March 31, 1999 – Kootenai Station

FCO_Swift:
<<<<<<<<<<<BEGIN ANOTHER NORMAL DAY ON KOOTENAI STATION>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CTOValrek:
::enters OPS and takes his station::

FCO_Swift:
::on shuttle, firing up thrusters::  CO:  All ready to depart, on your mark, sir.

Dr_Ocean:
::looks for his pipe in his medical bag, ah there you are::

CTOValrek:
::Does a point to point transport to the shuttle::

CO_Louis:
:: Looks up from a padd :: Swift: Very well, engage.

FCO_Swift:
::nods::  

Dr_Ocean:
Captain: mind if I smoke in the back here?

FCO_Swift:
::engaging thrusters::  CO:  Aye sir.

Dario__ has left the conversation

CO_Louis:
Valrek: Very nice of you to join us.

CTOValrek:
::grabs onto a nearby console to steady himself::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE SHUTTLE DEPARTS THE STATION IN A SMOOTH LAUNCH.

CTOValrek:
CO: Thank you sir

FCO_Swift:
::pleased her extra shuttle pilot training is going to pay off::

CO_Louis:
Ocean: In a shuttle this size, I don't believe that is a wise thing to do. Wouldn't you agree?

FCO_Swift:
CO:  We're approximately one hour from Rivendell Outpost sir.

CTOValrek:
::takes his station on the shuttle::

FCO_Swift:
::relieved the Captain won't allow smoking::

FCO_Swift:
::wiggling nose anyway at the thought of pipe smoke::

CO_Louis:
Swift: Thank you. :: Impressed with the efficiency of the FCO ::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: I understand, I'm just a old Dr

FCO_Swift:
::suppressing a grin and hoping nothing untoward happens on her watch::

CSECHicks:
::I guess there's not much need for Security on a shuttle::

CO_Louis:
Dr: A fine combination, I must say. Being old and being a doctor.

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: AN ALARM BEEPS ON THE SHUTTLE'S MAIN CONSOLE.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: Its my calling, I'm more of an old salt than anything else, care for a mint?

FCO_Swift:
::wrinkled brow::  Huh?

CTOValrek:
::looks over his station and finds nothing irregular::

FCO_Swift:
CO:  Uh, sir...that's the proximity alarm.  But, I'm not reading anything out there.

CO_Louis:
Doc: Thanks. :: Takes a mint and steps behind the FCO to see what the problem is... ::

FCO_Swift:
::glancing over at Valrek::  You reading anything?

CTOValrek:
FCO: Negative....no readings

Dr_Ocean:
::thoughtfully strokes his grey beard::

CSECHicks:
::Stands near Valrek to discuss tactical procedure::

CO_Louis:
Swift: That doesn't make much sense. Nothing on the sensors... how could the alarm go off?

CTOValrek:
::does a tachyon scan to see if there is a cloaked vessel outside::

CSECHicks:
CO:  Might it be a cloaked ship, sir?

FCO_Swift:
::fingers flying over the console::  I wish I knew, sir.  ::sweating::

CO_Louis:
Swift: All stop.

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: EVERYTHING GOES DARK, AND THE ENTIRE CREW FALL UNCONSCIOUS.

CSECHicks:
::AHHHHHHHHHH::

Dr_Ocean:
::dreams of Nantucket::

CO_Louis:
:: Falls to the floor hitting head on the deck ::

CTOValrek:
::slouches in his seat::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE CREW BEGIN TO AWAKE AND FIND THEMSELVES IN A CAVERN, HANGING UPSIDE DOWN.

