Summary
The Andromeda approaches the Minturi Nebula, the last reported destination of the USS Eridani. The nebula causes interference to sensors and communications, but the home vessel of the FCO and CSO can be detected at a standstill within. The Andromeda will approach the outer edges of the nebula within 10 minutes.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin Safe Passage (Andromeda): Mission 6 (11102.19)~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::sitting in the primary science lab watching the sensor feed while she thinks about the issue of creating a mental shield.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::hands his Yeoman the last of the PADDs he has gone over::  Kaleb:  Hope this work isn't too overwhelming for you!  ::exits his RR and steps out onto the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Conor, have we been able to hail the Eridani yet?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Heard nothing back so far. We'll keep trying every 15 minutes though
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::at the bridge science station:: XO: It is possible sir that the nebula is interfering with subspace communications.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
FCO:  Bring us within the outer edges of the nebula and hold position there.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
CO:  Aye Sir.  ::Begins tapping at her console, entering the coordinates.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::brings up the nebula composition list on her screen then begins chewing the inside of her cheek as she starts poking around for why the Eridani would be stationary at that particular point::
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::continues focusing on trying to figure out if there is a particular subspace band that the nebula is interfering with::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::attempts to sense anything coming from the Eridani::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Conor, I don't know about you, but I'm not sensing any consciousness coming from the Eridani.

ACTION:
The Andromeda reaches the perimeter of the nebular, multifaceted shimmers of gold, silver, and red dance across the screen.

CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::brings up the sensor feeds from the Eridani herself looking for thruster activity, and navigational deflector activity:: *SO* Check the life sign readings for me.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::nods:: CO: Nothing here either.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  I don't like that at all.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Feels her stomach beginning to knot.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: That nebula doesn't look very safe to go in to
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
SO:  Would it be safe enough to bring the Andromeda into the nebula?
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::brings up the bio-sensors and focuses on the Eridani then shakes his head and feeds that data to the science labs:: XO/CO: Life signs are weak  it could again be sensor interference.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::continues to poke around the sensor scan and shakes her head highlighting the Eridani's warp trail to the bridge station::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::waits for the SO to answer::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Probe?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Have one prepared and ready to launch.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: Prepare a range of class-4 probes for launch.
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::was just looking at the warp signature when the highlighted part showed up:: CO: I don't see any readings that indicate danger.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::sends a signal to the torpedo bay to load a class 4 probe::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
SO:  Thank you.  But for now, I would prefer to play it safe.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Launch when ready.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: Launch 2 probes with a course inside the nebula
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::notes the probe and frowns the fact that the life signs were failing didn't bode well with her and she didn't want to wait but she wasn't going to go to the bridge and tell them::

ACTION:
The class 4 probes are launched from the Andromeda. The probes send back telemetry until they pass beyond the perimeter of the nebula...the telemetry grows distorted, then ceases. Andromeda sensors "mostly" track the probes continuing along their predetermined routes.

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
SO:  I'm assuming since the nebula is interfering with a lot of systems, that transporters would be out of the question?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::watches the probes then frowns and begins checking for chroniton radiation and temporal abnormalities.::
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::waits for the results from the probes.:: XO: I'm no expert in transporters ::glances at the FCO:: XO: But I don't think I'd want to beam into that soup, sir.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: What do the sensor readings show then
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Prepare a shuttle and gather a team to take over to the Eridani.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::checks the probe's internal clocks against the Andromeda's clocks and shakes her head::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::nods:: FCO: Prepare a shuttle launch in SB1. I'll meet you there.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  I suggest you take the CSO along as well.  The two of them know their vessel better than any of us.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
*CSO* We're going on a scouting mission, join the away team in SB1.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: I was just thinking the same.
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::continues watching the readouts:: XO: Once the probes enter the nebula the data feed becomes corrupted, I'm trying to track down the reason now.  Our sensors show that the probes are following their course.  Working to clear up the data feed now, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
SO:  I know this is asking a lot, but please try and maintain a constant lock on the AT just in case.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Jumps from her seat and straightens her uniform.::  XO: Aye Sir.  ::She almost runs to the TL::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: So the probes are ok then, just the sensor readings are corrupted?
SO_WO1_Womack says:
XO: As far as I can tell, they appear to be functioning nominally
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  I would like to chalk that up to "interference" from the nebula.  Let's hope that is the case.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: Guess we'll soon find out then.

ACTION:
Probe 2 moves beyond the nebular perimeter for a moment, and in a burst transmission, resends all of its telemetry to the Andromeda.

CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::clenches her hands then shakes her head:: Self: Always with the shuttles. *XO* On my way sir.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Whatever it is I'm planning to come back in one piece
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::looks down and says to himself:: Self: Huh.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  You will come back in one piece....and that's an order!  Be careful out there Conor.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::stands up then stops as the data burst comes in::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: Problem?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::shrugs downloads the data to a PADD and heads for the turbolift::
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::looks more closely at the data:: XO; I wouldn't say that. Just two particles that aren't in the computer.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::pulls up the particle count, density, and computer's extrapolated reaction to biomatter while she waits in the lift::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: And is it wise to get close to something like that?
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Enters SB1 and does a preflight exterior check of the Icarus, running her hand along the shuttle gently as she does.::  Icarus: Hello girl.
SO_WO1_Womack
XO: I have no idea sir. We have exactly three minutes of data on them.  The probe was able to transmit clearly once it exited the nebula.  Altering its course now to skim the perimeter.  ::feeds probe 2 course data that tells it to skip in and out of the edge of the nebula::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
SO: Well keep the probes scanning and keep us up to date
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Here goes nothing. ::makes his way towards the TL::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::steps off the lift her nose still in the PADD shaking her head:: FCO: Did you check the EVA suits?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::steps out of the TL and into SB1:: All: We all ready?
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Grins at the CSO as she peaks her head out from the shuttle::  CSO:  I’m in my preflight right now.  She's fine so far.
SO_WO1_Womack says:
::Works over the data trying to figure out which of the two particles is effecting communications.::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::stops to pick up a second Medkit and heads for the shuttle once inside she opens the locker containing the EVA suits:: XO: Not yet Commander.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::looks at the EVA suits:: CSO: I'm not planning a repeat of your last shuttle ride.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Takes her seat at the helm and brings the Icarus to life.::  XO:  We'll be ready in a few seconds Commander.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::finishes checking them and slips the medkit into the locker beside them:: XO: Neither am I, sir. I would suggest that when inside the nebula we maintain navigational shields, and if possible enter the nebula with an active warp bubble.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
*XO*:  Conor, you are cleared for launch when ready.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO/FCO: Well I hope you two know best. Take us out when you're ready.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Reads her console and nods.  She runs her hand softly over the bulkhead and mutters something softly.::  XO:  We're ready to launch sir.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Off we go then.
PO1_McIntyre says:
::enters the bridge, walks toward the Captain and hands him several PADDs::  CO:  Here are those reports you needed Captain.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
*CO* We're about to depart now.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::takes the PADDs::  PO1:  That was fast Kaleb....excellent work.  ::smiles::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
*XO*:  Acknowledged.  Safe journey and keep in contact.
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
::Skillfully and with great speed, brings the shuttle slowly off the pad and towards the opening SB doors.::  All:  You know, I was the top cadet in the Academy on take offs and landings with small craft.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
FCO: What about the bits in between?

ACTION:
The shuttle Icarus launches smoothly from the Andromeda.

FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
$::Loses her smile::  XO: A Vulcan named T'Pol.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
$FCO: Take us towards the nebula
CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$::looks around the shuttle and sits down in the chair next to the FCO::

$ACTION:
The Icarus travels within the nebula, taking a direct route toward the Eridani, on the far side of the nebula.

FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
$::Nods and steers the craft to the proper heading::  XO: Aye sir.
CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$::pulls the sensors up:: FCO: I would suggest we alter course to avoid the gravitational center of the nebula as the highest particle count will be there.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
$::keeping an eye on sensor readouts::
CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$::feeds the course data to the FCO::
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
$CSO:  Stellar idea Xerus.
CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$::looks at Jenna for a long moment and blinks:: FCO: Was that a star joke?
FCO_Ens_Keegan says:
$::Bows her head to the console and avoids eye contact:: CSO:  Need to focus on my... flying.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
$All: Please do. I don't want my last thought to be your cheap puns.

$ACTION:
The Icarus adjusts course to veer slightly around the gravitational center of the nebular. However, particle concentrations are still increasing, just not as drastically as they would had the direct route been maintained.

CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$::turns back to sensors and frowns:: XO: Indeed sir.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
$CSO: See if you can figure out a route with the least particle concentration.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
COM: Icarus:  Communications test.  Are you receiving?

$ACTION:
The communications start garbled...then cut out at "recei--."

XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
$All: That doesn't sound reassuring.
CSO_Ens_Ivara- says:
$XO: Short of following the Eridani's course we are following the best possible course already sir.  The particle density is an expanding gradient from the center of the nebula.

$ACTION:
The crew of the Icarus is blinded by a sudden flash of light.

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