Captain's Log, Stardate 2262.32...

The Vigilant has entered the Epsilon Alpha system.  Epsilon Alpha is a red dwarf star system with three planets.  We have established standard orbit around the planet closest to the star, Epsilon Alpha I.  Our objective is to survey the anomalous energy readings coming from the red dwarf star.  We have not discovered the reason for the fluctuations, but hope to at least determine the cause.

Captain Tabin sits in the command chair, leaning on the left armrest while propping her chin up with her fist.  She waits patiently as her bridge crew goes to work...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:52, Thu 19 Sept 2013.

Parker sat calmly in her seat and pressed her little metal earpiece with her fingertip.  She was listening for signals (radio/electromagnetic and/or subspace) that might be originating from or transmitted to the system.

While she was busy with that, she made sure to put the planet up on the view screen so everyone could see it.

Not being a bridge officer Dan was not present on the bridge. Instead he was down in the gymnasium practicing unarmed combat techniques with some of his staff. Tonight's class was based on Gorn techniques and after the third crew concussion in less than an hour he was beginning to wonder if had been such a good idea.

Nevi was busy in Engineering and his staff was working hard to complete all the tasks assigned them.  With the ship coming to rest around Epsilon Alpha they now had a few moments to make some changes that were noted during the voyage.

S'tal had swooped in to redeploy his new maintenance program and monitoring solution.  The Vulcan had a innovative approach and Nevi had to agree that it was better than the solution he had wanted to implement.  His respect for his staff grew with the knowledge that they were as professional and as driven as himself.

At the main console he brought up a view of Epsilon Alpha and viewed the scans of the red dwarf and the planets that circled it.  It was wise to see the types of space weather the star generated as well as viewing any fluctuations in the gravity wells and radiation signatures.  While secure in the knowledge that Sorvok was monitoring the situation far more closely than he, he still liked looking over the details himself.

Carlos watched the planet on the main viewscreen, making sure to maintain a standard orbit as well as keeping an eye on the screen for potential first signs of hostile activity or danger to the ship.

T'Enya had long ago recovered and was now at her station, reviewing sensor logs and any life-sign information that came in from Science. So far, this was not really an intelligence mission.

Dr Zephyr had left the third concussion in the capable hands of Nurse Shelara and was now in the gym, watching as Carson's security staff threw each other around. She looked a little annoyed as she stood at the side, out of the way of the crewmen.

"Lieutenant Carson! You're giving me an awful lot of patients. It's nice to have something to do, but if you were hoping we'd move Sick Bay a little closer to the gym, I'm going to have to disappoint you. Perhaps you should try some helmets?"

As would be expected, Chief Science Officer Sorvok was at his post at the Science Station on the bridge busy running a thorough Sensor Scan of the Epsilon Alpha system, with a focused sensor sweep on the star itself, taking careful measurements of the various energy emission readings.  As the results of his Sensor Scan came in, Sorvok busily utilized the ship's library computer to assess the data and aid in analyzing the scan results with an eye towards formulating a work hypothesis for the ongoing phenomena as well as developing a series of scientific tests that could be used to test alternate hypotheses.

Sorvok

Your efforts prove quite fruitful, and you are able to localize the cause of the fluctuation.  It appears that something is draining energy from the star at a rhythmic pace, creating the "flicker" effect.  There is a small spot on the star that is the source of the drain, sending a ripple effect across the rest of the star's surface.  The spot is currently facing away from the Vigilant.

Bridge

As Tabin waits for reports, she looks over towards the navigator station.

"Mr. Black, did you get a chance to modify those torpedoes yet?"

OOC:
Once Sorvok reports the info, the rest of you please feel free to give suggestions.  If you get stuck, Tabin will offer some options.

I'm not sure if Black is modifying the sensor torpedoes or if anyone else is helping, but I'll give a +3 to any roll using them based on the technobabble optional rule because of good details.  ^_^

In reply to Ally Zephyr (msg # 7):

Secretly Dan agreed with the good Dr. Zephyr but he made a show of reluctance. "Very well Doc, we'll call it a night. Excellent job gentlemen and ladies: if you hit the enemy as well as do each other we have nothing to fear. Very impressive headbutt Ensign Maryan."

He smiled ruefully at the green skinned woman while rubbing his temple which still hurt a little. Who would have thought Oruions would have such thick skulls?

Turning to the doctor he smiled cheerfully. "So Doc, how are you finding our new home?"

James finished making a couple of minute adjustments to their plotted trajectory. He figured that the adjustments might add a couple of additional minutes to their trip insystem, but it would utilize the gravitational fields in a more efficient manner to assist. He hoped to that it would put them in a position to make the gravitational fields of the planetary bodies minimal to any sensor sweeps of the star itself.

He turned his seat to face the captain. "Yes Ma'am, although not as many as I'd hoped. We succeeded in getting  three torpedoes modified. Replacing the warhead gave us enough space to install a pair of probe sensor packages working in parallel. Then, by channeling the micro-warp plasma relay flow through the probe sensor power systems, we were able to give the package overall an eighty-five percent improvement over standard probes with an equal improvement in the effective ranges.

I have to say too, that if it were not for Mister Sorvok's sciences team, I wouldn't have been able to get even one working in this amount of time on my own."

Bridge

Sorvok announces the details of his scan, as well as the coordinates for the location of the energy drain.

"Thank you, Mr. Sorvok.  Mr. Black, how do you feel about using one of those probes on that location?  Also, any recommendations, ladies and gentlemen?"

OOC:
Feel free to post ideas, actions and rolls.  ^_^

Parker remained at her communications station, with her fancy metal earpiece still in place.  She hadn't noticed any unusual readings coming in yet, so she glanced around at the other people on the bridge.  She was impressed by Sorvok's concise report and smiled a little.  Then she refocused her efforts at keeping an ear out for any possible trouble in the system.

Even if the system was completely uninhabited -- if Starfleet detected the unusual readings, it was possible someone else did too, and they might arrive to check on them at any time.  She listened carefully for any signs of subspace communications taking place nearby, and also kept an eye on the sensor readings for anything unusual that might indicate the presence (or arrival) of another vessel, cloaked or otherwise.

Dr Zephyr relaxed a little as Carson dismissed his class.

"Hm. It seems like a good ship, and a fine crew. I haven't spoken with everyone yet, unfortunately. I do like to have a more personal relationship with patients than just a medical file." She shrugged. "And how have you found it so far? You certainly seem to be challenging your staff."

Carson pondered Dr Zephyr's question. "Oh, interesting... enough though to be honest I can't wait til we start going on away missions. I was posted at a space station before this and I requested a shipboard command to finally start seeing the galaxy."

He chuckled at the mention of his staff. "Well they are enthusiastic for which I can't fault them and Ensign Maryan is a good second in command. She's the Orion - have you met her?"

Carlos turned to the Captain and Sorvok.  "Would it help scans if we moved the ship closer to the red dwarf?"

T'Enya focused her attention on the new readings, looking for ... something. Not exactly an intelligence officer's forte', but she was trying.

"Captain, I would recommend caution. There is a high probability that what ever is causing this is intelligent and we wouldn't want it or them thinking we are attacking. Conversely, if it or they are not intelligent, it or they may mistake us for ... 'food' or 'competition'."

James smiled. "I think that would be a good idea. We can let the probe gather some initial info for us.""

Parker

You sift through the subspace channels, but find no telltale signs of known alien signals.  According to your console and your aural sensitivity, the Vigilant is the only ship in the system.

However, you are picking up some odd activity in normal space.  You cannot tell if it is random garbling or a pattern.  All you do know is that it is something you have never heard before, and it is coming from the very same spot Sorvok indicated.

Bridge

"Getting closer would probably help our sensor scans," Tabin says, "but Ms. T'Enya has a point.  If whatever is causing it is alive, it could see our approach as aggressive.  A probe would be a good alternative because it allows us to keep our distance, but it also might also seem like an attack."

She frowns as she considers the problem.

"Any recommendations?"

Spid'Dar Nevi

Ensign Iluya hands you a pad.

"Modifications to the engines are up and running, sir.  Here are the specifications."

Dan Carson and Ally Zephyr

While you are discussing, Dr. Zephyr's communicator beeps.

"Ishikawa to Dr. Zephyr.  Doctor, permission to sedate Crewman Goruj while he recovers from his concussion?  He claims he is the reincarnation of the Tellarite god Rotavaugh and is refusing to stay in his bed."

OOC:
Feel free to vote on a course of action.  Also, Spid'Dar, I forgot to ask which engines you are boosting.  Are you boosting warp engines or impulse?

"I'm detecting an odd signal from the site that Lt. Sorvok identified," said Parker, never one to beat around the bush.  "It might just be a result of whatever is happening there, but it does sound like maybe there's something more to it."

James thought for a moment and a wild idea hit him.

"What about putting one of the probe-torps in a shuttle and letting the shuttle fly in for a closer look? A Transporter lock could be maintained on the pilot, and the shuttle systems could relay the probe information back to us."

"I have to admit, I'm not one for stellar phenomena either. I believe Ensign Maryan stopped by for a refill on a prescription, but--"

The communication from Sick Bay interrupted her before she could say anymore.

When she heard what was happening, the doctor frowned. Delusions were rather atypical in a concussion, and very concerning. "Yes. 25 ccs of melorazine. Once that's taken effect, I'd like you to start a brain scan." She shook her head and looked at Carson. "You may be losing Goruj for a little longer than the one day observation period. I'm going to need to head back to Sick Bay."

Carson winced sympathetically at the news. "Of course I understand... though I admit having an actual god on the team would have been useful. Thanks Doc and I'll make sure to have my men go a little easier on each other in future - and on me."

"Maybe you should try to recruit G and L if we see them again-- they could probably get around head injuries. Until then, restraint would be very much appreciated, Mr Carson," said Doctor Zephyr with a laugh. "Another time," she said, nodding her farewell, then headed to Sick Bay to look at Goruj's brain scans.

With Lt. Parker's explanation, T'Enya had an idea. She stood from her station, speaking while she did.

"One moment, please Captain. With you permission, I would like to attempt to apply code and cipher cracking techniques to Lt. Parker's signal. It may yet be possible to communicate with it. I also suggest an Engineering and Medical analysis, to see if the signal has an Engineering or Biological source rather than a Communications source."

[OOC: If given permission, T'Enya will go to Lt. Parker's station and work with her.]

Nevi takes the pad from Ensign Iluya and goes over it quickly, "Thank you Ensign.  I see your team has been thorough.  Please direct a portion of your efforts to our probe technology.  It would seem that we require a bit of innovation to our systems.  I would expect that it have our thorough nature but also be unassuming and unobtrusive."

He turned to the console and hit the comm button, "Captain.  I would say that a probe wouldn't be seen as an attack if it was kept at a respectful distance and also proceeded at a very low impulse speed."

(OOC: Nevi is working on the warp drives right now but will get to the impulse engines shortly.  Rome, and its Andorian equivalent, was not built in a day after all.)

Parker and T'Enya

Tabin gives the word, and Lt. T'Enya comes to take a look at the frequency on Parker's console.  She compares the frequency to all sorts of known and theoretical encryption.  After exhausting all those keys, the pattern does not seem to be a code.  Instead, it almost seems like an abnormal resonance---there seems to be a regular rotation with a few inconsistencies scattered into it.

Bridge

"That's a possibility," Tabin says in response to Black's suggestion.  "Are you volunteering to fly the shuttlecraft, Mr. Black?"

Tabin leans over on the command chair and presses the ship's intercom button.

"Tabin to Nevi and Zephyr.  We've picked up an anomalous signal and would prefer your input on them.  Please report to a station where you can review the signal."

Nevi speaks into the comm, "Yes Captain."  He turned to Ensign Iluya, "I am needed on the Bridge.  You and Ensign S'tal keep things moving down here."

Moving quickly, Nevi made his way to the Bridge and without addressing anyone moved to an open console.  One screen was set to monitor Engineering while the other two started flashing scanning data on the signal.  Nevi began to compare the signal to all known communication signals and then started to break it down by running comparisons on engine resonance and naturual phenomenon.  He was appreciating the speed of the computer and made a mental note to tell Ensign Skeyul that his modifications to the matrix were somewhat sufficient.

"On my way, Captain." Dr Zephyr said, then changed her destination from deck 5 to the Bridge.

When she got there, she found a station and looked at the data carefully to see if there was anything familiar, or unfamiliar in the sort of way that would imply any kind of biological or biochemical processes. She also set the computer to run the signal against the medical databases.

OOC:

@ Spid'Dar and Ally:  Go ahead and give me a Knowledge Roll for your respective roles/stations.  ^_^

Parker continued to perform as the comm officer.  She listened intently to the signals in the system, which right now seemed to just be that garbled possibly-a-pattern that the other crewmembers were analyzing using their special skills.

After Dr. Zephyr departed Carson wound down the practice and sent those of his department that could still stand for some much needed R&R.

As the others left he stopped by Ensign Maryan and gave the Orion woman a respectful smile. "You were very good Ensign and I wanted to say I'm glad your aboard. I hope there are no hard feelings over our first meeting... I'd like us to be friends at least."

Nevi digs deeper into the scans and strives to squeeze all the data he can from the minimal amount available.  His hands are a flurry of button pushing and typing as he jumps from one idea to another...

Although Carlos' spirits dim somewhat at the apparent rejection of his idea of bringing the ship closer, they perk back up at the mention of possibly sending a shuttlecraft.

He sighed a bit, but only inwardly.  The two most hated phrases for any Helmsman were "Steady as she goes," and "Maintain standard orbit."

Daniel Carson

Ensign Maryan flashes you a wide smile at the compliment.  Unlike the rest of the security roster, she is the only one who does not seem to be dripping with sweat.  She merely glistens, along with what Carson can only guess is a healthy glow for an Orion.  She grabs a towel and lightly pats her face, drying off the thin sheen of perspiration on her.

"Of course, sir.  No hard feelings.  I'm just glad to be on the best ship in the fleet while serving an an important mission.

"As for being friends," she says, trailing off.  She walks towards the doors exiting towards the women's locker room.  A little bit of her confident swagger seeps into her step.  She looks back at you from over her shoulder, a grin tugging at the edge of her lips.

"I'd like that, too."

Once she leaves, Carson's communicator beeps.

"Tabin to Carson.  Please report to the bridge.  I'd like your opinion on putting together a potential shuttle team."

Spid'Dar Nevi

The foundation of any form of technology is consistency.  A machine should operate consistently so that the engineer or operator can predict how it will respond to different situations.  The signal lacks any kind of rhyme or reason necessary for advanced engineering, especially for a device that would be capable of affecting an entire star.

Bridge

"This is damned pecular," Captain Tabin murmurs as she looks over the information from the different consoles.

"I'm calling Security Chief Carson up here as well to ask his opinion.  If it is a ship and someone goes out on a shuttle, it might be good to have a security detail just in case whatever is over there turns out to be hostile."

OOC:
@ Nevi:  Yup, that was the right add total.
@ Zephyr:  Still waiting on the doctor's roll
@ All:  Decided to bring the party together on the bridge.  It's always good to have everyone there for a pow-wow.  So far, you have determined that the signal is not an encoded or uncoded message, or generated from a machine...

Dan reluctantly turned from certain thoughts of a certain Orion security officer and replied to his summons. "I'll be right up Captain."

A few moments later he was stepping out of the turbolift onto the bridge. He walked over to Tabin. "What do we know or suspect M'am?"

Nevi turns his head towards the Captain, "Captain.  My preliminary scan of the anomaly affecting the star indicates it is not technological in nature.  At least not any technology Starfleet is familiar with.  With more data I am hopeful that we can isolate what it is and not just what it is not."

He turned back to his console and began initiating another analysis...

Parker nodded her head to Tabin's wisdom.  That's right, a good old supportive nod of her head.  That was worth at least 2 cents back when the Federation used money.

Now maybe it was worth 2 energy credits on some colony worlds that don't have a post-scarcity economy.

Zephyr looked more closely at the data.

OOC: Sorry, doctor Zephyr actually rolled yesterday, and then I had to go drive 7 hours to pick up my parents, so I forgot to write a reply...

Ally Zephyr

As you look at the pattern, you have have seen an abnormal resonance pattern like that before.  It looks more like something biological, where the pattern is has a general regularity with small permutations.  It almost resembles some type of respiratory or digestive pattern such as laughing, choking, crying, sputtering, hiccuping, or devouring.

OOC:
@ Zephyr:  Oops, just saw it in the dice roller log.  No worries, and sorry to hear about the drive.  That's rough.  x_x
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:57, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

"This looks alive..." said the doctor. "Respiration, maybe? Possibly feeding." She looked over at the view screen with a bit of wonder in her eyes. Perhaps stellar phenomena could be more interesting than she'd thought. "This could be a whole new form of life," she said, paused, then shook her head. "That is. Captain, I think this is a signal from a living creature."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

Nevi stopped his work for a moment and turned towards Zephyr, "Do you believe it to actually be a signal or do you think it could just be an effect of its... metabolism or respiration?  What I mean is that do you believe it is trying to make contact?"

"Oh, no, I don't think this is a conscious signal. I'm sure communications would have picked up on anything like that. It's quite regular, but these patterns, here... it certainly looks like an automatic biological function of some sort."

"Maybe its the sound of something eating, snoring, respirating, or even reproducing."  The Communications Officer put the signal, translated obviously to a sound they could all hear, onto the open bridge communication system, to let them be the judge of what it might be.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

Nevi nodded and turned back to his console as the sounds filled the Bridge.  Pursuing a new line of thought, he began to analyze the energy fields around the possible organism as well as looking into the effect it was having on the red dwarf star.

Their job completed, T'Enya thanked Lt. Parker and returned to her station where she resumed reading the most recent reports on the thing.

With Spid'Dar's first comment, T'Enya intones "Once one has eliminated the impossible, whatever is left -- no matter how improbable -- must be the truth." It was a quote from an old earth detective novel, but it was particularly appropriate at this point.

Once the doctor provided her analysis, T'Enya noted "We need to get a closer look, to get more information. The two possibilities I see are to send the torpedo-probes, hoping that they are small enough to remain unnoticed, or to slowly approach with the main ship and try to present ourselves as a 'friend'. The shuttle would be too small and too vulnerable, I believe. In either case, Navigation should have an 'escape course' laid in away from the Federation in case of an Emergency."

"If we attempt to approach as a 'friend', I would suggest Diplomats and Communications officers work closely with the helm to try to estimate ... 'Body Language'."