CSECHicks:
::dreams of Jennifer Lopes::

CTOValrek:
::feels the blood rushing to his head and wakes up::

Dr_Ocean:
::stirs mumbling about a lost love::

CSECHicks:
::Awakes and feels gravity pulling him up?::

CTOValrek:
::pulls himself to his ankles to see how he is hanging::

CO_Louis:
:: Slowly opens eyes and notices a severe headache... then gets a confused look across my face ::

Dr_Ocean:
::examines fibrous substance to see if it is organic::

CTOValrek:
::sees the empty boots and decides to get out of his own boots::

CO_Louis:
:: Bends to touch the substance at my feet... seems very strong and fleshy ::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: It appears we are the next meal of some creature, probably an Arachnid

CTOValrek:
::loosens his boots and falls to the floor::

CTOValrek:
::is barefoot::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: VALREK IS IMMEDIATELY RESTRAINED BY FIBROUS STUFF ON THE CAVERN FLOOR.

CSECHicks:
CTO:  I was wondering if that would work.

CTOValrek:
::struggles to free himself::

CO_Louis:
Doc: Sure seems that way.

CTOValrek:
All: I suggest not doing that

CSECHicks:
CTO: Agreed.

CTOValrek:
::feels like a fly on fly paper::

CO_Louis:
:: To all :: Well, seems to me that this is organic. It is reacting to us.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: if we could create a fire or spark by rubbing 2 combadges together

CO_Louis:
:: Laughs :: Doc: that's not such a bad idea... I think the com badges can be used to create a feedback and generate an electric shock.

CSECHicks:
CO:  Let's see if sound effects this substance.  We could alter our comm badges to emit a high pitched whine.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: the commbadges are constructed of gold, this creature maybe afraid of fire since it lives in a cave

CO_Louis:
Doc: Fire is not an option... there is only limited oxygen to feed us, much less a fire.

CSECHicks:
CO:  What about the sound theory, sir?

CTOValrek:
::lays immobilized::

CO_Louis:
Hicks: The only thing is that I doubt it's of a frequency in the normal spectrum of the human auditory senses.

FCO_Swift:
::itchy nose::   

Dr_Ocean:
CO: If we don’t free ourselves soon we run the risk of passing out due to blood rushing to our head

FCO_Swift:
::wondering how much blood the human head can hold::

CTOValrek:
::hates to be an individualist in this case but still decides to say it:: Dr.: Not me

CO_Louis:
Doc: I'm less worried about that, than I am of getting into a situation like Valrek.

CSECHicks:
CO:  Well sir, I agree with the Doc.  We need to try something.

FCO_Swift:
::slips a little in her boots::

FCO_Swift:
::reaching down to scratch nose::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: ENSIGN SWIFT FALLS TO THE CAVERN FLOOR A FEW FEET AWAY FROM VALREK.

FCO_Swift:
Uh oh.

CTOValrek:
::looks around to see if there is anything that they can use::

CTOValrek:
FCO: Nice of you to join me ::smiles::

FCO_Swift:
::looking up at the chagrined face of her commanding officer::  Sorry Captain.  I fell out of my boots.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: perhaps the shuttle is in orbit?

CO_Louis:
Swift: Nice move.

FCO_Swift:
::sigh::   

CSECHicks:
All:  If this substance is organic, this may be some sort of life form.  Let's try to communicate with it.

CTOValrek:
::Sees if he can move any part of his body....fingers, toes, etc.::

FCO_Swift:
::realizing the worst part is her nose is still itchy::

CO_Louis:
Hicks: Go ahead and try your theory.

CSECHicks:
CO:  Which one, sir?

FCO_Swift:
I hope this stuff isn't corrosive.  ::sounding a little nervous::

CO_Louis:
Doc: See if you can reconfigure your comm badge to generate an electric shock

CO_Louis:
Hicks: Auditory stimuli.

CSECHicks:
CO:Aye.

CTOValrek:
::decides to do something weird.......turns his head and blows on the stuff holding him there::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: I'll try but I need to free my hands

CO_Louis:
Hey Doc: I have a question... What part of the human anatomy will attack an invading substance and entrap it?

CSECHicks:
::Reconfigures his comm badge to emit a high intensity audio pulse::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: The immune system is designed to quarantine and destroy invading cells

CSECHicks:
CO:  White blood cells.

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: AN ECHOING CLICKING SOUND IS HEARD FROM ANOTHER TUNNEL IN THE CAVERN SYSTEM, THEN IT PASSES BY.

