[19:31] LCARS, let's pretend last night didn't happen. The people in question probably had a few too many. * CoroLCARS 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= 12Nephy has called: ATTENTION ON DECK 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= [19:31] *** CoroLCARS changes topic to 'U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-63100 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= Sim in progress! ' [19:31] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +m [19:31] ::attn:: [19:31] *** Nephy is now known as CRXO_Cash [19:31] ç_ç >sob< RJ isn't here! [19:32] ::attn: [19:32] :attn:: [19:32] :;attn:: [19:32] 12..... 6At Attention 12..... [19:32] ::attn:: [19:32] *** FCCO_Aldur sets mode: +v AJ [19:32] *** Alex (AlphaEye@206-18-112-106.la.inreach.net) has left #LOL-Coronado C'mon, people, into rank. :) [19:32] *** AJ is now known as ObsAJ [19:32] *** FCCO_Aldur sets mode: -v ObsAJ [19:32] * Mouse doesnt' wear ranking pins, so 8:P [19:32] What skip said. Only do it or die :P *gets out a big ugly stick* [19:33] *** z0RT (wc@listcuser99.li.net) has joined #lol-coronado [19:33] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v z0RT [19:33] 12Computer recognizes z0RT. Authorization codes enabled. [19:33] 12Zort = Lt. Major John Zort, Former Marine Company Commander, On Leave of Absense. [19:33] *** z0RT is now known as obszort [19:33] zort zort zort zort zort [19:33] * Lten_Berkana hands Cash the axe [19:33] hi mouse. [19:34] *** Nilani is now known as MjMc_Vansen Well, while were waiting for Siri and Nilani to get off their rears, here's the briefing. :) [19:34] Oh, these are the shoes I'm filling, LOL? [19:34] 12=Sim Briefing!= Please type "ack" after you've read it... [19:34] 12Stardate 51750.7: "Search for the Horizon" , part 3, by Jester. [19:34] 12SUMMARY: A strange first contact scenario. An old enemy resurfaces. A cry for help. [19:34] 12Recently, Coronado was called to Starbase 153 by a priority two communiqué from the Department of Temporal Investigations. A recent patrol near the base uncovered the U.S.S. Horizon, NCC-173, one of the first UFP Starfleet ships, constructed well over two centuries prior. [19:34] *** Sirius is now known as CROP_Sirius [19:34] 12Coronado seems to have discovered what happened to the ship: it made first contact with a rather strange lifeform: something like a large neural net, the lifeform seems to have at least two life stages: a large white spiderweb-like mass that communicates through direct neural link, and a much larger gaseous form, that communicates by radio. [19:34] 12The crew has made contact with the same lifeform, and while we still have not determined what happened to the crew of the Horizon, at least some questions have been answered. Those questions, however, seem to give birth to still more -- most important, where is the crew of the Horizon, where are we, and how do we get back to where we belong? [19:34] ack [19:34] ack [19:35] acknowledged, Cappy! Up the mainsails, chop down the mizzen mast and keel-haul the boatswain! [19:35] *** CREN_Cyrax has quit IRC (Quit: You can't get blood from a stone, unless you bash it against someone's skull. ) [19:35] * Mouse snickers [19:35] ack [19:35] keel-haul? [19:35] yak [19:35] Mouse, please don't slur this time ;) [19:35] ack [19:35] ack [19:35] ack [19:35] * Mouse keel-hauls the first lieutenants too 8:P Quickie description to go with that briefing: [19:36] 12=Description= The crew of the Coronado comes to on a rather drab world: most of the visible surface is brown and appears lifeless at first glance. However, at second glance, it's clear that the ground is covered with some kind of algae-like substance. The air is crisp, cold, and somewhat thin, but breathable. [19:36] *** Lten_Berkana is now known as LTen_Berkana [19:36] * CRXO_Cash is tempted to keel the eediots. [19:36] 12=Description= Off in the distance a great brown cylinder, at least 50 meters high, is visible. Beyond that are moutain ranges in all directions. Standing here and there are lifeforms that appear to be trees, but probably aren't -- they sway too easily in the breeze. Hurrying to and fro from the cylinder are black-brown creatures that lope this way and that, almost like large cats. Given that briefing and description, any questions? [19:36] sir no sir! ::clicks heels together:: [19:36] umm yeah where am I at the moment? [19:36] No, sir. [19:36] weaps? Everyone is on the planet. Everyone has a communicator, but no other equipment. [19:37] ::nod:: [19:37] Well, here's two: What the Hell did you slip in my drink while all this was happening, and where the Hell can I buy some myself? :) [19:37] oh! Are we separated from everyone else? [19:37] and now we are dressed? LOL [19:37] he h ehe LOL! Everyone is more or less together, and yes, we're all dressed. [19:38] okie. No more questions then [19:38] hehehe What was in the teaser is something that everyone has a