Bridge

One of Captain Tabin's ivory eyebrows arcs up when she hears Dr. Zephyr's report.

"So, we're potentially dealing with a first contact situation, assuming the creature is alive and intelligent.  These are the options we have discussed so far.

"We could bring the Vigilant closer to the entity which would give us visual and also getting a better read from our sensors, but might place the entire ship at risk.  We could use one of the probes and receive the data from it while we maintain a safe distance, but the creature might assume it is an attack.  We could send a shuttlecraft with the probe out there and maintain a transporter lock on its crew just in case something goes wrong, but we have no idea if something like that could block our transporter beam."

Captain Tabin looks at her bridge crew, assessing their reactions.

"Suggestions, ladies and gentlemen?"

When T'Enya gives her input, Captain Tabin nods.

"It is entirely possible that the shuttle may be too helpless should the entity see it as foe.  Of course, given the effect it is having on Epsilon Alpha, I'm not sure the Vigilant is much better off."

OOC:
@ T'Enya:  Lol, started writing this post and then saw yours.  I hope you don't mind that I included Tabin's reply.  Looks like that's one vote for "no" on the shuttle/probe combo.
@ All:  Like I said, Tabin is more device than captain.  This is your story, and you  get to make the final call.  I just write it as if she made it.  :-p

Carson grinned. This was more like it.

"I reccomend sending out a shuttle Captain; I know it's a risk but I'd rather have human... or Andorian or Vulcan... first hand contact. A probe on its own won't provide the gut feeling getting up close will. On the other hand as you say we don't want to risk the entire ship without good reason."

Nevi stopped his scans for a moment.  A long moment.  Then he turned to the Captain, "Captain.  If our mission is exploration then I say we approach this situation with scientific curiosity rather than expediency."  He looked at the other members of the Bridge crew, "The first question should be is this a threat to the Federation?  It does not seem so.  So far this red dwarf seems unscathed by this organism."

He looked at the Captain, "My suggestion is that we sit.  We watch.  We scan.  I see no reason to rush into actions that might invite conflict until we have an established set of data to work off of."

"It looks as if I have one vote for and one vote against using the shuttlecraft.  I then have one vote for waiting and scanning."

Tabin gets up from the captain's chair and walks over to the science station.  She looks over the various readouts available, frowning as she assesses the options.  Her antennae flatten out in a gesture of frustration.

"Unfortunately, it looks as if our data will be limited if we wait here.  Epsilon Alpha's solar radiation is interfering with our ability to collect clear data.  I suppose we could try boosting the energy levels on the active sensor array to get a better reading."

Nevi looked over at the Captain and saw her frustration.  A thought crossed his mind and his fingers started tapping away as the warp core and engine schematics began to come across his screens, "Perhaps we can get the ship closer..."

Parker seemed to be torn between the possibilities.  She obviously wasn't certain enough to have a solid opinion one way or the other on this just yet.  She stood by, ready to attempt to open communications with whatever it was, when the experts decided it was time to do so.

"While the shuttlecraft may be a good back-up plan Captain, there is only so much information that a shuttle's limited sensor suite is going to be able to process.  I'm in favor of trying to move the ship closer."  He smiles disarmingly.  "I'm certain that I can get us close enough for what we need and without overly stressing the ship."

Doctor Zephyr considered the situation. All the points so far had merit; she definitely wanted a closer scan, but risking the ship for a better Acetylcholine test didn't seem necessary. "Maybe we could keep the ship out of range and send the shuttle craft while keeping a transporter lock on everyone?"

"We may wish to send a Telepath close by" T'Enya adds, "just in case it's intelligent enough to contact from close range. That may justify the dangers of a shuttle mission."

Contrary what some may be thinking, she is not suggesting herself -- while T'Enya is a Telepath, she is untrained.

Parker arched a blonde eyebrow at T'Enya's suggestion.  She looked around at the other officers on the bridge.  Then she looked back to T'Enya and nodded just a bit.  It did make sense, assuming they had a telepath to send, of course.  Of course, her support, as lame as it was, remained unspoken.

"I suppose we could also try hailing it," Tabin muses, looking towards Parker.

"We could try, captain."  She was ready to put that up on the main view screen if it answered.  It would be her first opportunity!

Nevi continued his analysis of the stress tests of the power relays and the magnetic coils of the impulse engines, "I believe I can supply us with enough shielding to get us in and out of the vicinity of the anomaly... organism if you will... relatively quickly and safely.  It wouldn't last long but we could get very close to get definitive readings on it."  He hit a few more buttons and then turned towards the Captain, "If that is your command Captain.  It would take a bit of prep time but I believe it could be done."

Bridge

"From what you've told me," Tabin finally says, returning to her seat in the captain's chair, "It looks like the shuttlecraft with the probe is our final decision.  Mr. Black, you made the suggestion so I'm guessing you're volunteering to fly the shuttle.  Mr. Carson and Dr. Zephyr, I'd like you to accompany him or assign a an officer.  We'll need someone trained in biology to make sense of the scans, and I'd like a security officer onboard just in case it is hostile."

Tabin pulls up the Vigilant's crew complement and begins looking through dossiers.

"Ensign Xandor Twazera is one of the recent Betazoid recruits for Starfleet, and it appears he has empathic and potential telepathic powers.  I'll have him report to the shuttlebay.

"As for the rest of us," Tabin continues, addressing the rest of the bridge crew as the others head to the shuttlebay, "we're going to support them.  Mr. Nevi, start making those preparations on the Vigilant's shields and structural integrity fields just in case we need them.  It never hurts to be prepared.

"Mr. de Silva, I want you to keep us in direct line of sight with the shuttlecraft to make sure we can beam them out of there.  Also, I want you to calculate a course trajectory for the Vigilant just in case we have to warp in there and pull them out with our tractor beams.

"Ms. Parker, keep monitoring that pattern and put the shuttle's viewport information on the main screen.  I want us to see everything that they see.  Get ready to open those hailing frequencies if we find out we can communicate with it.

"Mr. Sorvok, keep scanning the anomaly.  I want to know the moment things change so that we can pull them out of there if we have to.

"Ms. T'Enya, I also want you monitoring the energy pattern that Parker identified.  If this is a trap, I want us to know as soon as possible."

Shuttlebay

The shuttlebay's officers prepare the shuttlecraft deGrasse for the mission, placing one of the modified probes in the main section.  The doors stand open, ready for the team to enter and launch.

When the shuttle team reaches the shuttlebay, they find Ensign Twazera waiting for them.  He is a short, thin, olive-skinned, fresh-faced officer who looks like he is just out of the academy.  His black hair is cut short and brushed to the side in standard Starfleet fashion.  He is dressed in a blue ensign's uniform.

"Uh, hi.  Captain Tabin told me that you needed me for an away team.  I'm guessing it's not for my expertise in exoarchaeology..."

Once the team is aboard, the shuttlebay doors open and the deGrasse takes off towards Epsilon Alpha and the anomaly...

OOC:
Okay, big bump and a few extra orders from Tabin so everyone has something to do.  ^_^  This is what I need from you:

Black:  Roll Physical for piloting the shuttle towards the anomaly
Carson:  Roll Physical for testing the shuttle's phaser locks "just in case"
Zephyr:  Roll Medicine to make sense of any data that comes from the probe with a +3 technobabble modifier courtesy of Black
Nevi:  Roll Engineering for the modifications
de Silva:  Roll Physical for changing the Vigilant's position and orbit
Parker:  Roll Communications for maintaining the pattern
Sorvok:  Roll Knowledge for sensor scans (if you're still out give me a heads up and I'll roll it for you)
T'Enya:  Roll Subterfuge for checking the pattern

Nevi nods as the orders are given out, "At once Captain."

His hands and eyes flash across the console as he puts together his change in the configuration.  He sits back for a moment as the computer simulates the changes and analyzes the outcome.  Nodding to himself, he opens a channel to Engineering, "Ensign Iluya, I am relaying modifications to the engines and the shield generators.  We will be preparing to channel an 80 percent increase in power to the magnetic coils of the impulse engines.  The power relays from the nacells to the shield generators will be pushed to their limits so you will be running stress tests on each affected relay and making modifications on those that fall outside the parameters I have sent you.  Likewise, you will alter the shield generators to accept the magnetic flux from the impulse coils and merge it with the shields.  The calibration information is also found within my instructions.  If you have any questions contact me.  Nevi out."

He switched off the comm and switched it back on immediately, "Ensign S'tal.  You and your team are on high-alert until further notice.  Coordinate with Ensign Iluya.  She will be making modifications that you will have to maintain for the time being.  Nevi out."

Switching off the comm, he turned, "Captain.  In under an 35 minutes you will have the capacity to move close to the red dwarf.  I am alternating the shields to act as a layered magnetic field in addition to their normal capacity.  Adding the magnetic flux to the shield will allow the ship to simulate the magnetic field that many planets possess.  While we have this shield up we will not be able to go to warp but we will have full impulse at our disposal."  His antenna flicked to the sides a bit, "I would not maintain this alteration for more than an hour at a time.  At most."

(OOC: Rolled a 25 without a Jury-Rig bonus since I didn't know if it applied in this case.)

"Aye, Captain!"  Carlos turns to the helm and begins to make the necessary calculations for warping in and locking onto the shuttle as well as moving the Vigilant to maintain a direct line of sight with the shuttle's projected flight path.

[OOC:  Carlos de Silva rolled 16 using 1d20+8 ((8)).  I forgot my Dexterity Stat, so the total should be 18.  Apologies...]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Fri 27 Sept 2013.

"Aye aye, captain."

Parker turned to face her console.  She pressed her finger to the metal thing in her ear, and occasionally she'd tap at the console with purpose.  She was doing her best to keep the signal they had detected clear, and also remaining vigilant for any changes.

Also, she was preparing a steady line of secure communications with the shuttle, and also devising an algorithm to deal with any interference they might encounter due to proximity to the main system star.

---

10:28, Today: Parker rolled 22 using 1d20+11. Communications Roll.

"Hello, Ensign Twazera," Doctor Zephyr said with a smile. "Exoarcheology is such an interesting topic, but you're right, that's not why you're here. It looks like there's some sort of creature near the star. We're hoping that you can sense something from it, empathically or telepathically. Please tell us immediately if you start sensing anything."

She sat down next to the shuttle's science terminal as the shuttle took off and went towards the anomaly, analyzing the readouts as they came in.

[OOC: Ally Zephyr rolled 31 using 1d20+14. Med + Int + Technobabble.]

"Aye, Captain."

T'Enya focused on her console, looking for anything that might be a trap.

[11:43, Fri 27 Sept 2013: T'Enya rolled 29 using 1d20+10 ((19)).]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Fri 27 Sept 2013.

Carson cheerfully checked the phaser locks ("just in case"), though he was more interested in seeing how his fellow shuttle passengers felt about their mission.

"Any combat experience Ensign Twazera?" Carson asked casually. "You never know, we could be lucky... uh... I mean unlucky of course."

---

OOC:19:57, Today: Daniel Carson rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Physical!

Bridge

Spid'Dar Nevi works quickly to get the modifications online. Between his efforts on the bridge and his team's in main engineering, they are able to get everything running within the given time estimate.

Carlos de Silva makes a slight adjustment to the Vigilant's orbit. The ship pushes further outward, and begins to curve around to keep it in line of sight with the deGrasse. However, atmospheric disturbances make the approach a little rough.

Parker is able to keep the energy pattern online. While monitoring it, she notices that there is one segment that repeats intermittently. It does not match up with any known languages---even Tholian radiation-based communication---but that would likely be par for the course for a new lifeform.

T'enya also monitors the pattern at her own console. She isolates the same pattern that Parker finds, but analyzes it with respect to potential encryption codes as well as anything hidden contained within it. Her diligent effort eliminates the possibility of anything else masked by the pattern. Whatever it is, it is being plainly transmitted.

Sorvok continues to monitor the anomaly.  There are no changes as the shuttlecraft approaches...

On board the deGrasse

Black is able to keep the shuttle on a steady course, avoiding the brunt of the solar wind coming off Epsilon Alpha as it approaches the source of the anomaly.  Every so often, the shuttle rattles as the red dwarf erupts in a sizable solar flare. The proximity to the star makes the fluctuations even more noticeable.  Epsilon Alpha dims enough that the light being reflected into the shuttle actually changes.

Ensign Twazera does his best to answer your questions despite being fairly nervous about flying in a shuttlecraft. He seems to grow more and more agitated as you approach the anomaly.

"No other training beyond the---ergh---academy. Sorry, sir, I'm just a lab jockey."

"Uh," he says to Dr. Zephyr, "I think I can sense it. Just...just, give me a moment."  He blinks and holds his head, seemingly in pain. He waits for a moment before shaking it off

"There," he continues. "Sorry.  Whatever that thing is...it's in pain.  Waves of pain and...regret?  I think that's what it is. I tried to get in touch with it, but it's mind is too...different... I...I'm sorry, there's not much else I can say."

As Dr. Zephyr monitors the information coming from the probe, she makes the following discoveries. Whatever is out there is primarily made of energy, and it seems to be siphoning off energy from the star at an astonishing rate. At the center of it appears to be a tiny speck of matter, but at this distance and with the star's interference it is impossible to tell what it is.

However, that is not the most curious thing about the anomaly. According to the sensors, it's human-sized.

The deGrasse manages to finally clear the curve of Epsilon Alpha, giving the shuttle the chance to see what is out there. Black puts the entity on screen...

Bridge

Parker keeps the Vigilant main viewscreen synced up with the deGrasse's. As the shuttle gets a clear view, Tabin gives the order to magnify.

"Ms. Parker, magnify section 1082 mark 181. Switch to a false color readout pn Epsilon Alpha to show the energy siphoning effect, but keep the anomaly in real color."

The screen changes view, switching to a dark red for the star. Waves of black rhythmically cascade across the star, showing the drop in brightness as the anomaly sucks energy from the star.

The anomaly itself looks minuscule compared to the star. A hazy cloud of milky white energy hovers around the star. It almost looks human sized.

"What the hell is that thing?" Tabin wonders out loud...

On board the deGrasse

Moments after the shuttle clears the star, Ensign Twazera jolts.

"Sirs," he stammers, "it's emotions have changed... I think it sees us!"

Bridge and the deGrasse

Surely enough, the deGrasse's sensors show the entity is approaching at an alarmingly fast rate...

OOC:
@ Spid'Dar: Yeah, Jury Rig only applies to repairs so it doesn't in this case.
@ Carlos: No problem. It's a simple roll, but I had 20 as the DC for smooth sailing. As a result, just a tiiiiny bit of turbulance.
@ Daniel: You add your dex to the phys roll for that, so make that a 30 and a +2 bonus to any phaser attack you decide to roll.  ^_^

@ All: Big bump up.  Let me know what you want to do!  Cue appropriate danger music!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-LCmeB-qRQ

"It is not a code or cipher of any kind" T'Enya remarks passively. "If it is communications of some kind, it is 'in the clear'. I suggest Lt. Parker attempt active communication. However it may be ..."

She trailed off as the concept floated into her mind. No, too crazy to say out loud ... especially after her 'melt down' at space dock. T'Enya's fingers flew on her console as she attempted a rather unusual comparison in the computer ....

T'Enya

Unfortunately, the sounds made by a Vulcan Sehlat, a Terran Komodo Dragon, and a Deltan Ravmayish all produce a similar sound pattern to that of the anomaly.

Alright, time had arrived for Parker to shine!  Her fingers danced over the console.  Section 1082 Mark 181.  False color readout, and all that other stuff!  She put it up on the main screen and then with all due panache, and she swiveled atop her chair to take a look at her handiwork.

"It is a bit smaller than I thought it would be." She noted quietly.

Carson nodded slowly.

"Given its size, could we be dealing with the survivor of a lost ship? After all some species can give off some very strange lifesigns..."

"I thought perhaps I could analyze the sound better if I widened the parameters to those species that are not among the 'intelligent life form'. Unfortunately all the computer could come up with, based on my parameters, was the Vulcan Sehlat, a Terran Komodo Dragon, and a Deltan Ravmayish. I doubt that helps us in any way."

T'Enya returned her attentions back to her board, looking for any sign of trouble as the Captain earlier directed.

Nevi watched the strange organism move towards the shuttle, "Captain, the shields are ready.  We can get to the shuttle if required."

Without taking his eyes from the Science Station scanners, Sorvok reported, "Captain, it should be noted that the star's energy readings ceased to fluctuate the moment the alien entity began to approach the shuttle.  I am now focusing a sensor scan on the area around the shuttle and between the shuttle & the alien entity to see if there are energy fluctuations in or around the shuttle.  It is possible that the energy fluctuations may be an attempt to siphon energy from the star or perhaps a form of "feeding" if the entity is "energy-based".  Or perhaps the energy fluctuations are a means of communication.

If the alien entity has now shifted its focus from the star to the shuttle, it is possible the alien may attempt to begin a similar process with the shuttle as it was previously conducting with the star.  With that in mind, it might be wise to attempt to get a transporter fix on the personnel within the shuttle in case the alien's ability to affect energy either drains the shuttlecraft of sufficient energy to break away... or the alien is able to affect "life force" as a form of energy in addition to pure stellar radiation."

Sorvok paused to consider something before continuing, "Regarding the sounds emitted, I am attempting to search for a comparison between the three species identified by Lt. T'Enya in an attempt to determine whether there is some common denominator or common element between the Vulcan Sehlat, a Terran Komodo Dragon, and a Deltan Ravmayish.

However, while I can make a comparative analysis from a xenobiological perspective, it is possible that Dr. Zephyr may made a more relevant connection through her superior medical knowledge of comparative physiology and the anatomy underlying vocal communication.

Additionally, perhaps Lt. Parker's advanced studies in alien communication and translations may point to a known sentient alien species whose native form of communication resembles the natural sounds made by the Vulcan Sehlat, a Terran Komodo Dragon, and a Deltan Ravmayish?"

Sorvok

When comparing the previous sensor scans of the entity with the current ones, Sorvok makes a somewhat alarming discovery.  The entity appears to emit a "cone" of force that siphons energy from its target.  That cone had been squarely centered on the sun.  However, now the cone is currently moving about to target the deGrasse

On board the deGrasse

Suddenly, the power levels on the shuttle begin dropping...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Tue 01 Oct 2013.

