USS Cherokee  11402.23   
"The Small Spark"  
Part 8

Ship's Log, Stardate 11402.23, Captain Ayidee recording.  The crew and I are continuing the search of the mine shafts for the missing Meerans.  However, things are continuing to grow less certain in details about what we are seeing.

Starring
Lea as Guest Producer, Ruby,nd Dr_Pfarom
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
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
Absent
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

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

ACTION: CSO Starr continues to flee from his unseen phantasms, before falling back to the ground, head hitting the rock, knocking him unconscious.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::goes to the CSO::  CO: We need to get him back the ship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In Mines, trying to figure out just what is going on.::  CMO: Get him back to the ship.  After you inoculate Mister Salor.  He and Commander Starr missed the inoculations, right?  See if you can figure out exactly what really is causing this.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Watching the antics of the CSO::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CMO: Yes, now you have a subject with the affliction.  Be interesting to see what you learn from Starr.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: That is a given.  But we have to look at this as a clue.  And learn from it.  You missed the inoculation also, so what you saw, the being...

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: ::pointing at the CSO:: The little ghobe' finally cracked.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
<CMO> ::Grabs the CSO and heads to the mine shafts, stopping to inoculate the CEO along the way.::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::holds out his arm so the CMO can give him the shot.::  CO:  I don’t know anything more other than the feelings I got from it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Shall I lead the way back through the tunnel whence I came, Sir?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Yes, I think that is the obvious course of action for us.  Would it be easier to double back to the other end or go through this tunnel?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Now that I know it’s all in my mind, why not use the tunnel?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looking inside the tunnel:: CNS: Seems pretty dry inside.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: True enough.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: You can bring up the rear.  ::Begins to climb back into the hole in the wall::  All:  Follow me, Alice.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We do this with care.  Single file, each covering the one ahead.  Ensign Daniels has point, Ensign Q'ten drag.  ::Follows after CNS.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks around at everybody:: ALL: Alice?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Crawling through the tunnel::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: Who is Alice?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::follows at her point in the line up::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::falling into line with the others::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: Ask Wally.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hears the Klingon and Vulcan behind him and is amused::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Self:  Another human expression.

ACTION: The passage through the tunnel is tight...the larger members of the crew scrape against the rough edges of the tunnel.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Given recent events, they raise a good question.  Who is Alice?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Crawls in after everyone else::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/All: I'm the white rabbit.  Alice followed the White Rabbit into the hole in Alice in Wonderland, Sir.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::noticing it's getting tighter::  CTO: It is a little tight in here, be careful not to injure yourself. ::he calls behind him::

ACTION: The tunnel begins to widen and deepen, allowing some to stand from their hands and knees. A bit of light is visible from the end.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: Did I just hear Ensign Daniels claim that he is a white rabbit?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Ah, a work of literature I presume?  Just making sure we are all in our own minds.  Especially you.  If you loose your grasp on reality, who can bring the rest of us back?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: Indeed you did.  Perhaps the mental strain of the being is getting to him?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Having no troubles making time through the tunnel::  CO: I understand, Sir.  Rest assured, I'm as sane as I ever was.  Take that as you will.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Tunnel needs some hand rails to bound off of.  And a bit of lighting.  Some ODN cables maybe.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CEO: I got a few Earth books you guys should read.  Remind me.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CNS: Should prove fascinating.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CEO: You'd especially like Alice.  She visits a place where nonsense is the norm.

ACTION: Daniels, at point, first sees the end of the tunnel open into the room. The table stands just as it had before, the make-shift beds still in the corner, the mining gear unmoved from the tunnel entrances.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CNS: That seems illogical, to write of nonsense.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: ::Taps the CEO and whispers:: It's a human thing, best to let it go.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/All: There's the light at the end of the tunnel, folks.  We're coming to the end of the line.  Put your tray tables in their upright position and make sure you have all of your personal belongings.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That light isn't an oncoming train, is it?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees everything as it was... before the flood.  Climbs out of the hole in the hidden room::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::whispers back to the CTO, turning his head::  CTO: agreed. Human things do not make any sense. Klingon culture is more tolerable to understand then human.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Not that I know of, Sir.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CEO: With Klingons what you see is what you get.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Climbs out after the CNS.::  CNS: Like a scene out of a bad rendition of a stone age world in a bad holo-vid.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Helps Commander Nash out of the hole::  OPS: Be careful, Ma'am.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO:  Yes.  You are honored bound as I am bound by logic.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Uh huh, Fred Flintstone lives here…or our ailing fugitives.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::comes out the hole after OPS comes out::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Thank you.  ::allows Daniels to assist her out the hole even though she could do it herself.::

