USS Cherokee 11012.05 Curious Part 14
Starring 
Trish Yarborough as TO-Weller, and Executive Producer 
Steve Weller as Captain Tio Ayidee, Queen, and Beetle “But”
Zach Farland as Commander Garrison Wells 
Rob Bindels as Lieutenant Konrad Zdunowski 
Linda Baus as CSO_LtJG_Logan
Jane Rowley as CMO_Lt_Ki
Keith LaHue as CEO_Cmdr_Damien

Absent
Dawn Freeman as Commander Kyleigh Nash 
Cory Friess as CNS_LtJG_Selar

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ship's Log, Stardate 11012.05, Captain Ayidee recording.  We are still attempting to make progress with the aliens.  Some progress has been made but it is still in the early stages.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::On Bridge, monitoring the Away Team's efforts.::

Host TO-Weller says:
::walking behind the CSO::

XO_Wells says:
::On the planet, having toured the area with Queen and her entourage::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Taking scans of the beetle's outside structure.::  Beetle But:  Mind if I take a look inside?

Host Queen says:
::Working with the strange creatures that have changed everything we thought we knew, hoping they are as helpful and friendly as they seem.::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@:: In main engineering, signs off on a report and hands it back to the young ensign before leaving for the bridge::

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  I am going to walk around a little on my own, unless you think you need me?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO: No, I think I'll be fine, but thank you.

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: As long as you don't approach the young, we can go anywhere.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: You have the Bridge.  I'm going to go take a quick tour of the ship to make sure we're at status.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  Would you like to lead the way?  That way I don't intrude where I'm not supposed to be.

Host TO-Weller says:
::begins to walk through the hive, a few paces behind the CSO so she would not know she is being followed just in case... then pats her side::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  So how long does it take you to build one of these hives?

XO_Wells says:
::Seems to have lost the counselor::

Host TO-Weller says:
:;reminds her of a bee hive.  Had a cousin that used to raise bees::

Host Beetle But says:
::Starts walking to the nearest opening.::  CSO: Each compartment takes a few hours, depending what it's used for.  Nursery takes longer, storage less so.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  Mind if I take some scans inside at all?  ::Shows him the Tricorder she has.::  It just reads information so that we can know more about you to help you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Walks down towards Sickbay.::

Host TO-Weller says:
::,moves her tricorder to scan also::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: So it's a scanner, but hand sized?  Interesting.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::exits main engineering and walks to the nearest lift, calls it::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Touches the internal structure with her hand.::  Beetle But:  Interesting structure you have here.  Now since it's colder than your average temperature, are your bodies able to adapt to the cooler climate?  And the nursery, if you don't mind my asking, does it need to be kept warm for the babies?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::enters the turbo-lift and orders it to the bridge::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Initiates some scans of the interior design of the structure.::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: We can adapt, as long as the change isn't too quick.  The larva need stable temperature more so than warm.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::Gets to Sickbay and enters.::  CMO: Doctor, thought I'd stop in and see how you're finding the Cherokee?

Host TO-Weller says:
::hears one of the bugs clicking up behind her.  She turns and looks at the eyes::

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::startled::  CO:  Fine, Captain.  Everything is fine.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::enters the bridge::

Host TO-Weller says:
::tries to figure out which eye to look at::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  Would you mind if I took scans of you?  ::Shows him the scanner again.::  Are all the drones males?

XO_Wells says:
::Taking notes on a PADD, detailing specifics on planetary needs for searching out a qualified planet for the queen and her subjects::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@CMO: Didn't mean to startle you.  Just wanted to make sure everything is going all right.  It's been a while, but I do remember coming to new ships being awkward at times.

Host TO-Weller says:
::she stands there looking at him? her?, waiting, starting to feel uncomfortable.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Doesn't remember seeing the CNS, and wonders if she got lost intentionally, but blocks the thoughts to keep them from being read.::

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@CO:  That's very considerate of you Sir.  ::wondering why the Captain doesn't have better things to do::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: You can scan.  All males, but can only produce other drone offspring.  Need "King" for other queen.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  So .. ::pausing and thinking a minute::  where does the King come from?  Is he one of the drone offspring?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::Passively scans the colony on the planet, being careful not to set up an harmonic resonances that an insectoid species could pick up on::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@CMO: I'll let you get back to getting up to speed.  I will see you soon, Physical Evals are never far off after all.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@CO:  I'm looking forward to it Sir.   ::isn't really::

XO_Wells says:
*CO*: Captain Ayidee, it's me.  How much time do we have before Starfleet gets here?  I'd like to have a place to recommend to them for the Queen and company by then.