Sorvok looked up briefly from his science station scanner as he glanced over at Tabin, his significantly raised arched eyebrow being the only clear sign that the Vulcan was perturbed even as his voice maintained its calm, even tone (though there was clear note of urgency in his tone), "Captain, the recent refocus of the Sensors has detected a cone shaped energy siphon emission from the alien entity that appears to be responsible for the fluctuations in energy readings of the star.

However, with the change of direction and "focus" of the alien entity, shifted away from the star to the deGrasse shuttle, that same energy siphon cone has been re-directed from the star, hence the cessation of fluctuations in stellar radiation, and is now being focused upon the deGrasse."

Sorvok paused to check his readings once more before adding in a concerned tone, "Captain, considering the magnitude of the power drain that would be required to result in detectable fluctuations in stellar radiation from any significant distance, I suspect the shuttle may experience imminent dramatic, perhaps even catastrophic, fluctuations in power levels.

Clearly a Takayama-type shuttlecraft possesses orders of magnitude less power in comparison to a star, even a comparatively "cool" red dwarf class star such as Epsilon Alpha.

Captain, I believe the shuttle crew may be in grave danger if the deGrasse is subjected to prolonged and/or intensive energy siphoning."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Tue 01 Oct 2013.

"Vigilant to shuttle.  You need to stay away from that thing if you can.  Get some distance, it is going to drain your power, and if your shields go down . . . . "

The young communications officer swiveled in her seat.  "Captain, we need to get them out of there!"

T'Enya's fingers went to her comm system. "T'Enya to transporter room 1, stand by for Captains orders. Transporter room 2, stand by for emergency orders."

Her plan was both dangerous and suicidal. But, in an emergency, those where often the only plans left.

She swiveled on her seat and addressed the Captain.

"Captain, I would like permission to leave the Bridge with Lt. Nevi, destination transporter room two. We are not immune to attack ourselves. In the event of a catastrophic attack on the main vessel, the Transporter may give us options ... maybe."

She stood, not wanting to waste time,; but did not move either, not wanting to usurp the Captain's authority.

"I'll explain on the way" she told Nevi.

Nevi looked at the Captain and awaited whatever order was issued.

The doctor bit her lip as the shuttlecraft's power began to drop. "What emotions are you getting from it? Is it still in pain?" asked Zephyr. "A star has more energy than a shuttlecraft-- I can't believe it wants to simply take energy, not if we're more attractive than a star. Unless there's something about our energy...? Can we cut the power ourselves?" She looked out the shuttlecraft windows. "What do you really want?"

"I think we should get the shuttle away while we still can with our power." Carson said, frowning. "If this was another ship facing this I'd be calling it an attack... as it is I think the end result will be the same."

Bridge

"Understood," Tabin says, and she punches the intercom on the captain's chair.

"Tabin to Transporter Room 1, get them out of there.  Now."  The Captain turns to the rest of the crew.

"Do what you can, Ms. T'Enya.  However, Mr. Nevi, if it sounds impossible, then don't waste time on it.  Our priority is keeping the ship running and in one piece.

"Mr. de Silva, get us a clear line of sight with the deGrasse for the transporter.  Ms. Parker, keep trying the deGrasse.  Mr. Sorvok, let me know the moment that thing changes course."

On board the deGrasse

"Agreed, time to get out of here," says Black says to Carson, using full thrusters to flip the shuttle away from the entity and firing up the shuttle's impulse engine.  The maneuver should send the deGrasse hurtling away from the approaching entity at near-light speed.  However, the shuttle barely reaches half impulse and moves with the grace of an ant trapped in molasses.

"Vigilant to shuttle.  You need to stay away from that thing if you can.  Get some distance, it is going to drain -----r, and i----ields go down . . . . "  Parker's voice cuts in and out, with a strange ebbing sound filling the spots where the communication officer's message fades away.

Twazera tries to find an answer for Dr. Zephyr, reaching out to touch the entity's mind once more.  The Betazoid flinches, and suddenly his face blanches.  Tears begin to well up in his eyes.

"Yes...it's in pain...it's angry, upset, and devastated," he says, his voice trembling.

"Above all else, it hungers."

Ally Zephyr

Although Betazoids have only recently joined Starfleet, Zephyr recognizes what is happening to Twazera.  Betazoid telepaths are particularly susceptible to strong emotions, so much that it can dominate their focus if they are not careful.  The entity's emotions must have overwhelmed Twazera, forcing him to empathize with the creature's feelings.

OOC:
Okay, bump up.  Here's what I need:
Carlos:  Make a phys roll to give the Vigilant a transporter lock on the shuttle.  DC is 20.  For every 5 over the DC, you will give a +2 bonus to the engineering roll.  For every 5 under the DC, you will inflict a -1 bonus.  Don't forget about action points.  ^_^
All:  I need an engineering roll for the transporter room.  I'd recommend Spid'Dar do it because he's Chief Engineer.  You can aid with Engineering or Knowledge, or be creative and toss me another skill idea.  DC for aid is 20.  If you hit the DC, add +2 to the roll.  The base DC for transporter is DC 15.  You will get 1 random person.  You can beam back 1 more person for every increment of 5 (ex DC 20 gets 2 random people, DC 25 gets 3, etc.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:35, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Parker had been compensating for the EM solar radiation and gravitic wave forms eminating from the main system star from the moment they had entered the system, so she shared the current data she had on it, as well as the Lindelof Chaos-Field Topology Diagram she had generated to help predict its future behavior.  So far the diagram had been 87.75% predictive, which was a lot better than guessing.  If she was better at her quasi-geometrical calculus she probably could have done better, but the study group at the academy shared time with the Intramural Cadet's volleyball team, and she already had a commitment, so ....

She forwarded the diagram to the transporter engineer computer, in an attempt to assist.

Turns out she should have spent more time hitting the books, and less time spiking the ball!

---

Wed 02 Oct 2013: Parker rolled 14 using 1d20+10 ((4)).

---

"Aye, Captain!" Carlos worked the controls as quickly and deftly as he could, presenting the best possible position from which to transport the shuttlecraft's crew.  After a few moments, he looks back over his shoulder.  "That's the best aspect I can give us, sir."

[OOC:  Carlos de Silva rolled 30 using 1d20+15 ((15))

That should give a +4 bonus to the Engineering roll]

For just a moment, T'Enya forgets that she is not the First Officer. It's a faux paus that she does not even notice, but will undoubtedly need to apologize for later. Command, however, is in her blood, and comes as naturally to her as does walking.

Unfortunately.

"Lt." she tells Nevi, "Meet me in transporter room 2 after the immediate emergency has been handled and you can break away." She continues speaking as she moves to the turbo lift.

"Lt. Sorvok, I'll need an energy analysis in your free time -- specifically expected results from this alien when interacting with transporters -- especially the confinement beam, any expected effects on the transporter buffer, and probability of the transporter coils being in tact at what energy levels -- and the tractor beam, what effects a non-drained force tool may have on it. Lt. Parker, remember that when one communicates with a Komodo Dragon one has to use drastically different techniques. As much as I'd like to use an anti-matter spread on this thing, I get the feeling that The Network wouldn't approve. And while I, personally, wouldn't mind this entire reality disappearing from existence I have a job to do."

"And I'll need to talk to Dr. Zephyr when the Captain is done debriefing her" she said as the turbo lift doors closed. Only after the doors closed did she realize what had just happened and did a 'face-palm', something she learned from the Humans.

"I'll have to apologize to the Captain when this is all over ..." she muttered to herself.

[Anyone want a +2 bonus for following orders? I have two to hand out this episode ...]

Damn. "Try to get a hold of yourself," she said. She wished they could tell the creature they wanted to help it, but she could hardly risk Twazera further. She had to figure out what to do next instead. The ship would be trying to get them back soon, if they hadn't already started. Could she help in any way?

[OOC: 20:05, Today: Ally Zephyr rolled 22 using 1d20+11. Int + Know: for helpful science!]
[Also! OOC: 21:02, Today: Ally Zephyr rolled 20 using 1d20+11. Behavioral Analysis (Know + Int) -- darn... do I get any questions?]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

On board the deGrasse

Ally's fingers fly over the shuttlecraft's science console as she looks for answers...

OOC:
Yup, you get 1 question.  ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:34, Thu 03 Oct 2013.

Rising from his chair, Nevi nods to the Captain, "The shield modifications are at your command.  The helmsman can engage them at any time and I will monitor their function from my location."

Nevi follows T'Enya to the turbolift, "You said you would explain your plan on the way.  You may begin that explanation."

"This is not a 'short term' solution, but rather more of a ... I believe the Humans call it a 'desperation move'" T'Enya began. "The transporter system can be used in a way that locks the beamed creature or creatures into the pattern buffer. While there is no promise of duration, it can be done. It can also be used to strip weaponry from the beamed entity, though in this case I doubt that would be a huge advantage."

"Since the transporter can also detect and remove diseases and other hostile organisms, it can theoretically be used to heal as well -- though that is quite a bit of a stretch."

"In any case it seems more ... 'peaceful' to try and capture the entity than blow it up. The question, which is an Engineering question really, is 'can it be done'. I suspect that question can only be answered from the Transporter room. At a minimum, testing to see if the containment beam can affect the creature will provide a distraction and, hopefully, allow our shuttle to get away."

Carson moved over to the shuttle controls to help keep the shuttle aligned with the Vigilant. He wasn't exactly a pilot but he was even less a scientist and this seemed like something he could at least try and help with.

---

OOC: 11:35, Today: Daniel Carson rolled 27 using 1d20+8. Physical!

Nevi listens intently to T'Enya as she explains her plan.  Rubbing his chin he thinks out loud, "The being in question is energy, not biomass.  But the concept of using a transporter to detain the being has merit.  Sadly, it also has great risks."

He puts his hand down and shakes his head, "The being will understand its energy matrix far better than we.  We could just be opening our systems to its assault if we transport it into our buffers."

Nevi held up a finger, "But what if we use the transporter to fix the entity in one place?"  The turbolift stopped at their level and he bagan to walk, still talking to T'Enya, "When you first initialize a transporter bean the pattern is locked in its current state before the system retrieves the pattern and processes it through the buffer.  What we could do is extend that pattern lock which would keep the entity in it's location but would prevent it from expending or absorbing any energy."  He stopped in front of the door to the tranporter bay, "We would minimize the danger to us and the entity but allow us time to get the shuttle and evade the entity.  What say you?"

"It's hungry, so why does it prefer us?" Zephyr asks herself again, thinking aloud. "All right, it's angry, upset, devastated..." She glances at Twazera. "We can't do anything about that without communicating with it.

"What else? It's hungry, eating our energy apparently, so we can't help it out there... waves of pain, it's pulsing..." The doctor narrows her eyes. "Throbbing? What would I do with a throbbing wound and no medication?" Zephyr pauses, tapping her medical kit. "A hot or cold compress. Pressure... I don't think there's a way to do that here. Temperature? If it wanted heat, it would have stayed with the star. Cold then. What's cold? We're colder than the star but have more energy than space, I suppose that might explain why it came to us. No, that won't help.

"First principles then. What causes throbbing? Increased blood flow, usually. There's something physical there, but we can't get to it with the energy drain. So what about the energy? Can you increase an energy flow? Higher forms of radiation increase transfers of energy. So... if that's the case, we'd heat it with gamma or delta radiation, soothe it with... radio waves?"

Doctor Zephyr shakes her head. This was a job for a physicist, not a doctor.

OOC: Here's the question: Can we lure it away from the shuttle or distract it's attention, even temporarily, by using the right type/frequency of energy?

Ally Zephyr

At the thought of radio waves, Ally turns her head to the modified probe sitting in the shuttle's main bay.  It could be switched to full active sensors to give it a strong energy signature that at the very least might distract the creature if not heal it.  Perhaps the best part is that it is small enough to be jettisoned outside of the shuttle...

T'Enya nodded at the Andorian's suggestion.

"Do it."

There was a reason, after all, that she was not an Engineer.

Walking into the transporter bay, Nevi quickly moved to one of the consoles in front of the pads.  He hit the comm, "Captain.  Update.  T'Enya and I have a possible way of immobilizing the energy creature.  Shall we proceed?  What is the shuttle's current situation."

"Do we still have a channel to the ship? Twazera, tell them what we know, my theory, and that I'm going to test my hypothesis in a moment. I'm going to set the pod to active scanning, and we're going to jettison it. We should probably wait for confirmation, but... does anyone how long can we wait with the current power drain?"

On board the deGrasse

Ensign Twazera nods, still clearly shaken by his brush with the entity's emotions. He goes to one of the shuttle's consoles and opens a channel to the ship.

"Twazera to Vigilant, the entity is affecting our power. Dr. Zephyr has a plan, we're going to try it now!"

Bridge

The shuttle's message manages to come through with only a bit of static. Tabin, her face grim, pushes the intercom next to her to reply to Nevi.

"If we're not beaming them out, then I need to know the plan before I put 1100 lives at risk. Give me the short version, Nevi."

OOC:
@ Ally:  Make a knowledge roll with the +3 technobabble bonus. The DC is 20. I'm house-ruling that action points can give you a reroll.
@ Spid'Dar:  I know things can get buried in OOC, so just make sure you give me that Engineering roll. I'm giving you guys a chance to look before you leap.
@ All: The Abramverse Constitution class ship is much bigger than the TOS version, hence the different number (it's the closest I can find).

"Captain, T'Enya -- the plan is in addition to beaming them out, not in place of it."

Nevi leans in to the comm, "We will modify one of our transporters to become a kind of energy containment field.  It will, hopefully, lock the energy being in its current position but will not allow it into our transporter pattern buffer."

Releasing the comm switch his hands began to run over the console.  Might was well do the preliminary work if the Captain agreed with the plan...

(OOC: Rolled a 30 on the Engineering roll.)

On board the deGrasse

Zephyr opens up the probe's access panel, turns it to full power, and yanks out the automatic override. She slams the panel shut, and rushes to the forward cabin. When the doors close she punches the airlock release, and the probe is sucked out into space.

At first, it looks as if the idea will work. The entity breaks off its pursuit of the shuttle, and the power levels begin to rise normally. However, it takes only seconds for the readings on the probe to go dead. The entity has fully drained it, and it begins its pursuit of the deGrasse once more...

Spid'Dar Nevi

From the prior scans of the entity, its energy reading is enormous. The Vigilant did not pick it up before simply because its proximity to the star made it appear to be part of the star itself. Using the transporters in this way will put considerable strain on the system. At best, it will trap the entity for the few seconds the shuttle needs in order to escape. At worst, it will fail, fry the transporter system, and leave the shuttle to its fate.

OOC:
Okay, here's the deal:

You need to reach a DC 20 in order to save the shuttle, using Ally's 16 as the base. Daniel's phys roll for maneuvering the shuttle grants a +2 to it, bringing it up to 18. The Vigilant can assist using the transporters, giving the shuttle the +2 it needs to reach 20. You'll need to make another Engineering roll at a DC 20. Hitting 20 will leave the transporters at level 2 damage (offline until repaired and the console explodes). Hitting 25 means the transporters are only at level 1 damage (50% operational until repaired and the console doesn't explode). Hitting 30 means you're awesome and there is no damage. However, if you fail by 5 or more then the system takes level 3 damage and the shuttle is in trouble.

The other option is to just beam them out of there. However, there is the risk that some of you might not make it.  The DC to get one random person is Engineering 15, two is 20, three is 25, and four is 30. From what I see, there is currently a +8 bonus for the Engineering roll from Carlos' nav roll (+4), Ally's know roll (+2), and Daniel's phys roll (+2).

I recommend voting in OOC.

Nevi shakes his head and speaks to T'Enya, "The energy readings on that being are amazing.  I am doubtful our transporters have the ability to accomplish our task without considerable strain on our systems as well as offering little chance to delay the entity for any significant amount of time..."

His antenna go back as he rubs his chin, "Maybe something less revolutionary is required..."  He looked sideways at T'Enya, "What if we transport the whole shuttle?"  He quickly looked back down and began to go over his calculations and transporter schematics...

(OOC: Edited to show roll.  Rolled a 32!  The dice be lovin' me good!)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 07 Oct 2013.

Parker did her best to keep all the parties in communication with one another.  The shuttle and the Vigilant mainly; but also the various stations and departments aboard the Vigilant.  She also was paying close attention to the "sounds" the energy form was making.  Perhaps it was, in addition to trying to eat the shuttle, making some attempt at alien-energy-vampire communication?

Nevi

With transporters still being a relatively new technology, Starfleet has been hesitant to employ the technology in creative ways---such as using a transporter to dock a manned ship, install and remove fully staffed science outposts on planets, and so on. Part of the fear comes from the very real possibility of having the transporter mix up the patterns, which can cause serious injury and death. Another concern is that ships, unlike most lifeforms, are comprised of explosive material which may become destabilized upon materialization.

Beaming up the shuttle will require a site to site transport, placing it back in the shuttlebay. It will also place strain on the transporters, and place the lives of the crew inside and outside the shuttlecraft at risk.

Parker

It appears as though "sounds" coming from the entity have changed ever so slightly since changing its target from the sun to the deGrasse to the probe and back to the deGrasse. However, it will take a more careful analysis to figure out what exactly is going on.

OOC:
Awesome roll!  Okay, here is option 3:

You can try to transport the ship. It is guaranteed to save everybody. You can use the same bonuses for the transporter, and we'll keep the base Engineering DC at 30 with a bit of a sliding scale. You can have another character assist you (I'd recommend Parker because she's on the bridge de Silva is already giving you +4).  If you hit the DC 30, you will beam up the shuttle, but the crew will have to make a Physical roll at DC 20 to avoid taking 2d10 damage. A DC 35 lowers the Physical DC to 15. A DC 40 means you pull it off without a hitch.  Fail by 5, and the shuttle crew takes 2d10 damage.  Fail by 10, and BOOM...

@ Parker: Feel free to make another Comm roll.

"If you beam the entire shuttle off the Starboard Aft, the Vigilant can act as a sort of 'energy shield', making it easier to reconstitute than to disassemble. Also, less chance of merging with deck plating."

"I also remember once where our Chief Engineer used the Cargo Transporter Buffer as an aide to mass transport. He used an ... Obverse-Inverse Organic Quantum Filter Matrix to setup the dual flow -- the obverse filter to send the organic patterns to the regular transporter and the inverse non-organics to the cargo transporter. Naturally the obverse filter was set with a quantum flux delay mechanism so that the non-organic materialized first."