memory of happening. [19:38] good... glad that JEster isn't doing that traditional strip-tease 8:P [19:38] << except for Lehman, but *I*'m responsible for that, so I got dibs :P >> Those come after the sim, Mouse. :) Any other questions? [19:38] <> [19:38] sir no sir! [19:38] no sir [19:39] No, sir... :) [19:39] that's a negatory, ace [19:39] *** ObsAJ has quit IRC (Quit: "We don’t have time to bury any of them. We’ve got a mission and it doesn’t include your whining ass, so if you don’t shut up, I’m letting you know in advance that you’re expendable." Joey Trotta - Realms of the Haunting ) [19:39] Well, I've exhausted my questiomn tolerance for the week, so no :) Alrighty, let's get started. :) [19:39] -m :P * FCCO_Aldur 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= 12 =-=-=-=-=-=-= SIM START =-=-=-=-=-=-= 8,5= 0,5/\ 8,5= [19:39] *** obszort (wc@listcuser99.li.net) has left #lol-coronado [19:39] Well that was.......odd ::looks around:: [19:39] * L1CC_Twain wonders where he is. [19:39] ::shivers in the cold air:: Where are we? [19:39] ::Looks around himself:: What in blazes? [19:40] * Mouse peers about in a rather significant amount of shock, cursing something in her native language ::stands up, taking a look around, then nods, as if he recognizes the place:: [19:40] :: at least I don't have to man that bloody station anymore 8:P :: [19:40] ::rubs his hand across his forehead, tracing his hairline, then rubs the age-ridges along its face:: [19:40] ::scratches his head:: Uh....where are we? ::looks around:: Everyone all right? Everyone seem to be here? [19:40] ::quickly glances around and says sourly:: the start of a perfect day [19:40] ::looks around and shivers again:: What happened to the ship? [19:40] ::Looks around and sees the other crew members, most of them also looking lost too:: [19:40] ::sits up in Medical bay feeling still not good from my apparent ordeal:: Good question, Lehman. ::hits his combadge:: [19:41] * Mouse reaches for the blaster in her toolkit and finds that she's lost her kit somehow... all she's got left is her communicator [19:41] * L1CC_Twain glances around at the crew [19:41] I think it's safe to say whatever happened got all of us... [19:41] *** LTDR_Browning (nephlyte@ts4-28.mlode.com) has joined #lol- coronado +taps+ Aldur to Coronado. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:41] Alright? hell no...but here, nonetheless !commission LtDR_Browning [19:41] -CoroLCARS- Adding user LtDR_Browning as *!*nephlyte@*.mlode.com to database at Level 25 (Officer). [19:41] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v LTDR_Browning [19:41] <> [19:41] <> [19:41] ((hiya Doct'r!)) ::tries it again:: +taps+ Aldur to Coronado computer. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:41] 12=.\ction= The Coronado's computer responds. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:42] * L1CC_Twain takes a step forward, then realizes he doesn't have the familiar tug of his weapon at his left hip [19:42] <> [19:42] ::holds her head:: My head feels like it is two sizes to big right now and I really could use a coat on this strange planet [19:42] * Mouse bites her lip and crouches down, running her hand through the strange soils of the planet... dry... ::nods:: Well, the ship is there, but apparently uninhabited. ::looks around:: Looks like the whole crew is here. [19:42] ::watches Aldur for a moment, then visually surveys the people around them:: [19:42] ::sighs and sits on the ground:: [19:42] +taps+ Marshall to Coronado computer, one to beam up [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:42] ::gets up off the bed wanting to go to the bridge:: Exec, send the majority of the crew and Marines back up. The rest of us will try to determine where we are. [19:43] ::taps his foot:: [19:43] 12=.\ction= As Aldur is talking, Marshall dematerializes. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:43] On it, skip. [19:43] * Mouse looks up at the horison again and stands [19:43] ::looks around, noticing the transporter room:: [19:43] maybe we could do that also Captain Aldur before we freeze down here [19:43] ::dosn't see the doc in sickbay so I walk to the door:: [19:43] ::turns around:: Alright, for those of you that didn't hear it, get the Hell back up to the ship. Marines and all non- senior staff or required operatives... For an away team. [19:43] ::steps off the padd and moves to the transporter control, looking for some sort of sign of the away team...or a planet of some sort:: ::shakes his head:: I want an explanation for what's happened, Commander. [19:44] * L1CC_Twain nods and moves away from the main group into a smaller group readying for transport [19:44] ::turns as everyone moves off into their separate groups:: Done. [19:44] +taps+ Marshall to Aldur, We're orbiting a planet at about an altitude of 25 klicks. Looks like it's a class M [CoroLCARS SOUND] << 12If you return to the ship, please put your nick in [ ]. >> [19:45] * Mouse yawns widely and sits in the dirt, wondering what the hell happened but realizing she isn't smart enough to figure and out, so leaves it at that. [19:45] *** LTTC_Marshall is now known as [LTTC_Marshall] [19:45] *** L1CC_Twain is now known as [L1CC_Twain] [19:45] +taps+ Marshall can you beam me down a coat sir [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:45] ::exits sickbay and walks down the corridor to the TL:: [19:45] Bridge! [19:45] <> +taps+ Acknowledged, Marshall. Grab some weapons, medical kits, tricorders, and some field jackets, and get back down here. