USS Andromeda NCC-50007 - SD 11403.15

Starring:
	
Lea			as	Ship Manager	
				SO Baker		
				Neleese

Conor Power		as	[XO] Commander Conor Power
				First Officer

Evan Taylor		as	[FCO] Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jardon Lori	
				Flight Control Officer
				aFCO Jenkins	

Karriaunna Scotti		as	[CMO] Commander Sierra Knight-Sky
				Chief Medical Officer 
				MO Wilcox
				Nurse Blackfoot
				OPS Turner

Jack Farfri		as	[CSO] Lieutenant, Junior Grade Xerus Vorln Ivara
				Chief Science Officer 
				SO_CWO_Womack
				SO_Ens_Baker

Andrew Dalrymple	as	[CEO] Lieutenant, Junior Grade Tavish Duncan McQuade
				Chief Engineering Officer		

Absent:

Jim Koeller		as	[CO] Captain Ethan Knight
				Commanding Officer

Trevor Howard		as	[CTO] Ensign Felicia N'Leth Thorson
				Chief Tactical Officer

William Davis		as	[SOPS] Commander William Davis

Summary: Upon the surface of the missing planet Delta IV, betwixt the tallest mountain and the deepest sea, beneath a circle of five stars illuminated against the shadow of dawn, a single shuttlecraft stands, wreathed by a soft glow, with Lieutenant Ivara standing near its bound.

The illuminating dust surrounding Ivara and the shuttle seems to swirl with activity, the dust broiling and tossing within itself while maintaining the sphere. Slowly, a tendril of dust slips out into the clear sphere, reaching toward Ivara. Ivara reaches toward it.

As Ivara’s gloved had touches the tendril, it pulses once, becoming more dense as a wave of dust flows into the “conduit.” A moment later, the helmet of Ivara’s suit lights up, emitting a soft, face-obscuring glow.

@Meanwhile, sensor readings from the probe confirm that a ship matching the sillouette seen in the system 6 months ago, as well as the ship in First Contact with the USS Cherokee, is within the system's inner asteroid field, and has turned about on a heading that would bring it right to the Cataria's doorstep.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin USS Andromeda: The Outer Light" Mission 7 - SD 11403.15~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ Sky stood near the command chair on the bridge as OPS prepared another buoy and science worked with him.::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ SO: ETA till we are within their sensor range?
SO:
@ CMO: Current estimates based on acceleration...eleven minutes.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ FCO: We have about eight minutes then before we will need to break orbit to see what the commander wants.  I do not want it to appear we are in orbit.  Prepare a simple search pattern not too far away from the planet.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@aOPS:  Is the other probe about ready?

ACTION: On the surface, seconds tick by.

aFCO_Jenkins says:
@ CMO: Aye sir. Preparing search pattern away from the planet. ::begins to setup a simple search pattern within close range of the planet::
aOPS Turner says:
@ CMO: Ready to launch the comm bouy behind the ship.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aOPS: Send it out.  At least we will have two options ready depending on what the Commander wants.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Looks out over the console.::  XO:  I'm not sure this is proper protocol sir?  Should we get Ivara out of there?   ::Calls up the sensors and begins scanning Ivara.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: When has the CSO ever followed proper procedure. Any idea what is going on with her vital signs?
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO:  Calling up the sensor readings now Commander.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Begins bringing up medical readings and science scans.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
::sees a blinking light on the console and brings up a message::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
::continues to watch the CSO out of the window at the front of the shuttle::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO:  Scans show elevated anxiety levels in Lt Ivara, but not at a dangerous level.  The Biodust has entered her EVA suit and seems to be making physical contact.   ::Looks up from the scans.::  It might be possible that it is trying to make contact.  ::Refines the scans looking for more interactions between the biodust and Ivara's brain scans.::
aOPS Turner says:
@ :: as the probe gets into place he turns around.::  CMO: We have the relay set and ready for whatever we do next.

Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: Our friends are back. ::sends a message back to the ship via the probe relay CMO: Break orbit and establish standard search grid pattern, make contact when safe to do so otherwise have probe 'skim' nearby to relay messages every 6 hours::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ CTO:  Take us to yellow alert.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: Suddenly Ivara collapses, and the dust tendril withdraws.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: Aye ::Sets yellow alert.::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
ALL: Ivara just collapsed.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO/CEO: Get her back in in here. Put a containment field around her.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: My scans are telling me this thing is 5x our size, Armed to the teeth. ETA 8 minutes.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: The problem with bridge duty, was she had no "real work" to do during the interim of waiting.::  CTO:  Technically, we are armed to our teeth as well.  Are they charged?
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aOPS: Forward the message to the XO.  I do not feel like playing Jonah to the whale.
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
::heads over to the transporter controls and begin typing in commands to transport the Lt. to the rear cargo area with a containment field around her.::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO:  Ivara's brain activity just spiked.  Looks like whatever happened caused her body to shut itself down for a moment.  I'm not reading any more biodust on her or her EVA suit.  ::Looks up.::  I'm still looking over the scans, but it looks like it was targeting the cerebral cortex.
aOPS Turner says:
@ :: frowns as she tries to figure out the reference, though he got the understanding.  Quickly he entered the information and sent it to the waiting probe.::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
CEO/XO: That sounds similar to what happened to the doctor. I need to take a look at those scans.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO/FCO: Brain reading dust. I'm sure this will turn out well.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ SO:  It looks like we may be using your earlier suggestion.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Transfers the readings to the FCOs monitor.::   FCO:  That what I've gotten so far.
SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ ::Gulps:: SO: Which one?
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@::Checks her sensors.:: CMO: They aren't armed.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: looks over her shoulder::  SO: Using the planet as an invisible shield for us.  It was after all the reason for putting out the third probe... so we would not loose contact with the outside area.
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
::receives the readings from the CEO.:: XO/CEO: I need her back here. I'm transporting her to the rear cargo bay now. The containment field is setup.

ACTION: The dust surrounding the shuttle gives the shuttle a wider berth now, the sphere of open air widening to give the shuttle - and Ivara - more room.

SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ CMO: Yeah...but if we do that, we can't get info from the third probe while we're hiding inside the shield. We won't know when it's safe to come out.

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ CTO:  I doubt it is for us.  And I doubt we are little more then an annoying but on their screen.  Gather what information you can though.  Worse comes to worse, we can always come in close and play the but... hard to swat.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@SO: The probe was programmed to do the same as the buoy's.
SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ CMO: Yeah, but then the probe is outside the planet and can be detected, and lead them to us.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: Will do. ::Keeps her focus on the sensors and records all that they pick up about their mystery guest.::

ACTION: Ivara's body and EVA suit dematerialize from the planet surface, and rematerialize within the cargo bay in the back of the shuttle.

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ SO:  True.  But at least we will know.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: looks toward flight and lifts a brow.::  aFCO:  Out of curiosity, what are you searching for?  Any idea?
SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ CMO: I--..  ::Pauses, takes a deep breath, and throws his hands up slightly:: CMO: Yes ma'am.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO: Should we beam the cube aboard so we can make a quick get away if needed?
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: catches the movement and looks back over::  SO:  The best chance of success is to have many back doors.  We now have a couple.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
::nods at the CEO::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Can you run down the CSO's vitals? Is she stable, returning to the ship isn't the best option right now.
aFCO_Jenkins says:
@ CMO: Nothing in particular sir. But I am monitoring our position in comparison to the ship following us.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
::sends another message back to the CMO: Not unless they take an aggressive stance. Play the explorer and peace card for now.::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Let me scan her body first sir then I'll have more information for you. ::heads to the rear cargo bay to conduct some scans and compare them with the CMO's::
Aops Turner says:
@ CMO:  Incoming message.... Commander Conor says to keep the current plan and play the peace card.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: They’re actively scanning the area. I'm sure their sensors are better than ours and they know we're here. I'm unsure about whether they can see the away team or not.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: Nods:: aFCO:  Looks like we need something specific to be searching for when they ask.  Lies do not work well with peace.
aFCO_Jenkins says:
@ CMO: Aye sir....Any ideas what that something could be?
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO:  I'll see what I can do Commander.  ::Begins scanning the area around the cube with sensors.::