"If you have time, that is."

Parker rolled 23 using 1d20+10. Communications Roll.

Parker

Given what the crew has learned about the entity thanks to Ensign Twazera, it appears as though the sounds coming from the creature are something akin to anger...or desperation...

Sorvok

Sorvok attempts to isolate a potential energy frequency that the creature does not affect. However, the sensor shows that it has the capability of affecting all forms of known energy. Disappointed by the outcome but not discouraged, he turns to analyzing the entity's behavioral patterns. This route proves far more fruitful...

OOC:
@ Sorvok: Unfortunately, the Know/Int assist roll misses the assist DC of 20. However, the Behavioral Analysis scan gives you 3 questions and an action point!

Bridge and Transporter Room

"So you're telling me that our options are beam them out of there, fry the transporter system, or blow up the shuttlecraft?" Tabin asks incredulously, the tone in her voice indicating that she thinks somewhat poorly of the other options. "I think I'll stick with the first option. Shuttles are replaceable, lives aren't. The word is given. Beam them out of there."

She turns to Parker.

"Open a channel to the deGrasse. Tell them we're beaming them out of there."

OOC:

Option 1 it is. I need Spid'Dar to roll Engineering. Add a +2 command bonus from Captain Tabin. From what I see, that gives you a +10 bonus to the roll (+4 from Carlos, +2 from Ally, +2 from Daniel, and +2 from Tabin). With your current base of 12, that should start you off at 22. You need 15 for 1 person, 20 for 2, 25 for 3 and 30 for all 4. Use an action point for a +5 and you start off with 27, meaning you just need a 3 to guarantee all 4 make it safely.

Nevi, hearing the aggravation in his Captain's voice and understanding it, turns his attentions to the transporter console.  The energy signature of the entity is doing an excellent job at messing with his transporter locks.  He decides to add the energy reroute he just planned to penetrate the interference and lock on as many biological signatures as he could.

He muttered an Andorian curse under his breath and engaged the transporters...

(OOC: Using an Action Point to pump the results.  However, I rolled a two so someone isn't coming back.  Nice time to f-up a roll but that is the way the Andorian cookie crumbles.)

On board the deGrasse

With power levels failing, navigational deflectors dropping, and the entity approaching, the entire crew sighs in relief as the familiar whine and strange sensation of the transporter surrounds each of them. However, there is suddenly a foreign tugging sensation, a bloodcurdling scream, and nothing...

Transporter Room

Tension mounts in the transporter room as four figures fade in and out of existence. Nevi's fingers fly over the console, trying to compensate for the entity's interference. Finally, the four members of the doomed shuttlecraft return to existence. However, James Black's eyes roll towards the back of his head, and he collapses on the transporter pad...

OOC:
Rolling a d4: 1-Ally, 2-Daniel, 3-James, 4-Twazera.  The roll is...3!!! James Black is the winner! However, seeing as he's not here...I'll spend an action point on his behalf to ensure that he survives.  I'll let Ally do her thing to figure out what's going on...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:45, Fri 11 Oct 2013.

When the signature whine stops, T'Enya moves to the comm panel and presses the button.

"Bridge, Transporter room. Transport complete -- I suggest we get some distance."

Transporter Room

"That may be a problem," Tabin says over the comm. "Report to the bridge."

Bridge

Those on the bridge watch as the lights of the deGrasse dim and die out, and the shuttle begins to tumble towards Epsilon Alpha. With nothing keeping it from succumbing to the star's gravitational pull, the shuttle soon disappears from view.

The entity, however, does not.

Whether following the energy stream or sifting through the shuttle's computers, the entity is now aware of the Vigilant's presence. It changes course, and begins speeding towards the starship at speeds that only energy can achieve...

"Parker, go to yellow alert. We're about to have company."

OOC:
Entity incoming! I'd recommend running scans, breaking orbit, open hailing frequencies, or anything else to come up with a plan...
http://www.mediacollege.com/do...usic/Suspense_04.mp3

Sorvok

Sorvok stays silent, his mind in deep thought as he considers the evidence before him. He comes to three conclusions.

First, the entity must be attracted to complexity of energy rather than intensity. Epsilon Alpha offers a much better meal than the deGrasse or the Vigilant because it generates both greater amounts and varieties of energy. The only difference between the two is that the ships have power grids that disseminate energy in ordered, unique, and complex ways. This would also explain why turning the power levels of the probe up to maximum did not distract the entity. The deGrasse still appeared to be the most complex target.

Second, the energy siphoning must be some form of biological action separate from communication. Thanks to Dr. Zephyr's observation that the draining bears resemblance to respiratory or digestive functions, it seems logical to surmise that the siphon is either involuntary---such as breathing---or voluntary---such as eating. Based on the unsuccessful communication analyses performed by Parker and T'Enya, it is unlikely that the siphoning is some form of communication.

Third, the siphoning does not seem to have an acute impact on the entity. Granted, the Vigilant has only been observing the entity for a handful of minutes. It is entirely possible that the siphoning has a chronic effect on the entity, but there is not enough information to reach a solid conclusion on it. Such a hypothesis would require a longitudinal study for which the ship and crew simply do not have the time to spare. If Sorvok had to...guess...he would attribute it to a biological function necessary for maintaining the entity's current status rather than increasing it.

Sorvok

Turning his attention back to the incoming data, Sorvok attempts to filter out some of the background interference from the now unperturbed Epsilon Alpha so that he can get a clear reading on the entity. Unfortunately, many of the usual procedures for eliminating background radiation are not working. However, he does notice two things. The entity is closing much faster than the Vigilant can run using impulse drive, and the siphoning cone is rapidly being brought towards the ship...

Parker started the yellow alert.  She lowered her hand from the shiny earpiece that remained in her ear, defying gravity through a combination of ergonomic design and literal gravity-defying technologies.

The yellow light flashed, alerting the crew to the increased level of danger.  And the shields, if they weren't already up to full power, automatically came up with the captain's order.

Parker didn't waste any further time.  Since it was clear that the entity had detected the ship, and was coming this way, she decided to literally attempt to hail the creature -- what was there to lose at this point?

However, the quietly efficient communications officer wasn't sure what to say to an energy being, or how to say it, so she just went with her gut.

On the same frequency of the anguished, confused, or angry emissions she was picking up from the being, she played music back at it.

It was one of her favorite, saddest pieces of the early 20th century.

The third movement of Shostakovich's Symphony Number 5.

---

The music (on Youtube), if you're curious: http://youtu.be/rbgvGOzaVbU

---

Nevi waved for the other three to care for Black.  He then opened a channel to sick bay, "One down on the transporter pad.  Sick bay to transporter room."  With that done he immediately left the transporter room and made his way to the turbolift.

Once on the bridge he made his way to the engineering console and began to absorb the new readings...

(OOC: Edited to adjust to what the unaware player forgot or misread.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

"On our way. Transporter room out."

T'Enya waited for Nevi and headed the turbolift with Nevi. it didn't take her long to pick up on the situation.

"In that case, i suggest we modify a probe to send hyper-complex transmissions for an initial test. if that works, we may be able to alter our tractor beam to act as an energy source. Use cross beam emissions for complex energy transport. In theory the creature would be attracted to the intersection point because of its complexity. If that works we can create a sort of high-tech energy creature version of the mammary gland."

"Helm, be prepared to go to warp on the Captain's command. Lt. Sorvock -- this close to planetary and stellar bodies, the Warp Field may create temporal distortions. If we go to warp, you must be prepared to give correction factors to helm and navigation."

Doctor Zephyr waves her medical tricorder over Black and glances at the data for a moment to make sure he'll be all right with her medical staff before following the Captain's orders and heading for the bridge.

Once there, she turns her head to the scans again, looking to see if there is anything that she is missing from her previous analyses.

Parker rolled 14 using 1d20+12. Communication + Int + 2.

It was not Parker's shining hour, clearly.  It turned out that Stalinist-era classical music was not the best choice for communicating with enraged alien energy-siphoning star-entities.  But to be fair to Parker, it wasn't a subject that was covered at the academy.

OOC: Since I have been "out of it" for a few days, please assume that Sorvok has been passing one his "internal musings" on the current problem to his fellow officers (any and all useful tidbits of insight he may have gained from either sensors or behavioral analysis).

Sorvok responded in a calm, perhaps even intrigued, tone, "In addition to the complexity of energy output, as opposed to just pure intensity, another factor to consider is that the ability to create an ordered grid such that high order patterns can be established.  Perhaps the star's flow of energy is too random or chaotic.

It should be noted that given the fact that the alien entity does not appear to be growing larger and its own energy readings are not increasing in intensity despite its siphoning, this process may be akin to breathing for the alien.  As such, we may be facing a problem in that the alien will require a steady, constant source of complex energy in order to be occupied or to sustain itself.

In any case, the alien will outrun the Vigilant at purely Impulse speeds and it is clear that the alien is in the process of directing its siphon at the Vigilant."

Carson silently arrived on the bridge.  He doubted his skills would be much use at the moment but he wanted the Captain to know where he was just in case.  Besides he wanted a front seat for the action.

Transporter Room

"Sickbay here," answers Nurse Ishikawa over the ship's intercom, "Sending a team to you now."

As Dr. Zephyr scans Black, all of the readings show up normal. He is alive, although he is unconscious. Ensign Twazera kneels down next to Dr. Zephyr as she works. He is still shaken from the entire ordeal, but shame is the current mantle weighing down the young Ensign's shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," he stammers, "the scream...that was me. I could...I could feel what was happening. Part of him was taken...eaten...by the entity. I'm sorry, I wish I could---"

Ensign Twazera stops talking. He looks around, trying to focus on something only visible to him.

"Its emotions have changed," he says. "I'm sorry, Doctor, but I have to get to the bridge!"

The Betazoid bolts out of the transporter room, sprinting at full speed towards the nearest turbolift. Moments later, Nurse Shelara and a pair of other blue-shirted officers come to help bring the unconscious James Black to sickbay...

Parker

For a moment, the entity's pursuit slows. Various sensor readings show it emitting a strange warbling in response to the music. Some of the energy emissions from it manage to match the vibration and tempo of the music. Suddenly, it shoots towards the ship even faster than before.

Sorvok

Sorvok mulls over T'Enya's proposed plan. Feeding the entity is a possible option, assuming that it required complex energy patterns for sustenance. However, if that were the case...the Vigilant would not be able to provide enough energy to sate its appetite. The entity would likely drink the ship dry.  Of course, if it merely hungered it would have drained the deGrasse in an instant...

Suddenly, a pattern in the clues appear. If all the entity cared about was eating, it would have completely drained the deGrasse's power supplies upon contact---much like it did to the probe. The only difference between the two is that the shuttle was inhabited.

Given the evidence, there is but one conclusion to make: for some unknown reason the entity is holding back its vast hunger when it comes in contact with life.

Bridge

When Carson arrives, Tabin gestures for him to take the navigator's position.

"I understand you had some basic training in piloting in the academy, Carson. I need you to take over for Black until he's back on his feet."

"Especially," she adds as she keeps a wary eye on the quickly approaching entity, "if we need to go to warp soon."

OOC:
Ok, a few things:

I'm not sure if/when James Black is coming back, so Daniel Carson is our new Navigator if only because he has Phys trained. :-p

Parker's failed communications roll has perked the entity's interest. It is now moving even faster than before towards the ship.

The technobabble would only apply to putting T'Enya's plan into action. However, Sorvok's roll is still high enough to indicate that feeding the entity is not the right course of action at the moment. It's a good idea, and I appreciate the creativity it takes to keep coming up with plans. I also apologize that none of them seem to be working. x_x Nevertheless, Parker had a better idea with opening hailing frequencies (I didn't have Tabin give an order because I wanted Parker to speak up :-p). Unfortunately, the dice gods were not kind.

"Talking" with it might still be the right idea. Music was a creative option, and did provoke a response. I'd say either communications or subterfuge would potentially work towards deciphering its "language." Opening hailing frequencies and sending out friendly messages might work, too. You also have a pair of psychics up and available in Sorvok and Twazera...

You could also try weapons, or let the entity come to you while you're in steady orbit around Epsilon Alpha 1. It all depends on how Starfleet-ish you want to be. ^_^

[07:12, Today: T'Enya rolled 18 using 1d20+10. Subterfuge.]

Nevi is busy putting together the pieces of the puzzle before them while also working on T'Enya's idea when he notices the response from the being in regards to that garish music she streamed at the entity.

Listening to T'Enya again he gets an idea and turns to Tabin, "Captain.  Perhaps what we need to do is a musical energy pattern."  He gestured at T'Enya, "T'Enya's observation on the entity's consumption of energy neither adding or increasing its own signature is quite telling.  The entity could have absorbed and destroyed the shuttle almost immediately but it chose not to."

He looked at Parker, "Parker's communication attempt received a most enthusiastic reponse from the entity.  I am under the impression that this entity is attempting to communicate."

Turning back to the console he began to configure the forward array, "I would like to impose a musical matrix on the energy output that T'Enya has suggested and channel it through the forward array.  Communications can provide the musical matrix and modications to that matrix as needed.  From there we will hopefully get a response.  If we can get a dialogue going we might be able to have the computer figure out a translation scheme which will allow us to communicate with the being."  He paused and looked sideways at Parker quickly before returning to his console, "Although a better choice in music might be called for."

[13:42, Today: T'Enya rolled 22 using 1d20+10. Subterfuge reroll.]

"Maybe try jazz?" Carson said to Parker from his temporary place in the Navagation.  It was difficult tell whether he was being serious or not.

"Captain, I don't want to come across as bloodthirsty but we have to consider defensive operations."

"Jazz is far better live and improvised than recorded."  The young communications officer quipped back at Carson.  "But we did get a response, which means it heard us.  So .... maybe the Universal Translator can make something of it if we can keep it talking."

Parker silently requested extra computer time from the science console to overclock the universal translator as she analyzed the response from the entity following her perhaps ill-advised attempt to serenade it with communist-era russian classical music.

She ended the music playback and tried talking, using a variation of the signal the entity emitted when it responded to the music.

"This is the Federation Starship Vigilant.  We are on a mission of exploration and peace.  We are scientists and explorers.  Please, tell us what is wrong.  We want to help you."

T'Enya

It appears that the entity's response was an attempt to decipher the message broadcast at it. It tried to mimic the music back, but failed. Nevertheless, there seem to be certain fluctuations that resemble linguistic markers. Performing a wider variety of broadcasts, coupled with the universal translator might provide a rudimentary form of communication.

Bridge

"Suggestion noted," Tabin replies to Carson. "If we can't make friendly contact with it, we may have to destroy it to save ourselves and any other unwitting travelers who enter the system."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:30, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

Parker rolled 24 using 1d20+14 ((10)).
I'll spend an Action Point for another +5 for a total of 29.

Parker

In conjunction with T'Enya's observations and the universal translator, Parker manages to note a simple code that the entity responds to. The translator determines with 97% certainty that it can interpret and answer "yes," "no," and other simple ideas. Its ability to answer and interpret complex answers is limited, with percent certainty dropping down to 53%.

Bridge

It takes a while for the entity to respond to Parker's hail. The message, coupled with jazz music, causes the entity to slow down its pursuit. It begins to radiate a series of pulses, using syncopation and hemiola patterns to add complexity to its response. The Vigilant's universal translator takes in the data, before the computer begins issuing a series of beeps and whistles.

"Working...working...translation complete: 'Time done...now release...'"

The entity stops moving, waiting for the Vigilant's reply. The siphon cone is disturbingly close to the ship, but for the moment the entity is keeping it at bay...

OOC:

Parker's roll exceeded the DC by 5. You can ask questions of the entity using the rudimentary code. Each question will require a Communications roll with a +1 bonus. A single subject question has a DC 20. Complex questions add +5 to the DC for each new subject. A simple question would be "What is your favorite food?" A complex question would be "What is your favorite food and why?" Obviously, you can split them up. Fail a DC and the entity does not understand. Fail by 5 or more and...well...we'll see what happens. :-p

After announcing her findings, T'Enya says "I suggest the following messages: 1) We are willing to help; 2) Who or what is punishing you? I would also suggest Astronomy & Astrophysics as 'light conversation'."

Parker played the translation for everyone to hear.

She nodded toward the intelligence officer and then looked around to see if anyone else had anything to say.

Bridge

Before Captain Tabin can respond, the turbolift doors open to reveal Ensign Twazera. The young Betazoid is out of breath, with sweat dripping from his face. He has enough mind to salute the Captain before entering.

"Permission to come on the bridge, ma'am."

Tabin nods, "Granted, Ensign. What is it?"

The Ensign gratefully exits the turbolift, stepping onto the bridge. He wipes his brow with his shirt, trying his best to compose himself while among the senior staff.

"I came to warn you about the entity," he explains, "but something changed in it. It's no longer chasing us, is it?"

"That is correct."

"Good," he breathes a sigh of relief. "I wanted to keep myself available, just in case there's something I can do to help."

"Well," Tabin says, "we are considering questions to ask it. Do you have a suggestion? I was going to recommend asking where it is from."

"Maybe ask its name?" Twazera offers. "That might help as well."

Parker took a moment to compose two questions with which to start.

The first.  "What is your name?"

The second.  "Where are you from?"

And send!

---

Two failures!
09:25, Today: Parker rolled 12 using 1d20+11. Where are you from?
09:25, Today: Parker rolled 14 using 1d20+11. What is your name?

Nevi kept his eyes on the scanners and continued to monitor the entity and the status of the engines and shields.  He wanted to be ready in case they had to beat a hasty retreat...

As Parker attempted to communicate with the alien entity, Sorvok carefully adjusted the ship's sensors with the science station scanner in an attempt to detect possible shifts in the alien entities energy readings & signature or detectable energy flux pattern that might correspond with the attempted communication.  Perhaps be assessing the alien's energy signature and potential shifts in its readings, Sorvok might be able to "gauge mood" or at least provide some physical sensory feedback to the Captain and Lt. Parker vis-a-vis the various communication attempts.

Sorvok also wanted to be ready to warn the Captain should the alien's current "non-threatening attitude" change suddenly (such as the siphon being once more redirected to focus upon the Vigilant).

Bridge

As Parker cues up the message using the makeshift cipher, the rest of the bridge waits with bated breath. Twazera's face shows his focus, the Betazoid doing what he can to maintain an empathic link with the entity. finally, the computer's voice breaks the tense silence.