SCENE: A small metal object bounces into the room from the opposing tunnel, clinking silently against the rocky floor, before rolling the final feet toward the Cherokee crew.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Reaches for Phaser and crouches, looking at the object rolling towards them.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees the object come from the opposite tunnel::  CO: It came from the other exit, Sir.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::comes out the hole drawing his Phaser in reaction to the captain,  then notices the ball::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Sees the metal object just as he pulls himself from the tunnel and lunges towards it::

ACTION: The object bursts, exploding into plumes of semi-opaque smoke, quickly filling, though not entirely obscuring, the room.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Smoke grenade?  Or an attempt to make us think it is one?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::pulls out his Tricorder and immediately scans the gas::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Places himself just outside the opening that the object bounced out of and waits for whatever comes out.::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: I can not get the Tricorder to work. I have no idea what this gas is.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::cough COUGH::

ACTION: Something seemingly invisible runs smack full into Q'ten's frame.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::oof!::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: It may even feel like it, not just look like smoke, either way, its real enough.  
All: I guess, just don't panic.  It seems to intensify the illusion.

Host SMLea says:
<Figure>::Tries to pull away from Q'ten, running the other direction::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Wraps his arms around whatever it is and squeezes::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
All: Something is in here with us. It just ran over Mr. Q'ten.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Stays calm, hoping the smoke will dissipate::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CEO: Not sure, but I'd guess we are being led into something.  What?  Which way?  ::Stops and listens.::

ACTION: The figure turns to fire in Q'ten's arms.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Thing:  Oh no you don't!  I gotcha!  ::Squeezes even tighter::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Points to the other tunnel:: CO: That way leads to section 12D, Sir.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: The chief has it in a grasp. ::running over to the CTO with his Phaser drawn::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: The smoke is easing up now, Sir.

ACTION: The flame fades as the figure tries to slip down from Q'ten's arms.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Being: Who are you?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Thing: First water, now fire? I'm not falling for it this time.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Don't let it get the better of you, Mister Q'ten.  Refused to fight it if you can.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Ignore it, Sir.  I believe it will go away.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::holding aim on both CTO and being set on stun::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Roars out from the pain of the heat and squeezes even tighter::

Host SMLea says:
<Figure>::Begins to wheeze under the crush of Q'ten's arms::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If it could do that, why let itself get caught? Might be fake, but I think more it’s attempts are the fake.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: It isn't real, remember that.
CO: Do you still see the smoke, Sir?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Thing:  Dech! Dech!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Steps up and places a hand on the thing, looking to make contact.::  CNS: Yes, that is here also.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I don't see the smoke anymore, Sir, or at least its clearing up.

ACTION: Those who remain clam find the apparitions fading from their eyes...and a figure begins to become visible in Q'ten's arms...but still obscure, somehow unrecognizable.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CTO: I can fire on stun if you can turn it my way.  ::aiming so as to not hit the CTO::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Takes a Tricorder to the blankets in the corner to possibly get a DNA sample::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::waiting patiently for the dust, or in this case smoke, to settle.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Wrestling with the thing trying to give someone a clear shot::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: Permission to stun?

ACTION: Suddenly the figure slumps in Q'ten's arms, losing consciousness. Whatever was obscuring the perception of the crew fades, revealing a figure reminiscent of a 14 year old girl, in a grey, hooded robe.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Being: Stop fighting, we are not here to hurt you.  We want...OK.  What in Angbad just happened?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees the girl::  All: See, now that I believe is real.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Goes to girl:: Ruby: You must be Ruby.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::sees its a girl and lowers Phaser::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Thing: Finally! ::Stands up:: That's what you get!!!

