USS Cherokee 11111.06  Questions Part 5

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

Absent
Jon Benson as CEO_LtJg_Salor
Blake Harris as CTO_Ens_Nolsen

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ship's Log, Stardate 11111.06, Captain Ayidee recording.  We have either found a clue as to what is happening here, or another question.  An unidentified vessel has suddenly appeared nearby in system, but so far scans have been inconclusive.

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Host CO_Ayidee says:
::On Bridge.::  OPS: Keep hailing them.  If there's someone alive on that ship they may have answers.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Checking scans of the vessel that came into the system.  Tries to get a reading on what kind of vessel, who owns it, etc.::

Host Alien-Ship says:
@::notices strange sounds coming from the communications system.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Concentrate on the contents of that ship, specifically the crew.  
aTO: You concentrate on the technology of the ship.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  I've been hailing them every 5 standard minutes.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Standing on the bridge, by Science trying to help decipher anything::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: There seemed to be some kind of answer.  If it's an unknown language the Universal Translator will need time to work, and something to work on.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@::pacing the deck, wondering what happened to the young ones and if the ship they see somehow got them::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Trying to get scans of it, Captain.  
::Taps lightly on the console to expand on the readings she is getting.::
CO:  I can't get a reading, Captain.  Our scanners can't penetrate the ship.  I've running the vessel type in the database to see if we can determine what species it belongs to.  It may take a few minutes, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO/ XO: Until we get answers we need theories.  If they, or someone, actively took the young ones, what would be gained by it?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  I'll keep working on the scans, while it's running through our database.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Keep at it.  We need some kind of answers.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  I noticed that, Captain.  Hopefully once this barrier is eliminated, we can work on getting our families back.

XO_Wells says:
CO: If they took them they've signed their own death warrant.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Modifies the scans and takes a more direct scanning approach, just as the reading comes back on the vessel.::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CO: Sustained generations? They could be unable to have children, so they stole ours?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: We will deal with that once they are found.  We need to know why.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Unknown vessel, Captain.  Our database has not encountered this kind of species in the past, at least not from what I can pull up.  I'm still trying to work with scans to get better readings.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: That's a theory, and there are instances where that's happened before.

XO_Wells says:
CO: I'm ready to go over there and take a look.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Concentrate the scans, just scan for one aspect at a time.  Start with infra red, see if there are any heat sources moving about.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Have a team get ready to go, but we're not sending anyone anywhere until we have some idea what's happening.  Honestly, there's not much to indicate they have the youths.

XO_Wells says:
XO: So, in other words, sit and do nothing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Maybe they need something more to work with as well.  Make the hails live, off the cuff as they say.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Nods to the Captain, and moves to infrared scans.::  CO:  There are definitely beings on that vessel, though.  My senses are picking up their presence.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: No, sit and trust your ship mates.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::sighs::  CO:  Understood.

XO_Wells says:
CO: It's not about trust, its about a limited window of opportunity.  Them or us could vanish again any second.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  They are a strongly focused race, but very unemotional.  I do not detect any emotion at all coming from them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Good point.  Prepare a team and be ready.

XO_Wells says:
CO: Its about time.  I mean, aye, Sir.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
CO: The only other theory I had was Labor, but in a universe with little life, children would almost be a commodity, yes?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Attempts to reach out to the beings telepathically, hoping they can hear her.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Can our sensors penetrate enough to safely Transport a team over?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Distressing thought, but there are very few on board too old to be put to work.  If it is such scum that took them, they would have taken others as well.

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Do you wanna go find your kids or are you able to do anything from here?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  I am picking up the body heat, but can't seem to get past their outer hull.  I'm not sure if transporters will work since I can not get past.  I would say to be sure, we should beam something over first.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Shrugs:: CO: Children DO last longer, and are easily able to be controlled and brainwashed. Adults already have their preconceived notions put together.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  If I go to the source of the kidnappers, I'd sure kill them then ask why they took the children.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  If they took our children, why would they have come back?  It seems odd to me.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: I'm not convinced it was them, but if not they may provide other answers.  Also, why appear suddenly if it was them?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  What if that vessel were in the same boat as us?  What if their children are also missing, and after the children are taken, we are sent to this location of the universe?

