Host SM-Trish says:
USS Cherokee 11010.24 Curious Part 8
Starring 
Trish Yarborough as TO-Weller, and Executive Producer 
Steve Weller as Captain Tio Ayidee and Alien
Zach Farland as Commander Garrison Wells and MO_Monroe
Dawn Freeman as Commander Kyleigh Nash 
Linda Baus as CSO_LtJG_Logan
Cory Friess as CNS_LtJG_Selar

Leave of Absence
Rob Bindels as Lieutenant Konrad Zdunowski 

Host CO_Ayidee says:
I don't know how Telepaths do it, having the thoughts of others invading their mind and draw their attention in so many directions.  I think I've made some progress, but it's hard to tell just how much.  But I am still hopeful, things started out badly, but we can stop the bleeding.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::on the Bridge, at her post::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In Sickbay, trying to find a way to make this a 3 way conversation including the crew.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Looks through the library of things she can use for the camera to show peaceful actions to the bug creatures.::

XO_Wells says:
::In the command chair on the bridge, and hating it::

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::She remains next to the Captain as she attempts to slowly press deeper into his consciousness::

XO_Wells says:
OPS: How long until Starfleet's promised reinforcements show up, it seems like a month since they said they were on route?

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  Sir, the bugs haven't moved an inch.  They are just sitting there.  It is beginning to get creepy!

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  It seems like an eternity has passed but in reality their ETA is 18 hours.

XO_Wells says:
TO: Better they sit there than swarm here.

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Eighteen... They should have hitched a ride with our new crewmates. They were here like lickety split.

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  True Sir, but they really stand no chance against our weaponry.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::As she continues to move deeper into the Captain's consciousness, she can feel him attempting to attach himself to her. She attempts to push her way to him in an effort to provide support; to act as if she is his life boat.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
OPS:  I have some images of peace symbols uploaded onto a file; things that symbolize peace, like a dove, an olive branch, families, the peace symbol ::holds up her two fingers::  What do you think?  Can you think of anything else we can use?

XO_Wells says:
TO: It would still be nice to know how the buggies killed everyone on the outpost and retirement planet.  Can you check that?  What happened to all the dead bodies there should be?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: Hello?  Who is this?  I can feel you there, you're not one of them.~~~

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  Well, those symbols may symbolize peace to us, how do we know that they mean the same to other races?

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  As far as I can see, they are still on the planet, lying where they fell.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
OPS:  That is true.  What symbol do bugs consider peaceful?  Maybe flowers?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  I'm not a bug expert so I dare not speculate.

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  At least they are carnivorous!  At least not yet.
CSO:  How about showing a hive working together?  ::shudders::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aFCO> TO: Or they took survival training.  Don't eat what you can't identify.

XO_Wells says:
TO: They're not using the bodies to build what ever it is they're building on the planet, are they?  because that would be really disgusting and might make me mad.

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  No, it appears they used our material and remade things to what they wanted.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  That's actually a good idea.  And we can use the images from the colony on the surface that I've uploaded.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::She finds a point within his mind where she takes a moment to stop pushing and remain in place. To much push in such a short amount of time could spook the other presences:: ~~~CO: Captain Ayidee, it is good to hear you. We met many years ago aboard the Cherokee. I'm Jennifer Selar, the Cherokee's new counselor.~~~

XO_Wells says:
TO: Anything more on the structures, are they homes?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Begins to upload those images as well.::  Out loud:  Anyone else think of anything?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: Welcome back then.  Sorry, can't recall the name, but my mind is kind of...unfocused.  Distracted.~~~

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  They look like metal bee hives.  That is what the scans are sending back to me.  They are hollow inside.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Do we know what these bugs eat?

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  I haven't the foggiest!  Just know it isn't us thank god!

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: Within a mind full of chaos can come great order and understanding. Focus on my presence and my presence alone. I will help you turn this chaos into order so that we can work through these memories together.~~~

XO_Wells says:
TO: Beetles building hives, are they expecting company from the wormhole, more bugs?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Snickers::  TO:  Good for that!
XO:  Bad for that.

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  I hope not, it seems they are producing here without more help coming from the wormhole.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  You know there's something else we might need to consider.  Could that wormhole be their home and they just want to return?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
OPS:  That's possible, but then why build a colony here?

XO_Wells says:
OPS/CSO: How's the language class going?  Any progress in their communication skills or in ours?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  Well, they probably needed to do that in order to learn to ask for help to go home.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I will, there are just so many of them, so many new thoughts...no, not thoughts, feelings, new confusions.  These aliens, they don't understand what we are.  I don't think they've ever seen anything like us.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  Not really, since there are no vocal chords, I'm guessing our only means of communication are going to be telepathic/empathic means, or visual.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  And so far, nothing is working.  Has the Counselor checked in to let us know if she is getting through or not?

