USS Cherokee 11108.07 Discovery Part 10

Starring
Trish Yarborough as Atlanta and Executive Producer 
Steve Weller as Captain CO_Ayidee
Zach Farland as Guest Star SO_MaryAnn_Bright
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_LtJg_Talora
Linda Baus as CSO_LtJG_Logan 

Absent
Blake Harris as CTO_Nolsen

Host CO_Ayidee says:
The crew is stuck in what would best be called an aquarium, and we are working to find out both why we're here and who took us.  So far, it's going slow, but it is still early.  At least I think it is.

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

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In aquarium, eating.:: All: Any ideas on how to tell how long we've been here?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Eating the vegetable that looks like an apple, and surprisingly it tastes pretty good.::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Still sitting off to the side, not eating::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  My guess not very long because they just dumped us here and cleaned the cage.  My guess is that the prior occupants were not very cleanlilike.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: It's been at least several hours, probably half a day based on hunger.  We were taken just after breaking our fast.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CMO: You should eat, Starfleet rule, keep your body ready in prime condition at all times.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
SO: I do. However, forcing oneself to eat isn't always healthy.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::feeling refreshed after eating some fruits and vegetables.:

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Forcing?  You don't feel hungry?  My metabolism is fast, but not that much quicker.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  The long ones taste like apples.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CMO: I don't know what you're accomplishing by not eating, you must be as hungry as the rest of us.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Takes another bite, and then stops.::  ALL:  You don't think they ... ::looks at the piece of fruit/vegetable:: drugged us, do you?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Smiles lightly:: CO: Sir, being thrown into a prison once more doesn't exactly push my appetite.  ::Hears the CSO:: CSO: Another reason I’m not eating.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO/ CSO: A person who uses such substances, whether for war or personal effect, tends to use the same method.  They used gas the first time.  No reason they couldn't use it again.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  Honestly, it wouldn't make sense.  If they wanted us dead, we'd be dead.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Look around.  I don't think these creatures are all that technically advanced.  Why drug us, they could have kept us all under with just a spray of that stinky liquid they squirted us with.

ACTION:  A noise is heard by the away team.  The outer thick metal walls on all four sides of the tank lower down into the floor on hydraulic lifts. Straight down, vertically, into housing slots in the ground. The water outside is fairly clear.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: Also true, but there are other types of substances used in order to gain information.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Finishes eating, feels satisfied::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Good on one point, a bit of a stretch on...the other.  I think the curtain is opening.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  Interesting ::admires the view.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::is wondering what is going on now.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Now we may get some more answers.  ::Sees the outer metal walls drop down in to cut out slits in the bedrock outside the tank::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  We don't know what technology they possess.  All we know is they gassed us.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: It looks like hydraulics.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Crosses her arms and waits::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Looks outside the tank they are in, looking for any sign of any creatures or other cages.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::The waters outside the tank are pretty clear.  The tank they are in is totally submerged.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Yes.  Another bit of technology that doesn't tell us much.  What would a bear think of human technology looking out of his zoo pen?  We can't judge too much yet.

ACTION:  On the two sides of the square tank, they can see another tank, just like theirs but the metal outer walls are up. In front of them and in back of them, they can see an isle of water, across the isle, in front and in back, they can see more tanks like theirs all in neat rows. Some of the metal doors are down on some of the tanks.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: No, Sir, not yet.  Still gathering facts.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Walks to the edge of the tank, looking out.  Starts tapping out numbers, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Looking around::  All: So, we are just one tank of many.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Frowns as she observes the surroundings:: Self: We aren't the only ones kept here...

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  And my guess the Gibraltar crew are in one of those other tanks.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CMO: We know birds are kept here too.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Indeed, but who is it that keeps the tanks, and which one are the other's in?