Host TO-Weller says:
::if that bug thinks she is going to blink first, it is going to wait a long time::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@CMO: Glad to hear it.  I'll be available if you need me.  ::Exits Sickbay.::
*XO*: We have about five more hours, although they may have dropped speed as the situation got less pressing.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::wondering what that was all about::

XO_Wells says:
*CO*: I have Logan gathering data now but, we could use an engineer.  I think one would be best to find a place for them.  Do you know any engineers in the real estate business?

Host TO-Weller says:
*CSO*:  I am having a Mexican standoff with one of the buts.  Perhaps you would like to run interference before I do something the XO won't like?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Takes some scans of Beetle But and touches the buttons on the Tricorder.::

XO_Wells says:
*CO*: Also, I can't find the new counselor, I've never lost any one before.  Could use a medic down here too.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::resumes ignoring his staff and reviewing inventory::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: King comes rarely, and they keep their numbers limited so the queens don't grow too fast.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Looks back at the TO.::  TO:  I can see that.  
Mexican Beetle:  Would you like something to eat?  Takes a ration bar out of the packet and passes it to the beetle. ::Walks to the TO's area.::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::switches over to active scanning, having determined which frequencies to avoid::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*XO*: I'll see what I can find you.  Might be a good chance to get our new crew into action.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  So where 'do' the King's come from though?

ACTION:  The bug continues to look at the TO and ignores the CSO.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  It isn't working...

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Takes a bite of the ration bar.:: Mexican Beetle:  See?  Food.  Do you want?  ::passes the half eaten bar off to the TO.::  TO:  I think he likes you. Just ask lots of questions.  You can't have my beetle but.  I've grown rather fond of him.

Host TO-Weller says:
Mexican Beetle:  Well you want this or not?  ::hands it to it::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Relax.  He's a male.  Remember, males are generally slower.  You have to have patience grasshopper.  ::Snickers and walks away.::

Host TO-Weller says:
::patience my rear end.  Males are always slow, so what is new with this one?::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::Walks back to Sickbay.::  CMO: Sorry Doctor, but the Away Team is looking for a medic in case something goes wrong down there.  Would give you a chance to get to know some of your shipmates down there.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::frowns::  CO:  I see.

Host TO-Weller says:
:;watches as the bug slowly reaches out an arm to take the bar::

XO_Wells says:
::Walking along with Queen, who, so far, has been quite quiet::  Queen: Let me ask you, what would you like to see happen, with you and your drones, I mean.  Would returning to your own galaxy be agreeable to you?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  So what do the male drones do after the colony is built?  Isn't their job done?

Host Queen says:
XO: If this isn't an option, then we would need to depart, of course.  Find a new planet in our galaxy.

XO_Wells says:
Queen: I understand the planet you originate on is not suitable for your situation but, perhaps, another planet in another star system in the same galaxy would be possible?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  See .. I think he's going to try it.  They're not really all that bad.  They're like small children, really .. ::mumbles:: but uglier.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::wondering who to send in his place::

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  I heard that!  ::grinning widely::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: The kings travel to established colonies.  The time spent in travel makes it so they arrive every few decades.  So while a colony is built, they are already traveling.

Host TO-Weller says:
::turns and follows the CSO again as Mexican Beetle follows her::

Host Queen says:
XO: That is what we have done, and it is what we would do again.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  I think I have a friend ::and looks back over her shoulder::

XO_Wells says:
Queen: It was just an accident your being here anyway, right?  So, the wormhole is still opened, as far as I know.  Depending on our superiors wishes, regarding you, you may want to be prepared for a quick exit.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Did he eat 'all' that ration bar?  Oh my!  I should have brought more.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CEO*: Commander, Commander Wells on the surface has need for an Engineer.  I'd like you and Doctor Ki head down to the planet to join the Away Team.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::sighs::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@*CO*: I'll have a shuttle ready and waiting for us, unless you want us to use the transporters?  I'm sure we could find some way of explaining our presence to the...uh...insect race.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO:  That is just what I don't need.

XO_Wells says:
Queen: Have all of your immediate needs been filled.  Are you in need of food or water or medicine?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  I really do appreciate your allowing us to take some scans of everything here.  Are your babies born as eggs, and then hatch?
TO:  I'm sure he's just as curious about us as we are of them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@*CEO*: You could Transport into the shuttle that is on the surface.  Would cover the appearance.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@*CO*: Works for me. I'll have the chief medical officer meet me in the transporter room.