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:45] <[L1CC_Twain]> <> [19:45] <[LTTC_Marshall]> +taps+ Acknowledged [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:45] +taps+ Cash to Transporter room. We need some tricorders, armaments, standard AT gear, stat. Beam to my coordinates. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:45] <[LTTC_Marshall]> ::goes to work:: ::grins at Cash:: Great minds, and all that. [19:46] ::looks over at Aldur:: Yeah. [19:46] * Mouse stands up again and begins wandering about a little, exploring [19:46] ::exits TL and walks onto the bridge:: [19:46] <> [19:46] ::moves to the marine station:: ::claps his hands and looks around:: OK, as far as I'm concerned, this is a voluntary mission. If you'd like to stay on the surface, you're welcome to. If not, go ahead and call for beam up. [19:46] ::stands near Captain Aldur and Cmdr Cash:: What is our next move? [19:46] * Mouse , not hearing the captain, continues to hunt about [19:46] And what might the mission be? ::turns to Lehman and indicates the cylinder:: Looks like that's where all the action is. [19:46] * [L1CC_Twain] immediately arms himself and goes to find Major Vansen [19:46] Computer where is the Captain! [19:46] ::mutters to himself quietly:: Damn... My back hasn't been in such pain since... Well, since it got snapped in two. [19:46] <[LTTC_Marshall]> ::puts together a standard AT gear package for each member of the senior staff, grabbing his phaser pistols and a mark IV rifle for good measure:: [19:47] ah! ::finds her toolbelt hanging in a "tree":: how th'hell'd that get there? [19:47] 12=.\ction= In singles and groups, the majority of the Coro's crew beams back to the ship. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:47] Too damn cold down here. I'm finding Jeno and going back up. [19:47] <[L1CC_Twain]> <> [19:47] <[LTTC_Marshall]> ::transports back down between two beam ups:: [19:47] <[LTTC_Marshall]> ::demat/remat:: [19:47] computer> The captain is not on the ship [19:47] <[LTTC_Marshall]> I got coats! [19:47] * Mouse hops up and down a few times, trying to reach her toolkit, finally snagging it and sending it tumbling to the ground [19:47] ::Steps of the tpad and looks around:: Well, thats been quite a start to my day [19:47] ::sits down at the marine station [19:47] *** [LTTC_Marshall] is now known as LTTC_Marshall [19:47] ::beams back up:: [19:47] ((what?)) [19:48] * [L1CC_Twain] goes to the bridge [19:48] ::looks at the console:: ::nods and takes a phaser and jacket from Marshall:: Pass the equipment around, and lets get started. [19:48] *** LTen_Berkana is now known as [LTEn_Berkana] [19:48] *** LTDR_Browning is now known as [LTDR_Browning] [19:48] ::starts handing out away team and the cold weather gear:: [19:48] <[L1CC_Twain]> <> [19:48] Alright ::reaches out for a coat from Marshall and quickly puts it on:: [19:48] ((That's how she speaks. Sorry 8:P)) [19:48] ::Gets equipped, stat:: [19:48] ::takes a phaser and looks at the others:: [19:48] * Mouse buckles up her toolbelt and goes back to meet the rest of the group [19:48] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::walks to sickbay:: [19:48] ::grabs his equipment, mniding to take his time:: ::pulls the jacket on and checks the phaser:: [19:49] ::sees alot of transporter activity:: [19:49] * Mouse timidly takes a jacket, but nothing else. ::holsters it and looks about, seeing who's left:: OK, Mouse, full tricorder readings. ::kicks at the algae with his toe:: Let's start with that. [19:49] ::zips up and smooths out the jacket, slipping the mark IV rifle sling over his shoulder and letting it dangle while he checks the charge in his pistols:: [19:49] * [L1CC_Twain] enters the bridge. [19:49] <[L1CC_Twain]> Major. [19:49] uhhh... yessir.... [19:49] Skip, I gotta do this... As in, I gotta remind you of the general orders regarding ship captains on possibly hazardous away missions. [19:49] * Mouse pulls out a tricorder from her kit and begins scanning ::indicates a nearby "tree":: We'll probably want a look at that as well. [19:49] ::turns at the sound of my rank:: [19:49] * [L1CC_Twain] goes into an increased attention [19:49] ::sees the tree that her toolkit was hanging in:: [19:49] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Walks though the ship headinf for