XO_Wells says:
OPS: Killing them sounds good to me.  I'll be in the Shuttle Bay if you want to go.  ::Gets up moves towards Turbolift::

ACTION:  Another bump hits the Cherokee.  Another ship of unknown design appears, but before a reading can be made, it disappears.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Maybe an attempt to keep us from going home, or from finding where the children really are?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Possible, although any being in that situation can be...hard to handle.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
ALL:  I mean, think about it.  We're here, with no resources to help us find out anything.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
XO:  I think my work be best served here on the ship.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
XO/CO: Permission to go with the Away Team to investigate?

XO_Wells says:
*Security*: This is Commander wells, have a squad meet me in Shuttle Bay one.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Commander, don't go in assuming they are the enemy.  We know nothing of who they are, or who took the youths.

XO_Wells says:
CMO: Suit yourself, if you’re going lets go.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
aTO: What was that?  Another ship?

XO_Wells says:
CO: I'm not assuming anything.  I'm just going to have a look around.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aTO> CO: Unknown Captain, a ship was there, for just a second.  Not of any known designs.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Excellent, good luck then.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  I would like to go, but I may be the only person here that can sense danger from the crew if they go over there.  
ALL:  And yes, there was a vessel that appeared and then disappeared, according to scans.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Moves and stands over with the XO::

XO_Wells says:
::Enters turbo lift::

ACTION:  The unknown ship sees the new alien ship appear then disappear.

XO_Wells says:
CSO: I'm not going to study them, Lieutenant.  Suit yourself.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: You said you could sense them, can you tell what they are about?

XO_Wells says:
Computer: Shuttle Bay one.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Quickly steps in the TL with the XO before it shuts::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
XO:  I'm not talking about studying them.  But if you are in danger over there, I may be able to sense that danger and have someone beam you out.  
CO:  And no, Sir.  They are a very unemotional race.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: We need answers, not conflict, Commander.  If your child was there, I think Lieutenant Logan could sense them.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@ aCTO:  Have you ever seen a ship of that design?

XO_Wells says:
::Hears CO but, ignores him::
Host Alien-Ship says:
@<aCTO> CO:  No, yet we can't seem to communicate with that one out there.  ::pointing::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
*XO*:  Just so you are aware, I am not sensing any of our children on that vessel, Commander.   In fact, for the record, I sense "NO" children on that vessel.

XO_Wells says:
::Arrives in the Shuttle Bay.  Goes to a weapons locker and retrieves a Phaser::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Have there been any other transmissions besides the first one from that ship?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Captain, I am sensing anger in Commander Wells.  I hope he uses proper judgment.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Follows along and gears herself up:: XO: Sir?  We are planning to do this diplomatically, yes?

XO_Wells says:
*CSO*: They gotta be someplace, I cant sit and do nothing.  If they aren't there then I'm afraid they don’t exist.  You should be focusing your attentions on that wave.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  None from what we detected since that odd sound came through.  We are still working on the Universal Translator.

XO_Wells says:
CMO: I'm kinda playing this one by ear.  I'll know what I'm doing when we get there.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
*XO*:  I am Commander.  And I am also providing you with information that I felt was useful.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*XO*: Commander, I need your head in the game.  Think about this, if they had your children we would know it.  We need you on your game.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
Silently to self:  Yup, he's miffed.

XO_Wells says:
Shuttle Bay chief:  Is my shuttle ready?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
XO: I'm with you sir.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  I guess it's a good thing our doctor went along.

XO_Wells says:
*CO*: If you don’t think they have them, Sir.  Why are you sending me there?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*XO*: We need to know what's there, and what they are about.  You are good at figuring out living beings, one of the best I've seen.

XO_Wells says:
<Security Chief>: XO: Yes, Sir.  Your shuttle is ready.  It’s that one.  ::Points to a shuttle::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Readies a hypo just in case and keeps it well concealed::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  So do you think this alien species is going to open their doors and let them in?

XO_Wells says:
::Heads to shuttle:: CMO: How are your piloting skills Doctor?

Host Alien-Ship says:
@:; sends another message to the Cherokee, hoping to establish communications with them::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: No, not likely.  We need to figure out what they are saying and learn how to talk back.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Walking along:: XO: I can get by, but I'm no FCO.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Replay the original message they sent.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  What about another way to signal them?  Like lights?  Or prime numbers?  Maybe they don't understand us.

