The USS Pharaoh has resumed course with the colony fleet to the Theta Reticulum system. All information regarding the incident with the "other" Pharaohs has been encrypted for CO's eyes only. 

The fleet continues on as the Shuttle Longhorn is now entering sensor range with replacement crew aboard.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@::Aboard the Federation shuttle Longhorn enroute to the Pharaoh, ETA is 5 min.::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
XO: Commander, the Shuttle Longhorn is within sensor range.
XO_Chalen says:
CSO:  hail them.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
COMM: Longhorn:  Shuttlecraft, this is the USS Pharaoh.  Do you read?
Host CO_Starks says:
:: in ready room ::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
::He walks onto the bridge at the beginning of his duty shift and looks around at the assembles crew. Without hesitation he heads for a console and logs in, interfacing Engineering functions to his display::
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
::runs dignostics on the weapons::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
COMM: Longhorn:  Shuttlecraft, repeat...this is the USS Pharaoh.  Do you read?
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@Comm: Longhorn here.  Requesting permission to dock upon arrival.
XO_Chalen says:
COM:  Longhorn:  USS Pharaoh to shuttlecraft Longhorn.  You are cleared to dock in bay one.
Host CO_Starks says:
:: walks onto Bridge ::
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: report
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  Shuttle Longhorn en route and cleared for bay one.  ETA: five minutes.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@COMM: Pharaoh: Copy that, bay one docking.
Host CO_Starks says:
:: takes the Captain's chair::
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: Please meet our new OPS officer and show his around
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  Aye sir.   ::heads out the port egress toward bay one::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
::He listens in on the comm traffic between the shuttle Longhorn and the Pharaoh as he runs several minor diagnostics from his display...::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Captain...shall I depart for the science lab to begin a cartography program?
Host CO_Starks says:
FCO: once the shuttlebay's doors close hail the fleet and resume warp 4
XO_Chalen says:
::exits TL on deck three::
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: please do Lt
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Very well, sir.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@::Begins preparation for docking proceedure::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::hand science to Ensign Malkovich, and heads for the TL::
XO_Chalen says:
::enters control room in Bay One and activates bay force field::
XO_Chalen says:
COM:  Longhorn:  Pharaoh to Longhorn, opening bay doors now.   ::opens bay doors::   Tractor beam standing by for docking.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@::Begins docking the shuttle::
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@Comm: Pharaoh: I will dock this manually.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
Computer: Prepare level three diagnostic of all power distribution systems on deck three. Prepare full internal sweep of EPS conduits and ODN connection lines.
XO_Chalen says:
COM:  Longhorn:  Acknowledged.   ::admires the new OPS officers piloting ability::
Host CO_Starks says:
EO: how is the ship's diagnostic coming Emsign?
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::exits TL, and feels a brief hot flash::
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
@::Docks the shuttle and shuts down the systems::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
CO: It is going well Captain, I should have a complete diagnostic finished within the next fourty-eight hours sir...
Host CO_Starks says:
EO: very good, but I think you can have it done in 28
Host CO_Starks says:
::grins slightly and looks back to main screen ::
XO_Chalen says:
::enters Bay's lower level and stands outside the shuttle's hatch::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::enters science lab::
XO_Chalen says:
CREWMEN:   Lock down the new shuttle and catalog it's inventory.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
CO: I could sir, however with damage sustained by the spatial rifts, diagnostics and repairs are being slowed...sir...
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Exits the shuttle and notices a bajoran.  Walks over:: XO: You must be the first officer.  Permission to come aboard?
Host CO_Starks says:
EO: I have faith in your engineering crews, surprise me Mr.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
Computer:  Give me a visual display of any cartographic records for this sector of space.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  Permission granted, Lt. Cmdr.   ::extends hand::   I'm Lt. Cmdr. Chalen Riggs, XO.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
CO: Aye sir...::He smiles and begins working on several displays open on his console:: CO: Sir...may I ask a question?
Host CO_Starks says:
TO: Lt t'Rail, what is your opinion of the ship's defensive systems? Did they fair our experience intact
Host CO_Starks says:
EO: by all means....
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Gives the Vulcan salute:: I am Stidd.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:   Impressive landing.  I understand you've been posted to this vessel before.   I trust I won't have to show you where your quarters are.  ::grins::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
CO: I was curious sir, if you have any records of your teams efficiency from when you served as Chief Engineer...sir...
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
<Computer> All records are shown visually.
