Summary:
The USS Andromeda dropped out of warp in an unusual asteroid field to investigate an unusual concentration of duderon particles and "fuzziness" sensed by many of the telepaths aboard. Before they could discover the source, a nearby asteroid exploded, clipping a nacelle and overloading power couplings, knocking several systems offline.

With the source of the duderon particles seemingly dissipated and the "fuzziness" gone, the crew of the Andromeda find themselves with more questions than answers.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin Safe Passage (Andromeda): Mission 3 (11101.29)~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Any idea what that thing was?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::shaking his head:: XO: No idea. I can't even decide it if was scared or warning someone away.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: At science, looking through incoming telemetry from the probes as well as keeping an eye on forward sensors, trying to locate what was ahead.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::groans from the floor and blinks a few times at the dim light, trying to get her mind working again::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Says nothing at the moment as she had nothing to give.::
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::at the helm station monitoring the ship's course and watching the movement of the rocks::
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Keep us moving about this system. I don't want to be a sitting duck for whatever is out there.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: At least the deadening effect is gone. And why did the duderon particles drop off so suddenly? Was it created by whatever made the asteroid explode?
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Opens her eyes and carefully feels the wound on her head with her hand.::
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CNS: Let's try something slightly scientific. Fire a torpedo at a similar asteroid and see what the output is like
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::nods:: XO: Any particular destination or parameters sir?
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Not really, just keep us clear of any more exploding things.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@ ::winces as she tries to move her left arm:: Self: I think that’s broken...
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: lifts a brow:::  XO:  That is not what one would could call scientific.  I am still not reading anything.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@CSO: Ensign Ivara... are you okay?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::taps the controls at tactical:: XO: You just want to blow things up, Sir. ::his voice tinged with amusement::
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CNS: Yes, but at least we can justify the explosion in the name of science
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks over at Varesh and simply lifts a brow.  She could sense her husband’s silent amusement.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::laughs:: XO: Any specific target in mind?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@ ::blinks back the tears and nods cradling her arm:: FCO: Wonderful. You?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::returns Sky's amused look::

ACTION:
Two of the CMO's probes track the origin of the duderon particle concentration. They also reveal a faint "trail" of dissipated duderon particles that seems to parallel the Andromeda's course prior to their drop from warp.

Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CNS: Nearest asteroid
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::continues to 'avoid the exploding things' and maneuver around the field at low impulse::
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Wearily cradles her head in her hands.:: CSO: My head hasn't spun like this since the day after Academy grad night.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::pulls up the targeting display:: XO: Nearest asteroid is ten kilometers away... about the same distance as the one that almost took us out.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  I believe I have the original area the duderon concentration occurred.  I am also picking up a faint trail of their dissipation.... which appears to be parallel to our original course.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: Target acquired. Roughly three kilometers across and still much larger than the ship, sir. Ready when you are.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CNS: Let's hold off on blowing stuff up for the moment now that we have something else to try
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Something shadowing us out here?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::shift her weight. and tries to get up then stops as the room gets a bit foggy around the edges.  Gritting her teeth:: FCO: Anything broken?

@ACTION:
The vessel glows softly red, with the several warning signals flashing from the conn. The breath of the two officers leaves its linger mark of frost on the thin air about them.

CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  One moment... it is either that or we pulled the trail with us, running it through the computer...
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::taps another control:: XO: Aye, sir. Holding the blowing stuff up. ::can't help but smile to himself::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Concentration remaining throughout... it was parallel to us... not following.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Let's go to the original source and see what we can dig out

ACTION:
One of the CMO's probes crests the nearest asteroid, beginning its scans of its opposing side.

FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@CSO:  Besides a probably concussion, I am fine.  Our runabout on the other hand...
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Nodding, forwards the coordinates to the flight station.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Glances down at the newest incoming telemetry of one of the probes.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::drags herself to the nearest chair and grits her teeth again as she pulls herself up onto it looking at the warning lights.:: FCO: What caused the explosion?
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Take us towards the coordinates of the original duderon source at 1/4 impulse.

