U.S.S. Pendragon
10302.15

Something’s missing

Host XO_Rofax says:
The Paulson nebula has some people concerned and after our initial encounter, I am beginning to understand why.  We will continue our exploration of the area while the Captain attends to business on Starbase 23.

Host Karriaunna says:
<<<<<<<<<< Something's missing >>>>>>>>>>

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::at the Science station comparing her scan to the nebula to find any indication of a link::

Host XO_Rofax says:
::seated in the center chair, reviewing the most recent reports::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Holding position

CSO_Toms says:
::over looking the preparation of the probes, as per the XOs orders::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Good, how are you coming on the alternate approaches?

OPS_Shiar says:
:: dealing with the torpedo that was wanted::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::checks her readings against the energy echo waves the CSO reported::

CTO_Choi says:
::Cycling through recent sensor scans at tactical::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  I've got a course laid in through the path that Science opened up.  That's the only route I can see.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Very well.  Hold position for now.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::finds something interesting:: XO:  Sir! I think I may have something here.

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Sir the probes you requested are ready for launch...

FCO_Luchena says:
::nods and continues laying in the course::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: that torpedo you ordered is almost ready sir

Host XO_Rofax says:
::nods to the CSO::  CMO / CSO: What results have we come up thus far from the experiment?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::nods:: XO:  I think I know what happened to the telepaths, Sir.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: Go on...

CSO_Toms says:
::listens to the CMO in a detached way::

FCO_Luchena says:
::turns and looks at the CMO as she speaks::

Host XO_Rofax says:
::raises a finger towards OPS and signals to coordinate with the CTO::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  The energy echo waves the CSO reported are definitely the cause of your loss of telepathic ability.  Basically, it overpowered the telepathic area of your brain, causing it to shut down.  As soon as the waves stopped your powers returned.

CTO_Choi says:
::Thinks he may have been better off reconsidering about those drinks ye' night before::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I might be able to fashion some kind of inhibitor ... but I need time.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: Do they still pose a threat if we proceed without?

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::wishes the good doctor would hurry up and make an "inhibitor" for the FCO::

FCO_Luchena says:
CMO:  Could this cause any permanent damage?  ::looks faintly horrified::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  If we encounter them again, absolutely.  They'd have the same result.

CSO_Toms says:
::nods at the CMOs analysis.... maybe not so useless...::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: Very well.  Do what you can and when you have something..... ::looks around::  the FCO will volunteer for the first inoculation.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  What?

OPS_Shiar says:
CTO: that torp the XO wanted is ready.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
FCO:  No permanent damage ... but you would experience a loss of powers and headaches.

FCO_Luchena says:
::nods at the CMO then swallows, hard::

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS / CTO: Launch the Torpedo, Zero charge, directly at the Focal Point within the Nebula.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  One other thing, Sir.  Any inhibitor I fashion would block some telepathic ability.

CTO_Choi says:
OPS: Understood... I'll have it loaded into its designated bay now...

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: It's a small price to pay, but duly noted.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::nods:: XO:  I'll get on it right away, Sir.

FCO_Luchena says:
::notes the course laid in for the torpedo::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::leaves the bridge and enters the TL ... heading to her lab::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Torpedo prepped and ready.... awaiting launch confirmation...

CSO_Toms says:
::returns to studying information being gathered by the science teams::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Lt, launch the probes immediately following the Dead Torpedo.  I want to know what effect the Nebula has on uncharged material operating on momentum only.  Control the approach of the probes, let's not lose any if possible.

FCO_Luchena says:
::compares it against his own calculations::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::arrives in her lab and begins work on the inhibitors::

FCO_Luchena says:
::notices only small variations and wonders at what a marvelous helmsman he is::

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Aye sir... ::waits for the torp::

Host XO_Rofax says:
::motions to CTO::  CTO: Lock onto the probe with Targeting Sensors as well.

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  The torpedo heads into the wave front the Pendragon is creating.