"Working...working...translation complete: Don't understand...no...wait! Will not be ignored!!!"

Twazera's mouth drops at about the same moment that Sorvok notices the siphoning cone swinging rapidly towards the Vigilant.

"Captain!" cries out the Ensign, "We need to---"

He is cut off when the entire ship suddenly lurches. Lights all over the bridge dim before auxiliary power kicks in, and Red Alert klaxons begins screaming alarms. Each officer's respective consoles begin displaying status reports. Engineering shows main power levels dropping at alarming rates. Science shows that the entity has extended its siphoning cone beyond prior displays. Helm shows weapons and impulse levels are decreasing below nominal levels. Navigation indicates that it is taking more power than usual to initiate the subspace bubble needed for warp speed.

Captain Tabin grips the arms of her chair so tightly that her blue knuckles turn white. She turns to Ensign Twazera, her expression one of grim determination.

"Ensign, what were you saying?"

"Ma'am," he finishes, "It's desperate, and it's coming for us."

OOC:
Okay, so the entity is streaking across space towards you. The ship's energy levels are dropping at an alarming rate. You are welcome to try communicating with it again using the cipher. You can also try other options, such as fighting, fleeing, using a Betazoid-Vulcan mind meld, or something else. ^_^

Nevi looks over the draining patterns and begins to furiously tap in a random matrix of coordinates and engine requirements, "Captain!  This may seem incredibly dangerous within this system but I suggest an immediate warp jump followed by a series of longer warp jumps in a random, omni-directional sequence.  As we get away from the entity we can make longer and longer warp jumps as our power levels return to normal.  I have created the sequence and the Helm can access it by running maneuver gamma zeta."

He made one furious tap on his console, "Ready for your command!"

Her orders already given, T'Enya said nothing about going to warp. Instead she focused on the Betazoid. Being untrained, there was little she could do psychically besides prod.

"Project -- let it know we're not ignoring it. And find out what the heck it wants!"

Carson was beginning to look grim. With a sigh he swiveled his chair from to helm to address Captain Tabin.

"M'aam I don't think anyone wants to use force but I think it is time we at least consider it.  We've tried communication and we should look at protection.  Perhaps there is some way we could scare it off without hurting it, at least not too badly? Like a bear fleeing a hornet's nest."

T'Enya's fingers flew over her console, trying to ascertain the mismatched patterns. There was still a chance ...

[Barely, but it worked. Aide another: 21

20:07, Today: T'Enya rolled 21 using 1d20+10. Subt + Int Aide Another.]

Sorvok studied the alien creatures reactions in an effort to provide guidance to Lt Parker regarding her attempts to communicate with the creature.

Sorvok then suggested, "Captain, if Ensign Twazera is willing to try, I could attempt a Mind Meld with the alien entity from a distance by linking with him, allowing his Telepathy to provide the contact I need to establish the Mild Meld."

OOC:
Sorvok rolled 20 using 1d20+12. Int/Know Behavior Analysis.

Perhaps this can serve as an "aid another" roll?

OOC:
@ T'Enya: That is enough to aid Parker on another Comm roll.
@ Sorvok: That is enough for 1 question in Behavioral Analysis. If you ask the right question, it might give a bonus. ^_^

Even Carson looked intrigued by Sorvok's suggestion even if he was not optimistic. "What sort of range does that thing require anyway? Should I steer us in closer?"

Bridge

"Getting closer would help," admits Twazera, "but  it would put the ship in greater danger. I think I can make the connection from here. Shall we try, ma'am?"

He looks over at Tabin and Sorvok. Tabin nods, and Sorvok begins the mind meld...

Sorvok

Upon linking with Twazera, Sorvok is immediately bombarded with the emotions of the entire ship. Waves of fear, anxiety, and desperation wash across his mind. However, the presence of Twazera manages to keep them at bay.

"Focus on my me," Sorvok feels the Betazoid say, "and I shall try to serve as a conduit between you and the creature."

Sorvok can feel the entity's mind, but it is just outside his psychic grasp.

"We can try again! I've almost got it!"

Taking a deep breath to clear his mind for one more attempt at the unorthodox long distance Mind Meld, Sorvok his better able to focus on just establishing this psychic connection while keeping stray thoughts or concerns from disrupting his concentration.

As he begins to feel the Mind Meld forming, Sorvok concentrates on conveying his own "emotional" state of calm, serene logic devoid of turmultuous conflicting passions or feelings, ~~~ You are not alone.  We see you.  We hear you.  We acknowledge your presence.  We come in peace.  You do not need to lash out.  We will not ignore you.  You are noticed.  Please help us to better understand you.

I am Sorvok, a member of the Vulcan species.  I am a part of the whole that is the crew of this vessel in which I travel.  This vessel is called the Vigilant.  Do you have a name?  Where are you from?  Who are your people? ~~~

Bridge

The entity's pursuit stops once more. Its siphoning is dangerously close to the Vigilant, but it has stopped for the moment.

Tabin glances over at Sorvok and Twazera, assessing if the pair have made contact. Unsure of what she is seeing, she begins issuing commands.

"Mr. de Silva, be prepared to break orbit. Mr. Nevi, keep your finger on the button just in case this does not work. Mr. Carson, ready a photon torpedo spread armed with anti-matter charges. Ms. Parker and Ms. T'Enya, take another look at that cipher and find out what went wrong."

Tabin presses the intercom on her command chair.

"Tabin to Dr. Zephyr, report to the bridge."

Sorvok

Sorvok can feel the deep rumbling of the entity's consciousness roil through the telepathic link. It tentatively pieces together ideas, as though uncertain how to answer.

You are different from the other, and yet he is here. My name is lost to me, gone with the passage of time. Only a number can I remember. 6283513. That is who I am now, perhaps who I always was. The seventh planet, it is my home. Where is it? Why have I not been given the release I deserve?

Bridge ~~~ Mind Meld

~~~ This "other" you speak of, do you mean the being known as Twazera with whom I am mentally linked in order to establish this connection with you?

If so, then yes we are different in that his species is Betazoid while mine is Vulcan.  He can establish mental connections from a distance, while I normally have to be in physical contact... though in this case he is able to aid me in establishing this mind to mind link over this distance.

You speak of the passage of time, do you have an idea how long you have been here... like this?  How many times the orbiting planets have revolved around this star, this red dwarf star that we call Epsilon Alpha?

Aside from 6283513, do you remember any other relevant numbers... perhaps others like yourself?

How long has it been since you were home on the 7th planet?  Were you away from this solar system for awhile?  If so, do you have an idea how recently you returned?

What is this "release that you deserve" that you speak of?  Neither my fellow crew members nor I are native to this solar system and I do not believe our records contain any relevant information about any local civilizations.  As such, I am not at the moment able to answer your question as to why you have not been given the release you deserve.

Who was supposed to release you?  Another being such as yourself?  Or perhaps someone or something different? ~~~

OOC: How many planets are there currently orbiting the Epsilon Alpha star?
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Thu 31 Oct 2013.

Sorvok

The entity's mind rumbles, awash with a mix of emotions---none of them particularly pleasant---as it considers Sorvok's reply.

You speak of many things, but none answer my questions. I have slaked my burning thirst upon the star you mention. It is the only thing I can remember beyond my number and my home. The planets are beyond my sight. The star is all I ever saw, and all I have ever seen until you have arrived. Indeed, it is the first change in my existence since the star grew dim and small.

The entity rumbles again, its feelings growing dark and desperate as pain begins to creep towards the forefront of its mind.

I have told you all I know, now grant me my release. My thirst is eternal, and I pay for each moment I abstain with a pain too unspeakable to bear. I can only endure for so long before I must drink again...

OOC: Epsilon Alpha has 3 planets, one of which---Epsilon Alpha I---the Vigilant is currently orbiting. It's mentioned in the Captain's Log in the first post, but it has been a while. :-p

Bridge

As Sorvok speaks with the entity, Twazera stands ramrod straight on the bridge. He does his best to convey what he thinks the others should know. However, the strain of the meld makes it hard for him to speak in more than a few words at a time.

"It's name... number 6283513... It's home... seventh planet... It wants...release. It thirsts...forever."

OOC:
Just wanted to make sure that the bridge crew has something to do while the most charismatic member of the team is talking with the highly irritable entity. :-p

Hearing the words of Twazera, T'Enya snaps her seat to the left and addresses whatever crewman is manning the science station in Sorvok's absence.

"Focus scans on the solid object in the middle -- that may be the 'shackles'."Turning to Sorvok she continues. "Let it know we are examining what we believe to be it's shackles, but it will take time. Give it the ships identifier -- NCC-1707 -- which we will send to it on normal freqs. Ask it to send it to us a few times as well. Let it know that we are 'fleshies', not the ship. And see if you can figure out what it 'eats'."

It is generally a bad idea for the prey to free the predator, so knowing if the sentient lifeforms aboard the ship were "lunch" seems important. T'Enya swivels back to her station and goes to work. Hopefully this would work ... no, there is one other thing: A Y'Nolk engraving. Yes, that will help.

"Lt. Parker, if we create a sort of Y'Nolk engraving - what humans would call a 'Rosetta stone' -- we can aide the universal translator by projecting the meaning of our message telepathically at the same time we broadcast it."

[21:21, Today: T'Enya rolled 28 using 1d20+10. subt + Int Aide Another.]

Nevi moved quickly to the science station since Sorvok was occupied.  The helm had his warp jump pattern and could initiate it at any time.

He quickly looked over the science console to see how Sorvok had configured the scans that were ongoing and then began altering the scans to focus on the solid object, "Reconfiguring scans to focus as directed."  His hands flew across the console...

(OOC: Rolled a 27 on Int + Knowledge)

Spid'Dar Nevi

The object within the center of the entity appears to be nothing more than a small pebble. However, it has enough of geological identity that it could be matched to another celestial body---such as an asteroid, satellite, or planetoid---within 99.7% certainty. The scan also provides enough detail that it would allow you to "date" the pebble, or at least give an estimate of how long it broke away.

Why the entity has such an item in its grasp is another question entirely...

Nevi keeps his focus on the scans, "Interesting..."  He executes a complete geological breakdown of the pebble and throws that breakdown against the galactic-geological database in the computer as soon as that is running he then fires off another routine to determine the age of the pebble.  As time is an issue, he sincerely hopes that Ensign Skeyul's modifications give him an edge.

(OOC: Going for location and age Cap'n! Rolled a 29.)

Bridge ~~~ Mind Meld ~~~

~~~ 6283513, you ask where is your home, the 7th planet, and in truth I do not know.  The star you feed upon, Epsilon Alpha, has only 3 planets in orbit around it and we are currently in orbit around the the 1st of those 3 planets, Epsilon Alpha I.  Thus either this solar system has mysteriously lost 4 planets, and we do not as yet detect such a drastic occurrence, or you do not originate from this solar system.  Perhaps within your lost memories if the lost memory of having traveled to this solar system from another, your original home solar system with 7 planets?

As to why you have not been given the release you deserve, again I do not know the answer to this question.  I do not know what sort of release you seek or how to release you.  I can tell you that my fellow sentient beings who reside within this non-living vessel, the starship U.S.S. Vigilant NCC-1707, are actively trying to examine you and your apparent "shackles" in an attempt to discern how you may be released from your painful thirst.  Additionally, they are attempting to match your material presence with surrounding objects and systems in an attempt to find your home.

I ask that you please grant us time to help you.  If you must feed, and I do not wish you to be pain, I ask that you please do not feed upon our starship the U.S.S. Vigilant NCC-1707.  Our ability to study you and thus be able to help you with finding your home and gaining your release is dependent upon our having sufficient energy to power both our life support systems as well as our sensors & computers.

Would you please grant us the time and opportunity to assist you in your time of need?  Can you communicate with us through normal signal waves?  I believe our communications officer Lt. Parker has attempted to contact you previously using our starship's normal communications array and standard comm frequency signals, but it appeared not to work as we hoped.  This attempt to establish mental psychic contact was our last hope for establishing communication with you but it would be easier for us if we could communicate with you through normal channels.  Is that possible?  And, even if not, will you grant us the time we need to assist you and thus, if you need to feed, you will focus your energy siphon upon something other than our starship, such as the star Epsilon Alpha? ~~~

Carson intently watched the Vulcan from his temporary station, then glanced over Captain Tabin. "Captain I'm no expert but are there any stars close by that would have at least seven planets? Maybe we can at least narrow things down a little."

Spid'Dar Nevi

The Vigilant's state-of-the-art sensor array provides a fairly detailed analysis of the various astral bodies of the Epsilon Alpha system. Thanks to Nevi's scanning matrix, the ship immediately finds a match. The pebble appears to be from Epsilon Alpha II, a rocky planetoid with a thin albeit breathable atmosphere. Based on the composition and estimated age of scoring from the star's constant blaze, the stone appears to have broken away from the planet nearly 900,000 standard years ago...

Bridge

"It's possible," Captain Tabin says, mulling over Carson's suggestion. "Go ahead and pull up the sector data to see what's out there. However, keep Mr. Nevi's warp jump equation ready in just in case..."

OOC:
There are twelve star systems in the sector with at least 7 planets.

Sorvok

Sorvok's reply strikes a dissonant chord within the creature. The mind seems to bubble in anger and frustration at the mention of "study" and "wait." It rumbles a furious retort through the link.

I know where I am, I have not left this place! For eons have I been imprisoned here. You claim that you do not want me to be in pain, and yet you waste my time and will! Shackles? Codes? Translations? What nonsense is this?!?

It pauses for a moment, composing itself before replying carefully.

Tell me what you know, give me the release I so rightfully deserve, or I will be forced to slake my thirst upon you...

Bridge

Twazera's eyes bug out and roll to the back of his head. However, he manages to stay in contact with Sorvok and maintain the link.

"Running out of time..." he manages through the strain of the link. "It grows...angry..."

OOC:
Sorry it took so long for me to reply. I had to mull over what I wanted to do. Sadly, Sorvok, the DC wasn't that low... :-p It is not interested in cooperating at making a Rosetta Stone. However, with the information Spid'Dar has on the pebble, you can get another try at calming it down.

Nevi continues his scans and analysis but speaks for all the bridge crew to hear, "Got it.  The stone within the entity is from Epsilon Alpha II.  The planet is somewhat desolate but possesses a thin atmosphere that can sustain life.  Radiometric, cosmogenic nuclide, and crystalline luminescence methods indicate the piece broke away from the planet an estimated 900,000 standard years ago."

He looked at Sorvok, "If the creature wishes to find it's home, I believe we have found it."

Running out of time. T'Enya is not a diplomat --  her training is not in calming angry creatures. She knows sabotage. Espionage. Bugging rooms. Blackmail. Political manipulation.

Assassination.

Unfortunately "cloud creatures" do not have discernible anatomies ... Or metabolisms. Try hard as she might, T'Enya can come up with nothing.

[And, of course, the time I really need a good roll I fail miserably. Well, it's been nice knowing ya.]

T'Enya

Given the current link between Sorvok, Twazera, and the entity known as 6283513, it is possible that their connection could be used against the entity. Perhaps damaging or destroying a member of the link might scramble it enough to destroy the entity...

Well, it's an option. But it's one T'Enya can be reasonably certain that neither the Captain nor Starfleet would approve of. T'Enya continues her work, aware that they are running out of time -- and that her talents will be of no use unless she can communicate directly with the creature.

Before T'Enya can consider her drastic course of action further, a pained expression crosses Sorvok's face as he shakes his head and says in a disappointed tone, "Captain, I regret to say that the connection between myself and the alien entity has been terminated.  It is very difficult to maintain a mind meld at a distance using another psychic as a bridge between myself and the intended target.

I believe the alien is insistent that we give it a "release" but in my estimation that does not mean terminating its existence.  I am still unclear how to grant its release.

However, I believe if we do not act forthwith in some manner that it approves of, it will direct its energy siphon upon us.  Unless we can re-establish contact or discover how to "release" this alien entity, we may be placed in an inescapable position of defending ourselves with force.  Though in truth, I am not sure we possess the capability to harm a being that can not only withstand but actually absorb the intense stellar radiation of a star."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Wed 13 Nov 2013.

Nevi looks at Sorvok, "Reconnect.  Now.  Tell the entity we have discovered the planet of its origin.  Ask that we be allowed to proceed to the planet and search for answers on its behalf."

Sorvok gently shook his head as he said, "It is not as simple as that Mr. Nevi, the Mind Meld is... "touchy"... at the best of times and this connection is even more tenuous than usual.

Perhaps Ensign Twazera can convey that message as his telepathic link does not depend upon my ability to mind meld, thus he can more readily remain connected even if perhaps not as deeply.

I will of course try to re-establish the mind meld connection but it takes time and is far from a certainty."

Bridge

"I... I don't think I can... manage it again..." murmers Ensign Twazera before collapsing to the ground. Blood oozes from his nose and tear ducts while he lies on the ground, clearly suffering from the strain.

"Medical team to the bridge, we have a man down," orders Captain Tabin before turning her attention to the other pressing situation.

"It looks like our telepathic link is not going to work. Parker, T'Enya, I need you to try and send a message to the entity. Tell it that we have found its home. Hopefully, it will listen. If not..." The Captain lets her voice trail off, looking at Carson and Nevi.

"If not, then we'll have to try Plan B. Blast it with antimatter and warp out of the system."

OOC:
@ Sorvok: I'll wait until I get the vote before posting any results for Behavioral Analysis. Unfortunately, you failed by 5 with the Mind Meld, and that cost Twazera. Also, this gives the good doctor something to do.
@ T'Enya: Go ahead and roll Int+Subt to give an aid roll for Parker. If she doesn't come back, I can NPC her until the end of the episode before finding someone else to take over the earpiece.
@ All: I'll try to pick up the game so that we start moving a little faster. Apologies for the abstractness of this particular episode. However, I'm hoping the ending gives a good pay-off. Oh, and there's always the XP to look forward to... :-p

T'Enya returns to the comms subsystem, looking to help "crack the code" on the entity's communications method. Something is bothering her though ... The number of planets is off. Are there really seven planets missing or destroyed? Or is this a sign of insanity?

[10:07, Today: T'Enya rolled 22 using 1d20+10. Aid: subt + int.]

Nevi is continuing his work while the Betazoid is being looked at and the others are scrambling to decipher what the entity wants and how to communicate with it.  He has locked down the planet of origin but the entity had stated that there were more planets it remembers...