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: And they are attempting to use you as a source of information; as a way to help develop an understanding between both cultures. This journey will require trust, however, I would like to bring some of the memories they have shown you back to the surface to see how they react and respond.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Not as of yet, but if she has a telepathic link to the Captain, I'm not sure it would be wise to interrupt.  No telling how much damage that could do to either one.

XO_Wells says:
CSO/OPS: Teach them sign language, I dunno.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I don't know if they understand them, but they keep bringing up memories of things that took me some time to understand.  Some of them bitter, some less so, but in none of them did I fully understand what I was seeing at the time.~~~

Host TO-Weller says:
::glad she isn't telepathic::  ALL:  So we wait...

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: At the time you did not understand these memories, but do you now understand their significance?~~~

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: But you are right, trust is essential.  I don't think they understood what we are until the Cherokee arrived.~~~

XO_Wells says:
*CNS*: Are you or Doctor Monroe making any progress with our Captain, I sure could use an answer or two from somebody.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  I might suggest that I try to send a telepathic message to the Counselor, but again, I am not sure what type of link they have.  At the moment, time is all we have.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: Yes, but I think it's the confusion they were after.  And the fact that in many of them things were not what was first thought.~~~

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  I can't see how that would hurt, but it is the XO's call.  ::turning to look at him::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Looks over at the XO for a response to the question.::

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: So, in essence, they were attempting to get the point across that we are different than what they expected and are using you as a means to understand us better. The question now is, how do we use this in a way that can help us both understand each other.~~~

Host TO-Weller says:
OPS:  Anything from your tries yet?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
TO:  Nothing yet.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Maybe we can send them some flowers or more metal parts as a gesture of good faith?

Host TO-Weller says:
::sighs::  ALL:  Our luck has to change!

XO_Wells says:
CSO: What message do you want to relay to the counselor telepathically, doesn't the COM work?

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  No one responded to your last COM did they?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I'm not sure, it will take them some time, although the thoughts have changed as things went on.  More structured, I think they are learning how we communicate.  But it's slow, taking a few days between each step.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  The Counselor is in a telepathic link with the Captain.  We can not just sever the link without causing possible neural damage to both the Captain and the Counselor.  The only way to get to the Counselor is perhaps a telepathic message.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Somehow I think the Counselor is the COM.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: I would like to insert some of my recent memories within your mind for them to see. Perhaps, if they see the confusion the crew has with their presence, they may be able to relate to us on a higher level and notice that we are indeed curious about them as well. Would you mind if we attempted this?~~~

XO_Wells says:
CSO: Well, they must be busy down there I'm not getting a response.  What do you want to tell her?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I'm of an open mind, no pun intended.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  Just ask for a status report?  Or would you prefer to wait?

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: Please follow my lead. Inserting memories from ones mind to another can cause a bit of friction within the other's mind. I'll provide all of the guidance needed. Are you ready?~~~

XO_Wells says:
CSO: Let's wait, let's see what are new Counselor can do, meanwhile, keep using imagery to educate the beetles.  Show them stuff from my son's class, he's just learning the same kind of stuff.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I think so.  Hopefully they can grasp the concepts.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  Aye, Sir.  So you would like me to send those images then to the bugs?

XO_Wells says:
*MO_Monroe*: How are things progressing, Doctor?

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::With the go ahead from the Captain, Jennifer attempts to insert the memories she had obtained on the Bridge of the Cherokee where all of the staff seemed both confused and concerned for the Captain's well being. She attempts to focus on the expressions on their faces as well as their actions::

Host TO-Weller says:
::keeping her short range sensors locked on the planet and the LRS on the fleet::

MO_Monroe says:
*XO*: I think the Captain and the counselor are in some kind of telepathic meeting of the minds.  There's no change in the Captain's physical stats so I'm letting them be.  I'll keep monitoring, Sir.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::She notices that the aliens are beginning to focus on the new images. She continues showing them these images, however, focusing on different aspects of them each time::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she gets an indication of a message coming through::  XO:  Sir, I'm getting a radio message broadcasting simultaneously from the small alien crafts, the message says the following, "We try, no understand."

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Senses the aliens focus on the new images, tries to use the distraction to focus mind and regain some control.::

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::She shows the aliens an image of the Captain lying on a Biobed, followed by the pain of the crewmembers who know that he is there::

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Great, they're stupid bugs, just what I feared.  So they can't learn, is that what they are saying?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Need I remind you that none of us grasped the notion of language in one day.  It takes time.

XO_Wells says:
All: What do I have to do, go over there personally and draw them a picture?

Host TO-Weller says:
OPS:  Well I hope they have a breakthrough soon or Starfleet will take care of them.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO: Patience, Grasshopper, Patience. 

Host TO-Weller says:
XO:  Hey, that is a good idea!  ::chuckling::  Just kidding Sir!