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Torpedo and probe co-ordination complete..

Host XO_Rofax says:
::motions to CSO::  CSO: Now....

CSO_Toms says:
::launches probes::

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenario: The probes follow the torpedo out until the place that the Pendragon’s reactive waves stop, then it begins to slow, loosing power.

CSO_Toms says:
::looks at probe telemetry.... all seems fine::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::comes up with a prototype ... now all she needs to do is test it::

CTO_Choi says:
::Monitors co-ordination of the torpedo with the probe::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: What have you got?

FCO_Luchena says:
::watches the readings::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  The probes are losing power.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Just like we did.

OPS_Shiar says:
:: sends info on situation to the Starbase::

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Sir, the probes appear to be sending back some kind of sound.... it’s in some kind of pattern

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Anything you can identify?

CSO_Toms says:
XO: And sir, it again seems to be acting like an echo, just like the waves...

CMO_Pettigrove says:
*XO*:  Pettigrove to Bridge

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Running analysis now...

Host XO_Rofax says:
*CMO* Go ahead Doctor.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Prepare to move us in... thrusters only.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
*XO*:  I have a prototype of an inhibitor ready for testing.  All I need now is a volunteer to test it.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: the 'echos' from the probes aren't unlike language.

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Explain.  Is it something the UT can pick up on?

CSO_Toms says:
::overhears OPS and tries running the 'echoes' through a language processor::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I’ll run it through

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Course laid in.  Engage?

Host XO_Rofax says:
*CMO* Please report to the bridge.  Bring enough for the Bridge Crew and Dept Heads.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Not yet.  ::points to speaker overhead::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
*XO*:  Acknowledged.  I only have one at the moment but if it works I'll have the lab make as many as we need.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: there is definitely a pattern but it's more like the sound an animal would make.

Host XO_Rofax says:
*CMO* Very well.   Rofax out.

FCO_Luchena says:
::looks up at the speaker and back to the XO::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::grabs the inhibitor she has ready and heads to the bridge::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  A language maybe?

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Is it familiar?  Anything you have run across before?

CSO_Toms says:
XO: The UT matches it with the sounds of an underwater creature

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Perhaps.  Sentient?

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Can you identify?

FCO_Luchena says:
::hopes it's not those damned whales again::

Host XO_Rofax says:
::ditto::

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::starts getting reports of her poor underlings getting swamped by migraine-ridden telepaths::

FCO_Luchena says:
::shrugs::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Move us in, thrusters only.  Prepare an escape vector as well.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::arrives on the bridge with the inhibitor::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  The only escape is reverse thrusters.  It's a narrow corridor.

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  The torpedo and probe eventually come to a stop, overwhelmed by the echo waves outside of the tunnel made by the Pendragon.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::moves down to the XO::

CSO_Toms says:
XO: NO sir, it does not appear as anything in our database, I therefore am assuming it is something entirely new.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Understood.  I will ask you to volunteer for the injection, otherwise I will do so myself.

FCO_Luchena says:
::looks incredulous::  XO:  Now?!  We are just about to enter in... what if I drop dead or something?!

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::looks at the XO:: XO:  So who do I give this to?

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Very well.  Prepare another probe and match speed to keep it within the Pendragon's wave field.  Let's see it we can establish communications.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::looks at the FCO:: FCO:  Don't worry gorgeous, it won't kill you ... or at least I don't think it will ...

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I’m getting variations on the echo now sir. sounds like there's more than one out there.

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::overhears the FCO, and thinks "pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease..."::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: If you drop dead, I'll give you a medal.... now please....  ::motions the CMO to inject the FCO::

FCO_Luchena says:
::rolls his eyes::  XO:  Thrusters engaged.  We are moving.

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Aye sir. ::starts working on the new probe::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::moves over behind the FCO and gives him the injection::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: whatever's out there is huge

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: More than one is never a good answer.  How many can you identify?