engineering:: [19:49] yessah [19:50] * Mouse scans, the little device piddley-pinging to it's heart's content [19:50] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::flops down into a chair:: ::turns to Cash:: Well, Commander, I suspect if the inhabitants of this planet meant me harm, I'd be dead already. But your point is well-taken. I'll take Mouse and Lehman with me and check out the local plant life. [19:50] I know, man. Just following regs... [19:50] ::says smugly:: or they may just want to toy with you [19:50] ::sets the phaser to level 6:: I still feel safer with this thing though You take Sirius and Marshall, and have a first look at that cylinder. [19:50] <[L1CC_Twain]> Major, may I ask how you're...feeling? [19:51] But failing that, the regulations stipulating that there should never be an instance when the top two officers are both in a precarious away situation... Ah crap, blah blah blah. There, I said it all. [19:51] Done and done, cap. [19:51] *** MjMc_Vansen is now known as [MjMc_Vansen] [19:51] ::motions to Sirius and Pinball:: Comon, boys. [19:51] ::looks around at the algee and trees:: It looks like plant life Captain? What are you suspecting sir [19:51] ::forms up beside Cash:: [19:51] <[MjMc_Vansen]> Fine considering Lt [19:51] <[LTDR_Browning]> This is boring. ::shrugs:: Won't know until we check it out. ::indicates the tree Mouse is examining:: Let's go. [19:52] * Mouse bites her lip and tries translating the text that the tricorder is spewing out, not coming up with much [19:52] <[L1CC_Twain]> Considering, major? [19:52] ::grimly:: nope, wouldn't want to miss this ::follows behind cash:: [19:52] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::gets a coat from the equipment cabinet behind his desk and puts it on:: [19:52] ::stays close to Captain Aldur with phaser ready just in case of trouble:: [19:52] ::brings a pair of macrobinoculars out of his jacket and focuses in on the cylinder:: [19:52] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::enters TL and heads for TR:: [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:52] ::comes up at a moderated pace, approaching the large cylinder:: Alright, Commander, let's see some readings. ::approaches Mouse, stepping carefully through the algae:: What have you got? [19:52] <[MjMc_Vansen]> Well In the last 2 months I have been in Dominion POW camps and not to forget being apparently being digested in a big thing [19:52] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::enters TR:: [19:52] * Mouse points at a grimy bluish gook on the ground, teh algae [19:52] I don't see an enterance... [19:53] * [L1CC_Twain] cringes ever so slightly. [19:53] uhm ::hunts for his tricorder:: [19:53] Gimme anything sensors pick up... Consituent mass, etc. [19:53] 12=.\ction= Around the cylinder, the brown/black creatures scurry about. They move like cats, but on closer inspection, seem to have more jointed bodies, like ants. [19:53] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::beams down to the planet, leaving Jeno in their apartment:: [19:53] <[L1CC_Twain]> Sounds rather bad, sir, but I'm pleased you're feeling batter, if it's any consolation. [19:53] uh... the kirlian scanners are pingin'out at maximum all over'th'place, sir.... these plants're puttin out more energy'n most life sensors can manage [19:53] ::tosses Sirius his:: I don't use these much. [19:53] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Walks into engineering and looks around:: This place gives me the creeps its so empty.... [19:53] sensor aren't going to be picking anything up [19:53] ::doesn't pay much attention to the algee and walks on it to keep up with the Captain:: [19:53] ::becomes more wary as they near the antcats:: [19:53] <[LTDR_Browning]> ::walks over to the captain, removing his brackets:: [19:53] ::catches the tricorder:: [19:53] *** [LTDR_Browning] is now known as LTDR_Browning [19:53] same with th'trees.... and they got mellons... hmmm... ::gets hungry:: << 12BTW, Mouse has made a pretty fair drawing of the ants. :) >> [19:54] ::scans:: [19:54] says here that th'algae're.... uhh... photo- ::stumbles:: photosynth-sizin... [19:54] ((I'll upload it 8;D [19:54] Need anything from me, Cap? [19:54] ::comes up to stand about fifty metres from the cylinder, Siri and Marshall in tow:: [19:54] <> [19:54] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::looks at the scan report:: It is an iteresting system, single star single planet [19:55] ::focuses scans on the cylinder:: [19:55] <[L1CC_Twain]> Major, I believe the crew on the planet is currently scouting, and perhaps we should join them. [19:55] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::goes over the ships status:: [19:55] * Mouse bites her lip and crouches down, grabbing a fistful of the slimy algae [19:55] ::watches the scurrying:: Is it just me....or does this look like a pattern... ::nods and takes a closer look at the "tree":: [19:55] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::keeps looking at the report:: This is interesting [19:55] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::points out what appears to be a barrier of some description:: [19:55] ::looks down at the algee she is standing on:: This stuff is producing life signs Mouse? [19:55] <[MjMc_Vansen]> What do you make this out to be Lt [19:55] <[LTEn_Berkana]> +taps+ Berkana to Vansen. The ships in perfect condition, only theres a fluctuation in the engines [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:55] ((http://www.ualberta.ca/~cpinnell/ant-thing.jpg)) [19:55] 12=.