . Straton looked down at the offered had before taking it and giving it a single firm shake. "Lt., Ensign" She said nodding at each in turn. She turned back toward Spider. "This is my XO, Lt. Major Drizzt." "Good to meet you," Ryko said, shaking Spider's hand. He should have felt intimidated by Straton's strictness, but for some bizarre reason he didn't. "Gentlemen," Eva said after the introductions had been completed. She moved to the head of the situation table they were all standing around. "You've all seen the data collected so far. Now we have some new information to add to what we already know, as little as it is. After a further telepathic analysis by those on board experienced in telepathic combat we are not dealing with any standard known form of psychic assault. Nor are we dealing with a single entity, but a group. The Captain wants all marines and security personnel briefed so that they can better defend themselves against said assault if possible. Our people are gonna have to be very careful when engaging this enemy. A stand up, face to face confrontation will be disastrous for us, so I recommend, we formulate a planned roving assault method. Engage and withdraw. Engage and withdraw. Not giving the enemy time to bring their psychic abilities to focus. Question?" Ryko raised his hand. "What exactly do you mean by Psychic attacks? Mind wiping like what we've seen so far?" he asked. (Reply Straton) "Oh," Ryko said quietly. He was beginning to think that now was the time to get his weapons collection out of the cargo bay. He looked at Lt Bush, calm as ever. What exactly was he talking about, needing to discuss something with him? Ryko shook it off. It wasn't important at this point. He paid attention as the briefing continued. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay Deck 4- Lt jg Trevan West- 0435) The shuttle door opened and hit the ground with a thud that reverberated throughout the massive facility. 'Man, its been a while since this place saw my shadow' he thought to himself. A young officer stepped up to him, "Sir, I can show you to the bridge." "Thank you but I know the way." he snapped back. The doors to the shuttle bay opened to reveal the long corridors of the ship and the turbolift at the end of the hallway. "Bridge." he spoke to the computer and the lift began it's journey. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - Outside - ACMO Chang- 0436) As Chang approached the door the door chime rang out and a tall engineering officer came walking into the room. He was six foot tall. ~Is everyone taller than I am?~ he thought to himself. ~I think I might be starting to develop a complex.~ The officer walked right past Edmund and threw a PADD onto the Captain's table. It was at this time that Edmund thought it would be good to make his escape. As he heard the engineer begin to take a rther insubordinate tone. ~Hmm the counselor will have her work cut out~ he though worriedly. Edmund make his way to the sickbay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate:2406.07.03 (USS Boudicca - Bridge Deck 1- Lt jg Trevan West - 0438) The doors to the bridge swished open to reveal the bridge in all her splendor. Knowing the way to the ready room Trevan proceeded down the ramp and all the while he was certain he was being watched. Trevan whipped his head around and saw that no-one was even watching him. 'Hmm, must be getting old' he thought and proceeded to the Ready Room. Trevan rang the door chime and the doors swished open to reveal Captain Sevant. (reply Sevant) "Here are my orders sir." and he threw the PADD on the desk. "Permission to speak freely sir? asked West "Thank you. Frankly I want to know why I was pulled from my duties on Starbase 12. I know you had to pull in some hefty favours to get Admiral Bullock to personally call me at three in the morning and 'request I join the Boudicca'. Personally sir, I was enjoying my duties on Starbase 12. Nothing happened there, nice and quiet. I left the Boudicca over two years ago for just that reason. Too much too soon in my opinion. Now I will serve you in the way I always have and I will clean up the mess you always seem to make for me, but don't expect me to be any more then that. I have enough problems as it is and I don't need anymore. Now if you don't mind Sir I would like to get some rest before I go on duty. Is that all?" ============ End of Compile, Part 2 ============