FCO_Luchena says:
::sarcastically::  CMO:  Thanks.

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Sir, probe ready for launch.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::grins at him and moves back::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Slow to 1/4 thrusters.

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Commander... I'm picking up something on scans... Seemingly random flashes of energy... Some large, some small...

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  As you wish.  ::slows to a crawl::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Match speed and launch.  Monitor the wave field for fluctuation...

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: there are at least 3 but I’m picking up new variations as we get closer

CMO_Pettigrove says:
FCO:  What do you "feel" Lt?  ::watching for any reaction::

FCO_Luchena says:
CMO:  I feel violated.  Why do you ask?

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: What it is Lt?  What kind of energy?

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Aye sir ::sets speed and launches probe::

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  The inhibitor will work for some, but not for others.  The stronger the telepath, the less it works.  The very strong, not at all, they loss their ability once again.

OPS_Shiar says:
FCO: now you know how those you read the mind of feel.

FCO_Luchena says:
OPS:  Why don't you just shut up?

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: New?  Same life forms or a seemingly new species?

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::makes a note of the outburst for a future incriminating report::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: it's hard to tell

CMO_Pettigrove says:
FCO:  I meant the inhibitor, Lt.

FCO_Luchena says:
::is really in a snit::

OPS_Shiar says:
CMO: I think the thing is making him cranky :: smiles::

FCO_Luchena says:
CMO:  Yes.  I feel violated by the inhibitor.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: there are new species sir

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Coordinate with SCI, telemetry should be coming shortly I would hope.

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Anything identifiable?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::sighs and orders the lab to make enough to cover all telepathic members of the crew::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Can you detect them?

CTO_Choi says:
XO: A large variety of energies, Sir... I'm also picking up signs of living matter, with large mass..

FCO_Luchena says:
::snaps::  XO:  Detect what?

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery:  The closer the ship nears the nebula, the more forms they can see, but they are vague.  They are also massive.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::wonders if she should order a tranquilizer for the FCO::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: First of all.... a sense of the Command Structure.  Secondly, our hosts...

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Any sign or threat of defensive capabilities?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::sees one of her orderlies arrive on the bridge with another hypo ... this one for the XO::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Oh please.....  I detect nothing, Sir.  Why don't you try?

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Getting new data from the probe.... these 'life forms' seem to be giving off colours... each one a different colour

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I can't identify them yet, we'll have to get closer

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Very well.... just don't run into anything.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::moves to give the XO the shot::

FCO_Luchena says:
::resists an urge to tell the XO to shut up, but just barely::

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Can you attempt to hail them and match their vocal patterns?   ::leans to allow the CMO to inject him::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::gives the XO the injection::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Nothing from the life forms, Commander.. but I am picking up fluctuations from our engines..

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I can try

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery:  Swirls of bronze, gold, silver, purple, orange, violet and many others swirls of color coalesce and separate.

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::wonders why the chain puts up with his behavior...well, she gave them a clear way to get rid of him....::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Fluctuations?

OPS_Shiar says:
:: attempts to match patterns and tries to send out a peaceful message::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Power problems perhaps...  A drain even..

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::looks at the viewscreen in wonder:: XO:  Are they life forms?

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: All stop.

FCO_Luchena says:
::disengages engines::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: That is what I am hoping.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Stopped

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::moves to Science and takes a bio-scan::

CSO_Toms says:
::continues to review the probes results, looking for more answers::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Noted.  It is safe to resume course or will engines fail?

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon comes to a stop.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Do I look like an engineer?

OPS_Shiar says:
:: sends an update to the Starbase::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Today you do.

FCO_Luchena says:
::sighs and checks status of the thrusters::

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::makes a couple of additional notes::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Uh... Commander... there is a VERY large life form sitting just behind the ship... Dark blue en'...

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  We are safe at this distance.  I don't know how much farther we can carry through though.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Size estimates?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Commander, I am picking up life signs, on a massive scale.  They are hot, they appear warm-blooded.  They are emitting large amounts of energy.