XO_Wells says:
::Enters shuttle and assists CMO in getting her ready to depart::  CMO: Better you than me, I'm in a mood.  I may fly us into a asteroid.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Sends some data to the alien ship, using prime numbers.::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::checking on the progress of the UT, she sees that the progress is advancing somewhat.::  CO:  Aye, Sir.  ::replays the original message sent.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*XO*: Are you in the right mind set to run a recon or do I need to find someone else?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Shudders and sits in the pilot's chair:: Self: Oh jeez...Much different than a D'Deridex.  ::Sighs and runs through the checklist::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  He is highly agitated, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Good thinking.  Things are moving too fast right now, we need to get some traction.

XO_Wells says:
*CO*: I guess we are about to find out. ::Pauses:: Don't worry Sir, I'm not as insane as I sound.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Sir, the UT seems to be sorting through the alien communication and it seems that it is going at it in double time.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
*CO*: I'm here as well, sir. I'll look out for him.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Keep scanning and see if you can get through.
aTO: Set up a pattern in the running lights with the Prime Numbers.  If they use a base ten, they should at least understand that.

XO_Wells says:
CMO: When you are ready, get clearance and take us out.  ::Uses Shuttle’s sensors, figuring when we get closer maybe they will reveal something::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: That's a start, at least we know it's a language then.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
OPS:  Try slowing it down.  Maybe they are talking really fast, and we just can't understand them.

XO_Wells says:
CMO: I find sounding nuts gets me what I want quicker, no one dares mess with a maniac.  Now you know the secret to my success, Doctor.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Sorts through the scanned data, and makes notes of the vehicle's configuration, making sure to update the database.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aTO> CO: Aye Captain, setting Prime Number sequence going.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Can you get any images of them from your telepathy?  Know what they look like?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  That's is what I figured.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Nods:: XO: That's and interesting way of viewing it.  I just use these, ::Unsheathes a small dirk from under her uniform.::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Unfortunately, not.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aTO> ::Initiates the Prime Number sequence with the running lights.::

XO_Wells says:
CMO:  Whatever works, right?  ::Smiles::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
XO: Old habits are hard to break.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@::sees the ship flash lights.  It looks strangely familiar::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  My team is working that idea as we speak, they just started that part of the task.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Would help to know how many fingers they had at least.

XO_Wells says:
CMO: Take us out.  I'm in a hurry.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Smiles at OPS.::  OPS:  Sorry, my mind is going in every direction right now.
CO:  Understood.  Ten fingers and toes, base 10.

XO_Wells says:
::Has a security team on board, armed::

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Nods:: XO: Aye....::Gently lifts off:: *OPS*: Permission to depart?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CSO:  Odd, my mind is extra focused.  I need to keep busy because, if I don't, I'd be going crazy about not knowing where my kids are.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
*CMO*:  Permission granted.  Be careful.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
OPS:  I can definitely understand your concern.  We'll get the kids back, Commander.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
::Smiles lightly:: *OPS*: I always am. ::Takes the shuttle out of the Cherokee and towards the alien ship.::

XO_Wells says:
CMO: Careful is for amateurs.  ::Smiles again::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Exactly.

ACTION:  The shuttle leaves the Cherokee.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Can you find a way to send them a message, with ideas rather than words?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#XO: Far from it. ::Thinks for a moment:: It's like theft.  If you steal something, the first instinct is to run for it.  But that's the amateur way of doing things, and you usually get caught.

XO_Wells says:
#::Working sensors hoping they'll prove worth their circuits::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  They do not appear to be able to sense us, Captain, but I will certainly reach out to them and see if I can get a message through to them.  ::Sends a mental image of them to the alien ship and attempts to make telepathic converse.::

Host Alien-Ship says:
@ avOPS:  Doesn't that look like prime numbers?

Host Alien-Ship says:
@<aOPS>:  aCO:  Yes it does.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
aTO: Disarm weapons, but keep shields raised.  Let's not provoke.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<aTO> CO: Sir?  Drop to Yellow?  Uh, yes Sir.  ::Drops to Yellow Alert, keeping shields up.::

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: You sound like you speak from experience, Doctor.  Steal much in your day, have you?