@ACTION
The flickering runabout command console reports that the ship has entirely lost engines, transporter controls, and replicators. Main power and secondary power are non-existent; emergency power is at 32% and dropping; life support is at 15% and failing.

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::checks the probe and sensor data from tactical::
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::inputs commands to take the ship towards the 'original duderon source':: XO: Yes sir.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Winces and swears quietly under her breath.:: CSO:  I am not sure, main power is down.  We are also losing life support.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
 @::looks at the console and nods:: FCO: See if you can cut power from sensors, and well everything else. Leave communications alone, but everything else to life support.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
 @::checks the communications and attempts to fire the emergency beacon::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Updated telemetry from one of the probes reads titanium, carbon and faint traces of deuterium.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: That sounds way too much like Federation technology to me.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Different from what should be out here then
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Almost frowns::  XO:  Federation... :: runs it through analysis:: Possible runabout or shuttle.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Tries, in the glow of the emergency lights, to hit the right commands to attempt to shift power to life support.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: turns to look at him.::  XO:  We are not missing any.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Why would there be a shuttle in the middle of nowhere?
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
::Enters the Bridge and heads over to tactical.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: Trying to catch up with us?

@ACTION
As the CSO activates the emergency beacon, a damaged power conduit overloads, shorting out communications as a shower of sparks flies into the face of the CSO.

FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@CSO:  I don't think that worked.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Bring us around to the asteroid with the odd materials on the surface. I want to know why there is something resembling Federation technology in the middle of nowhere.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::smiles at the CTO and gives up the tactical console to head back to his seat in the command circle.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::falls out of her chair trying to get her good arm between her face and the exploding console::
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
CNS: I'll take over, thank you, Sir. ::Smiles.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  For a brief moment, I picked up a surge of power in that area.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CTO: All yours. ::walks around to his seat and pulls up the sensor data::
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::Brings the ship around slowly towards the indicated asteroid:: XO: Yes sir, altering course, maintaining speed.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Climbs hurriedly out of her chair and climbs over to the CSO.  CSO: Are you ok, Ivara?
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
::Logs into the tactical station.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::groans quietly from the floor.:: FCO: We try things...and sometimes they even work... There should be a medical kit next to that bulkhead...can you bring it to me?

ACTION:
CMO's probes continue to send back telemetry, including high levels of gases built up within the core of the approaching asteroid.

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: Can the probes pick up any life signs?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Pulls forward scans, searching more intensely the general area.::  XO:  We may have a problem on two fronts.  I am picking up a possible ship, but they are emitting gasses, something that can be very dangerous in this crowded asteroid belt.  One strike from two asteroids and we will have another explosion.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@Crawls on all fours, as her head is spinning even further, and pulls out the first aid kit.  She crawls back to Ivara and opens it.::  CSO: How is your arm?
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
::Takes a gander at the sensor data.::
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Another bang I suspect then.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Simply nods::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Searching for possible life signs.

@ACTION:
Emergency power is now at 28%, but life-support has been bolstered to 25%.

Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Pick up the pace before this thing blows up
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  I have it sensors... reading two life signs.  Ships energy deteriorating rapidly.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CTO: Keep an eye out for any rogue objects which may try set off the gas build up
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::pulls the medical kit towards herself with the burned arm and grits her teeth again:: FCO: Broken. or scorched...but that won't matter.  See what you can do to stretch out life support.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Verify it is one of ours
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: We are in range of the transporters if there are any life signs.
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
XO: Aye. ::Adjusts the tactical sensor scope.::
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::nods and accelerates to one half impulse altering the course to account for asteroid movement::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Also as I was concerned about, the gasses are building up.   Interestingly, they appear to be growing more volatile since we began to move in.  Possible defensive mechanism.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Climbs back into her chair.:: CSO:  Well I have some good news, life support is stabilized and climbing, but that won't matter long because we are rapidly losing power.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: All stop
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Can we lift the shuttle out with a tractor beam?
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::fires braking thrusters to stop the Andromeda where she is:: XO: All stop aye sir.

