Host SM-Lyon says:
USS Seleya - 10506.19
:
"What the...?" - Part 11

SUMMARY: Deleah has told of the Darkness, a menace to the universe which is coming from beyond the Gamma Quadrant. This seems to be a threat that no-one bargained on, and maybe this will give the Federation Council something to decide on.

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FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Sitting at the helm, going about is normal duties.::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: Can you tell me any more about the Darkness?

Host Deleah says:
::looks weary, even if it is an android body:: CNS: They are only bent on destruction and domination. They use subversion and stealth to infiltrate and destroy from within. Many have fallen, and many more might join them just out of survival instinct.

Host Deleah says:
CNS: But it will be for nothing. The Darkness destroys completely.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Still on the bridge::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Comes back out onto the Bridge, after filing his latest log and briefing from the privacy of his office ::

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Walks throught he station, and arrives at the transporter room, ready to beam to the Seleya.::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: You make them sound like the Borg.

CIV_Whittiker says:
Transporter Tech: Dylan Whittiker, to beam to the Seleya.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Sees the CO enter the room::  All: Captain on the bridge.

Host Deleah says:
::Frowns:: CNS: I heard rumors of these cybernetic beings... they will seem like a picnic compared to the Darkness.

CIV_Whittiker says:
<Transporter tech> CIV: Aye Sir, please step onto the pad.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: Have you ever seen one?

Host Deleah says:
CNS: One of the Borg, or one of the Dark ones?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Nods and smiles at the FCO :: FCO: I assume there were no communications from Starfleet?

CIV_Whittiker says:
@::He does so:: Transporter Tech: Energise.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: Dylan Whittiker appears on the Seleya in a swirl of blue sparkles.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: Either.

Host Deleah says:
CNS: The Borg... no. The Dark ones... we have visual records only of their ships. No-one has seen one for real and lived to tell or leave any record.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Not as of yet sir.

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Arrives in a the Seleya's Transporter room  and smiles at the transporter chief, before stepping off the pad and walking out of the room::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: Is it possible to see a visual record?

Host Deleah says:
::Gets up:: CNS: May I? ::Indicates the LCARS panel on the wall::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Nods:: Deleah: Of course.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: ::Sighs:: Alert me of anything incoming.

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Briefly opens up his mind to get a feel for the ship, to check how it has changed since he was last here::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO* Captain, Deleah is about to show me a visual record of the Darkness.  You may want to see this.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  You think they'll be handing down a decision soon then?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Doesn't want to go into how much he's resenting the Council for taking their time with the decision on the bridge, but it's definietly not all that well hidden ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Nods::  CO:  Aye sir.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: Deleah accesses her records and displays the visual record. It shows a ship shimmering into view, dead black, seemingly absorbing the light. It resembles a spider in a way, with spiky "legs" radiating from the bulbous body. Even the visual sends shivers up the spine... it looks and seems evil.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
*CNS* Transfer it to the bridge viewscreen.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
*CO* Aye, sir  ::transfers the image::

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Smiles to himself, closes his mind again and takes the closest turbolift to the bridge::

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: The image appears on the bridge screen just as Whittiker steps off the turbolift.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Leans back into his chair, taking in the entire visual of the Darkness vessel::  All: I may be going out on a limb here.....but I'm thinking that things on the hostile end of the spectrum.

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Stops dead as he steps out of the TL and stares, transfixed at the screen::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Crosses his legs as the visual races by on screen, frowns, then presses a few buttons on his command board instructing science and engineering to both take a look at it ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Looks at the ship:: Self: Great.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Her eyes wide::  Deleah: I see what you mean.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns to the CO::  CO:  Some reference for scale would be helpful.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Nasty as it looks, if its only an inch long...

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Buttons himself down again, and walks across to the CO:: CO: Dylan Whittiker, reporting for duty.

Host Deleah says:
::Looks at Roalla:: CNS: Its coming. Maybe not right away, but it is coming. I think we need to speak with the others on the bridge.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Indeed. We'll let science take a look, they can ask their own questions to Deleah.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Nods:: Deleah: I'll put you through to the Captain.  ::Patches the commlink::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Doesn't mention his scepticism - this enemy could be completely fictional ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Nods and turns to Whittiker::  CIV:  Couldnt stay away, huh?

CIV_Whittiker says:
FCO: On the contrary, I could.  But why would i stay away from all you scintillating people?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Stands up :: CIV: Mr. Whittiker, welcome aboard. :: Offers the man his hand :: The communications I received about your arrival did not offer any explanation as to what we owe your company.

