Host CO_Farrel says:
Captain's log stardate 10404.02.  The Artemis is arriving at the hole in the galactic barrier to further investigate the coral aliens.  K'Tor's dampening field has been established around the ship, and we hope to remain hidden from alien detection...the ship remains on full red alert

Host Sergio says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin "Double Trouble" part 7>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : The Artemis is reaching the gap on the galactic barrier.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::On the turbolift heading for the bridge.:

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : Gravimetric readings are starting to rise...

CSO_KTor says:
::At science 1, keeping tabs on the dampening field and watching passive sensors for any sign of the alien ship::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::As the motion slows and then comes to a stop, she waits a heartbeat before slipping out the opening doors.::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::sitting on the bridge tapping the armrest anxiously:: CSO: Any ships or black holes on sensors?  Passive scans only...

CSO_KTor says:
CO: I'm not picking anything up yet sir. However, gravimetric shear is beginning to increase.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : The Artemis rocks as a powerful gravimetric wave passes through it.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : No damage.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Walks over to Hali::  CO:  That is it.  The three of us on the bridge are the last telepaths still fully functioning.  ::Holds out her hand with three hyposprays, each adjusted for each individual.::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Shifting to keep her balance::  CO:  That was interesting.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Steadies herself:: CMO: It's going to be a rough ride... ::holds up arm:: Well, let’s get this over with... ::Isn't looking forward to loosing her telepathic senses::

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : LRS pick up several coral ships ahead.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : These are bigger than the small ones they encountered before.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Sir, I'm getting something on long range sensors.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Taking the hypo marked for the captain, she reaches up and applies it to Hali's carotid.::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Looks like a number of coral ships, larger than those we've previously encountered.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : Their shape is oval, they have a lot more "beings" on their outer shells.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : They are roughly compared, in size, to the Artemis itself.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: Continue scans...

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Aye sir.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Quietly::  CO:  Let me know if there are any side affects... other then to your tele abilities.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Turns to move toward the CSO::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Placing the captain’s empty hypo into her jacket pocket, she pulls out the CSO's::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Already feels as if she's treading through water to sense La'i's presence sighs unsettled.::

CMO_Mea`e says:
CSO:  You’re next K'Tor.

CSO_KTor says:
CMO: Thank you doctor.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: How many life forms are you detecting?  

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : Another jolt, this one more powerful, rocks the Artemis.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: We're approaching the gap in the galactic barrier. The other ::hangs on for a moment silently before continuing::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Places the hypo against the vein and starts to activate it, only to pull back to gain her balance.::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::grabs her chair, steadying herself and checks her readout for damage::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Glances at the screen then back.::  CSO:  Let’s try that again.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: The other ships... there are three of them... are approaching the gap from the outside. There are hundreds of life forms on each ship.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Applies the hypo, this time succeeding.::

CSO_KTor says:
CMO: Indeed.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: Do they all read as the same species?

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : The Artemis is now entering the threshold for the barrier. Gravimetric eddies crash into the Artemis' ships, making them glow in odd colors.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Affirmative.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Pocketing the empty vial, she attaches the one marked for her, then glares at it a moment before starting to give it to herself, only to pause to catch her balance again.::  CSO/CO:  This is getting old fast.

CSO_KTor says:
::Checks readouts:: CO: Gravimetric distortion eddies are hitting the ship. No damage sir.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Speaking over the rumble of the gravimetric impacts:: CSO: How long until they reach us?

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: Careful doctor, I heard a double dose causes hair loss ::winks::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Sits down in a chair and applies the hypo against the carotid vein of her neck.::  CO:  I think I would almost prefer that to this.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Ten minutes to intercept at this speed sir.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::giggles:: CMO: I get an odd pleasure from being bounced around a little... I find it...thrilling ::grips the arm pads excitedly::

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : Another powerful current impacts the Artemis. One of the auxiliary consoles on the bridge shorts out.

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Shakes head::  CO:  I am taking you on another holo adventure...

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Glances over at the console, noting no one was near it.::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::wafts away a plume of smoke::  CMO: what kind of adventure did you have in mind?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Although the ships are larger, sir, the propelling creatures don't appear to be any stronger. Instead, there are more of them, working together.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: They've actually opened multiple small singularities in front of each ship.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: Wait, I’m confused... propelling creatures?  are these a second life form outside the ship?

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  If you like bouncing, I saw one that had horses and bad guys... I believe it was called a western, though west of what I have no idea or what it has to do with horses... but horses bounce.  ::Smiles and looks up at the screen.::

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  The ships are covered with life forms on the outside.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO,CSO: Why would they be sending a small fleet of ships into our galaxy... ::frowns and looks to her friends::

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  Small fleet can mean anything from colonization, escaping to invasion.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: horses, sounds perfect... 

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: looks like Starfleet had a right to be concerned...

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  Perhaps...