Host CO_Starks says:
EO:...::smiles:: I do
Host CO_Starks says:
::goes back to monitoring command consoles ::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
Computer: Take into account for the effect of gravity would have in this region since the precise time of those records.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
<Computer> Computing.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
XO: Not likely.  I just finished teaching at the academy for some time and came back here when the opening presented itself.  Admiral Brand sends her reguards.
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
CO: We are at 95 persent sir if we had to get in a fight i think we could hold our own but ill try to get them up to atleast 100 %
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
<Computer> Computations complete.
Host CO_Starks says:
EO: I would tell the Captain a task would take 24 hours, he'd ask for it to eb done in 12. I get it done in 18....and he'd be happy
Host CO_Starks says:
TO: very good Lt.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
Computer:  Place them on visual, and run a level 8 sensor sweep of this sector for accuracy.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  Then welcome back.  I'm sure Commander Starks is looking forward to greeting you.   Come with me, the crewmen will take care of your belonings.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
CO: With Lieutenant Irvin temporarily incapacitated, I am at a loss as to possible methods to improve crew efficiency, sir...::He smiles:: Well sir...I will have to complete the assignment in thirty-two hours...sir...
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Follows the XO::
XO_Chalen says:
::heads out the bay and to the TL::
XO_Chalen says:
TL:  Deck one.
Host CO_Starks says:
EO:...and your CO will be happy with that
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
<Computer>  Gravitational adjustments are accurate to 99.999997659 percent.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: A nebula never before charted appears on Long Range sensors
XO_Chalen says:
::exits the lift on deck one aft of the bridge and walks toward the bridge with the OPS officer::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
::He smiles:: CO: Thank you sir...the complete ship-wide diagnostic should be complete within thirty-two hours, sir...
XO_Chalen says:
::approches the bridge port egress::  OPS:  After you......
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Follows closely behind::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
Computer:  Zoom in on that nebula ::enters coordinates:: and scan for signs of anything extraordinary.
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
CO: A new type of nebula  just apeared on LRS captain 
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
CO: shall we cheek it out ?
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Nods slightly and enters the bridge:: CO: Lt. Cmdr. Stidd reporting for duty sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: advise the CTO
Host CO_Starks says:
:: turns chair to OPS :: OPS: Stidd?
Host CO_Starks says:
::stands:: OPS: Stidd!
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Nods to the CO::
XO_Chalen says:
::enters the bridge behind Stidd::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*CO*:  Captain...I'm picking up a nebula in our course.  It is approximately 2 X 2 light years.  We could travel through it without a problem....but the fleet...there's no way they'd all make it, sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: I had no idea the fleet was sending you!
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: Last I heard you were on Earth at the academy, what bring you back to deep space?
XO_Chalen says:
*CSO*:  Contact the fleet to alter course to go around the nebula.
XO_Chalen says:
FCO:  Correct our course to match.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*XO* Aye, sir.
XO_Chalen says:
 ::stands at the Tac console with the TO::
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
CO: Admiral Brand felt I was a better service to the federation out here than in a classroom.
Host Gilles says:
<FCO_Thumbs> XO: Aye Sir... Altering course....
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
*CSO* we found  A new type of nebula that just apeared on LRS what do u want to do 
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: I have to agree with her, Take your station Mr. stidd
Host CO_Starks says:
::smiles and sits back in chair ::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
COMM: Fleet:  All ships, a hepiophilic nebula lies along our current course, and there's no way all of us can make it through. Prepare to recieve a new course and adjust accordingly to bypass the nebula.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Releaves ens. Pickadilly and takes his station::Computer: reconfigure to Stidd theta 2 format.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  Mr. Stidd, I'd like an analysis of the fleet's predicted delay from altering course to bypass the approaching nebula.
Host CO_Starks says:
*CSO* are you certain we have to circumvent the nebula? That's a long way around
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::double checks his course against the computer, and after being assured that it will safely bypass the nebula, relays coordinates to the bridge and to the fleet::
XO_Chalen says:
::Thanks:  Nice way to test the new officer::
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::The computer complies and
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
Stidd takes his seat::
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  If there's a risk sir.........
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: IF there's a risk Commander
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*CO* Quite certain sir.  With all of our ships stirring up hepiophilic gas of that density, the destruction of weaker ships in the fleet would be assured.  The only way to do it would be to go through one by  one, and that would take longer than a circumvention due to its length.