CSO_Toms says:
::shakes head, none of this is making sense::

FCO_Luchena says:
::eyes go wide::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Is there any type of atmosphere present?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Commander, they could be sentient.  ::looks at OPS:: OPS:  Didn't you say there was a hint of language, or at least the possibility of language?

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Reduce power to phasers by 50%... we need to appear non-threatening.  Maintain shield status...

CSO_Toms says:
XO: No sir, there does not appear to be.

CTO_Choi says:
XO: its proportions seem to be quite similar to a small Starfleet vessel.... No exact measurements though..

CMO_Pettigrove says:
Self:  Amazing ... a life form that lives in a nebula ...

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: yes sir, I’ve tried communicating but no response yet.

Host XO_Rofax says:
::would figure that to be fairly large in he knew what a defiant was::

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Though the interference is very high

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, I'm also reading a bioelectric signature.  This is definitely a life form, I'd say intelligent, possibly sentient.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CSO: Can you identify the type of interference?

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Why don't you try to sense something from them?

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::realizes that she hasn't spoken in quite a while, but can't think of a reason to start now::

Host Karriaunna says:
Action:  The ship feels a bump from behind it.  It shakes the ship, sending energy waves across the protective shielding.

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Aye sir... Phasers sitting ready at 50% power..

CSO_Toms says:
XO: It’s coming from the energy, colour and sound 

OPS_Shiar says:
SELF: I hope it isn't trying to mate with us

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: If the inhibitor has affected me as well....  ::feels the bump::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::hangs onto the console in response to the ship bumping::

Host XO_Rofax says:
All: What was that?

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::jiggles involuntarily at the jolt::