Bringing up a new scan, Nevi uses the astrometrics to measure the exact rotations and orbits, mass, and composition of every large celestial body in this system.  The star, the planets, the comets, and asteroids.  Using those readings and adding the mass of those bodies into the physical probability mechanics equation, he sets the scan to determine orbital and rotational anomalies that would indicate the past presence of other planets.  Planets that might now only exist in fragments.

(OOC: Dang.  Rolled an 18)

Bridge

Captain Tabin gets out of her chair, kneeling at Twazera's side.

"Help is on the way, Ensign. Stay with us."

"Yes...ma'am..." he manages before closing his eyes and fading into unconsciousness.

"Damn," Tabin mutters, a pained expression creeping across her face. She checks his pulse to reassure herself that the Betazoid is still alive. Once satisfied, she she stands up and tries to brush the expression away while straightening her uniform.

The Captain walks over to the communication station. She looks over Parker's shoulder while considering what to say to the entity, absentmindedly bringing her fist to her mouth and biting down on her index finger.

"We'll keep things simple, a statement and a question. Tell it 'We have found your home, please wait at the star.' That's an order. If we're lucky, then that should be right."

Parker enters the Captain's message into the makeshift translation. Seconds seem like hours as the crew awaits the entity's response. After what feels like 10 hours, the entity rumbles a response. Silence falls across the bridge as the crew awaits the computer's translation...

"Working...working...translation complete: 'Agreed. Don't betray.'"

As if on cue, the entity breaks off. It turns the siphoning cone away from the Vigilant and speeds towards the star. However, it does not return as closely as before. It stays as close to the starship as possible, so that it can continue its pursuit should its would-be rescuers fail.

"Mr. de Silva, plot a course for Epsilon Alpha II, full impulse power. Sorvok, I need you to assemble an away team. If Dr. Zephyr can revive Ensign Twazera, I suggest you bring him with you. I'm guessing having an exoarchaeologist will be handy."

Spid'Dar

The Vigilant's sensors pick up various rings of astral debris in the system. Some have settled into asteroid belts, while others seem to slowly drift towards the star as Epsilon Alpha's gravity slowly pulls them towards their eventual demise. Unfortunately, the scanning pattern cannot determine if any might have once belonged together as part of a planet.

OOC:
10:50, Today: Starfleet Command, for the NPC Tabin, rolled 26 using 1d20+9. Tabin: Aid Comm+Int.
10:51, Today: Starfleet Command, on behalf of Parker, rolled 23 using 1d20+14. Comm+Int-Transmission.
I forgot to add in Tabin's last "Command" bonus. That brings the number to 25.
Also, Sorvok can take the science station over again if you like. :-p

Big bump to move us onto the next scene of the episode. Obviously, you are all welcome to go on the away team (Tabin will stay in the Captain's chair because that's what Captains not named James Tiberius Kirk do :-p). Let me know when you're ready to roll! ^_^

Sorvok nodded his head in response to the Captain and said, "Aye, aye Captain.  I concur that if Ensign Twazera is sufficiently recovered, he would prove an asset on the away team.

As for the other members of the Away Team, I would suggest Lt. Carson along with one or two member of his Security Team.  Given the dangerous abilities of the alien entity, it is possible that similar dangers may face the Away Team on the alien's suspected home world.  Also, for a similar reason, I would suggest Lt. T'Enya for her Intelligence Assessment insights into whatever culture we may find on the planet.

From a scientific stand point, I would suggest Lt. Nevi as we may need his engineering expertise in case we encounter alien technology that could be related to interacting with the alien entity.  I suspect that the "release" the alien is requesting may be tied to some sort of reconnection to its home world or home species.  Additionally, Dr. Zephyr's expertise may be useful, for instance if we encounter additional aliens on the planet and especially if Ensign Twazera joins us so that the doctor may insure his continued recovery.

As we do not know the conditions of the planet or the effects of its environment on aerodynamics, it may be advisable to have a skilled pilot at the helm of the shuttlecraft and thus I would suggest Lt. de Silva join the Away Team.  Lastly, I would suggest that perhaps Lt. Parker should accompany us in case there is on-site translation needed... though it is possible that she may be more effective in performing translation if she remains aboard with access to the computer.  I will allow Lt. Parker to decide where she would be of greatest efficiency based on her expertise in her field."

OOC: Ok that should include all the PCs who are still aboard (if they want to come).  If someone wants to stay aboard that's fine, either the Captain can decline to release the officer or the officer can explain why remaining aboard is better.  I did not include James Black because it looks like he is gone from the game.  And I left Parker's option open in case she becomes a NPC (in which case it may be better for her to remain on the Bridge/Ship).  I have even included a contingent of 1-2 "Red Shirts" from Caron's department... for suitable use as dramatic demonstrations of potential alien hostility/lethality.  ;)

Sorvok moved back to the Science Station and noticed that Nevi was having a bit of difficulty getting just the right adjustment to the Scanners.  Sorvok nodded to Nevi and said in a polite tone, "Thank you Spid'Dar for overseeing the Science Station and Sensors while I was preoccupied with the Mind Meld.  I am ready to resume my duties as Science Officer as we make our approach to the world you have admirably identified as the alien's potential home world."

Sorvok waited for Nevi to step aside and then Sorvok became making some fine tuning adjustment to the sensor scans, tweaking the wave frequency ranges and enhancing the resolution of the EM readings while running the results of the scans through additional analytical algorithms.

OOC: When the dice are nice, they can be really nice!  ;)

Sorvok rolled 32 using 1d20+12. Int/Know Sensors.  Natural 20!

Nevi nodded to Sorvok and stepped aside as he gestured to the calculations he was attempting, "Good to have you back at the station.  The astrophysical calculations I was attempting were to determine if there were, at one time, other planets orbiting this star.  I am hopeful that you have a better grasp of the mechanics involved."

Seeing that Sorvok was already diving in, Nevi returned to his station and began compiling orders for his team to follow while he was planetside...

(OCC: I am good to go!  Got my tri-corder and everything!)

T'Enya stands and, after receiving permission from the Captain takes one step away from her console.

"I'll meet you in the transporter room."

T'Enya retrieves the "tools of her trade" from her quarters -- various "engineering" tools, a tricorder, a first-aid kit, and a spare data pad -- before making her way to the transporter room.

"Hmm, for the Away Team I reccommend Ensign Maryan and Mr. Kimble - they're the most experienced Captain." Carson said, standing up from her temporary posting.

"I'll gather my troops and see you down in the transporter shortly."

Carson departed to alert the Orion woman and the human crewman. All three would be going down with their trusty phasers and he for one hoped there would be a little danger - it was what he was trained for.

As Sorvok studied the results of his adjusted sensor scan sweep, he briefly looked up at Lt. Carson and Lt. T'Enya as he said in a calm tone, "Lt. Carson, Lt. T'Enya... my original plan was for the Away Team to travel to the planet's surface via a shuttlecraft piloted by Lt. de Silva.  However... if you both feel that it might be wiser to send an advanced party via transporters ahead of the main away team to reconnoiter the landing zone for the shuttlecraft, I will defer to your tactical expertise in the matter."

Sorvok glanced from Nevi to the Captain as he added in an intrigued tone, "Captain... based on some preliminary assessment of the alien entity's behavior, I am of the opinion that the piece of Epsilon Alpha II that has been detected within the energy substance of the alien being is in fact Not an intrinsic or original part of the alien entity.

What that may mean for the alien's condition or the probability that the planet Epsilon Alpha II is in fact this alien entity's point of origin is not yet clear.

One possibility might be that the planetary fragment was deliberately "installed" into the alien entity as a means of summoning it home or perhaps serving as a locator beacon or tracer for it to know where to return to.

A second possibility is that there is something peculiar about the planetary fragment, perhaps a type of toxicity or disruptive interaction with the energetic composition of the alien entity such that it is causing the alien's current painful condition that requires constant siphoning or "feeding".  If that is the case, then perhaps the alien entity came upon and enveloped the planetary fragment by chance or by accident and it is "alien" to the alien entity... perhaps akin to an organic being becoming infected by a virus or bacteria or other foreign substance.

In the former situation, the fragment of Epsilon Alpha II serves as a potential key to unlocking the alien's origins and perhaps securing its "release" to be found upon the planet's surface.  But the latter situation may indicate that the fragment of Epsilon Alpha II is in fact the source of the alien's pain or problem and that would perhaps indicate that the removal of the planetary fragment from the alien's energetic mass may be the solution for relieving the alien of its painful condition... thus granting it the desired "release" from needing to constantly feed.

Of course there may as yet be another explanation that will perhaps present an alternative solution that has not as yet occurred to us."

Sorvok

Upon preliminary scans of Epsilon Alpha II, Sorvok notices that there are some geological features that seem far too ordered to be natural. One area in particular appears to be quite regular and possibly a construct of some sort.

T'Enya thought for a second. There were disturbing possibilities ... But, then, this was the type of Paranoia that she was "paid for".

"Might I suggest beaming down a standard test object. If something happens to it, that would be a strong indicator of defenses. We may need to land your shuttle at a distance and hike in in that case. It would also be prudent for me to scan for defenses before we depart."

Sorvok was silent for a few moments as he studied the results of his latest sensor scan with analytic intensity.  Sorvok's head came back up after a minute or two and he said in an intrigued tone, "Captain, I think I may have identified a suitable landing site to begin our investigation of the planet below.

My latest senor scans of Epsilon Alpha II show there is a particular region where the geological features are arranged with such precision as to indicate a higher order organizational structure than would logically exist pure by natural occurence.

Within this ordered region is a specific area where the features are so regular in arrangement that I strongly suspect that it may be an artificial or non-naturally occuring construct, likely the work of a sentient intelligence.

I am sending the coordinates to Mr. de Silva's Helm computer, the navigational computer aboard the shuttlecraft Möbius, the datapads of Lt. Carson and Lt. T'Enya as well as the control computer for the main Transporter room."

Sorvok paused before adding, "With your permission Captain, seeing as the advance team is already headed to the transporters, I believe the main body of the Away Team should now proceed to the shuttlebay to prepare for launch.

But before that, I would ask for clarification Captain regarding the chain-of-command for this Away Mission."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Fri 22 Nov 2013.

In reply to T'Enya (msg # 177):

Sorvok glanced over at T'Enya as she made her suggestion and he nodded his head as he said, "I concur with the logic of your proposed course of action Lt. T'Enya.  While I did not detect any signs of defenses, that does not mean there are none and a follow up sensor sweep in addition to a "test beaming" seems most prudent given the unknown circumstances we will be facing on the surface of the alien world."

Nevi used a quick transporter command to transport his away mission pack to the Mobius before finishing up his commands to the engineering team.  That completed, he turned and moved over next to Sorvok as they awaited the Captain's command directive.

Sorvok

Further analysis of the planet reveals it to be a Class L planet---rocky, barren, mostly devoid of water, but with a breathable atmosphere. The weather patterns indicate strong wind, enough to make landing a shuttle a little difficult. The sensors cannot pick up any lifesigns. Either the or the planets inhabitants are an as-of-yet undiscovered form of life.

Some of the "unnatural" formations still stand in clustered areas. The one Sorvok noted earlier appears to be the most stable and intact. The rocky material makes it impossible to transport directly in---indeed it also makes transporting nearby doable if slightly tricky, but there is a safe spot only 10 meters from the entrance of the formation. There is also an area stable enough for a shuttlecraft to land about 40 meters from the entrance.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this formation is that the sensors are either picking up interference, or it is emitting a faint energy signature...

Bridge

"Given what we have encountered so far," Tabin says, her antennae weaving in an Andorian thinking gesture, "it's probably best to be cautious. I'll have Mr. Carson's security detail meet him in the transporter room. We also have some spare cargo containers still on board from loading the spare sarium krellide power packs for away team equipment. We can have the cargo bay beam one down into the site. If there are automatic defenses, hopefully they will trigger them. If not, then the container should be able to provide them with a degree of cover.

"Ms. T'Enya, go ahead and take a look at Sorvok's sensor readings and tell us what you see. Once you have the results, we'll put our plan into action."

Tabin walks back over to the Captain's chair and sits down, crossing her legs as she settles back into the weight of responsibilities that come with it.

"Given as this is a science mission and he has a background in exoarchaeology, I am placing Mr. Sorvok in command. Each of you have expertise and viewpoints that your teammates do not, and I believe Mr. Sorvok will follow my example in requesting and considering each of them. However, he will make the final call."

With that, Captain Tabin turns her attention to Carlos.

"Mr. de Silva, take us into standard orbit above Epsilon Alpha II, full impulse power."

OOC:

Here's the source for planet classifications:

http://memory-beta.wikia.com/w...etary_classification

It's not canon, but it's useful because it lets me add flavor without having to make up the missing parts of the system. :-p

I'll need an Int+Subt roll from T'Enya to analyze Sorvok's sensor scans for any "nasty surprises" that might be in store for you there.

It's probably still the weekend for you guys (Monday for me :-( ), so I'll wait until tomorrow to move us to the next scene. I do, consider your action points refreshed and get ready for the next part of the episode! ^_^

T'Enya went to her console and started her analysis. This data was very thorough and more than enough to do her work.

[Natural 20! 30 total! I just hope I didn't waste it ...]

T'Enya

Upon looking over Sorvok's scans, T'Enya notes that the most suitable landing areas near the entrance are surrounded by a "C"-shaped ring rocky formations. The area is clear of any debris or cover, making it ideal for anyone in the rocky area to spring an ambush. Fortunately, there is a spot where a large cargo container could be placed to provide the away team with makeshift cover from an incoming ambush.

If the formation was indeed designed with the need for ambushes, the formation itself might be military in nature. Unfortunately, the only way to be sure is to visually inspect the area.

As for the energy signature in the formation, it is entirely possible that it could be a power source for something within...

With a few taps of the Helm controls, Carlos moved the Vigilant into a standard orbit.  "Standard orbit established, Captain."

[OOC:  I assume no roll was required, but if there was just let me know.]

T'Enya tells what she has found to the rest of the crew, adding "As much as I enjoy intruding on highly secure military installations, it may be prudent for us to attempt communications first."

Humor?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Mon 02 Dec 2013.

Sorvok raised an eyebrow at T'Enya's remarks but merely nodded his head in agreement as he said, "By all means Lt. T'Enya, if the Captain has no objections, then you should proceed with your attempts at contact.  I did not detect any obvious signs of live down on the planet's surface but that does not necessarily mean that the planet is in fact uninhabited.

Also, if your hypothesis regarding the proposed landing site is indeed correct and the site is a current or former military installation, then it is possible that some sort of automated communication system and/or automated defense system might be in place and still active even if the planet is no longer inhabited."

Bridge

Dr. Zephyr leaves the bridge with the medical team that has come to take Ensign Twazera to sickbay.

Captain Tabin nods, giving the go ahead for Parker to hail the planet. The comm officer opens hailing frequencies, but receives no reply. She leaves it open for a full minute before turning it off.

"Whatever is down there either can't reply, or doesn't want to," Tabin says.

Sickbay

Dr. Zephyr asks Nurse Shelara to for 20ccs of lexorin to treat Twazera's side effects of the Vulcan mind meld. She administers it, and Twazera's vitals go haywire. Putting aside the panic of losing a patient, Ally quickly scans the medical bed data. Apparently, the lexorin is interfering with the Betazed paracortex and is causing him to go into shock. She grabs a hypo of trinephedrine and applies it after ensuring that it is safe for Betazoid physiology.

Upon receiving the drug, Twazera's vitals stabilize. Zephyr administers another hypo with a medicine to flush the lexorin from his system. She sighs, shakes her head at her own foolishness, and signals the bridge.

"Sickbay to Bridge. Twazera is stable, but he will not be available for the away mission. I administered lexorin before checking his physiology. I apologize, Captain, and take full responsibility."

Bridge

"Understood, Doctor," Captain Tabin answers. "These things happen. I am glad to hear that he is in stable condition."

Tabin punches the intercom button to the ship's main cargo bay.

"Bridge to Cargo Bay, transport the container to these coordinates."

"Aye, aye, Captain. Transporting now... Container successfully transported."

"Mr. Sorvok, I believe that's your cue. Take your teams, and the Vigilant will keep you posted on the entity or any other possible complications."

T'Enya nodded. "Good to know. That information may come in handy."

She then proceeds to her quarters to pick up her stuff and then to the transporter room to meet the Security Detachment for this away mission.

Nevi nods, "On my way to the shuttle Captain."  He turns on a heel and exits the bridge...

Lt. Sorvok nodded his head and replied, "Aye, aye Captain.  We shall proceed with our two prong approach to the Away mission.

Lt. T'Enya and Lt. Carson will coordinate the first prong via Transporter and will scout ahead with their chosen security personnel of the main team coming down via shuttlecraft."

So saying, Sorvok left to gather his portable scientific equipment and testing gear from the main science lab before visiting the armory to requisition a Phaser, Mark II.  While he usually had his small, compact Phaser, Mark I on him (contrary to what many believed, a phaser was more than just a weapon as it had many useful non-lethal applications as a tool under the right circumstances), when Sorvok was anticipating trouble (and certainly the present circumstances qualified as "trouble"), Sorvok preferred to be as prepared as possible.  If T'Enya was correct and this was a current or even former military installation they were traveling to, then there was no telling what sort of reception they might receive upon landing or what left over defensive mechanisms might still be operational.

Once Sorvok had all his equipment and gear ready, he headed to the shuttlebay to board the Takayama-type shuttlecraft Möbius.  Once there, while he waited for everyone from the main Away Team to arrive, Sorvok opened a comm channel to the Transporter room and listened as the advance party prepared to beam down to the surface ahead of the main team.

Carson arrived in the Transporter Room with his Security Detachment, having likewise paid a visit to the armory to equip themselves with type 2 phasers.  Taking up position on the pad (and instructing his men to do likewise) he nodded at T'Enya.

"Do you think we're in for a fight T'Enya? I think we deserve a bit of field exercise." He shot a swashbuckling grin at Maryan and Kimble.

Carlos piloted the Mobius out of the shuttlebay and began his descent to the surface with as much grace as he could muster from one of the boxy Starfleet shuttles.

[OOC: Carlos de Silva rolled 26 using 1d20+10. Dex+Phys for Shuttle Piloting. ]

Captain's Log, Stardate 2262.32...