FCO_Swift:
What was that?

CO_Louis:
:: Shouts :: HELLO?!?

Dr_Ocean:
CO: That is certainly a spider like creature or perhaps an ant

CTOValrek:
FCO: Must be a giant spider of some sort ::smiles nervously::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE CAPTAIN'S SHOUT ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE CAVERN SYSTEM.  NOTHING ELSE IS HEARD.

Dr_Ocean:
::wiggles arms::

Dr_Ocean:
::begins to see spots, I'm not as young as I once was::

CO_Louis:
Doc: The body will contain an invader as long as it is deemed to be harmful. How can we convince this thing we are not.

CSECHicks:
::Still working on his comm badge::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: You presume it sees us as harmful, the evidence suggests we are a meal

CO_Louis:
Doc: I disagree... that pile of bones only suggest that there once was flesh, where now there is none.

CTOValrek:
Dr.: But if we are seen as harmful to it's digestion, it may regurgitate us?

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: HICKS IS ABLE TO PRODUCE A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE FROM HIS COMM BADGE.

FCO_Swift:
::grimacing at the sound::

CSECHicks:
::Plugs his ears::

CO_Louis:
:: Gives Hicks a dirty look ::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: MUCH TO TH RELIEF OF THE OTHER OFFICERS, THE HIGH-PITCHED WHINE CEASES.

CSECHicks:
::Turns the sound off as there is no reaction::

Dr_Ocean:
CO:  another explanation it is a carnivore, I suggest we free ourselves quickly and avoid contact

CTOValrek:
::rolls eyes as he is still stuck::

CSECHicks:
ALL:  Sorry people.  I was just trying to help.

Dr_Ocean:
::more spots in his eyes::

CO_Louis:
* To all * I would like to try the obvious...

Dr_Ocean:
::manages to grab his commbadge::

CTOValrek:
CO: Have at it

FCO_Swift:
::feeling sorry for the hanging officers, as their faces turn red and purple::

CO_Louis:
* Shuttle craft Hubble * Computer, acknowledge transmission. :: Waits to hear a reply ::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THERE IS NO REPLY.

CTOValrek:
CO: we may be too deep into wherever we are for a signal to get out

Dr_Ocean:
::uses commbadge to try to cut some of the fiber::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE DOCTOR IS ABLE TO MAKE SOME HEADWAY, BUT IT IS SLOW GOING, CUTTING THE FIBROUS STUFF.

Dr_Ocean:
::thinks to himself "yuk"

CTOValrek:
::wonders what the Doc will do once he cuts himself free::

CO_Louis:
:: Wonders what will happen when the doctor cuts himself away and falls to the floor ::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: DR. OCEAN FALLS TO THE FLOOR AND IS ENTRAPPED IN THE FIBROUS STUFF, BUT THINKING QUICKLY, HE MANAGES TO KEEP HIS ARMS ABOVE THE CAVERN FLOOR UPON LANDING.

CO_Louis:
Hicks: If this is an arachnid, then the high pitched sound is not a frequency that will have any effect. Try a lower frequency.

Dr_Ocean:
::cuts some more trying to free himself as blood flows to legs::

CSECHicks:
CO: Aye sir.

Dr_Ocean:
::takes off pips and uses them too::

CSECHicks:
::Sets comm badge for a subsonic audio pulse::

CTOValrek:
::wishes the Doc would free part of him so he could help::

CSECHicks:
CO:  Ready to emit lower frequency pulse, Captain.

Dr_Ocean:
::cuts himself free and moves on to FCO::

FCO_Swift:
::making faces to wriggle her nose::

FCO_Swift:
Dr:  Please scratch my nose.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: if you drop down I'll cut you free

CO_Louis:
:: Takes comm badge and begins to cut away... quickly my arms get tired ::

FCO_Swift:
::wriggling nose::

Dr_Ocean:
FCO: I can stop and scratch your nose but then you'd be lunch

FCO_Swift:
:: a small voice::   oh

CO_Louis:
:: Falls to the floor and keeps arms above chest ::

FCO_Swift:
::silently urging the Dr. to cut faster::

Dr_Ocean:
::takes FCO's commbadge and uses that too::

CO_Louis:
:: Feels tingling and sharp pain in the legs ::

FCO_Swift:
::sitting up::  Oh, thank you Dr.

