USS Cherokee  11402.16   
"The Small Spark"  
Part 7

Ship's Log, Stardate 11402.16, Captain Ayidee recording.  We have seemingly stumbled into some sort of mystery, with simulated effects of a fairly advanced nature placing us into some sort of test.  I think.  We are moving forward, but are unsure of the "goal".

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Xeeth, Treea, Dr_Pfarom, and CS_Trin
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee and Manuel
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten
Jon Benson as CEO_Lt_Salor
Bruce Oriani as CSO_LtCmdr_Starr

Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

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

Host Xeeth says:
::Remains standing where he is, giving the Captain some time to confer with his crew with some relative privacy. He and Tree can join them when requested.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In Mine tunnel, trying to piece together what is happening.::  *CEO/ CSO*: Please meet us in the mining tunnel, we need to confer on things.  

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Trin:  You heard the captain.   Will you accompany me and Commander Starr?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::On the ground, lying at the feet of the CO and OPS, dazed, confused and sore.  His head and shoulder ache, as there was no water to cushion the ejection from the hole in the wall::

Host CS_Trin says:
CEO: Thanks for the offer, but my post is here, making sure no one escapes unnoticed through the lifts. Plus, I can serve to piggy-back messages for you if needed.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looking around completely bewildered:: ALL: What in gre'thor just happened?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::looking at the CNS, trying not to laugh::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CNS: Are the two of you all right?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Staying with the group, she keeps an eye out for the two humanoids we're looking for.::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
*CO* On our way.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I appear to be unharmed Captain.

Host CS_Trin says:
CEO: But, Lieutenant...?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Trin: understood.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Trin:  But what?  ::looking back at her as he started to walk off::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Getting to his feet:: CO: I guess so, Sir.  ::Rubs his head:: CO: Thanks for your concern.  ::Looks hurt, as he glares at the OPS for laughing at him::

Host CS_Trin says:
CEO: You should know, tunnels 9 through 12 only go up to Section F. There's probably another...twenty meters, max, before they all run out of tunnel.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Trin:  Noted.  ::pulls out his Tricorder::  I’ll follow the comm line to help me out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Are you okay?  I'm very confused.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Physically I'm fine, but just as confused as you seem to be.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That isn't a surprise.  Someone seems to have gone through a great deal of effort to set this up.  But it does not seem to be real, more like a Holodeck simulation.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::walking along the mine wall scanning the comm line to lead to the captain’s location::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: More like a psychic projection if you ask me.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Looks around and figures she'd give it a try:: Aloud: Computer, End Program.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I was thinking simulation because it seems to use something like a force field.  You can, with some effort, push through much of it.

ACTION: There is no response to Talora's command.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  I'm getting a feeling that Xeeth is behind our little adventure.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Shrugs:: Self: Oh well.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: No Holodeck could be rigged up for the ride we just took.  Look at us.  Cut up and bruised.  If it was a Holodeck the safeties were off.

Host Xeeth says:
::Speaks with Treea as they wait for the Starfleet folks to decide what they'd like to do next::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/OPS: I think it's River and/or Ruby.  They're telepathic I bet.  They're trying to keep from getting caught.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: It would seem that there is a lot more to Ruby and River than we were told.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CSO: We should not be long till we reach the captain.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Safeties actually make it harder to build.  Would take some work to set up, obviously.  It could be some sort of psychic event, but either way, I think we need to play it out to see where it is going.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CEO: About 3 minutes I would wager.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::walking along still following the signal::

Host Xeeth says:
Treea: ...and the sooner we find them, the better.  ::Looks up as the CEO and CSO approach, and smile briefly:: CEO/CSO: Officers.  ::Nods respectfully::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  What if Xeeth is River and Ruby?  Keep in mind that we only heard about their disappearance.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: We have to ask ourselves what would make the Meena go to such lengths to keep from getting captured and returned to Xeeth and company.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Do you mean that River and Ruby are merely figments of his imagination?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Again, that is possible.  That this was set up to get us down here.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::looks  up and sees Xeeth:    Xeeth: It is good to see you again.  We are making our way to the captain.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: No they exist.  They're who is doing this.

Host Xeeth says:
CEO: I imagine so. He and the rest of your people are just beyond,  ::Gestures down the shaft:: I believe they may be contemplating what to do next.

Host Treea says:
CSO/CEO: Did you see anything strange on your way here?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  I've been noticing that Xeeth and company are always a few steps behind us.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: You've heard my theory, like you said, lets see how it goes.  ::Goes a few meters off to examine his wounds::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::slight bow:: Treea: Other than you, No.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CNS: What did you see in the tunnel you travelled through?  We encountered a cave in, but none of the falling rocks had any real substance and none of the dust was lasting.