\ction= The "trees" actually seem to be somewhat mobile and brown/black, like the ant/cats. Things that look like green melons hang from them. The melons come in all sizes. [19:56] ::nods:: uh-huh, lots of'em.... [19:56] * [L1CC_Twain] looks closely [19:56] ::says, to himself, "I'll ake that as a no.":: [19:56] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +taps+ Ok fix it Berkana [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:56] <> ::spins around and notices Browning:: Sorry, Doc. ::indicates the "tree":: What do you make of that? [19:56] * Mouse squishes the algae between her fingers [19:56] It's a tree. [19:56] ::stares at it for a few seconds:: [19:56] ::looks up, startled:: uhm, looks like a tree - oh, wait, you mean scans.... [19:56] A tree that is moving. [19:57] <[L1CC_Twain]> It appears to be a barrier, but I'm not keen in that area. ::grins and nods:: [19:57] It is a very odd looking tree [19:57] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::rubs temples:: [19:57] Remember those things from...oh, where was that? [19:57] ::stands, one hand on his hip, the other shielding his eyes to get a better view:: Anything yet, Commander? [19:57] uh.. jussasec, sir... ::blushes profusely:: [19:57] <[MjMc_Vansen]> I don't like this [19:57] I wonder what it would do if we picked one of the melon like fruit and ate it? [19:57] The trees with feet that would wander across the planet...? [19:57] I dunno, maybe th'ants're harvesting food? [19:57] not yet, sir ::laughs:: I wouldn't recommend it, Commander. What would you make their speed at? [19:58] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Opens a hatch and climbs in, pulls out a tricorder and a asortmant of tools and start to work:: [19:58] Need to brush up on my xenobiology... [19:58] Strange. 1 or 2 kilometers an hour, maybe? [19:58] <[MjMc_Vansen]> Lt, take a marine shuttle. and move to within 10 km of the barrier I want detailed sensor reports [19:58] -CROP_Sirius- I need some scan info [19:58] there was these big blue crawlies that lived on Gallipole, sir, I saw'em when I was with th'Rebellion outpost there.... they did somethin like this there... [19:58] Pinball, cover me... I'm assuming its safe to proceed a bit closer. [19:58] * [L1CC_Twain] nods. [19:58] Sirius, keep scanning. [19:58] <[L1CC_Twain]> Yes, major. [19:58] ::frowns:: Aye sir... [19:58] ::raises his rifle slightly:: [19:58] * Mouse takes the initiative and clambers up a tree, cutting off one of the melon-things [19:59] ::shoulders his weapon and hikes off towards the cylinder:: [19:59] getting something, sir [19:59] * [L1CC_Twain] heads to the shuttlebay [19:59] ::looks around:: Anybody got a spare tricorder? [19:59] ::proceeds after Cash at a much slower pace:: ::nods and approaches the tree slowly and cautiously:: [19:59] * CRHM_Lehman catches it as it falls toward the ground [19:59] ::ends up out of earshot just as Sirius announces his findings:: [19:59] The cylinder is filled with those ant things...three different types [19:59] I got it Mouse ::grins:: [19:59] 12=.\ction= One of the brown/black ants approaches the tree that Aldur's team is examining. [19:59] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +com+ Vansen to Away Team we have detected a barrier and we are sending a shuttle to investigate [CoroLCARS SOUND] [19:59] * Mouse blinks and looks at Lehmann [20:00] ::notices cash walked away:: fine, forget it ::reaches out and touches the tree:: [20:00] * [L1CC_Twain] boards a shuttle and turns the reactor on and lets it "warm up" ;) [20:00] ::reaches the cylinder and stands, dwarfed by its size:: Damn... [20:00] 12=.\ction= The ant/cat trots up to Lehman and starts chittering at her, mandibles flashing in the pale sunlight. [20:00] * Mouse slides down the "trunk" of the tree and puts the melon on the ground [20:00] ::takes one from an anonymous yellowshirt:: [20:00] * Mouse , seeing one of the ants get hostile, whips out her blaster and snarls [20:00] Thanks. [20:00] ::reaches out and plants an index finger against the surface, tracing the contours of the cylinder's surface:: [20:00] ::halts about 20m back from Cash, keeping an eye on all the antcats:: [20:00] ::puts the tricorder away:: ::takes several steps back from the tree and the ant and looks at Browning:: Any idea what it's doing, Doc? [20:01] :opens his tricorder:: [20:01] ::holds the melon in one hand and backs awau from the ant like creture and aims her phaser:: Can I kill it Captain Aldur? [20:01] * [L1CC_Twain] opens the shuttlebay via remote and lets the shuttle coast up and out slowly. [20:01] This is interesting... Put your weapon away, Lehman, and set the... melon down. [20:01] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::keeps an eye on scanner:: [20:01] * Mouse points her blaster at the creature and crouches into a pouncing position [20:01] <[L1CC_Twain]> +taps+ Twain to Vansen, approaching barrier. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:01] ::frowns:: Say Commander, is there any guarentee that our weapons even work down here? ::covers the antcats warily:: [20:01] That isn't a melon, sir... Mouse, you too. Put your weapon away and give me a scan. [20:01] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +com+ Roger that hold position and start scanning [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:02] 12=.\ction= The ant/cats seem to ignore Cash's team. [20:02] * [L1CC_Twain] looks ahead, seeing nothing, then looks at the image on the scanner [20:02] ::walks in the opposite direction of cash:: [20:02] eh? ::looks up at the captain tentitively:: But- it's gonna- ... ::stands slowly and holdsters her weapon:: yessir... [20:02] ::sets the melon down but continues to aim the phaser at the ant ready to kill it if it cmes closer to her:: [20:02] ::turns to regard Marshall and shakes his head "no":: [20:02] It's more of a...larvae? [20:02] Thought so.... [20:02] * Mouse looks down, a bit humiliated, as she scans ::blinks at Browning:: Are you saying those melons are actually eggs? [20:02] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Pulls out a torch and pulls out a chip:: +taps+ Engineering to Vansen I'm going to have to power down the weapons relays in order to reach the EPS tertiary manifold [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:03] <[L1CC_Twain]> +taps+ Major, the barrier is surrounding the entire system. It also appears to be chronometric. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:03] 12=.\ction= The ant/cat takes Lehman's egg in its mandibles, sets it into a pouch on its back, and lopes away, toward one of the other trees. [20:03] Insects, when maturing, live inside a hard shell. A pupa. That's what that is. [20:03] Weird... No unusual surface characteristics... [20:03] * Mouse starts scanning, muttering silently to herself [20:03] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +taps+ Understood Engineering [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:03] I think. Like I said, my exobiology is a little rusty. [20:03] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +com+ get all the information you can and head back to the ship [CoroLCARS SOUND] ::nods thoughtfully, watching the ant:: [20:03] ::turns looking for Sirius:: Damnit, I thought I asked for a reading on this thing... [20:03] * [L1CC_Twain] mutters to himself, recalling some of the non- combat courses he'd taken on other stuff [20:03] A little very. [20:03] ::slowly backs up next to Captain Aldur:: [20:03] * [L1CC_Twain] sees something on the scanner [20:03] ::continues walking around the cylinder:: [20:04] 12=.\ction= The ant/cat visits several of the trees, apparently collecting eggs from each. It then lopes in the direction of the cylinder. [20:04] <[L1CC_Twain]> +taps+ Major, there's another ship near the barrier. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:04] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Powers down the relays and reachs past them to work on the manifolds:: [20:04] I think the commander mentioned something about the thing being filled with 3 different types of these antcat things [20:04] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +com+ I can see it as well [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:04] uh.. ::walks up very timidly to the captain,a nd reports with more than a little reserve and humility:: you're right, sir.... th'corder says that they're uh - "unmatur'd adults" [20:04] ::gives up looking and raps a knock-knock on the side of the vertical-standing structure:: [20:04] ::puts her phaser down at her side:: I came real close to shotting that thing....they make me a little nervous Captain [20:04] ::takes notice of an ant coming his way:: hmm [20:04] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::opens hailing freq to the unknown ship:: [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:04] <[L1CC_Twain]> +taps+ Shall I intercept? [CoroLCARS SOUND] Is it possible that we're seeing some kind of... ::struggles for words:: I don't know, sybiosis, maybe? [20:04] ::draws his phaser:: How do the trees, eggs, and ants relate? [20:04] Whoops... Sounds like a nest or something... [20:04] Hmmm. [20:04] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +com+ Negative, return to ship [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:05] * Mouse mutters her responce "I dunno, sir" [20:05] <[L1CC_Twain]> +taps+ Acknowledged. Twain out. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:05] 12=.\ction= There is no response from the other ship, which does not appear on Coro's sensors. [20:05] Marsupialism? [20:05] * [L1CC_Twain] steers the ship back ::nods:: Let's join the other team, and see what they've found out. [20:05] <[MjMc_Vansen]> <> [20:05] ::takes a few more steps away from the ant:: [20:05] maybe th'whole panet's one great big bug... uh, sir. [20:05] 12=.\ction= The ant/cat ignores Sirius, and takes its bundle inside the cylinder. [20:05] THe eldest hold the...eggs until they drop, the younger hold them after that, until they hatch? [20:05] * [L1CC_Twain] ................................shuttlebay........................la la la............enters bridge ;) [20:05] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Pulls the manilfod conduit out of the circuit and scans it.: [20:05] * [L1CC_Twain] stands next to the major. [20:06] What the...::wonders where the ant/cat entered the cylinder seeing as there's no visible entrance:: ::nods:: At which point, they become... what? Ants or trees? [20:06] ::listens to the doctor:: [20:06] Ants, which grow into trees. [20:06] ::notes where the ant went in:: [20:06] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::continues to rub my head, I have this headache and It isn't going away:: [20:06] It's only a guess, but the ants and trees have basically the same chemical structure. [20:06] <[L1CC_Twain]> Major, are you feeling all right? [20:06] <[MjMc_Vansen]> Yeah I am fine [20:06] uhm... maybe they're just male'n female? [20:07] ::starts circling the cylinder, and stumbles upon a large hole in the ground:: Hey Commander! I think I found the door! This is damn strange. So, how do the... spiderwebs fit in? [20:07] ::looks down timidly and shuts up:: [20:07] so these ant like things will grow into a tree like this one doctor Browning? ::looks confused:: And what are we doing here? [20:07] * [L1CC_Twain] prolongs his glance at the major for an extra second, then turns to the scanner data [20:07] That could also be, Mouse. I didn't think of that. [20:07] ::looks over to Marshall, then follows him over:: Well, would you look at that? ::waves toward the cylinder:: Come on. Let's see what Commander Cash's team has discovered. ::heads in the direction of the cylinder:: [20:07] ::still minding to keep clear of cash:: [20:07] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Plugs the manifold back in and powers up the relays again:: [20:07] <[MjMc_Vansen]> Ok I am heading down to the planet, this info needs to be delivered to the captain himself [20:07] * Mouse bites her lip and nods silently, delegating herself to the position of silent assistant [20:07] ::looks down the hole, then up at Cash, then down again:: [20:07] * [L1CC_Twain] nods. [20:07] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::downloads it to a data padd:: [20:07] <[L1CC_Twain]> Shall I accompany you? [20:07] Or it could be like Mouse said. THe ants are one gender, the trees are another, Lehman. Your guess is as good as mine. [20:08] ::follows Captain Aldur keeping a close watch on these vreatures in case they decide to attack:: [20:08] ::juts his jaw:: [20:08] ((very macho, Cash 8:P)) ::nods and looks at Mouse:: You have probably seen a pretty strange assortment of lifeforms, Mouse. Does it relate in any way to something you've seen? [20:08] ::follows, scanning the ants and trees:: dum dee dum dee dummm. [20:08] <[MjMc_Vansen]> +taps+ Vansen to Berkana, your in command till I get back [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:08] << :P >> [20:08] ::sighs and starts down the hole:: [20:08] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::head to TR1:: [20:08] ::sighs:: My only question is how do we get out of here [20:08] uh... there's a frog thing on endor that lives parta'it's life as a plant, sir.... [20:08] ::crouches as he enters:: [20:08] Really? [20:08] Hmm. [20:09] ugly, with big blue warts 8:P [20:09] That could be rather intersting. [20:09] Whoa there... ... ... .. Aw hell, wait for me. [20:09] 12=.