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: They are laid as eggs, and then develop into larva.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::taps his comm badge:: *CMO*:Commander Damien to Lieutenant Ki.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::packing a mission specific med kit::  *CEO*:  Yes?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Wonders how long the egg and larva stages are.::  Beetle But:  If you could use the day and night cycle of the planet as a time reference, how long would you say the egg and larva stages are, if you don't mind answering that for me?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@*CMO*: We're going to be transporting down. Meet me in transporter room one please.  ::exits the bridge and heads for the transporter room::

XO_Wells says:
::Wonders if we shouldn't host a royal brunch for her highness.  First contact is one thing but this is royalty::

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@*CEO*:  I’ll be there soon.  ::wondering where exactly transporter room one is as he finishes packing his kit::

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
::Exits the officers mess, after a good meal.::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: About 1/18th of the day cycle.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@*CMO*: Good, see you in a few minutes. Damien out.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Records the information on her PADD.::  Beetle But:  Thank you.  You are a very gracious host, Mr. Beetle But.  Are the eggs laid in intervals?  Or is like one big dump of eggs?  ::Shudders as she doesn't really know any nice way to put that.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::Exits Sickbay, returning to the Bridge.::

XO_Wells says:
*CSO*: Wells to Logan.  How are things going, Lieutenant?

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::leaves sickbay::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::exits the lift and walks to the transporter room::

Host Beetle But says:
CSO: Queen lays eggs with some regularity.  When she in orbit, they are ferried down by drones.

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
*XO*: Sir, may I ask where you are about? I prepared the shuttle, but so nobody arrive. I went to the bridge, empty. So I ordered a meal in the officers mess. I come back and miss a shuttle?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  Excuse me a minute please.
*XO*:  It is going well, Commander.  I am getting lots of information.  Is there anything you need from me?  I'm still gathering information right now.  I'd like to stay a while, if I can.

XO_Wells says:
*CSO*: I think we may be getting an engineer down here.  I want you to work with them. So, please return to where ever it is I am.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::exits a turbo lift and heads in the direction he hopes the transporter room is in::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  That is interesting.  So you have a proficient amount of drones that are capable of sustaining the colony then.  What is your life span?

Host  Beetle But says:
CSO: Drone life span or colony?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::enters the transporter room and speaks with the transporter chief Donovan, giving him the specific coordinates of the shuttle they are beaming into::

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@miraculously arrives in the transporter room::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  The drone life span, Mr. Beetle But.

Host TO-Weller says:
:;the picture in her mind of the Queen "dumping" eggs almost makes her gag::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
*XO*:  If you could let me know when they arrive, I'll meet you at your location then.

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::sees the CEO chatting to the transporter chief.  Step onto the pad::

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
::Walks over to the Shuttlebay again. In order to check on the shuttles again.::

Host TO-Weller says:
:;thank god for the XO, it can't be too soon for her to leave this house of horrors::

Host  Beetle But says:
CSO: Drones are replace every 3 day cycles.  After that experience showed too much loss of function.

XO_Wells says:
*CSO*: Yeah, okay, bring the muscle with you, I mean, Ms. Weller.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Snickers.::  *XO*:  Will do, Commander.  
TO:  We'll be meeting up with Commander Wells in a few minutes, after an engineer shows up here.

Host TO-Weller says:
::giggles at the XO's description of her::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
@::looks up as Ki enters:: CMO: We're going to set down inside the shuttle, and say we've been there the entire time. ::grins at the stoic Ki:: You get to make up what we were doing. ::steps onto the pad::

CMO_Lt_Ki says:
@::deadpan::  CEO:  Having a quickie... Sir?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  So how old are you?  ::Pulls out her last ration bar, and opens it.  Then passes it to the Beetle But.::  This is what we call a ration bar.  It is food.  Would you like to sample some of our food?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
@::Returns to the Bridge and calls the task force for an exchange of updates.::

XO_Wells says:
::Wishes he had brought ZG down with him, perhaps if he could see this through his son's eyes, he's appreciate the experience more::

ACTION:  The CEO and CMO are beamed into the shuttle on the planet.

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
::Makes the best out of it, as the XO is not answering and checks all shuttles.::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::materializes on the shuttle::

Host  Beetle But says:
CSO: I am in my second "day".  We tasted the ration bar when the other drone tasted it.

XO_Wells says:
*FCO*: If you wanna come down, grab my kid and join us.

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
*XO*: Aye-aye sir. Grab kid and flow down.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Beetle But:  Bows to him in respect.  I am glad I got to meet you, Mr. Beetle But.  Your kind are very interesting.  I appreciate your allowing me to take some scans.

Host TO-Weller says:
CSO: Does this mean he dies after tomorrow?

XO_Wells says:
Queen: So, anybody hungry?  Queen?  Ringo? Paul? John? How about you George?

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
::Checks out for the kid of the XO and orders him to join and go find his dad.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  Their days are longer than our days.  He has some time.  ::Smiles.::

FCO_Lt_Zdunowski says:
::Heads over to the room for beaming down, where he finds a kid, waiting impatiently. Both enter the area and beam down to the given area.::

Host TO-Weller says:
::snaps her fingers::  CSO:  What a shame.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
TO:  I was thinking of bringing him back with me.

ACTION:  The FCO and the XO’s son appear in the shuttle.

XO_Wells says:
<ZG>: FCO: Hurry up, Mr. Zdunovski.

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

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