FCO_Swift:
::madly scratching her nose::

CSECHicks:
All:  I suggest we all do this before we black out.  ::Beginning to lose vision::

FCO_Swift:
Hicks:  Hang on, I'll get you.

Dr_Ocean:
::moves on to help CO::

CO_Louis:
:: Helps Doc cut feet free ::

FCO_Swift:
::grabbing her commbadge back and slicing away the little remaining shreds and stepping lightly over to Hicks::

CTOValrek:
::tries to keep his head out of the goo::

CSECHicks:
::Clowns, look at the clowns::

Dr_Ocean:
::works to free CO::

FCO_Swift:
Hicks:  wriggle out of your boots and I'll support you down.  You won't get stuck too badly I think.

CSECHicks:
::Follows Swift's instructions::

FCO_Swift:
::helping Hicks down::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION:  HICKS SLIPS OUT OF HIS BOOTS AND LANDS UNGRACEFULLY AT SWIFT'S FEET, STUCK A LITTLE IN THE FIBROUS STUFF.

CSECHicks:
FCO:  Thank you Swift.  I was beginning to get delirious.

Dr_Ocean:
::working to free CO::

CO_Louis:
:: Steps lightly along the floor away from the sounds heard earlier ::

Dr_Ocean:
::uses skeleton bones to cut faster::

FCO_Swift:
::slicing away at Hicks a little::  You'll be free in a minute.  That's about when the pins and needles will start in your legs.

CSECHicks:
FCO:  Sounds like fun.

CTOValrek:
::continues to watch the others::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: we can use the leg and arm bones as clubs

CO_Louis:
Doc: Good idea.

FCO_Swift:
::wondering what the Dr. does for fun on his off-duty hours::

Dr_Ocean:
::survival::

FCO_Swift:
If we were supposed to be food, what happened to them, I wonder.  ::gesturing to a pile of bones::

CO_Louis:
:: Continues walking the cavern ::

Dr_Ocean:
::thinks maybe he should feed the FCO to the spider and grins::

CO_Louis:
Swift: You could stick around to find out and let us know later.

FCO_Swift:
::glancing sideways at the Dr.'s wolfish grin::

FCO_Swift:
CO:  No thank you sir.  I'm not much on sightseeing really.

Dr_Ocean:
CO: the people were likely devoured by a carnivore

FCO_Swift:
::bravely stepping lightly and following the Captain and Dr::

CO_Louis:
Doc: That, or starvation.

FCO_Swift:
Mm.   ::thinking that's a bad way to go::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: perhaps if we follows the light source we will leave

CTOValrek:
::takes the rear and follows closely::

CO_Louis:
Doc: That's where I'm heading. :: Continues to walk lightly ::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE CLICKING SOUND IS HEARD BEHIND THEM, BUT FADES AS IF SOMETHING PASSED INTO ANOTHER PASSAGE BEHIND THE GROUP.

Dr_Ocean:
::wonders what a spider would need with our weapons::

CTOValrek:
::turns and looks....sees nothing::

CTOValrek:
All: could this spider be invisible?

FCO_Swift:
@<computer> Shuttle Hubble, responding.

CO_Louis:
Valrek: Let us know if you find out.

FCO_Swift:
::startled to hear the computer's voice::  Hey!

CTOValrek:
CO: You will find out when you hear my screams

Dr_Ocean:
CO: I suggest we exit stage left

CO_Louis:
:: Taps badge... in relief :: *Computer* Lock transporters and confirm lock.

CTOValrek:
::looks for the curtain to rise::

CSECHicks:
CTO:  Vulcans aren't supposed to cry out in pain.

CTOValrek:
Hicks: Who says?