Host Xeeth says:
::Chuckles lightly at Starr's response::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Treea: Nothing. as of yet.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: We found a room where it appeared two person were using it as a hideout, then the water rushed in and we were trapped.  We nearly drowned just now.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Except that apparently it was not real as we find ourselves here with you and bone dry.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Could you find your way back there?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: The missing mining equipment is there, not far from where the Replicator was.  We found a secret hole in the wall and went through.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: The water may not have been real, but perhaps the cave was.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CSO:  We need to report to the captain.    Xeeth/Treea: If you will excuse us.  ::continues to walk to captain::

Host Xeeth says:
CEO: Of course. ::Nods, then turns back to Treea to continue their conversation::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Sure, if I knew where the lift was, it’s in section 12D.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::sees the captain up ahead::  CSO: There they are.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Once Chiefs Salor and Starr arrive we can make our way back there.  Oh, speaking of which, here they are.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Or we could just go back the way we came ::points at the hole in the wall that we were just spit from.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CEO: Right.    Xeeth/Treea: ::slight bow:: If you'll excuse us.   ::scurries away to catch up to the CEO::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::walking up to the group::  CTO/CNS: You both look as if you played in the dirt.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Or we could go back the way we got here ::Notes CTO::  CO: I guess it would be safe if there's no water, but we swore we had water in our lungs and were drowning.  It wasn't fun.
CEO: I wish it had been dirt.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: Playing is not quite how I would describe it.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO/ CSO: Welcome.  Now just to be certain, did you feel any signs of seismic activity?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CEO: Haven't seen you in awhile.  How’s it going?  Me? I'm not dead.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: None at all captain, and the Cherokee reported no seismic activity anywhere on the planet.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: So that was all part of the same illusion?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CNS: I have been quite busy.  I am glad you are well.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CEO: "Well"?  That's relative at this point.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to sit down, while the senior officers discuss and debate::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Illusion?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::he watches as a cloud of dust flies around the CNS when he sits down::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That is the theory I am pushing.  It's still a theory, however.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: I had thought that perhaps some kind of holo-technology was in play here. Given no physical signs at all and the experiences you all went through.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: If it is a simulation, either through psychic event or technology, we need to also figure out when it started.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CSO: The Counselor and I had found a hidden room, when we tried to follow the tunnel out it filled with water and flushed out here.  But as neither of us are wet, the obviously there was no water; hence, illusion.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: No physical signs apart from the impact of the real world.  The Counselor and Ensign Q'ten are not wet, but they are dirty from impacting the walls and such.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: An illusion will not, as you say, flush you out.   May be there is more than just holographic.  If it was a mental illusion your body can make the illusion real by actions of your body.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: The bump on my head is real too, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Well we were crawling through small tunnels.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Or force fields.  It's how the Holodecks create effects without the need to Replicate the matter.
All: Any suggestions on steps to take before we give a closer look to the cave that appeared to be a camp?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Water...that acted like water...had the properties of water....but didn't really exist.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: Agreed.   And it seems our Tricorders are unable to detect any kind of energy to support that.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: But I do have a suggestion.  It may prove useless. It's the only suggestion I have since my Tricorder seems to be useless detecting anything.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Walks over to the CNS:: CNS: You alright? You said you were injured.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: And that would be what?  At this point we're still grasping and hoping to get a clue.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: My head hurts where I landed on it.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Sir, I'm willing to crawl back through. Maybe go back and wait them out. If that is indeed their lair, then eventually they will return.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Kiss it and make it better.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Just blinks a few times before taking out her Tricorder and scans him::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::walks over to a wall::  CO: I can reach out mentally. If there is a mental presence behind this, I may be able to feel it. I will not be able to read it if there is one, but it would confirm a presence.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Where is this cave where you were?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: I feel better already.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: To be honest, for now I think there is strength in numbers.  Perhaps strength is the wrong term, but ability.  We will all go shortly.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Points at the hole in the wall:: CSO: Right through there.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Pats his cheek gently and smiles:: CNS: Oh good.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I can lead the way, if you want, Sir.  ::Smiles at CMO, showing her his brave side::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::walks over to the hole in the wall but does not enter it, tries to get some readings on the Tricorder::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Give it a try, but be careful in your reach.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: So, when we gonna talk things out, assuming you still want to talk?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CNS: I thought we decided once this whole ordeal is over?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Oh yes, that's right.  I knew I wanted this to all be over for a reason.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Smiles lightly:: CO: So what's the consensus?

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: I can't get a good reading on the Tricorder.  Too much interference.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Shall I enter the passageway, Sir?  I'm ready.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: We move to the cave they found ::Nods to CNS then CTO.:: once Chief Salor finishes his attempt to reach out and see if he can detect any psychic activity.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::reaches out and places his hands on the wall, concentrates very hard, closing his eyes and pushing his mind out reaching for a consciousness that may be out there::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/All: It's over a forty meter crawl in distance.  ::Heads over and climbs back into the hole he crawled out of::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::sweet forms on his brow, his thoughts reach out trying to feel anything::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Just a bit of patience, Counselor.  I don't want to divide the team again until we figure this out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Why wait?  They might get away again.  We wait too much.  ::Stands by the hole in the cave wall and waits::

ACTION: As Salor's mind stretches through the rock, unhindered by the trimagnecite ore scrambling sensors, it stretches considerably...Salor feels his vulnerability increasing as with his range...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Last time we split up we ran into a simulated seismic event, rock slide, and rushing flood.  He shouldn't take long.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::concentrating more, letting more of his mental blocks down a little at each time::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: It's fine, Sir.  I thought we were ready.