Host Deleah says:
ACTION: The image file continues to play... another ship comes into view. One similar to the Phoenix and the two ships seem of an equal size. A fierce battle starts, then the file ends and the image dies with the visual of a purlple energy bolt streaking towards the viewer.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CIV: Care to clarify?

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Nods::  CIV:  Thats true....

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Smirks a little, then turns back to his consol::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Seems a little disturbed by the images, but nonetheless keeps a stern expression ::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Stops::  Deleah: Actually, would you care to come to the bridge?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Something about this situation doesn't seem right ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Looks at Whittiker then decides to take his last MO's word for the state of the man's health, for the time being anyway::

Host Deleah says:
::Walks over to Roalla:: CNS: I think it will be a good idea. ::looks a bit closer:: You seem disturbed by all of this.

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Takes the Captain's hand, and shakes it.:: CO: IT's a pleasure to be back.  I have a brief to watch only.  Of course, If you believe that, then you're on very dangerous ground.  Not even I believe that.  And what, exactly are those images?  I've never seen anything like them.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Continues to watch the viewscreen, taking in everything from a tactical standpoint.::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns to look at the CMO::  CMO:  Is it just me, or do they look bio-organic?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
FCO: Hard to tell, I'd have to look over more data, if she has any.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
Deleah: Well, my opinion won't matter once Starfleet have made their decision.  And that's influenced by feedback from the Captain.  If you'll follow me?  ::leads the way::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Studies the images::  All:  Something about the hull.  It doesnt look like metal at all, something else...

Host Deleah says:
::Silently follows the CNS to the bridge::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Enters the bridge::  CO: Captain, this is Deleah.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns towards Deleah and the CNS::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Faces the CNS and Deleah::

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Turns around and looks at Deleah, oddly, he senses no mind there...  but it looks like the mind he sensed on the other ship would look like::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CIV: We'll fill you in later.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CNS: Thank you.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Nods and sits down::

Host Deleah says:
::Pauses as everybody turns to look at the two women:: CO: You have seen what I have to show?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: A pleasure to finally meet you ::nods in reverance::

CIV_Whittiker says:
CO: Yes Captain.  ::Looks Deleah up and down::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Looks at the Android::

Host Deleah says:
::Returns the Captain's nod, arching an eyebrow at the CIV as he looks her up and down::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: Indeed. The images are most troubling, your people have my sincerest sympathy.

CIV_Whittiker says:
~~~CNS:  Who or what is she?  She acts sentient...  but I can't sense her.~~~

Host Deleah says:
::Keeps an impassive face:: CO: I hope your governoment will have as much sympathy. Captain, this threat isn't just to us, but to every living thing in this universe.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Cant help but wonder how many conversations are taking place between all of the mind witches.  Probably a lot.::

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
~~~CIV: That's what we're trying to find out.~~~