ACTION:  A random worker passes by as the CO taps on the glass.  It looks but continues his path away from the cage.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: I hope so.  I hope they're alright.  They didn't kill us so there's hope for the Gibraltar crew.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
SO: Indeed, but that could've been for any number of reasons....All we can do is wait and see.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods.::  ALL:  Look, a worker.  ::points.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Any signs of culture you know, now is the time to use them.  Math, science, music, whatever you can show to show we're sentient.  Not sure if it will help or not, but have to try.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: Fish hate it when you tap on the glass, Sir.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Uses the juices from the fruit to draw a picture of a house on land with the sun on the glass.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: And those in the glass hate being penned up.  If it gets their attention, it's worth the annoyance factor.  We have to let them know what they have.  Whether they care will help us form our next plan of action.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Prior to my getting caught, Captain, I sent a video upload to the Cherokee.  I never did get confirmation that it went through.  There was a lot of interference.  The equipment was completely secure, so if there is another landing party, unless the equipment was destroyed, the others should have an inkling what happened to us.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: Oh, I just didn't want to make them mad at us, Sir.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Goes over to the CMO.::  CMO:  Talora, how are you doing?  Do you mind if I call you Talora?  ::Sits down next to her.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Looking in the other tanks, the ones with their outer metal doors down::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: The ship knew where we were also.  While they were busy beaming the crew up in emergency evac mode, they'd of had sensors trained on us.  They should know we're under the surface at least.  ::Doesn't mention the chance that they missed the order in the chaos of the moment.::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Nods:: CSO: I'm doing well.  This isn't the first time I’ve been captured, although the first time underwater....it adds a different dimension to it, I suppose.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Watching the sea creatures passing by, this way and that.  They seem to be quite busy::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: I'd like to avoid antagonizing them also, but we need to get their attention.

ACTION:  Across the way, a tank is being filled up with water, just as theirs was.  Inside the tank are chicken-like bird who float to the surface.  When they reach the top, they fly through the grate cover.  Their tank is being cleaned like the away teams.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  I know you don't want to eat, but I have tasted the round one's and they're really not that bad.  It's kind of sweet, like an apple.  If you get hungry, that is ...

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Look the sea birds are getting their tank cleaned, just like ours was.  They fit through the spaces in the grate-cover.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Smiles again:: CSO: That's quite alright. No creature captures something and doesn't make it clear what it wants. If it wants entertainment, information, help, or food...well, one can make a decision from there, but until that time, I feel like there's no sense to be struggling.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Keeping the same style.  I wonder how many of the cages are filled with extra worldly beings?  Us, hopefully the Gibraltar, but any others I wonder?  Gods, for a chance to figure that out.  Among other issues.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  Of course you are right.  I think from a science point of view, I'm just curious.  I want to meet the creatures that did this.  I'd like to know if they can understand us.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CMO: If we haven't been here long, maybe they just haven't gotten around to us yet.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
SO: Possible, and if so, then might as well sit tight and wait.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: I Don't see any humanoids in any of the tanks, Sir.  Just birds.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: As far as we can see, yes.  But that's making a lot of assumptions.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CMO: The water is clear.  You can get a good look around.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  Aren't you just a little bit curious?  I mean, they haven't really harmed us.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: To assume there are only birds, or that there is only 1 cage area.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: Agreed, Sir.  Never assume - science 101, Sir.

ACTION:  The tank is cleaned like theirs was but, bird food and water in a birdbath was left behind for them. When the bird's tank is cleaned, they eventually go back in. They don't appear to have much endurance. They can fly but, prefer the ground cause they can't fly too long at a stretch. They too need dry ground and air.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  I do have a question that maybe someone can answer.  The top of our cage allows air to come in.  That would lead me to believe that our sensors should have picked up someone protruding from the water.  Why didn't it?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Exactly.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: Curious, yes. But think of it another way, Humans catch fish and things from the sea, why can't it work opposite here?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Those birds I'm sure don't mind being in captivity.  They have their food and shelter.  They're just birds.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  But we eat what we catch, and it doesn't look like they're going to eat us.  Well, at least I hope they're not fattening us up for a feast.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: There are subsurface settlements on some worlds.  They can be built to appear as normal structures or hidden.  Besides, even if they were open, we have no idea how deep we are, what ocean we're in on the world, lots of things that would prevent this structure being detected.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: A lot of rock formations like caves, have minerals in them that interfere with sensors, Ma'am.  Maybe that's the case here?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Watching the birds::  All: I really think this place has something to do with the birds.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO/SO:  Not to sounds stupid, but wouldn't our sensors have picked up at least the material that "could" have blocked the sensors?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: We don't know for sure however. A third reason why I'm not eating.  If they become concerned with eating habits, then it's a clue.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: That also, it's a big world with a lot of area to cover, especially the ocean parts.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  True, but I don't think we're too far out in the ocean to be honest.  At least that's my opinion on the subject.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: It may have, but how much effort did we give to searching the ocean floors?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: There's no one competent left on the ship, Ma'am.  We are all in an aquarium.  ::Smiles::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  Good point.  So tell me, where were you born, if you don't mind my asking?  I mean there isn't much to do  here but learn about each other.