Host Alien says:
::Empathically sends feelings of confusion, fear, curiosity, and safety, but the being sending the images seems to be struggling to hold control.::

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Yeah, and grasshoppers poop in your hand if you hold them too long, what's your point?  We just want to know, why they are here and what they want?  Reasonable questions.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Maybe the breakthrough is down in Sickbay, I'm giving it a chance to work, and so should you.

Host TO-Weller says:
OPS:  That gives me an idea.  Perhaps if we showed them we have bugs, but they are NOT intelligent?

XO_Wells says:
TO: Maybe we should give them some incentive.  Show them how we respond to attacks on our people.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::She continues showing the aliens the images of the pain the crew is feeling. She flashes several more images into the Captain's mind with the goal of understanding and distraction::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Focuses on the new thoughts.::  ~~~CNS: I've felt that before, personally.  The mind feels like it's in a battle or other high stress situation, trying to keep others focused on the plan.~~~

XO_Wells says:
OPS: I missed lunch, I have no appetite, I think of food then I picture bugs crawling all over my potato salad and dill pickle.  Who can eat?

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: It seems as if they do indeed understand humanoid emotions or else they would not be reacting to such images. I am going to continue to send them memories and images that show multiple emotions. While I am doing so, I would like for you to attempt to gain control.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  If this telepathic link does not work, we may need to take the TO's suggestion and show these bugs what we do to people who hurt us.

XO_Wells says:
CSO: I can't sleep, I'm too busy scratching imaginary itches, because bugs make my skin itch.  Eighteen hours, what are they doing, stopping off at Risa for dip in the pool on the way here?

Host Alien says:
~~~CNS: You...other...different.  More controlled.~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  Or maybe they're like Locust, going from planet to planet consuming every available resource before moving on..

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  They haven't shown any signs of attacking us, so I suggest we wait.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  Close, I think they want new homes and place to procreate.  That is what they have done so far on the planet.

XO_Wells says:
CSO: I suppose we should take Mrs. Nash' wise advise, hold tight, follow orders and wait, wait for what I don't know but, wait.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: I will try.~~~

Host TO-Weller says:
::I just love this hurry up and wait crap!::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods to the TO.::  XO:  For now, they're not doing any harm.  The Captain does not seem to be in danger.

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Did Starfleet tell you what there plans are once they do arrive?  If we knew we could prepare or something.  Send another report but, ask them what the plan is.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
::Feels a sense of shock as she actually hears the voices of the alien creatures.:: ~~~Alien: Yes. This is how I talk to others. This is my gift.~~~ ::She sends them images of her communicating with other telepaths and allows them to hear how the conversations within the mind sounded::

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  That we know of...

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Medically speaking, I think the Doctor would have ordered the break in the link if either were showing medical signs of danger.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Starfleet, fill us in on what they are thinking of doing?  Even you know the answer to that.

Host  Alien says:
~~~CNS: Talk new, we feel each, drone or mother.~~~

XO_Wells says:
OPS: I do?  Tell me again.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Yes, you do, they tell us nothing except when it suits their needs.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~Alien: Talk is good. Take your time. How are you?~~~ ::She decides that starting off with very simple phrases may be best to help with the development of conversation. She also accompanies her question by an image::

Host TO-Weller says:
OPS:  Isn't that the truth!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Feels the link with the aliens weakening.::

XO_Wells says:
OPS: But, this time we are needing to know!  We are here, they, are not.  Don't they get it?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Oh I think they do, but they don't admit to us that they do.

Host Alien says:
~~~CNS: We thought good.  Thought found unclaimed system.~~~

XO_Wells says:
OPS/CSO: So, just keep doing what we're doing.  Send them more reruns of Sesame Street.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  Yup, I'm afraid so.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~Alien: No.  This system has much life.~~~ ::She begins to flash images to the aliens of all of the different species that live in the area:: ~~~Alien: What happened to your home?~~~

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  I would just continue with the Counselor in Sickbay. And we, on the Bridge, wait.

Host Alien says:
~~~CNS: We know now.  Home fine, but only one queen per planet.~~~

XO_Wells says:
CSO: They can see.  They can hear.  The only thing they can't do is speak.  This shouldn't be so hard for a species that can have a space program, to do.  They should be able to understand us.  Keep thinking of new teaching techniques, something has to work.  If given a choice, these beetle should much rather deal with us than Starfleet.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~Alien: Yes. Do you need help finding another planet for your queen?~~~

Host CO_Ayidee says:
~~~CNS: They're loosing their grip with me.  I will try and stay with you, if you can manage.~~~

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Most of the time, Starfleet's answer is to shoot it, and ask questions later.

Host Alien says:
~~~CNS: I am queen, and if this planet taken, we need find another.~~~

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  Yes, it's that simple.

CNS_LtJG_Selar says:
~~~CO: Please take the opportunity to depart. It will help your mind a great deal. The stresses of these events are not easy for your mind at this time.~~~
~~~Alien: Would you like our help?~~~

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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