ACTION: Suddenly, Salor slumps against the wall.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Chief?!  Are you all right?  ::Steps forward to try and help.::

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
::Quickly moves over to the CEO and starts scanning::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to Salor's side, to prevent him from knocking his head on the wall::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Steps over to help get Salor back to his feet::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::falls back away from the wall holding his head.  Falls to his knees::  All: My mind, ::can not see.  A little blood runs out his nose as he holds his head::
CO: There was something there,  ::pauses:: powerful.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO/ CEO: Doctor?  Lieutenant?  Are you all right first?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::begins to regain himself physically and his eye sight returns::   CO: I will be fine captain.  ::stands up::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Helps CEO to his feet, although help wasn't needed::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: What happened?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CO: Psychic trauma. Basically, he got hit with a mental sledgehammer. He'll be fine...just needs a minute it seems.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: That's it.  Buck up there little sailor

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: There is something strong.  I felt it about 40 meters in.  It has a powerful mind, I do not know if I would have survived if I had physical contact.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::glares at the CTO:: CTO: Shut it! ::kneels by the CEO: You ok?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I told you this was a psychic thing, Sir.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
All; I got the feeling of chaos.  Irrational feelings.  It's paranoid, with a feeling that everything is out to get it.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CSO: I will be fine, it has passed now.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Good thing you tried it here, not there.  
CNS: Yes.  But why the resistance from some of the substance?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Fear.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CMO: Could this psychic activity be a result of Ruby and Rivers psychotic episode from their ships radiation?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: What you all experienced was the being causing mental illusions, making your body react to what it thought was there, like your water.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: It could be psychosis from radiation poisoning they're afraid of or someone in our party.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: No, I mean the rocks, and walls, and such.  You could "push" into them.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CEO: Good. ::walks over to the CTO, grabs him by the front of his shirt and yanks him downward so the CTO can look him in the eye:: CTO: Next time someone gets hurt, you make sure they are ok, not tell ‘em to buck up, you got me?  ::hears something that may or may not be there:: 
Out loud: what was that?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: We felt the resistance of the water too, inside and outside our bodies.  A strong telepath can interject any thought it wants, the power of suggestion is powerful.

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CTO: I honestly don't know. I'm not sure what this radiation is or what it specifically does to a Meena.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CSO: Let go of me or I swear I will feed you to my cat!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: No, I mean the rock and such wasn't as strong as it should be.  Like a low power holograph.  We walked through a wall.  That's not a manner of too much power, although it may be something else.

Host Xeeth says:
::Glances over at the apparent commotion::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CNS: Yes counselor.  It takes great power to control a mind as this being is doing.   
ALL; I recommend using extreme caution in proceeding forward.  Most of you do not have the mental control to block out an intrusion.  I am not sure I can resist myself.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::starts to back away from the CTO, feeling uneasy and nervous.  Speaks out loud again about the noise that may or may not be there:: All: What was that noise? I heard a noise. Did you hear a noise? Didn't I hear a noise? I think I heard a noise

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Another clue it might be all in our minds.  In your situation with the rocks, you weren't in any danger.  Q'ten and I thought we were drowning.  The stronger the fear the more real it became.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/CSO: Relax.  I thought he meant it as encouragement, but he is fine.  No harm done.  And what kind of noise?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CSO: Calm down. What noise do you hear?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: We felt the water carrying us along.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Maybe natural fear and anxiety come into play as to how one is affected by the thought being implanted into our subconscious minds.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Do we have relative confidence it is safe to carry on as long as we do not threaten?  Will it realize 'peaceful intent'?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: When we entered the lair, I'm sure we both felt anxious, but to that point there was nothing to fear.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::backpedals as fast as his little legs will carry him away out of the cave: Co: Do you see that? Tell me you see that. ::pointing in the direction he's facing.:: Don't let it eat me.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: That is something we will have to find out.  The overwhelming feeling of paranoia it has may keep it from even realizing our peaceful intent.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Just thinking out loud, Sir.  ::Continues waiting::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::stumbles and falls and scrambles to his feet, falling and getting back up as he does so::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: What is it you see, Commander?

CMO_Lt_Talora says:
CNS: Ensign! I think we've got a problem in your jurisdiction. ::Gestures to the CSO::

Host Xeeth says:
::Frowns, as he sees Starr approaching with panic::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
Out loud: RRRUUUNNNN!!!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CSO: Relax, Commander.  We will figure this out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looks to see what the CMO is referring to::

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::almost a bawling panic:: Out loud: It wants to EAT me!!! Don't let it eat me. I'm gamey and don't taste good! I swear!

SCENE: All eyes, but Starr's, look toward the depth of the cave from which Starr is running, and see.......nothing, but empty cave.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission, No Time Lapse>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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