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Not exactly sir. The creatures propelling the ships are closer to organic technology than true life forms.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : The three ships reach the entrance to the gap, just as the Artemis is exiting it.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : They have apparently not noticed the Artemis.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: I see...  extrapolate they're trajectory...where are they heading?  I mean would there course take them into federation space?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Working on it now sir. ::Pulls up some charts and starts plotting some coordinates::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::watching nav sensors:: FCO: Okay helm, time to swing about, and fall in behind our friends...but not too close

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO/CSO:  Odd... I don't think they saw us... or maybe they don't think us worthy of attention?

CSO_KTor says:
CO/CMO: Perhaps our dampening field worked.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: Let's hope so...

Host CO_Farrel says:
::watches the viewer as the Artemis swings around and comes up behind the alien fleet.::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: We won't be able to extrapolate a useful course until the ships have passed through the gap. I'll get started as soon as they pick a heading.

CSO_KTor says:
::Sees an alert on long-range sensors:: CO: Sir, I'm picking up several star systems outside the galactic barrier.

Host Sergio says:
ACTION : As the Artemis re-enters the gap, Gravimetric forces start pounding her again

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO/CMO: Star systems outside the galactic barrier...?

CSO_KTor says:
CO/CMO: Correct.

CSO_KTor says:
CO/CMO: Naturally, we have no data on these systems.

Host Qwee says:
ACTION : With a flash of light, a human appears on the bridge

Host Qwee says:
All : Fascinating..

CSO_KTor says:
::Looks up at Qwee::

Host Qwee says:
::he starts pacing around the bridge, looking at everything::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::frowns making a decision:: CSO: Relay this armadas location to Starfleet, the ships coming up behind us can keep an eye on them... ::thinks the helmsman must hate her:: FCO: Bring us about, take us back out the galactic barrier!!

CMO_Mea`e says:
::To no one::  Oh brother...

Host Qwee says:
ACTION : The Artemis rocks..

Host Qwee says:
All : Woooow....

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Looks over at the intruder startled:: Hello...

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Aye sir. ::Opens a comlink, boosts power to maximum, and transmits sensor telemetry and nav coordinates to Starfleet::

Host Qwee says:
All : Nasty little storm outside, hey?

Host CO_Farrel says:
Qwee: Yes... ::slowly stands:: I'm captain Farrel of the Federation starship Artemis.  And you are?

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Trouble.::

Host Qwee says:
All : Well, my name is actually unpronounceable by you, but you can call me Q.. wee

Host Qwee says:
::smiles::

Host CO_Farrel says:
Qwee: Q... wee.  ::frowns thinking how awfully similar that sounds...::

Host Qwee says:
::nods:: That's my name... ::he moves to sit down on the captain's chair:: So.. What's happening?

Host CO_Farrel says:
Qwee: Are you from the Q continuum?  Are you a Q?

Host Qwee says:
::nods affirmatively::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Looks from Hali to K'Tor::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::sighs::  Qwee: What brings you to the Artemis? ::tries not to show her irritation with the teenager lounging in her chair::

Host Qwee says:
All : Well, let's just say that.. I am an observer.. ::smiles::

Host Qwee says:
ACTION : As soon as they cleared the gap, the three coral frigates increased speed

CSO_KTor says:
CO: If I may interrupt sir...

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Just sits there, considering it the wiser of actions at the moment.::

Host CO_Farrel says:
FCO: Helm...take us to the closest of those star systems outside our galaxy... ::turns back to the Q, not sure what to do::  CSO: Yes?

Host Qwee says:
ACTION : The Artemis clears the disturbance on the other side of the gap. The gravimetric forces are now well within acceptable limits.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: First, I transmitted our data to Starfleet three times, but we can't be sure they received anything. The galactic barrier is wreaking havoc with our comm system.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::nodding::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Second, after those ships passed the barrier, I was able to extrapolate their course. They're heading for the planet with the other Artemis' wreckage.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: They've sped up now that they're clear of the gap.

Host Qwee says:
::ears perk up as he hears mention of the "Other" Artemis..::

Host Qwee says:
All : So there's two of you around, huh? ::gets up:: How interesting..

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Doesn't need to be a telepath to note the Q's sudden interest in the topic, looks at him, considering::

Host CO_Farrel says:
Q: Do you know anything about this, Qwee?

Host Qwee says:
::giggles:: CO : Even if I did, and I’m not saying I do, why do you think I would tell you? But then again, we Qs are omniscient....

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Gives an unladylike snort.::

Host Qwee says:
<FCO> CO : Course plotted and engaged... We'll arrive at this system in 4 hours.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::overhears La'i and giggles::

Host Qwee says:
CO : I'm more interested in what YOU know about this.. ::grins::

Host CO_Farrel says:
Qwee: In what I know?  

Host Qwee says:
CO : Yes, you. Your race, your ship, you all.. ::opens his arms to encompass all the officers on the bridge right now::

Host CO_Farrel says:
Qwee: Please, no group hugs.. ::straining against expando-man's arms::

Host Qwee says:
CO : You see.. This is one of those incidents that can make or break your race... You are constantly being put to the test, didn't you know?