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Takes medical Tricorder and scans the girl::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts waving his arms trying to dissipate the illusionary heat::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: Here's your chance.  You always wanted a hot female.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Be careful, her brother must be around here someplace, too.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
:walks over to the girl and CTO::   CTO: I believe she is a little underage for the counselor.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Calls out:: River: River, are you here? You sister needs you.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: You're right.

Host SMLea says:
<Figure>::Begins to blink, slowly regaining consciousness::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Gently, Ensign.  Remember, what of this is real and what is an illusion.  But either way, this being needs help.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Tricorder is useless.  We should get her to an infirmary or better our Sickbay.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Covers the opening that Ruby came out, this time changing his stance to better withstand whatever may come out::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Carefully, Counselor.  I would rather not carry her out of here.  Without her consent, at least.  And without her brother.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Carefully picks girl up and lies her out on the stone table::

Host SMLea says:
<Figure>::Opens her eyes, with a look of panic, and tries to scramble away toward the wall::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
River: Your sister need you, River.  We mean no harm, I promise.  We're here to help.  Come out, please.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Figure: Easy, we are here to help.  We only want to help.

ACTION: Everyone's vision is momentarily flashed with the image of a running river.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Still waiting for something, or someone to come out::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees a river, but the vision quickly disappears::  CO: River's calling card, perhaps?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
Out loud:: All: A river.  
Ruby: What are you trying to tell us?

Host Ruby says:
::In trying to scramble away from the CO, she falls off the edge of the table, falling silently to the ground::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Calls out into the tunnel:: River, or whoever you are. You're not even going to try to see to your sister?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Ruby: You're awake!  Relax, I want to help you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.:: CNS: Seems that way.  Or a call for River, our minds interpreting as it can.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I suggest a sedative, Sir.  For her not for me, Sir.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL: Quit ganging up on her, she is scared.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Figure: Are you Ruby?  I am Ayidee.  We aren't going to hurt you.  We just want to find answers.  Answers that all sides can live with.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Helps the girl to her feet as much as she'll let him::

Host Ruby says:
::Scrambles against the wall, the hood falling away from her head, as she looks in panic from Ayidee to Daniels, her back literally to the wall, chest heaving::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::stands back to let her calm down::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Holds his hands up to show he has no weapon or anything.  Stands back giving her some space::  Ruby: It's okay.  We want to help you.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::walks slowly toward Ruby.::  Ruby:  Is that what you are called?  My name is Kyleigh.  I have 3 children, 2 are female.  We just want to get you back to your people if you'll let us.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Does same thing the Counselor is doing, stepping back a bit further.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sits down on the ground to be more eye level with the girl::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Glances over suspiciously at the rest of the crew all fawning over the girl, but still watching for the other one to make an entrance::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Steps out of the way to give the Commander a chance to reach Ruby::

Host Ruby says:
::Doesn't blink, as she quickly pulls her hood back over her head. Her face nearly obscured once more, her vision settles on Nash, her breathing slowing a little::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Too many people would make any one nervous.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.::  CNS: Yes, I think you are right.  And I think they...maybe they wanted to be alone.  Away from their people maybe?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::still in a calming, mothering voice.::  Ruby:  Can we sit down? I'm a little tired as I can imagine you are as well.  We can just sit quietly together, if you wish.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Observes Ruby's interaction with OPS from a small distance::

Host Ruby says:
::Reaches out one long-sleeve-covered hand, hesitantly, toward Nash, tilting her head::

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::notices she is focusing on Nash::  CO: She appears to have taken a liking to Cmdr Nash.

ACTION: Q'ten hears a familiar voice from the tunnel he's guarding...although it's too distant to make out the words.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: At ease, be calm.  I think things aren't quite what we've been led to believe.  What they are?  That I don't know yet.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Full attention turning to the tunnel he strains to hear more::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::reaches out to the robe covered hand::  Ruby:  It's okay, I will not let anything happen to you.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
CO: I agree.  It appears there is more to this.   The 2 may have been running and hiding from something.  Or someone.