ACTION:  Dozens of sea creatures begin passing by the away team's cage.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  It's not the ocean floors that I was concerned about, because these cages appear to be only in the top of the water .. ::looks at the sea creatures passing by.::  Look, Captain.  ::Points.::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Blinks:: CSO: Born on a Starbase, quite far from here.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  Were your parents in Starfleet?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Resumes the Prime number tapping.:: All: Everyone smile.  Or frown.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Why do you think we aren't to far from shore?  We were loaded into cargo submergible vessels.  Who knows where they took us.  Not us, we was out cold.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Smiles again:: CSO: No, not at all.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: If they built a dome and put the cages inside it, under the water and pumped it full of air.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  I really don't know.  I just don't think they travel too far from their habitat to go gathering creatures.
CO:  And that is true, but it sure does look like a sky to me.
CMO:  So this may be a bad time to ask, but how do you like being in Starfleet?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she just ignores the creatures as they walk by, she doesn't like becoming an exhibit in some zoo.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Underground caves very often have air pockets, Ma'am.  We could be several fathoms down, in an under water cavern.  That would be my guess by looking at the ceiling and the limestone deposits there.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: It's quite different from my previous occupation and position. Although I’m content with it, I suppose.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Watches what the sea creatures are doing outside the tank::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  If we are on exhibit, I wonder how they would respond to violence?  They don't seem to care too much for us being peaceful with each other.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Some carry nets, some are pushing carts around.  Some are walking, some are swimming, their full tails flowing behind them::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  So, what'd you do before Starfleet?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: Unfortunately, that's not something I’m quite at liberty to discuss, I’m sure you understand.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: I was thinking similar, but it's a risk how I was thinking.  Draw blood, see if they move to treat the injury.  But if they don't?  Salt water and open wounds don't mix comfortably.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Stands up and looks outside, still standing next to the CMO.::  CMO:  Oh, you must have been with Starfleet Intel or Security.  I understand.  Don't worry.  I won't ask no more questions.  ::Stares out the glass.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Some are cleaning the tanks.  Some are bossing the others around.  Some are ignoring their bosses and doing as they please.  Some are on a seaweed juice break::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Aye, Captain.  I volunteer if you need someone to take the hit or the fall.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: I wasn't with Starfleet, I can tell you that at least. I hate being mysterious.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Aren't any of you the least bit interested in what’s going on outside?  You all sound like you've given up.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  It's okay, Talora.  You don't have to say anything more.  I do understand.  ::Smiles at her.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Not yet.  It's not time to rush into things we may regret.  It's only a few hours.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  Actually, I am looking out, but they don't seem to care that we're here.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods to the CO.::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
SO: Given up? No.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: I'm watching, but they don't seem to be the type we're looking to attract.  Patrons, not scientist, not leaders.  Not beings with the ability to alter this situation.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  You want us to keep smiling and waving?  ::Chuckles.::  Not much we can do right now.  Just observe.

ACTION:  One of the workers stops and moves closer to the cage.  He taps on it.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Maybe we can get one of them to go get the boss.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Out loud:  Look at this.  He's tapping.  ::Taps back.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: There are other things we can do.  On my visits to Earth zoos, the other Academy Cadets used to want to go to the Primate cages to see them "throw feces" at the cage walls.  Never got it myself.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CO: About the violence idea sir...if we start acting up, they may begin to think that we're solitary creatures in which they'd split us up. Then where would we be?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Hey, look, a visitor.  ::Approaches tapper and waves at him.  Smiles too::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Joins the tapping, matching the other being tap for tap.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CMO:  I'm thinking if all else fails, we could try the violence.  But hey, I think we have a visitor.  Look.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: That's another problem I hadn't thought of.  As I said, it's not a simple solution.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Places her hand on the glass, spreading her fingers.::

ACTION:  The tapping of the crew results in a lot of glares from the outside passer-bys.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: We got their attention.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Agreed.  Now let's see if the word spreads.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Continues to tap on the glass, noticing it is attracting some visitors.  Attempts to reach out telepathically to them, wondering if they will understand her.::  Creatures:  ~~~Hello, creatures.  We are a peaceful species.  Do you  understand me?~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Captain, I'm going to try my telepathy on them.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Good idea.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Good idea.  Or empathy, emotions, maybe they won't get the language.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Looks for a reaction from the tapper::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  I don't think it's working.  ::Frowns.::  One more time though ...
Creatures:  ~~~Do you understand me?~~~

ACTION:  A startled reaction is seen on the face of one of the sea creatures.  The sea creature swims off hurriedly, looking very frightened and scared.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Out loud:  Was it something I said telepathically?  Or do you think the tapping startled that one?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Ooo, that did something.  He totally freaked out.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Finally stands:: All: Hmm...impressionable little buggers.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Was that from you?  If so, that may be a step forward.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  I hope freaked out in a good way.  ::Continues to try to reach the other creatures telepathically.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: A lot of us were tapping, it didn't care. He tapped too.  It was the telepathy but, I don't think he understood you, but it surprised him.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Sea Creatures:  ~~~Talk to me, do you understand?~~~

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  What about the others?  Do they not care?