Host Alien-Ship says:
@avOPS:  Send the prime numbers again, maybe they will understand us this time.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  No response from them, Captain.  I'll keep trying.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#::Raises an eyebrow at XO:: XO: Sir...I've killed before. I'm sure you've probably read my file by now, yes?

ACTION:  The alien ship send the prime numbers in double time.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#::Continues to Pilot the Shuttle towards the alien craft::

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: I have but, that was another lifetime ago, wasn't it?  These days, I hope you are more into healing than killing.  ::Pauses:: Lets let them see us coming.  See if they roll out the red carpet or lock the gate.

ACTION:  The shuttle literally runs into a Repulsor field and pushes them aside.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Captain, look. they're using their lights.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Is that an answer?  Came by quick, but looked like it.

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: Gee, should we take that as a we're not welcome?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  They are definitely signaling prime numbers to us.  I think they understand.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#::Brings the shuttle into plain view of the Alien ship:: XO: Nah, they're just cautious... Lifetime ago, yes.  Does it change who I am? Not really. In a way, I'm still a spy. Just...tame. ::Smiles again::

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  And shuttle is having some problems.  Looks like they are experiencing a field of repulsion.

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: Tells me they have something to hide.  There's cautious and then there's just plain rudeness.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@::everyone on the bridge is now staring at the lights flashing from the Cherokee::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO/ *Away Team*: They are being cautious, just as we would.  Would we let an unknown ship just come up on us?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Alter your hails, work with the Prime pulse pattern.  Restart it, and have each number spoken.  Give their translation matrix something to work with, and perhaps ours as well.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.

XO_Wells says:
#*CO*: I'd want to know why we were dropping in uninvited too.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#XO: Well, we have our shield up, so it's natural for them to as well.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she alters the hails to include a Prime pulse pattern, then restart the process with having each number be spoken.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*XO*: We're making progress, they've still done nothing to make me think they are an enemy.  We've actually been more aggressive than they have.

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: We could live dangerously and drop the shields.  ::Sends alien ship a message using pictures depicting friendship, and a bright yellow smiley face::  CMO: Seems we've had luck using imagery before, lets see if they can figure us out.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@OPS:  Get on the sound we are getting from the other ship.  They are trying to tell us something.  I wonder why they are sending them so slowly?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Thinks about where the children may be, and thinks about the time that has passed, and the time that will pass until they are finally able to communicate with this alien ship.  If the children are not on that vessel, whoever has them has then been given a big lead to disappearing and not being found.  Keeps this thought to herself for now.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: How long after our arrival did they get here?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#::Smiles again and shakes her head:: XO: I'll fly, you can send them love and care packages.

XO_Wells says:
#::Sends pictures of ZG to the alien space craft::  CMO: I'm not even sure they are getting these but, it beats sitting on the bridge clueless.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  About two hours, Captain.

XO_Wells says:
#*CO*: I’ve at least shown them what we are looking for.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: And then another hour, hour and twenty minutes until the second ship?

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
::Starts to look for faded signs of warp trails that may indicate the children are on another vessel, just in case they have been taken somewhere else.  Not even sure Warp drive exists here.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*XO*: Good thinking, if they can understand them.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Yes, Captain.  Why?

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#::Nods:: XO: Better than nothing. ::Smiles:: Self: Welcome Wagon is in the air.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Just wondering if there's a pattern here.  If the wave brings another vessel on a predictable time frame, it may show us how to slip out the in door.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Good thinking, Captain!

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  What concerns me more, is what happened to that other vessel that suddenly appeared and then disappeared.  Are they the one's that took our children, or are they another victim?

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: My biggest fear is that, here, nothing that existed exists here.  We may be looking for something that just isn't here.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: We have a lot of questions, but that one we can't test many theories on.

CSO_LtJG_Logan says:
CO:  Or does that vessel have to appear in this place to take the children, and then goes somewhere else?

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: I wonder if these aliens have had any of their people disappear.

CMO_LtJg_Talora says:
#XO: It's a distinct possibility.

XO_Wells says:
#CMO: I wonder if they even can fathom what that must be like for a parent.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: If so, we should have seen it the first time.  More likely it's a cloaking ship, or it's not a fixed end point of whatever brought us here.

Host Alien-Ship says:
@::receives the message and begins working on it::

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