Host XO_Rofax says:
~~~ ::pokes around looking for Moby Dick:: ~~~

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Remain stopped or run away?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::scans:: XO:  An energy wave from the life form I suspect.  It is emitting large quantities of energy.  It could be an attempt to communicate.

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  The XO grasps his head in pain as if something were trying to climb inside.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I’m picking up a distinct voice from behind, but I can't understand it sir.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Get us out of here....  ::tries to squeeze the pain out::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::quickly gets a hypo from her med kit, programs it for a pain reliever and injects the XO::

FCO_Luchena says:
::engages thrusters and moves the ship gently away from the big scary thingies::

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery:  One of the creatures slightly enters the tunnel.  A beautiful scaled wing can be seen, before it vanishes outside of the area.

Host XO_Rofax says:
::notices the pain vanish::  FCO: Wait!

FCO_Luchena says:
::disengages thrusters::  XO:  Stopped... again....

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Can you track whatever that was?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
CSO:  Did you scan that?  ::indicates the viewscreen and the wing they just saw::

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS / CSO / CMO: What was that?

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: some sort of winged creature that lives in the nebula sir.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I don't know, Sir.  It almost looked like a wing ...

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Try to locate it empathically.  I got the impression it is curious, but not harmful.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  What?  Me?!

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, just a thought, but did you feel as if something was trying to contact you telepathically?

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery: The huge creatures fly around the ship, some close, some staying away, almost like a game.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Yes.  Your abilities maybe better suited.  I am receiving too much information to process at once....

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  That would certainly explain the pain ...

OPS_Shiar says:
:: watches the view screen::

CSO_Toms says:
::runs what they had through the database::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: I'm not sure what it was.   A curiosity.... but, I reached out to it...

FCO_Luchena says:
::looks at the beasties flying around outside and sighs::

FCO_Luchena says:
::closes his eyes and concentrates on them::

CTO_Choi says:
::Looks back to the telepaths, wondering what's going on::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Curiosity.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Can you determine if our shields are the cause of the Nebula's interference pattern?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::watches the FCO and readies a hypo in case he needs it::

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  They are just curious about us.

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  As we are of them.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Bring us about.  Thrusters only, 1/4 speed.

CSO_Toms says:
Self: Well I’ll be......::stunned::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
FCO:  Any discomfort?

FCO_Luchena says:
CMO:  I'm fine.

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery:  Another beast flies into the tunnel, wings grace a golden-scaled back.  Colors swirl around it, creating a type of atmosphere.  A tale whips about in curiosity as it looks at the huge creature in its way.

CSO_Toms says:
XO: Sir, I have a match between the creatures out there and something in the database... Sir they’re Dragons!!!

FCO_Luchena says:
::moves the ship slowly around as ordered::

Host XO_Rofax says:
::stands and moves toward the viewscreen::  CSO:  Pleas tell me you have recording this as we...... What?

OPS_Shiar says:
:: laughs::

CMO_Pettigrove says:
CSO:  Dragons? I thought they were mythical ...

FCO_Luchena says:
XO:  Dragons.  Yes.  That's what they are.  ::watches the viewscreen::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: It seems the creature's singing is creating the echoes...

CSO_Toms says:
XO: That is correct sir...

Host XO_Rofax says:
::reaches toward the viewscreen and ~~~probes out~~~ once again::

OPS_Shiar says:
CSO: are you sure they aren't unicorns or elves?

OPS_Shiar says:
CSO: pixies maybe?

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  If their singing is some form of telepathic communication ... it would explain the overwhelming effect on your telepathic abilities.

CSO_Toms says:
::looks at the OPS in disdain:: OPS: And you have a better solution???

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  A group of them get behind the ship and start it moving toward the nebula.  As they do stop singing, there is less and less of an echo field.

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: Let them take us in.  Power down thrusters.

OPS_Shiar says:
CSO: the yeti

FCO_Luchena says:
::powers down all engines::

OPS_Shiar says:
:: laughs again::

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Power down phasers.  Reduce power to the shields by 10%.

CSO_Toms says:
::looks at the OPS officer, wondering if his attempts at humour actually make him feel more worthwhile::

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  As the dragons become involved with their new toy, they stop singing and the field dissipates.

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::looks at the creatures in awe ...::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Aye sir, Phasers offline... reducing shields by 10% ::Enters in those commands::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: all power is back to normal sir

CMO_Pettigrove says:
All:  Listen ... the singing has stopped ...

FCO_Luchena says:
::watches the power readings on his console::

Host XO_Rofax says:
All:  There is an old presence here. A great intelligence, something ancient.

FCO_Luchena says:
All:  The singing caused the power drain?

Host Karriaunna says:
Scenery:  Ranging in size of 80 meters up to 200 meters in length, each a different color, the dragons guide the ship into the nebula very carefully.

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Run everything through the UT again.  We should have enough of their language to communicate now.

Host XO_Rofax says:
CTO: Lower shields to 50%.

CSO_Toms says:
::has a feeling that something is going to end here::

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: yes sir. :: runs it through the UT::

Host XO_Rofax says:
FCO: I need your help...

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::thinks again about saying something but decides to just watch the spectacle that is the Pendragon crew::

CTO_Choi says:
XO: Shields have been lowered to 50%, aye sir..

CMO_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, I wouldn't recommend lowering shields any further ... there is a danger of radiation contamination.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: I’m very close to cracking it sir but I can't quite get it, if you get what I’m saying.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: should I inform the Starbase of our discovery sir?

Host XO_Rofax says:
CMO: Noted.  Coordinate with OPS and TAC to maintain a safe level.

CNS_O`Dunn says:
::remembers something that never happened, but only for a moment::

Host XO_Rofax says:
OPS: Continue your efforts and send what information you can.

OPS_Shiar says:
XO: aye sir

CMO_Pettigrove says:
::nods::

Host Karriaunna says:
ACTION:  As the crew enters the nebula, a memory of a life they did not experience comes to them and is gone.

Host Karriaunna says:
-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\ Pause /\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\-/\