CIV_Whittiker says:
~~~CNS: I see.  And she brought those images with her?  Curioser and curioser, said Alice.~~~

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Begins turning to ask a question, then decides against it and just listens.::

Host Deleah says:
::looks around the bridge, taking in the looks the staff steal of her, wondering if she would find the allies she needs::

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Smiles to Deleah::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: At this moment I can't make any assertions on the partw of my government. All I can tell you is that the Federation stands for peace and democracy. If you too stand for these ideals, and those fighting against you do not

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: And those who started this conflict were not you, I see no reason you would not have the Federation's support.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: But that's just an opinion, obviously.

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Raises an eyebrow and continues to wath her::

Host Deleah says:
CO: Captain, I can assure you that your and our ideals coincide. If making my case to your government will improve my chances of arranging an alliance, then I ask that you take me to them.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: A question troubles me though... you say you came here in search of Allies, I assume I'm correct that you wish for the Federation to be your allies - but what help xould we be to you?

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Cannonfodder, or something like that::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: Our territory is on the other side of the galaxy. Our ships cannot make such a journey in an acceptable amount of time, and furthermore, you and the Darkness seem to be much more advanced than we are.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: You want to go to Earth? To present your case to the Federation Council?

Host Deleah says:
CO: Captain, if an alliance is not a viable option, then at least a warning to your peoples will be a good thing.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: For this we have your thanks.

Host Deleah says:
CO: I would like to do that, but if you are sceptical, I understand. If you will allow me to prepare a transmission to state my case, then you can send it on with your own observations and recommendations.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Continues listening to the exchange::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Thinks a moment ::

Host Deleah says:
::looks around the bridge again:: CO: I think it will be best if I return to my ship now. I will leave you to discuss it with your senior staff.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: Your avatar can be escorted to Earth in the Seleya. But I'm afraid your vessel will not be given clearance to travel in Federation space, not yet at least.

Host Deleah says:
CO: Captain, there is one tiny problem with that. My avatar cannot go too far from my physical presence. I'm controlling it through a transmission, hence my suggestion of the information first.

Host Deleah says:
::Smiles slightly:: CO: I'm still just a physical being, Captain, not an AI.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: Can your transmission pass through our subspace communications?

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Walks across to a console, and reads up on the current status of the Seleya, keeping an ear on the conversation, while appearing not to::

Host Deleah says:
::Shrugs:: CO: I cannot tell, I have never attempted it.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Frowns at the CO's statement.  Self:  I dont know that we want to grant her access to our subspace net.::

Host Deleah says:
CO: But I doubt it would work. The transmission carries a tremendous amount of information, which imposed the distance limitation on me in the first place.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Deleah: Understood. I think it best you return to your own vessel for the time being. You will receive our answer forthwith.

Host Deleah says:
::Nods:: CO: Thank you for listening, Captain.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Suddenly turns to his Vulcan like upbringing to guide him through this diplomatic minefield ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns and motions a set of security officers over, in anticipation of the CO's orders.::

Host Deleah says:
::Smiles at the staff assembled and goes with the security officers::

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Inclines his head to Deleah::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Waits until the TL doors shut on Deleah::  All:  This just keeps getting deeper.

CIV_Whittiker says:
FCO: You could say we just opened a rabbit hole, yes.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  If she's telling the truth about this Darkness, we could be facing a serious future threat.  Not just to the Federation, but the entire Alpha Quadrent.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Takes his seat, initially not partaking in the discussion ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: I agree. But I believe the only way to get the Federation Council to believe her and corroborate her story is to take her to Earth.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns and locks eyes with the CO:: CO: IF she's telling the truth.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
ALL: I just doubt the Federation will sanction us bringing the Pheonix deeper into our populated territory.

CIV_Whittiker says:
CO: Personally, I sense no deception on her part.  CNS: Do you agree, Counsellor?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Indeed. We just don't know enough. Starfleet has been tricked into enough of these situations - between the Borg and Species 8472, for example.

CNS_LtJG_Modalis says:
::Nods to Whittiker::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
CIV, CNS: I don't mean to be rude, but how can you be sure that she's not deceiving you? She's proven capable of amazing things already.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Nods:: All: Maybe so, but she is a being with technology integrated directly into her.  For all we know, she could have been programed to believe what she's saying.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: Or that.

CIV_Whittiker says:
CO: Captain, I have dealt with minds capable of amazing deception.  She is not one of them.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
ALL:  Theres just so many possibilities, with no way to verify them.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Looks at Whittiker, begins to respond, but then just looks away ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
FCO: You have the Bridge.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CO:  Even if we were to scan her telepathically, her memories could be false.

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Looks at the captain, with one raised eybrow::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Walks towards his Ready Room, immeadiatly sitting at his desk ::

CMO_LtJg_Atreides says:
::Nods:: CO: We don't know what technology they have available...

CO_Capt_Muir says:
Computer: Open a channel to the Federation Council. It's urgent.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Looks at the CO a little startled.::  CO:  Aye sir....

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Turns and looks at the rest of the crew.::

Host SM-Lyon says:
<Computer> CO: Processing...

CIV_Whittiker says:
::Looks at the FCO, evaluating him::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CIV/CNS/CMO:  Any thoughts?

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Sits back, looking at his screen ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Hates being in this position, stares out to the stars outside ::

CIV_Whittiker says:
FCO: I believe several telepaths of sufficient strength could tell the difference.  It has been done before - real memories have a... depth and texture to them, which are very difficult - almost impossible to fake consistently.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Wonders just how many mistakes could possibly be made in this situation... act too slow and they may lose an ally, and someone they should help ::

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Acting too rashly could bring them into a conflict that they know nothing about, leaving them deceived and eventually destroyed ::

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
::Nods::  CIV:  If you say so.  I wouldnt know.  My concern is the potential danger, to all parties involved, and that sounds as dangerous as it gets on that plane.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Can't help but feel that the weight of the Federation today has fallen on the nacelles of the Seleya - will she be strong enough to carry them in the right direction ::

CIV_Whittiker says:
FCO: Mr. A'an...  The universe is a dangerous place.  

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CIV:  I know that, probably a lot better than even you, but that doesnt mean we charge in blind.  We have to weigh the concequences.

CIV_Whittiker says:
FCO: Yes of course, but sometimes weighing the consequences eternally is more dangerous.

FCO_LtCmdr_Aan says:
CIV:  I'd feel more comfortable sending a research team with Deleah back to her part of the galaxy to decern the validity rather than slicing into another beings psyche.

CO_Capt_Muir says:
:: Has a sudden feeling the call will connect, and glances back to his screen ::

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