After managing to get the entity known as 6283513 to leave the Vigilant be, we have established standard orbit around Epsilon Alpha II in hope of determining the source of its binding. My bridge crew has assembled an away team to investigate a promising location on the planet surface. The first team, led by Lieutenant Carson, is beaming down, while the second, led by Lieutenant Sorvok, is taking the shuttlecraft Möbius to meet them...

---

Transporter Room 2...

Carson, T'Enya, Maryan, and Kimble step onto the transporter pad once Carson inputs the destination coordinates. As the beam engages, the four are fairly certain they hear an alarm go off followed by words no away team wants to hear...

"Oops!"

On Board the Möbius...

With the shuttlecraft team assembled, the Möbius leaves the shuttlebay and enters the planet's atmosphere. A barrage of ionospheric storms rocks the shuttle, but Carlos manages to deftly avoid the brunt of them. Once the shuttle reaches the lower troposphere, the wind storms subside, and the Möbius flies smoothly towards its destination. It lands about 30 meters from the transporter team's location just in time to see the events unfold...

On the Planet Surface...

All four of the transporter team members materialize on the planet surface. T'Enya, Maryan, and Kimble find themselves behind the cargo container. However, Daniel materializes standing on top of the cargo container. A strange, electronic voice bellows throughout the area.

"Itz kudai natoro mah ju feda ch'qoh! Zizhua, qizhua, fizhua, lekzhua!"

A few seconds behind the voice, the universal translator offers a translation bereft of the original's force and emphasis.

"This area is restricted, leave now or face your fate. Four, three, two, one."

OOC:

Did a random dice roll to see who would materialize in plain sight. Carson was the lucky winner.
21:16, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 2 using 1d4. T-1, C-2, M-3, K-4.

Roll for initiative. (Dex Mod + d20) ^_^
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:51, Thu 12 Dec 2013.

Nevi prepares for the away mission and opens his kit that he had transported to the Möbius before departure.  He puts the science Tri-Corder over his shoulder by the strap and checks that his communicator is in place at his right side.  His Ushaan-tor is in place in a scabbard behind his back and he slips a Mark I phaser in his boot and places a Mark II phaser at his left hip.

"There," he says as he takes his seat, "ready for anything."

He monitors the scans as they enter the atmosphere and gives an approving nod to Carlos' piloting skills.  Locating the cargo container, Nevi sees that one of the transported team is standing on top of it and making themselves an excellent target...

[18:24, Today: T'Enya rolled 17 using 1d20+1.]


[conditional: if T'Enya goes before Carson]

T'Enya reached up and grabbed at Carson, intent on getting him off the cargo container before it fired.

[End conditional]

"Sometimes I hate it when I'm right ..."

T'Enya pulls out a specially modified tricorder and scans the area. It's hard enough breaking into a computer when they aren't trying to kill you.

[First priority: locate weapons. Second priority is locating a frequency or location to hack the security system.]

...The Hell? Carson thought to himself as he found himself 'hiding' in plain sight.

He had no further time to think however as the translated warning hit his ears and he instinctively dropped his hand to his side to draw his phaser.

Sorvok rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Sorvok gestured for the shuttle team to take cover as he scanned the area for additional traps and attempted to contact the Vigilant.  In a calm tone only a Vulcan could muster while facing live fire, Sorvok reported, ::: Lt. Sorvok to Captain Tabin, the advance scout party led by Lt. Carson & Lt. T'Enya have been threatened with hostility by what appears to be a left over automated defense system.  I am attempting to scan for its location in an attempt to identify either its power source or control center.

I recommend attempting to establish or regain a teleporter lock on the advance scout team in case they come under fire.  Lt. Sorvok out. :::

Sorvok moved his science tricorder around as he assessed the results of his scan, all the while trying to keep as low a profile as possible to avoid being targeted.

OOC: Sorvok rolled 27 using 1d20+12. Int/Know scanning with tricorder.

Hearing the translated threat, Carlos pulls the Phaser-2 from his side and moves towards the door of the shuttle to cover any entrance or exits.

[OOC:  Carlos de Silva rolled 20 using 1d20+2 ((18)).]

Nevi remained at his station and attempted to scan for the actual defense system.  If located he could quickly disable it with a shot from the shuttle's phasers...

(OOC: 6 for Initiative. Ugh.

22 for locating the defensive systems.  Better.)

On the Planet Surface...

T'Enya's reflexes are quick, but Ensign Maryan's are faster.

"Allow me, ma'am," she says as a slender arm whips up to grab Lieutenant Carson's belt and yanks him back down behind the container. Although she is not gifted with superhuman strength, the planet's gravity and Carson's precarious perch are more than enough to help her pull the heavier Human down. Daniel lands on his feet in a crouch, catching himself before he can tumble outside of cover.

"Can't let someone else be the center of attention, now..." she adds with a smirk.

OOC:

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Initiative Rolls:
21:29, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 9 using 1d20+1. NPC Init-Shelana.
21:31, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 22 using 1d20+3. NPC Init-Maryan.
21:31, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 7 using 1d20+2. NPC Init-Kimble.
21:32, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 10 using 1d20. NPC Init-Turret 1?
21:32, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 12 using 1d20. NPC Init-Turret 2?
21:33, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 17 using 1d20. NPC Init-Turret 3?
21:33, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 13 using 1d20. NPC Init-Turret 4?

Ok, Maryan used her action, so T'Enya can choose another. Carlos is next! Note, the "turrets" have not yet appeared. You are free to delay until they pop out, or you can scan for them with a tricorder.

[T'Enya is looking to see where the Security System is and how to crack it. It's a more subtle variant of what Nevi & Sorvok are planning. I realize it's a long shot, but getting the whole system at once is better than one piece at a time.]

[Carlos will delay.  He's covering the door until he sees something threatening either component of the away team.]

On the Planet Surface...

Now that they are closer to the planet surface and the energy source, Sorvok's tricorder is able to isolate the energy sources. There is one large one deeper within the rocky outcrop, five sites where the energy seems to be flowing towards. Four of those sites---approximately 10 meters away from the transporter team---are collecting energy at a somewhat alarming rate.

From what Sorvok can see, the container will provide cover. Depending on what the other four sites do with that energy, it is entirely possible that the cover will not last long...

OOC:

@ Sorvok-Your tricorder readings gives you the energy sites and a place for people to shoot/avoid/take cover against. You can call out that information to your friends (if you yell the transporter team can also hear) so as long as it's reasonably short (think what you could say in 6 seconds). ^_^

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

T'Enya is up! (You can wait to post until after Sorvok chooses to shout out the info ^_^)

EDIT: Carlos, you can also take your action if you like.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Thu 19 Dec 2013.

[Will wait for Sorvok's info]

Sorvok cross referenced his tricorder readings and sightings against the standardized Starfleet grid coordinate system for the target area.  He quickly marked on the digital map for this area the key locations and then, as he sent the updated coordinate map for the area to the tricorders of the entire team (both the advanced scout party and his own team), Sorvok shouted loudly enough for the advanced scout team to here,"Reference Point Zero: Lt. T'Enya.  Target Energy Site 1: X Coordinate {insert} Y Coordinate {insert}.  Site 2: X {insert} Y {insert}.  Site 3: {insert x coordinate} {insert y coordinate}. Site 4: {insert x} {insert y}."

OOC: I'm not sure how many "energy sites" Sorvok's tricorder scan revealed.  Also I am assuming that Starfleet has a standardized grid map system for landing sites (to provide grid coordinates for uniform navigation references).

Alternatively, Sorvok could have said, "Lt. T'Enya is point of reference.  Target Energy Sites: 1st Site {insert x o'clock from T'Enya, insert y distance away from T'Enya, insert z elevation from T'Enya}, 2nd {insert x o'clock, y distance, z elevation} , 3rd {insert x, y, z}, 4th {x, y, z}"  Example: 1st Site is at T'Enya's 9:00 o'clock, 25 meters away, inclination 5 meters up; Site 2 at 10:30, 35 meters, 10 meters up; Site 3: 11:45, 40 meters, 0 incline; Site 4: 12:15, 45 meters, 5 meters down.

Armed with the latest information, T'Enya began the process of trying to hack the security system. It was a desperate race, but the security team could handle the weapons.

She hoped ...

[21:32, Today: T'Enya rolled 25 using 1d20+10. Reroll (spend hero point).
21:31, Today: T'Enya rolled 11 using 1d20+10. Subterfuge + Int.]

T'Enya's tricorder begins to synchronize with the alien computer system. After a few moments, it appears as if it has managed to decipher the different computer language. The screen begins to blink, offering different options on how to proceed.

Mere moments afterwards, one of the rocky outcrops begins to shimmer. Rubble shifts into a tower-like shape. It emits a high-pitched whine, followed by electrical pops and snaps. A dark red beam of energy shoots out of the tower, about 10 meters to the right of the container.

Another tower materializes, and then another, and another. Each appear at the coordinates Sorvok shouted out seconds ago. They follow the first turret's lead, firing dark red beams towards the cargo container. Like the first, the second and third beams shoot wide of the container. However, the final beam strikes precisely where Daniel had materialized.

The container groans under the force of the blast, sending sparks and flecks of white-hot metal flying.

Nurse Shelana watches the action from the shuttle doorway. She grips her medical tricorder, and tries to see if any of the transporter team are hurt.

OOC:

The Cargo Container has about 150 HP. Right now, it's at 120.

20:47, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Turret 1-Atk. (Should have been turret 3)
20:50, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Turret 4-Atk.
20:50, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Turret 2.
20:51, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Turret 1-Atk.
20:54, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 30 using 6d8. Turret 1-Dmg.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Daniel is up, but Carlos is welcome to take his delayed action!

@ T'Enya: You can take an action to try and disable a turret. If you try to disable more than one, you raise the DC. Failing by 5 and 10 will of course incur Bad Stuff^TM
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:08, Tue 24 Dec 2013.

"We're under attack! Return fire!" Carson ordered Kimble and Maryan. His own phaser drawn he took aim at the turret that had fired at him (or where he had been a few moments ago) and press the trigger.

---

OOC:
13:00, Today: Daniel Carson rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Firing Phaser mk. II.
13:01, Today: Daniel Carson rolled 26 using 4d10. Damage (if it hits!).

Carson's phaser blast strikes the turret squarely in its emission point. Sparks fly from the device, and electricity crackles around the tower. Although strange electronic sounds whine from the tower, it still appears to be operational.

Mr. Kimble pokes his head over the side and fires at Daniel's target. However, in his haste to obey orders he forgets to aim. His phaser bolt goes wide.

"Sorry, sir. I'll do better next time."

OOC:

22:37, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Kimble-Atk.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Spid'Dar is up, but Carlos is welcome to take his delayed action!

Carlos, seeing the location of the turrets, points his Phaser-2 towards them and opens fire.

[OOC: Carlos de Silva rolled 12 using 1d20+7 ((5)).  If it hits, the damage roll is...
Carlos de Silva rolled 15 using 4d10 ((7,2,3,3)).]

Carlos' phaser beam goes wide of the tower. Another alien message sounds out in the air.

"Azfala ketal! Nam hudai weychou!"

The universal translator follows up with an understandable version, albeit without the emotional context.

"More enemies. You too will die."

OOC:

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Spid'Dar is up!

[Do you mean take an action now or on my turn? What is the DC? Or is it blind?]

Others were dealing with the turrents and defensive systems so Nevi focused on protecting his crewmates.  He rerouted a shield projector and established the location of each outside crew member.  Using those locations he attempted to set up a static force field between them and the turrents.  He hoped it would buy them time while T'Enya and Carlos took out the defensive systems...

The shuttlecraft's shield system comes alive. The system makes a few groans as the generator is forced to extend its shields far beyond their normal range. Flickers of a blue-white sheen appear between the transporter team and the barriers. It is not immediately apparent whether the defenses are aware of the new development or not, as they do not speak out.

"I know an exit when I see it," Maryan says to the rest of the team. "I think it's time to head back to the shuttle." The Ensign begins making a zig-zag dash for the shuttle, dodging this way and that just in case the turrets are tracking her. She makes it to the shuttle, and dives behind the closest nacelle.

OOC:

Okay, shields are up around the away team. My DC was 20, which Spid'dar beat without a problem. However, the adjustment is putting stress on the shield generator. Each round, they will suffer 5 points of stress damage so long as they are extended. You can return them to normal range as an action, and they will stop taking stress damage.

Once again, you can take one action per round. The transporter team can use their action to run to the shuttle in 1 round. For example, Maryan made it and was able to get back into cover in one round.

I'm using the WR/SR rules on p.16 for shield damage. Given Sorvok's roll, I'll let you know that the turret WR is about 1/2 of the shuttle's SR, so each successful attack will do 1d6 damage to the shields. They turrets have a pretty big target and aren't too likely to miss, but I could always roll a 1...

EDIT-You can shoot at the turrets from behind the shields because cinematic!!!

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Carlos is up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Wed 08 Jan 2014.

Waving for the away team to head for the shuttle, Carlos continues to fire at the nearest turret.  Even if his fire doesn't hit, it will hopefully provide some sort of covering fire for the away team.

[OOC:   Carlos de Silva rolled 10 using 1d20+7 ((3)).]

Carlos' phaser blast goes wide of the now clearly visible turrets. Their movements are herky-jerky enough to make hitting them a little more difficult than one would think.

OOC:

@ Carlos: Yeah, sorry they aren't too hard to hit, but it's not that easy.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Sorvok is up!

Since Sorvok was still within the non-extended range of the shuttle's shield coverage, he decided to aid his fellow crew members by cutting down the number of enemy defensive turrets they would have to contend with.

Sorvok took aim and fired his Phaser mark II at one of the turrets as he said in a calm, controlled tone, "Advance Team, withdraw to the shuttle.  Approach until you are within at least 1 meter of the shuttle's hull so that the strain on the extended shields may be relieved.

Those of us already in position, lay down as much covering fire as is possible until everyone is back at the shuttle."

OOC:
Sorvok rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Phaser Shot.

I figure the Phaser II is set for "kill" to attack the turrets but just in case a damage roll is needed...
Sorvok rolled 25 using 4d10. phaser damage?

Sorvok's phaser burst catches the previously damaged turret squarely. Sparks fly from the suffering circuitry, and a mechanical whine fills the air. However, it still appears to be operational.

OOC:

@ Sorvok: Yeah, I'll need damage rolls. The turrets are mechanical devices, so a kill blast won't kill it automatically.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

T'Enya is up!

Following those orders was the last thing T'Enya wanted to do right now, but following orders ... well, it tended to get her in trouble actually, but her training wouldn't allow anything else. T'Enya raced across the opening, timing it with her Tricorder, getting close to the shuttle without going inside (for that was all Sorvok ordered).

"We will need the turrets intact" she yelled over the phaser fire, "I suggest you give me a chance to disable them in a less permanent manner."

[Action: run back to the shuttle. Keep cover, but don't enter the shuttle]

As soon as T'Enya reaches the shuttle, the turrets fire another volley of bursts. The shuttlecraft's shields shimmer and whine under the force of the blasts. However, one of the turret's bursts---fired by the previously damaged turret---flies wide of the extended shields. The stray shot is immediately followed by a shower of sparks exploding from the turret, which groans and suddenly stops moving...

Nurse Shelana grimaces as she watches the display.

"Let me know if anyone is injured. I have a medical hypospray at the ready."

OOC:

Shields currently at 91/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Daniel is up!

20:24, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Turret 3-Attack.
20:26, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 23 using 1d20+5. Turret 4-Atk.
20:26, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Turret 2-Atk.
20:26, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Turret 1-Atk.
20:28, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 1 using 1d6. Turret 3-Dmg.
20:28, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 2 using 1d6. Turret 4-Dmg.
20:29, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 6 using 1d6. Turret 2-Dmg.
20:29, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 10 using 1d100. Turret 1-Operation.
20:31, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 45 using 1d100. Turret 2-Operation.
20:31, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 65 using 1d100. Turret 3-Operation.
20:31, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 70 using 1d100. Turret 4-Operation.

"You heard the Vulcan." Carson tells Maryan and Kimble. "Try and avoid dead on shots from now on - we want to keep their focus without actually destroying them.  i just hope T'Enya knows what she is doing."

Carson follows his own advice and deliberately fires to miss, not so much it was obvious but definitely a miss.

"Yes, sir!" calls out Mr. Kimble, who is a few steps behind Carson. He glances back and fires a few stray shots towards the turrets, following his superior officer's lead. He takes cover next to Maryan.

OOC:

Shields currently at 91/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Spid'Dar is up!

Nevi knows his job and his job is to maintain the protective shields while Sorvok and T'Enya can disable the turrents.  He watched the shield readings and adjusted to stay ahead of the onslaught.  As the away team retreated to the shuttle he would slowly retract the shields to conform with normal shield functionality.

(OOC: Strenghtening the shields by maintaining absolute minimums to protect the those outside the shuttle.  Rolled a 17 to do so.)

The shuttle's shields condense back to their normal ranges, sparking a bit as they suffer some damage from the strain of being overextended.

Maryan takes aim at a new turret, and fires her phaser at it. She grumbles under her breath as her shot goes wide.

OOC:

@ Spid'Dar: Just realized that you were switching the shields back to normal levels. You wouldn't need the action point or a roll for that because it's just switching the shields back to normal. It's just a regular action.

However, the shields still suffer 5 points of damage from the strain.

Shields currently at 86/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Carlos is up!

Obeying T'Enya's orders, Carlos also fires to distract and divert the turrets rather than to hit them.

OOC:

Shields currently at 86/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

Sorvok is up!

Sorvok assessed the situation and determined that based on the current operation of the Turrets, it would indeed possible to deactivate the turrets remotely.  He then began scanning the turrets with his science tricorder in an effort to detect the specific signals & wavelengths being utilized by the turrets to target the away team.  Knowing that T'Enya already had already begun to hack into the turrets, Sorvok transmitted the results of his Tricorder scans to her equipment in the hopes that she might be able to make use of the data to disrupt the turret targeting capability.

Sorvok's scans reveal a delta wave transmission pattern that syncs up with the trinary computer language T'Enya previously decoded. It offers the tricorders much more information to use when trying to hack into the system.

OOC:

The results of Sorvok's roll adds a +4 to any Subterfuge roll to hack the turret. Note, you can try to take out more than one turret with an action by raising the DC. However, failing by 5, 10, or more will incur Bad Stuff^TM...

Shields currently at 86/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 3?, 6-Turret 4?, 7-Turret 2?, 8-Turret 1?, 9-Shelana, 10-Daniel, 11-Kimble, 12-Spid'Dar

T'Enya is up!