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aOPS: Reset the probes to sit within the planets screen timed for exactly six hours.  They can appear long enough to pick up a packet beam and then are back down.  Of course, that means our away team are on their own.
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
::walks up to Ivara's body....shakes his head:: Self: You just had to go out there by yourself. ::begins his scans::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: clarifies:: aOPS: You will need to be the artist in this.  Just enough of the probe needs to come through to pick up the beam and is back down immediately.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@SO:  You should have the information from my recorder of an object down below planet.  Take those readings and see if you can find anything to connect with it in the area.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aFCO:  It is not much if anything... but it is something.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ All:  I am of course open to any ideas of searching for something.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Tunes the sensors to a finer bandwidth and looks for traces of physical touching of the rock under the cube.::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aFCO:  Take us a bit further from the planet.  We do not need them to come too close to talk to us.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@aOPS:  Make contact with the vessel, standard procedures.
SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ CMO: Standard science survey? We could be headed to check out another of the planets?
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Sir Lt. Ivara is stable. She seems to be experiencing a kind of exhaustion that has her fast asleep. The sleep is helping the overload in her brain activity returns to normal.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Keep a close eye on her life signs and let me know the second they change.
aOPS Turner says:
@  ::Opens hailing frequency:: Vessel:  This is the USS Cataria.  We are scientific vessel surveying the area.  We are unfamiliar with you.  Please respond.
aFCO_Jenkins says:
@  CMO: Aye sir, taking us out of communications range. ::maneuvers the ship out of communications range of the ship::
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: They are scanning us, not directly but they know we're here.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
Outloud:  Damn..  ::Switches the transporters over to manual targeting control and aligning the shuttles sensors to the coordinates.::  XO:  How much time do I have to get this thing on board Commander?

@ACTION: The vessel clears the asteroid field, and adjusts its course toward the Cataria's new position, at quarter impulse.

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ SO: Logical.  We can make our way to the one closest... very slow search pattern.  Also, how much perterbance does this third planet have on those near by?
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@::Reads the intensity of their sensor beam.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: We'll next hear from the Cataria in 6 hours all going well.
aFCO_Jenkins says:
@ CMO: Sir, the ship just adjusted its course and speed. It's heading for us still at a quarter impluse now.

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ CTO: Have any key points ready for us if we must hit and run?  or again, would being the gnat work best...
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ aFCO: Take us far from the planet as reasonable without being in their path and come to a full stop.  However, be prepared to warp out.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@CMO: Depending on our pilot's skill, we would be more along the lines of a gnat.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO:  I'm going to have to manually target and bring this thing aboard.  Sensors are confused as to wether this thing exists or not.  ::Begins to calculate the dust displacement around the coordinates.::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
::looks over the information from the scans of both Ivara and Sky then heads back to where the XO and CEO are.:: XO: Sir, will it definitely appears that someone or something was trying to communicate with Lt. Ivara.
aOPS Turner says:
@ CMO:  Incoming response.  Putting it on screen.  :: taps the appropriate button.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO: All we need to figure out is who and why then
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
Outloud:  Great talking dust.   ::Continues to refine the scans while aligning the transporter area.::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: glances over at science before looking back at the screen.  She laid a light hand on the chair of the arm she stood beside.::
aFCO_Jenkins says:
@ CMO: Aye sir. ::takes the ship to a reasonable distance from the other ship's path. Brings the Cataria to a full stop.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: I'll leave it in your capable hands then
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Brings the scans down to a little over a meter and a half cubed.::   XO:  Do you want this in a containment field once on board?
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: Yeah, lets try stop it from zapping any of us.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::bypasses the targeting safety locks on the transporter.::  XO:  Aye Sir.  ::Sets up another containment field in the cargo area for the cube.::

ACTION: The viewscreen activates, displaying a single figure wearing a hooded robe, robe fallen back upon her shoulders. The soft refined features are framed in slightly blue-tinged skin, framed with jet-black hair. 

CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Increases the power to the transporter interlocks.::
Neleese says:
# ::Smiles:: COM: Cataria: CMO: Greetings Cataria. I am Neleese, of the Interstellar Federation. ::Opens her arms wide, palms upward, with a slight inclination at the waist::
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
Outloud:  Energizing. ::Makes a first attempt at bringing the volume of cave around the cube, then laughs a little.::  XO:  This reminds me of the old claw games back on Earth.  I hope we win something....  ::Runs his hands along the transporter to activate the transport.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: Just don't lose your keys inside it.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@ CMO: Our guests remain at peaceful stance.

CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: nods her head in slight greeting and then duplicates the others greeting.::  Neleese:  I am Commander Knight-Sky.  I had heard that another starfleet vessel had made contact with a ship similar to yours.  I hope all is going well.  I am curious to learn more about you.  What currently brings you to this area?
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Sir there's something interesting about the scans from the doctor and Ivara.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO: Don't keep us all waiting
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: nods her head slightly in acknowledgement that she had heard Thorson and seriously hoped they would not need her skills.::
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Well, the scans from the CMO indicate that something more or less reached out and stimulated her mind in new ways. Where as the CSO's mind was merely directly communicated with, but through the memory structures of the brain.
Neleese says:
# COM:Cataria:CMO: We have a long-expired claim on this system, regarding which we merely left a listening probe with which to monitor any new activity in the region. We received notification several hours ago of, I presume, your entry. ::Smiles:: We came to investigate.
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Also I am sure the telepathic signature is one that we haven't encountered before.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Makes another few adjustments as the long transporter cycle continues.::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ COMM: Neleese:  As we have not encountered anyone else, then I can only presume we are the ones to have caught your attention.  You said your claim was long-expired.  That makes it easier in we have not intruded into another’s space.   Might I ask why you let it, "expire"?
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
FCO: So the doc's brain got messed with while the CSO's had her memories altered?
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ COMM: Neleese:  Also, if you are in a sharing mood, I would appreciate any information you have on this system.  A comparison from then and now would be interesting.
Neleese says:
# COM: Cataria: CMO: It no longer served any value to us. The planets are not suitably colonizable, and the system itself serves little tactical or scientific purpose. At that time, the council felt it was best to consolidate our resources. ::Smiles kindly:: We bear no ill-will for your visit here. We are simply...curious.
FCO_Ltjg_Lori says:
XO: Not exactly sir. The doctor experienced memories as well but they were her own. While Ivara had another's add to hers not altered.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: tilts her head slightly::  COMM: Neleese:  Then our people share something similar, curiosity.  While one might say all people who leave their homes are curious, often necessity is a motivating factor.
Neleese says:
# ::Smiles pleasantly:: COM: Cataria: CMO: Yes, I have heard much of the spirit of curiosity and exploration alive within those who take up the banner of Starfleet for the United Federation of Planets. Truly this is an honor. May we observe a moment of silence, in celebration of this momentous occasion?
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ COMM: Neleese:  To me, observing a moment of silence is just that, to share silence.  However, I do not want to make an assumption.

ACTION: McQuade's transport starts to materialize...then begins to destabilize.

Neleese says:
# COM: Cataria: CMO: Indeed.  ::Smiles, then bows her head, eyes closed::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: follows through, closing her eyes and enjoying the silence as her crewmates follow through.  Only the thrum of the ship can be heard.::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ ::  After a moment, she looks up.::  COMM: In the spirit of exploration and discovery, might I come aboard to learn more of you and vise-versa?  Though I am sure your people have already shared, that information is not yet available to us.  Besides, I am more of a hands on person.
Neleese says:
# ::After a moment, opens her eyes and looks forward once again:: COM: CMO: I am sure your spirit of curiosity and exploration is what has brought you to this system. We would be honored to share with you in this spirit. Would you perhaps care to join us in a small gathering to celebrate this occasion?
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: In the back of her mind, She could imagine how unhappy her husband would be with this, but the kids were safe with his brother.  Besides, when both minds were on the same thought... and it would give the away team more time... She bows her head.::  COMM:  Neleese:  The honor would be mine.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Calibrates the power modules and increases the power settings to beyond the safety protocols.::  Outloud:  Come on come on...
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@COMM:  If you will send us the information, I and two others will join you shortly.

ACTION: Lines on the transporter go red as the cube of stone flashes in and out of existence a few times....before finally materializing, solidly, within the containment field in the back.

CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
::Shuts down the transporters before they overload completely.::  XO:  One cube Commander.
Neleese says:
# ::Nods and bows slightly:: CMO: Of course. We will lower our shields and transmit to your coordinates to which you may transporter...in, say, one third of your hours? And please, feel free to conduct an active scan of our ship, to ensure it would be safe for you and your companions.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: Good job. One problem solved, two more to go.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ COMM: Neleese:  Thank you.
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@ :: As the screen goes blank, she turns to look at the others.::  All:  One tactical and one science officer will accommodate me.  :: turns slightly::   CTO:  You have charge of the ship.  Your primary goal is to keep her safe, no matter what.  OPS:  Send the buoy information only if you must... I do not want to draw attention to it.
CEO_LtJg_McQuade says:
XO: As long as they don't require the transporters we should be able to solve them.  ::Smiles.::  I'll need some time to get these transporters back to starfleet safety regs.
CTO_Ens_Thorson says:
@ CMO: Yes, ma'am.
Host XO_Cmdr_Conor says:
CEO: Understood.
SO_Ens_Baker says:
@ CMO: Yes ma'am.  ::Stands from the console::
CMO_Cmd_Knight-Sky says:
@CTO:  And it would seem we have been given permission for an active scan.  Don't abuse it.  :: makes her way to the lift.::

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause: "The Outer Light" Mission 6 - Time Lapse: 1 minute~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~