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Sighs as she reaches out naturally to Hali only to feel a wall.::

CMO_Mea`e says:
Joy....  ::Rolls her eyes deliberately::

Host Qwee says:
::moves to close with the CMO:: CMO : Come now.. This is what you people so excel at.. Adaptation, curiosity...

Host Qwee says:
CMO : I would think you would be finding this all extremely exciting..

Host CO_Farrel says:
::watching the exchange between La'i and the Q::

CMO_Mea`e says:
Qwee:  And what pray tell does that have to do with being constantly picked on by a group of people who have only one advantage over everyone and actually use it?

Host Qwee says:
CMO : After all, it is not everyday that you make such an extraordinary discovery.. ::widens his eyes:: Ooops.. I wasn't supposed to say that... ::quickly moves to the front of the viewscreen::

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Looks at Hali and shakes her head.::

Host Qwee says:
::mocks shock with his face:: CMO : Am I picking on anyone?? I think not.. ::returns his face to a normal one:: I stated I am merely an observer, did I not?

Host CO_Farrel says:
::Ignores the Q for a moment:: CSO: I'm worried our message may not have made it, we need to warn Starfleet.  Can we send a probe thought the galactic hole to send a message to Starfleet regarding the armada?

CMO_Mea`e says:
Qwee:  No hard feeling, but Q's and observers are an oxymoron.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: I'll set one up sir.

Host Qwee says:
::shrugs::

CSO_KTor says:
::Downloads all the data into a probe and targets it at the gap::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Probe ready for launch sir. Might I remind you that a Starfleet probe has a low chance of survival given the gravimetric distortions?

Host Qwee says:
::goes over to sip down on the Captain's chair again.:: All : Alright then.. I will take my leave of you, if that is how you feel...

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: Is there anyway we can increase it's chances?

Host Qwee says:
::claps his hands twice, and disappears in a flash of light::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Not without significant modifications which would take quite a bit of time.

CMO_Mea`e says:
Qwee:  I did not notice we commented on how we... Hmmm... guess he is gone.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::looks at the now empty centre chair and shakes her head:: 

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: I see, well it's a long shot...but launch the probe as is...

CMO_Mea`e says:
::Looks at the CSO&CO:: At least I believe he is gone.  ::Sigh::  OK, what are we supposed to be discovering?

CSO_KTor says:
::Fires the probe::

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: And how is this all related to the peril of our species?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Probe away.

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  I have no idea... unless we are to deal with something more powerful then ourselves yet with a weakness... kind of like the Borg.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: Q's have a history for showing up for either entertainment, or pivotal moments in our development as a species...and I highly doubt this Q was looking to satisfy his boredom...  ::wonders what those star systems hold in store::

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Sir, this is very strange. I'm picking up more star systems on long range sensors!

CSO_KTor says:
CO: There shouldn't even *be* any star systems outside the galactic barrier.

CSO_KTor says:
::Thinks of an idea and pulls up some material from the database::

Host CO_Farrel says:
::looks shocked:: CSO: how many are there?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: For that matter sir, this region of space doesn't even seem to match up with what the outside of the galaxy should look like, according to the Enterprise' readings. It's more like galactic space.

CMO_Mea`e says:
CSO:  We know so little really... perhaps there are and they have just been... hidden until now?

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: So you mean, this wasn't here before?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Sir... the star system density ratio is the same as our own galaxy.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: Or very similar.

CSO_KTor says:
CO/CMO: I doubt we could have missed this many systems.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO/CMO: Somehow.. ::watching the new star systems appear on the viewer:: ...things have changed

CMO_Mea`e says:
CSO:  If there was something blocking our scan?  ::Shakes head::  I have no idea, I am just throwing things out here.

CSO_KTor says:
Self: Wait a minute...

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  Qwee?

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: good thought...

CSO_KTor says:
CO/CMO: Actually, I was meaning more along the lines of the Federation in general should have seen at least some of these stars in the past, just as we can see stars of other galaxies. Moreover, these are right next door.

CSO_KTor says:
CO: This is just a theory, but do you think it's possible we're no longer in our own universe?

Host CO_Farrel says:
CSO: It would make sense... could we take a sample of space dust and scan it's quantum signature?

CSO_KTor says:
CO: I'll have some beamed to the science lab and analyzed right away sir.

Host CO_Farrel says:
::takes her seat and looks at La'i::  CMO: It's like we've fallen upon the galactic "new world"

CSO_KTor says:
::Has some dust beamed into the lab and sends instructions for its quantum signature to be extracted and sent up to the bridge::

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO/CSO:  I just hope this does not tie in with what happened to the last Artemis.

Host CO_Farrel says:
CMO: It does seem like as this mission goes on, we are following more and more into her footsteps...

CMO_Mea`e says:
CO:  Only this time, we know AN end result.

Host Qwee says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<End "Double Trouble" part 7>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host Qwee says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<End "Double Trouble" part 7>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>