ACTION:
Probe telemetry indicates there is a five-second lag between the Andromeda's movements and the reaction of the gases within the asteroid.

CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  I have a visual :: puts it on the screen.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: We are in range for tractors as well.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::looks at the medical kit and mutters a descriptive term in regards to the paternal linage of the person who packed it.::
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Tries to put on a cheerful face but can't hide her terrified eyes.::  CSO:  This is where we hope for the cavalry to ride in and save us... in the middle of nowhere with no one around for millions of kilometers.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Are we going to set off the gasses trying to do so?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Runs it through the registry.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::looks at the CMO for that answer::
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Bring us far away enough from the asteroid as possible but keep us in tractor range
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks over as one of the lights flash::  XO:  Data reads there is a five-second lag between our movement and the reaction to the gasses.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CTO:  Ship is the Monongahela, assigned to the USS Eridani.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: Grab it as fast as we can then?
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
CMO: Confirmed. What is she doing out here?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::pulls a hypospray and looks at it then picks a different dosage and applies it to her own neck:: FCO: We'll be fine. ::lying:: FCO: I saw the beacon go off before the console went.  We are well within Federation space, and the Eridani will notice if we don't report in.  We just have to hang on for a few hours.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CTO:  Unknown... check on the Eridani.  She may have suffered what we almost experienced.

ACTION:
As the Andromeda increases its distance from the asteroid, the gas volatility decreases.

CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
XO: Activating tractor beam.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Pull us and the shuttle away as fast as possible!
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Verified... as we leave the area, the gases decrease.
aFCO_Ens_Degunya says:
::Alters the Andromeda's course to take her to the edge of tractor range and waits for the tractor beam to catch the runabout::

ACTION:
The tractor beam activates, but flickers. Due to the position of the Monongahela, the beam cannot obtain a solid lock at that range.

CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::watches the situation unfold::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CTO:  Surrounding area is preventing a solid lock.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Can we use a smaller ship to get us closer to the shuttle?
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Smiles.:: CSO:  What's your first name?  I don't want to die with a stranger.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::smiles slightly as the flickering black edge to her vision fades:: FCO: Go break out the EVA suits and check their power levels. It'll be uncomfortable but at least we won’t freeze.
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
CMO: I see. . . It might be the gases. I don't want to pump too much power into the beam, might ignite the gas.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::laughs slightly and nods:: FCO: Xerus, yours?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO: Possible.  Whatever we do, it should be soon.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
aFCO: Meet me in the shuttle bay
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Scans the surrounding area to try and determine if it just a ship causing the gas build up or any vessel.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  At current readings, they have about 45 minutes.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Shall I make contact?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO:  Or try...

@ACTION:
Life support climbs to 28% and holds steady. Emergency power falls to 19%.

Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CTO: You have the bridge, once we're clear of the shuttle bay, take the Andy back a bit. Keep us in tractor range just in case however.
Host XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CMO: See if they can answer in the meantime. I want that shuttle regardless.
CTO_Cmdr_Knight says:
XO: Will do.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
@::Nods and uses the bulkhead of the vessel to steady herself.  With great effort she pulls of an emergency panel and collects two EVA suits.  She pulls them over to the CSO.::  CSO:  Jenna... Jenna Keegan.  Here, I'll help you put this on.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
::Nods::  COM:  Monongahela:  Monongahela, this is the starship USS Andromeda.  Please respond.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::Alerts medical that they may have some incoming patients::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
@::leans on the bottom of the console and finds another hypo, then stops and looks at the selection a horrible bit of math crossing her mind she doesn’t share it:: FCO: Thank you. ::begins pulling the EVA suit on::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: repeats the call::
ACTION:
The comm remains silent.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

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