CSECHicks:
CTO:  Ambassador Spock.

FCO_Swift:
CO:  That was a long delay since we hailed the shuttle.  There's probably going to be another delay as your command goes back to lock transporters.  We should stay here to enable the lock.

Dr_Ocean:
::readies bone::

CTOValrek:
Hicks: Pain is relative......has nothing to do with emotion ::smiles::

CSECHicks:
CTO:  I see.

CO_Louis:
Swift: I don't like that solution. The computer should lock no matter what. I wonder if it just takes that long for communications.

CO_Louis:
Swift: I have a better idea... lets not wait.

FCO_Swift:
CO:  I like it.  ::suppressing an involuntary shudder::

Dr_Ocean:
CO: I suggest we continue moving the computer should be able to follow mobile locks

Dr_Ocean:
FCO: don’t panic

CO_Louis:
*Computer* Begin transport upon lock confirmation.

CO_Louis:
All: Let's keep moving.

CTOValrek:
::whispers:: Here spider, spider, spider. ::holds out a femur bone for defense::

Dr_Ocean:
::concerned about the FCO::

CSECHicks:
::Follows the CO::

FCO_Swift:
@<computer>  Transport lock  confirmed.

CO_Louis:
All: Hold position.

FCO_Swift:
::hoping to feel the transport tingle soon::

CTOValrek:
CO: must be a time delay of some sort

FCO_Swift:
::itchy nose again::

CO_Louis:
:: Waits impatiently for the computer ::

FCO_Swift:
@<computer> Transporting now.

CTOValrek:
::pokes FCO in the tummy with the bone as she reaches to scratch her nose:: FCO: Touché!!

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE OFFICERS MATERIALIZE ON THE SHUTTLE HUBBLE.

FCO_Swift:
::glaring at Valrek's weird humor::

CO_Louis:
:: Shimmers ::

CTOValrek:
::drops the bone as he materializes::

FCO_Swift:
::glancing down at bone and realizing what "bone tired" really means::

CO_Louis:
:: Takes a deep breath of clean air and steps down off the padd ::

CSECHicks:
::Whew.  Glad to be on solid ground::

Dr_Ocean:
::thinks the CTO should see a Counselor ::

FCO_Swift:
::shaking herself and scrambling for the console::

CTOValrek:
::rushes to his station::

FCO_Swift:
::fingers flying over the console::

CO_Louis:
Swift: Take us back the way we came in.

CTOValrek:
::checks sensors::

Dr_Ocean:
::opens medical tricorder and scans crew::

FCO_Swift:
CO:  There's a blur....it looks like a distortion.  It's dissipating.  We must've been yanked through it somehow.

FCO_Swift:
::backing off from the distortion::

CO_Louis:
Swift: In more ways than one.

FCO_Swift:
::punching up navigation charts::  CO:  Sir, we're back in normal space, on course for Rivendell Outpost.  

FCO_Swift:
Valrek:  Looks like time passed normally too.  You confirm?

CO_Louis:
:: Sits on the bench behind the Pilot seat :: Swift: That's an experience I don't intend to have again.

CTOValrek:
::sits back ...happy that he is safely aboard the shuttle again::

FCO_Swift:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::scratching her nose::

CTOValrek:
FCO: Yes it has according to sensors

FCO_Swift:
CO:  Shall I resume course heading sir?

CO_Louis:
:: Mumbles :: We'll just have to explain to Starfleet how we lost our boots.

Dr_Ocean:
::makes sure the crew is healthy and thinks about his pipe::

CO_Louis:
Swift: Resume.

FCO_Swift:
::twitching her toes under the console::  Aye Captain.

CTOValrek:
::looks over to the Doc and to Hicks....wonders if that goo affected them as well::

FCO_Swift:
ACTION: THE CREW REFLECT ON THEIR EXPERIENCE IN AWKWARD SILENCE AS THE SHUTTLE SPEEDS OFF TOWARD HER DESTINATION.

FCO_Swift:
<<<<<<<<<<END MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>>