Host CO_Starks says:
:: slumps back in chair :: *CSO* acknowledged
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: so much for making up for lost time
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  Better safe than sorry.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
CO: The needs of the many, sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: I don't relish that idea of another mointh added to this journey, do you?
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: I know Stidd, I know. At least help the SCI dept. plot the most efficent course for the fleet
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*CO* Sir...one thing is puzzling...there are no existing records of this nebula.  A nebual of this magnitude just doesn't pop up out of nowhere.  From my best judgement, Starfleet should have a record of this thing.
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  If you're in that big a hurry, we could just blow up a few dozen of the slower convoy ships now.   THAT would speed us up, sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
XO:....shut up Riggs
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Begins computations::
XO_Chalen says:
::grins, being pleased at getting under Starks' skin whenever possible::
Host CO_Starks says:
*CSO* Investigate, and prepair a few probes to launch into the nebula
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
::sits bak in his chair::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*CO* Understood, sir.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: A vole exits the side of the bridge... climbs up on the console and stares at the OPS officer.
XO_Chalen says:
::sees the vermit::   SELF:   Ah, grozit.......
Host CO_Starks says:
:: not looking at them :: OPS: Stidd, meet the vole...Vole this is Mr Stidd
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: get uised to them we can't eradicate them
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Raises an eyebrow::self: interesting species.
XO_Chalen says:
::pulls sidearm:: CO:  permission to terminate with extream predjudice?
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The vole blinks and drops backs to the floor and hides back in the side console
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: by all means
Host CO_Starks says:
XO:...if you can ever catch it
XO_Chalen says:
SELF::  Grozit!   Missed him!
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::begins rigging two Class VIII Medium-Range Multimission Warp Probes to compensate for the dense gas in the nebula::
XO_Chalen says:
SELF:  That reminds me.......   ::enters code into wall locker and withdrawls a hand phaser and holster::
Host CO_Starks says:
XO: you have the bridge, I'll be in the Science lab
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:   Mr. Stidd.   ::tosses him the phaser when he turns to look::  Standing order for bridge officers to be armed at all times.
XO_Chalen says:
CO:  Aye sir.   ::takes the center chair::
Host CO_Starks says:
OPS: and Mr Stidd....welcome aboad  ::leaves bridge ::
ACTO_Lt_T`Rail says:
::looks at the xo and grins and then back at his counsle::
Host CO_Starks says:
:: take life to deck 2 ::
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Catches the phaser and puts it on::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
*CO* Sir, I've adjusted two Class VIII Medium-Range Multimission Warp Probes to compensate for the dense gas in the nebula...however, tehre's no record of a nebula with hepiophilic gas quite this dense.  I recommend we first launch a Class VI Comm Relay Beacon just to see if we can get a signal back.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
XO: ...will that include junior officers sir? ::He isn't too keen on firing phasers all over the bridge and damaging ship's systems::
Host CO_Starks says:
:: enter's SCI lab :: CSO: your my expert Lt., do it
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::launches 1 Class VI Comm Relay/Emergency Beacon into the nebula, and monitors the signal as it approaches::
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: is there anything that could have formed a nebula this large in the time since the federation survey?
XO_Chalen says:
EO:  It does indeed Ensign.   The wall locker awaits you......
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The probe head towards the nebula
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
XO: Ummmm, aye sir...::Still looks reluctant, but pulls himself out of the chair he is in and crosses to the supply locker and pulls out a type II hand phaser and holsters it:: XO: Is this really necessary sir?
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: A clear signal emmanates from the probe
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Not a chance sir....nebulas of this magnitude take hundreds of thousands...perhaps even millions of years to form.
XO_Chalen says:
EO: As long as I'm the executive officer, it is.  I won't allow this crew to be caught off guard.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: at least it looks like the signal buoy is transmitting through it
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Affirmative, sir...shall I launch the probes.
XO_Chalen says:
EO:  You may not like it, but I don't take chances.  Not with a vessel that's had such an....... interesting combat history.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: learn all you can Lt. Well have to travel right through this thing on our way home. Either the Federation survey in this area was incompleate or ..........
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO:.....launch the probes
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Aye, sir.  ::launches the two adjusted Class VIII Medium-Range Multimission Warp Probes::
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
XO: Understood sir...::He keeps his hand on the phaser for a brief moment and then takes it away, crossing back to his seat and re-opening files on his console::
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The probes launch and head towards the nebula.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The first probe's signal stops
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::monitors the probes' signals::  CO:  The first probe signal has been terminated.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: how?