T'Enya looked at the data provided by Sorvok. It would come in handy, very handy since it meant she didn't have to take the time to find it herself. Her fingers flew across the "special engineering tools" that she brought with her (the kind that could only pass for Engineering Tools under casual scrutiny) and her fingers flew as she tried to halt two of the sensors at the same time.

[Yes! Rolled 30+! (with Sorvok's help, that is ...) Please tell me that works!]

Two of the turrets shudder and stop moving within moments of T'Enya's hacking attempt, leaving only one operational. Unlike the first turret shut down in a burst of smoke and sparks, the two hacked ones merely appear powered down.

The one remaining turret fires at the shuttle. Even with the shields returned to normal size, this turret has little trouble hitting its mark. The bolt strikes the shields in a small ripple of displaced energy.

Nurse Shelana continues to wait, ready to heal anyone who gets injured during the attack.

OOC:

22:53, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Turret 4-Atk.
22:55, Today: Starfleet Command rolled 1 using 1d6. Turret 4-Dmg.

Shields currently at 85/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 4?, 6-Shelana, 7-Daniel, 8-Kimble, 9-Spid'Dar

Daniel is up!

Sorry, forgot to take off one of the turrets earlier.

Encouraged by T'Enya's success Carson again aimed to miss, hoping the intelligence officer could keep up her magic.

Carson's phaser beams are close, yet safely wide of the target. Mr. Kimble follows suit, firing to miss the sole remaining turret.

OOC:

Shields currently at 85/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 4?, 6-Shelana, 7-Daniel, 8-Kimble, 9-Spid'Dar

Spid'Dar is up!

Nevi was satisfied with the protection offered by the shields and found relief in knowing the team was safe behind them.  He turned his analysis to the turrents as well and began to analyze the type of weaponry and power sources involved...

(OOC: Ugh.  Rolled a 14.)

Unfortunately for Nevi, the alien energy source seems completely different from Federation technology and procedures.

Maryan follows Carson's lead, and fires a stray shot near the remaining functional turret.

OOC:

Shields currently at 85/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 4?, 6-Shelana, 7-Daniel, 8-Kimble, 9-Spid'Dar

Carlos is up!

Seeing plenty of covering and distraction fire, Carlos holsters his phaser and turns to his shipmates.  "I'm going to prep us to get out of here if necessary once everyone is aboard."

[OOC:  Holding my action to boost us off the planet if necessary once everyone is aboard.]

OOC:

Shields currently at 85/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 4?, 6-Shelana, 7-Daniel, 8-Kimble, 9-Spid'Dar

Sorvok is up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:35, Tue 04 Feb 2014.

With just one turret left to disable, Sorvok focused his Tricorder scanning on the remaining active turret in an effort to aid T'Enya's efforts by feeding additional signal information to her while also attempting to jam the turret's targeting signal.

OOC: Basically Aid Another like before (not a bad roll but not quite as good as last time)...

Sorvok rolled 22 Tricorder scan to help/aid T'Enya (if needed).

When Sorvok attempts to reanalyze the turret's computer language, he notices that it has made a slight permutation in response to the hacking of the other turrets. Unfortunately, he will have to try a new approach.

OOC:

@ Sorvok: Unfortunately, that roll did not beat the DC. It did not fail by 5, so no Bad Stuff^TM will happen.

Shields currently at 85/100 points.

Init Counter: 1-Maryan, 2-Carlos, 3-Sorvok, 4-T'Enya, 5-Turret 4?, 6-Shelana, 7-Daniel, 8-Kimble, 9-Spid'Dar

T'Enya is up!

T'Enya mutters something under her breath as she disables the "final" Turret.

[If a Natural 20 doesn't do it, I'm just gonna pack my bags and go home ... total: 28!

11:44, Sat 08 Feb 2014: T'Enya rolled 28 using 1d20+8 ((20)).]

The final active turret trains its sights on the shuttle, appearing to power up a larger burst. However, T'Enya's hacking efforts come through just in time. The turret groans, powers down, and then settles in a stand-down system. T'Enya's tricorder screen flashes, indicating that the turret is ready for new targeting information.

At that very moment, your communicators chirp. Nurse Shelana answers hers, having the freest set of hands and feeling as if she can finally contribute something to the away team.

"Shelana here."

"Nurse Shelana," Captain Tabin's voice says over the communicator, "We've detected energy discharges on the planet surface. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, ma'am," answers Shelana, "Our approach triggered some automated defenses, but the away team was able to neutralize them."

"Good to hear. Unfortunately, Dr. Zephyr needs your assistance back on the ship. Ensign Goruj is acting up again, and she needs some assistance in treating him. I am sending down someone to relieve you, as well as a communications expert. Please lower the shields, and we well send them to you now. Tabin out."

"Aye, aye, Captain," Shelana says, closing her communicator. She walks over to a console to lower the shields, and then flips her communicator open.

"Shelana to Vigilant, one to beam up."

White lines of energy encircle the Andorian nurse as she fades from view. Moments later, two forms appear with the white transporter energy shimmering around them.

OOC:

@ T'Enya: That'll do it. Don't forget your extra action point for rolling a 20, and you also have full control over Turret 4.

@ All: Apologies for kind of railroading that bit there. I just wanted to get the new players in ASAP.

@ Kler'ik & Adam: Go ahead and write your intros! ^_^

EDIT:  Oh, you're also out of combat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Kler'ik emerges from the swirling transporter beam, instantly surveying the crew for obvious injuries with her blacked out, shiny eyes before asking. "Is everyone alright? I was told there was extensive phaser fire." The reptilian female was dressed in the typical blue skirt of Starfleet medical staff, her bluish grey skin reflecting the lens flares from inside the shuttle. Her black eyes dull for a moment as she blinks her nictating membranes, and she approaches the nearest crew member with her medical tricorder before anyone can answer. Try as she might, her fanged smile does little to ease any anxiety of the being she scans.

Adam offers a nervous smile to Kler'ik before immediately stepping off to find the commanding officer.  His standard uniform appears almost as if perhaps they made it half a size too small in it's excessively smooth and straight appearance.  As he moves in he gives the top a slight tug downwards as if to imply it could be even neater.

"Lieutenant Orlow reporting.  What have we seen so far?  Any visual or auditory communication?"

Not being in charge, Nevi will leave the answering of questions to the others.  He is busy analyzing the power sources and energy used by the turrents in order to better scan the surrounding environment for any further death traps.  If at all possible, he hopes to be able to isolate the power grid that powers this facility...

(OOC: 15.  Crap.)

Spid'Dar

While scanning, Spid'Dar notices that there is a layer of alien mineral that is interfering with the scans. He tries to adjust for the interference, but is unable to filter out the sensor noise.

OOC:

@ Spid'Dar: Sadly, that won't do it. :-(

Having taken command of the one turret, T'Enya looks over her tricorder readings once again before pulling out her communicator.

"T'Enya to Vigilant, prepare for Data Upload. I have commandeered one of the turrets; I hope this data will prove useful."

After uploading the data to the Vigilant, she turns to Spid'Dar and Sorvok.

"When you are ready, I will arrange for an exchange of data. In case you would find it useful for your respective specialties."

T"Enya stands and faces Sorvok.

"As we still do not know if they Alien's intentions are benign we may yet need to re-commision this planet as a prison for it. I recommend keeping as much Alien Technology in tact until we are more certain of our ethical and tactical situations."

T'Enya is ever the pragmatist, but Star Fleet ... less so.

Being a Vulcan dedicated to the pure logic of the Kolinahr philosophy, Science Officer Sorvok was not the type to "feel" (much less show) anxiety and thus Kler'ik's unique physiology did not create apprehension in Sorvok (in fact, given her unique species, her physiology was more likely to pique Sorvok's scientific & academic curiosity... but that was for another time).

Sorvok turned towards Kler'ik and replied, "To my knowledge, despite coming under surprise attack by these alien turrets and being targeted with a steady stream of phaser fire, no one among the Away Team, neither the advance team that arrived by Transporter nor those of us arriving by shuttle, were injured during the exchange of phaser fire.

However Dr. Kler'ik, please feel free to conduct a confirming medical scan if you wish.  It is possible that in addition to the obvious danger posed by the turrets, there may have been a more subtle, unseen "attack" that we might not be readily aware up at present."

Sorvok turned to Orlow and responded, "Lt. Orlow, thus far we have seen these defense turrets reactivate from their prior dormant state and take active hostile measures directed against us, targeting us as intruders in a secure area.

As for what we have heard, when the advance tram Transported down and activated the defense system, a warning issued in an alien language was made.  The message was recorded and translated by the Universal Translator.  I will send to your tricorder the original pre-translation alien warning, which includes original tone & inflection, as well as the translated version for comparison purposes."

Sorvok transmits the earlier audio recordings:



"In addition to that initial warning, when the turrets became aware of the arrival of the shuttle team, a second alien message was detected, recorded, and translated.  Again I will transmit that message to your tricorder.

If would be helpful Lt. Orlow if you could analyze the two messages, in particular the original alien language, for any cultural context clues or perhaps potential language family relations/descent to known "living" languages of races within the Federation or at least known to the Federation."




Sorvok then turned towards T'Enya as he replied, "Please commence with the data exchange Lt. T'Enya.  I should like to make my own independent analysis of the turret commandeering codes that you have uncovered.

As for making every effort to preserve as much Alien Technology as is possible without excessive undue risk to the Away Team, I concur with your suggestion Lt. T'Enya.

I would suggest that our next course of action is to discover just what these turrets were installed here to protect.  Since there is the possibility of additional layers of defensive anti-intrusion security systems further protecting this area, I would ask that you make a thorough security sweep ahead of any forward progress to be made by the Away Team.

Additionally, further analysis of the shut down codes for the alien turrets may provide us a resource to deactivate any potential additional alien security measures."

"Of course sir."  lt. Orlow replies before immediately opening his tricorder and stepping to the side as he listens to the recordings on loop through a little silver ear piece.

He nods as he pieces through the syllables and appears to mouth out approximates to the sounds, all while tapping away at his tricorder.

08:27, Today: Adam P. Orlow rolled 30 using 1d20+13. Language (Know + Int).

Finding no one injured , Kler'ik peered out the window with a smile. "Reminds me of home. Are we certain the entity is from here? What would a being of pure energy need with such defenses? Or even fear from them?" she asked Sorvok, eager to touch down on the dry barren soil.

"That's what we're here to find out." Carson said, joining Kler'ik and Sorvok.  The Security Chief gave the Medusai woman an amused, quizzical look. "Is you homeworld really like this? Presumably without the gun turrets."

"Much of it. Most of our water is in underground basins, so while we have deep rooted trees, there is very little grass, unlike Earth. As for the gun turrets, I'm afraid my people are not normally open to outside influences. My individual curiosity has caused me to be more accepting than most of my people. On my world, mammals are little more than food." she replied; her blank, black eyes making it difficult to tell if her look is one of wonder or hunger.

Adam

Adam expertly sifts through the grammar, phoneme, structure, and syntax information that the universal translator extrapolated from the warnings the defense system had made. As he listens to the information through his earpiece, he notices that the language bears similarities to Denobulan and one of Earth's Chinese dialects. Adam makes a few adjustments to the universal translator through his tricorder to optimize its translation algorithm.

Adam also manages to look through the computer language information that Sorvok and T'Enya used to hack into the system. He manages to make adjustments based on best guesses for symbol-phoneme patterns, designing a "Rosetta Stone" for the alien written language.

OOC:

@ Adam: That's an excellent roll! You now have a perfect translating algorithm for the spoken language, and a rudimentary translating cipher for the written language.

Adam immediately begins updating the translation system for the away team and broadcasting the information to the Vigilant.

"Away team and Vigilant, I am broadcasting updated translation protocols now."

Turning to Sorvok he reports, "Lieutenant Sorvok, I have just broadcasted a greatly improved translation algorithms.  We should now be better equipped to comprehend the spoken language and written language.  If we can get a larger sample perhaps I could also help draw some conclusions on what to expect if we meet something alive."

Adam maintains a straight face and keeps to the point.  Almost making performing such an act seem like it was something he did every day.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Thu 13 Feb 2014.

T'Enya raises an eyebrow at Sorvok's request. A little too scientific perhaps?

"One rarely uncovers 'commandeering codes'" she said flatly, "and this time was no exception -- I inserted them. However, the weaknesses in their security protocols that enabled me to do so will undoubtedly serve the purposes that you have in mind."

She makes some entries to her tricorder, sending the information that Sorvok and, presumably, Spid'Dar need.

"I would like to do some further scans of the area to check for more defensive systems." she says, while turning toward the beckoning entrance.  Her tricorder beeps and chirps, analyzing the area for ... something.

[Focusing on probable locations and systems more than looking for technological evidence. 18. Dice roller isn't digging me today.

20:12, Today: T'Enya rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Checking for more traps.]

T'Enya

Much like Spid'Dar, T'Enya encounters interference from the planet's mineral features. She attempts to compensate for the reading but, the mineral scatters the tricorder's active sensor attempts.

OOC:

@ T'Enya: Sadly, that won't make it either. :-(

T'Enya focuses on the mineral readings for a minute. Almost thoughtlessly, she stoops down to take a sample of the interfering minerals. If such things could interfere with their sensor readings ...

"This mineral that is interfering with our sensor readings may have been used to keep the alien here" she remarks out loud, "we should determine if it can interfere with it's energy patterns as well. We should also determine if it can interfere with other energy patterns, such as transporters and phaser fire."

After taking her samples, she places them in the shuttle for transport before walking back towards the "entrance" area. Her tricorder is still on, but she doesn't hope to find much more at this point ...

She stops just a hair before the apparent "crossing line", and reexamines things before looking to Sorvok and awaiting his orders.


[Edit: Added my brain-trickle]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Thu 13 Feb 2014.

Nevi accepts the data from T'Enya and begins to pour over it with his tri-corder.  Stepping from his console, he exits the shuttle and grabs some of the soil as well.  The blocking power of the minerals would have to be overcome... perhaps...

He stepped away from the group and held his tri-corder in one hand while drawing his phaser.  He moved the setting to its highest position and fired into the dirt.  The interaction of the phaser with the minerals in the soil would hopefully provide valuable information on the attributes and make-up of the minerals they were dealing with...

(OOC: A 14.  Are you kidding me?  Ugh.)

Spid'Dar's phaser beam strikes the ground with expected results. The beam begins heating the ground. The tricorder readings reveal nothing, but the sensor echoes are still present.

Mr. Kimble clears his throat nervously before offering some advice.

"Um...sir? Maybe we should consider beaming the sample to the Vigilant? Perhaps the geology lab would be better equipped to analyze the sample."

The security officer is clearly uncomfortable addressing his superiors. However, it is plain on his face that he hopes his suggestion will prove fruitful.

OOC:

I don't want to you to chase a red herring, but I'm happy to consider the discovery and collection of the mineral sample when considering experience awards at the end of the episode (along with all the other Starfleet-like conduct that you have so far embodied). ^_^

Nevi considered the readings and paused to examine where the beam made contact with the soil, "Hmmmm... yes."  He stood up, "Yes.  Quite right."  He pulled out his communicator, "Nevi to Transporter room.  Lock on my signal and then target four meters in front of me.  You will be beaming out a cubic meter of soil for analysis.  Beam it directly to the geology lab.  Notify them of the incoming sample.  They are to supply all data to me as they analyze it."

In front of Nevi the soil glowed and faded, leaving a perfect cubic meter hole in the ground.  He nodded and turned, "Now then.  Onward."

He stopped over to the others and awaited the next step while returning his gear to the proper locations and making sure his phaser was set back to stun.

While the others performed the initial geological survey, Kler'ik scanned the area for any organic life. To form a breathable atmosphere, something had to be living here in some form.


08:55, Today: Kler'ik rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8. Medicine.

Just getting a feel for the system

Kler'ik notices the same sensor echo effect that the other away team members have been struggling with in their scans. Unfortunately, she cannot isolate any form of identifiable life form.

OOC:

@ Kler'ik: You also add the appropriate attribute bonus to skill rolls. In this case, it would be Int and would give you a +2 for 18. Unfortunately, that won't hit my DC. :-(

@ All: Good news, everyone! You've gotten your crap rolls out of the way.

As everyone else begins to conduct scans, Carlos approaches Sorvok.  "Sir, shall we disable the remaining turrets?  Right now, they are under our control but there is no guarantee they'll stay that way.  I can examine them and try to remove their power source or some vital circuitry to render them inoperative."

Nevi nodded at Carlos' suggestion, "I can assist Mr. de Silva in the examination and disabling of the turrents if you wish it."

"Rendering them inoperative will be the same as destroying them" T'Enya says, moving forward with her concentration on her tricorder. "Though I am glad to hear your confidence in my skills." Sarcasm was one of her "strengths".

"Right now I am looking for a 3-sigma increase in Magnetic Monopoles. This planet was undoubtedly chosen to shield the planet from energy readings and pulses; however, in the absence of Quantum Irregularities an unexplained increase in Magnetic Monopoles always indicates a high-energy power source of some sort ..."

This was one way of detecting otherwise hidden observers.

She took each step carefully, watching her tricorder ...

[T'Enya will keep moving forward slowly until Some Event(TM) triggers a different response.]

Carlos smiled his most charming smile.  "I've worked with Vulcans before, so trust me, I have nothing but confidence in your skills."  He shrugged and followed T'Enya, keeping an eye out for any dangers.  "If you think disabling the turrets is a waste of time, then I'll follow you in case there are still hostiles about."

"Not a waste of time" T'Enya replies, still moving forward slowly "simply counterproductive. Disabling it means that it will take an increased amount of time to get them operative, assuming of course that bringing them back online is even possible. As the energy-creature is unpredictable at best, it would be ... prudent to be prepared for it to change the terms of the bargain. Put another way, we would probably not have the time to bring them back online should they be necessary. And they may yet be of use in disabling further security protocols."

Perhaps "paranoia" is in the Intelligence Officer's job description?

There is a palpable pause before she adds "Your concerns are warranted; however, keeping the turrets unharmed would render them of limited use to us if we disable them. The question becomes 'which chance would you rather take?'"

Lt. Orlow presses on with T'Enya, the better to be there for first contact with anything living.

Carlos shrugged and continued to follow T'Enya.  "I'll trust that you know what is best.  You're the Intel Officer, after all."  He flashes his most charming smile.  "I'm just the driver."