\ction= Ant/cats rush this way and that through the hole as Marshall enters. A corridor/ramp of sorts leads into the ground. It is several meters wide, but only about a meter and a half tall. Marshall has to lean over a bit to pass down it. [20:09] it smelled bad [20:09] ::stays up with Captain Aldur:: [20:09] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::sets co-ordinates to Captains position:: [20:09] <[MjMc_Vansen]> ::demats/remats:: [20:09] * [L1CC_Twain] looks around the empty bridge and sighs [20:09] *** [MjMc_Vansen] is now known as MjMc_Vansen [20:09] ::sits down, leaning against the cylinder:: [20:09] ::follows Marshall, covering his flank:: [20:09] ::sniffs:: Man it's dank down here...::moves up against the wall as an ant/cat shuffles by:: ::approaches Cash as Marshall disappears into the ground:: Looks like they found something. [20:09] ::the scientist in the doctor is taking over, as the emotions drain away and pure knowledge and curiosity replace it:: [20:09] Hmm. ::turns as Vansen materializes:: Welcome back, Major. [20:10] * Mouse follows behind the Captain, trying to not get int he way [20:10] ::looks around:: Nice planet :) [20:10] ::hands data padd to the Captain:: [20:10] ::turns only momentarily toward the Major:: [20:10] ::continues downwards, then stops as the ramp levels off:: ::nods and takes the PADD from Vansen and activates it:: [20:10] ::looks back over his shoulder:: [20:10] ::watches as some ants approach again:: [20:11] We have detected a barrier of some description. It is unknown what it does or anything like that [20:11] ::stands and moves away from the cylinder:: [20:11] 12=.\ction= Marshall and Cash eventually reach a large, low chamber. Ant/cats fill the space, engaged in mysterious errands. In one corner, a large assortment of eggs is being cared for. [20:11] * Mouse looks around blankly, appearing to be very bored [20:11] ::looks around for a ladder of some sort:: [20:11] 12=.\ction= Meanwhile, Sirius, momentarily cut off from the others, is apparently the topic of much interest among several of the ant/cats. [20:11] ::stil thinking about the frog-thingy:: ::nods and reads the report:: Anything else on the ship that Twain picked up? [20:12] ::walks over to Mouse:: [20:12] ::draws his phaser once again:: [20:12] Well he says he detected a ship [20:12] ::slowly inches over towards the eggs, peeking closer:: [20:12] Whatsamatter, Mouse? You look dejected. [20:12] ::sighs:: stupid ants [20:12] Our sensors detected nothing [20:12] ::watches the ant things moving and aims her phaser atthem in case they try something:: [20:12] * Mouse looks up at Browning, a little pit suprised [20:12] These must be the warriors ::nods over to several antcats mucking about near one side of the room:: [20:12] uh? Oh, nothin. I'm okay. [20:12] 12=.\ction= Several of the ant/cats surround Sirius. [20:12] 12=.\ction= One reaches out and grabs him with his mandibles. [20:12] ::points over to several others:: And those, and those. [20:12] ::looks closer:: yeah...but what're they're weapons [20:13] ? [20:13] I opened hailing frequencies just to make sure and there was no response [20:13] * Mouse blinks [20:13] ::manages a smile:: I've got a minor in psychology, Mouse. You don't look okay. [20:13] ::shudders and struggles:: [20:13] ::fires at the ant:: ::nods:: Take the ship to the location of that ship and try to determine what it is. [20:13] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Taps on the console:: [20:13] a wh.. ohh, a doctor... I'm just tired, tha's all. [20:13] Probably those fangy tooth things hanging off the sides of their mouths... And those legs... [20:13] ::hears phaser noise:: [20:13] Not to mention telepathy. [20:13] 12=.\ction= The rest of the group is startled by the sound of phaser fire. [CoroLCARS SOUND] [20:13] ack! [20:13] ::hears phaser fire:: Captain, someone is in trouble sir [20:13] ::runs and almost collapses as I stop and look:: [20:13] * Mouse whips out her blaster and hits the dirt... well, algae, on instinct [20:14] >splot< ::spins around and runs in the direction of the cylinder:: [20:14] I see. If you want, I can get you relieved and sent to bed. But you seem a little old for that. [20:14] ::follows with phaser ready to fire:: [20:14] ::watches as the warrior ant/cats begin to stir:: [20:14] ::doesn't seem to care about the muck she's lying in, instead looking about for the hostile fire:: [20:14] Commander... [20:14] ::now looking down at Mouse in the algae:: [20:14] I see it... [20:14] 12=.\ction= One of the ant/cats yanks Sirius' phaser out of his hand while two others hold him between them. They head for the underground ramp. [20:14] Might be a good idea for us to stay out of the way... [20:14] where'd that come from? [20:14] Um.. (at a loss for words) [20:14] ::yelps:: [20:14] ::nods and back up against the chamber wall:: [20:14] 12=.\ction= An opening appears in the far end of the space that Cash and Marshall are in. [20:15] * Mouse gets up to her knees again, looking around [20:15] ::looks up at the sound:: [20:15] ::calls for help:: [20:15] <[LTEn_Berkana]> ::Changes some power settings:: Yes! [20:15] ::looks over to see the opening as a swishing sound is heard:: What the Hell? ::runs around the edge of the cylinder in time to see a couple of dead ants on the ground, and Sirius being taken underground:: [20:15] there! ::dashes off towards where Siri is:: [20:15] ::trailing behind:: [20:15] ::fires at the ant like creatures holding Sirius [20:15] :: [20:15] ::sits down and throws up:: Oh gawd I fell wiered. ::draws his phaser and fires on another of the ant/cats:: [20:15]