ACTION:  All of the sea creatures have left the area in a hurry.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Out loud:  Okay then, I guess they didn't like me after all.  ::Sighs.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: How would you react if you were at the zoo and an Alterian rabbit started putting thoughts in your head?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: You sure know how to clear a room, Ma'am.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: Probably the same way, Sir.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CO: They know as little of us as we do of them.  That may be our advantage.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  No, clearing the room will be later. I think that fruit upset my stomach.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: Reason 4...

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Don't do that, Ma'am.  So far the bathroom issue hasn't come up, let's keep it from coming up. ...or out.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Then let's hope that they want to learn why we're different.  Pass us up the academic food chain.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  Coming up isn't the problem.  It's what's coming out the basement that is concerning me.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: I guess you could use one of the empty containers, they're air tight and water tight.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  I'll be okay for now, but for the record, we're all going to have to go sooner or later.  I just might happen to be sooner than you all.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
Self: So far I can rule out information and help, they've shown neither.  It's down to Entertainment, Education or Food...

ACTION:  A very officious female sea creature comes into view with the frightened worker beside her.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  We have company again.  ::Looks onward at the creatures.::  
CO:  Captain, would you like me to try again?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Cautiously.  It's the only thing that got their attention so far.

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Who's she?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Taps on the glass, and reaches out telepathically.::  Creatures: ~~~My name is Sydney.  We come in peace.  Do you understand me?~~~

Host Atlanta says:
::looking at the creatures inside the cage, she remembers the Gibraltar crew.  She notified the government and the military came to take them away to their science division::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
::Sees the female not reacting like she understood::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  I don't think she understands.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Breathes on the glass to fog it up, then draws the Starfleet emblem in the fog.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Creatures:  ~~~We come in peace.~~~  ::Tries to send thoughts of happy families and peaceful nations to the creatures.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Anything in particular you would like me to try to say, Captain?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: I don't think they understand words.  To bad we didn't have a communications expert with us.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CSO: Let us out?

Host Atlanta says:
::is startled and tries an experiment of her own.  She send the thoughts to the crew about the military taking the others away.  All the crew sees the thoughts from her::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Just let them know who we are, and that we come in peace.  If you can make them understand...that.  Did you send that to me?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Captain, I'm getting something; about the Gibraltar crew.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Whips around and stares intently at the creature::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Send what to you, Captain?

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
All: Did you get that?  Holy cow!  I got a picture in my head of her.  She was talking to some sea creature in a military uniform or something and he took some humans away?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  I think they are trying to speak to me.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
SO:  Okay, maybe she has the ability to send that image to you too.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Turns:: CO: Wasn't there a Betazoid in the Gibraltar crew?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: What Chief Bright just said.  I'm guessing it wasn't from you.  Keep speaking, telepathing, whatever.  Make her understand.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Creatures:  ~~~We are from a peaceful group of people known as Starfleet.  We come in peace.  Do you understand me?  The images you sent me.  Those were our people we were looking for.  Are they alive?~~~

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL: Well, I think there is a lead on what happened to the ones from the Gibraltar.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods to the Captain.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CSO: Its not telepathy, not like what we know.  Its a picture language.  You think images, not words.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Not positive on that.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
SO: Telepathy without words.  Like the bugs.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods to the SO, and sends images in her mind of the Gibraltar crew that she remembered viewing on the Cherokee.::

SO_MaryAnn_Bright says:
CO: I'm sure of it.  ::Envisions - hugging female sea creature in a friendly way and concentrates on the female at the same time::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she keeps thinking about her family on the Cherokee and how she misses them.::

ACTION:  Atlanta envisions giving the crew food and water.

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

This is an official A Call To Duty ©  Transcript of Stardate 11108.07.   This may not be reproduced in any way, shape, and/or form without express permission by its participants and/or official Star Trek: A Call To Duty Game Staff. Please Visit Our Web Site.