ACTION: Nash's vision is flashed with the image of a sparkling red gem...a glittering ruby.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CEO: My bet would be on Xeeth and that bunch.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: That is the obvious choice.  But we have to move carefully.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Calls down the tunnel:: Tunnel: Is there somebody there?  You'll have to speak up, I can't hear you.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Something happening Ensign?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: She's communicating to you.  Xeeth never told you the Meena communicate by implanting images into ones psyche.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::sees the ruby in her mind::  Ruby:  There you are, I promise to help you. You just rest and I'll be right here.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Distantly:: CTO: 's here...'ve caught...

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::heard the CNS and had already had that thought::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  There is a minute gift I have that I can tap into once in a while.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: I'm hearing someone, but I can't quite make out what they're saying.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I think you should want to have a talk with your party guests again, Sir.  They never told us a lot it seems.  I fear the sibling's talents are being exploited.

IMAGE: The image in Nash's mind is suddenly skewed and twisted into licking flames, jumping and snapping, both upward and outward, threatening to burn Nash's very consciousness, tinged with sickly green.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Something about "got" , or "caught".

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::steps closely to Nash and the girl:: OPS : Perhaps I may be able to help.  I’ve touched her mind once, she already knows me,  I can help you understand her if she is willing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: I see.  Who it is, that is probably the Interstellar Federation people we've met.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: This might be too much on the girl.  Maybe we should just stop and listen to her.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Calling in to tunnel again:: River is that you?  You need to come and check on Ruby!

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she winces in confusion.::  ALL:  I'm seeing untamed fire with a tinge of a sickly green.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: We need to find out who it is and what they are saying.  Come on, let's go and see what we can find out.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Leave her be.  We can't hold her, like you said.  If she runs she runs.  But maybe if we show her we aren't wanting to keep her she'll trust us more, we aren't Xeeth and his guys.  We're all much better looking.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
River! Ruby needs your help.  We're trying to help her but we don't know what to do.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she realizes that it could be River who put that imagine in her mind.::  ALL: I think River is the cause of the chaotic fire images.  I think he is protecting his sister.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::Less distantly:: CTO: ...Chief? We've got one of the crew. He came through the tunnel. Cheeo is holding him now.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: isn't that that Doctor Pfarom?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::kneels down beside OPS::  Ruby:  Remember me?  We touched minds before.  I can help you communicate to Miss Nash.  You can trust me.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That's not what I wanted to hear.  Not yet anyways.  And yes, it seems to be him.

Host Ruby says:
::Blinks at Salor, then looks desperately to Nash once more::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::calls out::  River:  River, please stop this.  Your sister is safe with me.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts to crawl into the tunnel:: CO: Guess we better go see what he's going on about.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  Stay back.  She has put her faith in me.  Let me handle this. I believe she is in need of a mother right now.

IMAGE: Nash's vision shifts to reveal a war-torn landscape.  Makeshift buildings torn and afire, smoke rising from others that have too recently extinguished, people running toward shaky buildings for cover.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS/ OPS: Not looking to jump to the wrong conclusion, but does this qualify as a "call for help"?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  I think so, let me help her.  She is telling me of her world.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
CTO: I should be there in a moment.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: She may not be in the right frame of mind to determine that for herself.  As the only qualified medic on the scene, I could declare her unfit and then what we did after that would be considered a mercy thing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Do what you have to do.  I just needed to know how to handle this.  ::Points down the tunnel.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Thinking he's talking to the CO as he makes his way through the tunnel:: CO: What did he mean they've got one of the crew? Do you think they have River?

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
OPS: I understand.  You can communicate mentally both ways with her if both of you are willing. I can let myself be the bridge for you, her mind will be clear to you and yours to her.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Pfarom: Doctor, I think it best if we meet you out at the end of this tunnel.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: captain?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CEO:  No, we are fine like we are.

CEO_Lt_Salor says:
::nods to Nash and moves back away::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: As the experts have pointed out, having too much excitement here may be a bad thing.

Host Dr_Pfarom says:
::With a bit of good humor to his voice:: CO: I'm afraid it's not so convenient to turn around in these tight quarters. Cheeo has the crewman sedated and comfortable...there's no trouble.

<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission -USS Cherokee 11402.23 "The Small Spark"  Part 8>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: None>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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