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Indeterminite, sir.  The signals are coming in and out.  I'll try to find out why.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  Are you eager for your return to space duty, Cmdr?
Host CO_Starks says:
:: moves to another panel and begins directing SRS to that area ::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::attempts to issue remote command to the probes to clear up their signals::
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO:...could be a problem with it's trnsmitter, I'm trying to locate it on sensors
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The first probe's signal stops for good
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  I've lost the first probe completely...we should focus our efforts on the second.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
XO: I am not eager as that is a human emotion, but I have looked forward to it.
Host CO_Starks says:
::nods at CSO::
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  Better a probe than us...
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::focuses command efforts on the live probe::
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  I appreciate your candor.   Most Vulcan's I've known wouldn't even admit to "looking forward to" anything.  I've done what I can with the ship's since I was assigned, I hope you notice the differences since your tour.....
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::on a hunch, checks SRS to see if the nebula is growing in size::
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The 2 other probes signal's terminate.... 10 000km before the first
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: what's happening to our probes Lt?
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  I can't tell as of yet...my gut tells me that the gas it too thick for their sensitive instrumenatation...but that's just my gut...I'll try to get you an explanation.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: confirm that this nebula doesn't consist of anything volitile, or volitile enough to damage a probe
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Aye, sir...to give you something to munch on now, the nebula is growing.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO...at a rate of 1000 kilometers per second.
Host CO_Starks says:
*XO* we're loosing probes fast top the Nebula commander, pull all ships back form the nebula another 5000 Kilometers
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: what?
XO_Chalen says:
*CO*  aye sir.
XO_Chalen says:
OPS:  You heard the man.  Inform convoy vessels to back off.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: That's correct sir...hard to believe, but SRS confirm a steady growth of 1000 km per second.
EO_Ens_Hansen says:
XO: I am currently not ready any damage to our external ship's systems sir...
Host CO_Starks says:
*XO*, scratch that Commander pull all ships back from the edge of the nebula another 50000 kilometers
XO_Chalen says:
FCO:  Pull us back, Ensign.
XO_Chalen says:
*CO*  Aye sir.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
::Begins to signal the other ships to pull back 50000 kms::
XO_Chalen says:
OPS, FCO:  Make that 5000 kilos.
Host CO_Starks says:
*OPS* re-calculate a course to keep us at our current distance form the nebula taking into account a growth of 1000 kilometers a second
Host CO_Starks says:
*OPS* after you calculate that get me a new ETA till we can get around it
XO_Chalen says:
EO:  Bring all decks to yellow alert, Ensign.
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
*CO*: Aye sir.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  Sir...a bit of good news....the density of the gas is decreasing as the nebula grows....I estimate that the fleet may...and I stress "may"...be able to navigate through ina pproximately 5 hours.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: I need to know what is making this nebula expand like this?
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  I'll get on it, sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: but at least we know why it wasn't picked up by the old survey
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
::nods at the CO...begins analyzing SRS data to try and determine a cause for the nebula's expansion...and its very existence::
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: would a ship with more powerful sheilding be able to penetrate the nebula without damage?
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: I need to know if this thing can be passed through on our way home
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: A ship with our shielding could pass through without a problem, sir.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Sir, I'll be able to send some probes in the nebula in 2 hours at this rate of dedensification.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: and your saying that we may be able to cut through the new outter edge of this with the fleet in 5 hours?
OPS_LtCmdr_Stidd says:
*CO*: I have that data for you sir.  18 days to circumnavigate the nebula and growing.
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: If the current rate of dedensification continues, that is a strong possibility, sir.
Host CO_Starks says:
*OPS* thank you Mr. Stidd
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: that is good news but We can't proceed until we know exactly what this thing is made up of, have you ever heard of a nebula forming and growing this fast?
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Certainly not sir, but starfleet does have records of  hepiophilic gas.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: so there has to be another dominant component in this nebula to cause the rapid expansion
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Perhaps, sir... hepiophilic gas has never been known to cause such a phenomenon.
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: get you probes reday to launch as soon as the gas is thin enough
Host CO_Starks says:
*XO* keep an eye on the boarder of that nebula commnder and keep the fleet back form it
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO:  Aye, sir.  ::begins preparing 2 more probes::
Host CO_Starks says:
CSO: keep me informed I'll be on the bridge
CSO_LT_Brehgorn says:
CO: Understood, sir.
Host Gilles says:
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