El Sal Mission 15.1: While You Were Sleeping...

[Savot]

[El Salvador: Ready Room]


Savot, each time he had something specific to focus on, seemed to gain a firmer grip on his usual composure at least temporarily, and it was the more typical Commodore that listened to Stacey's words in the Ready Room. He gripped his hands behind his back as she spoke, tilting his head slightly to review the padd she handed him then merely watching her body language. Savot's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly and he shook his head one single, slow time, "For my part, I feel no breach of friendship. While one could argue that familiar faces are chosen to make use of an established trust or rapport, I also take into account the importance of whatever your genuine goal is to you, and as such how important it is to select a vessel and crew of sufficient quality to provide the highest chance of succeeding in that goal. I opt to focus on that interpretation as I still trust you would not needlessly subject us to risk. I do; however, advise caution to you. You are one of the few I would in fact trust not to become consumed by the scope of what you do, and are therefore too valuable to lose before your time."


As though riding the coattails of his own concern for her, Stacey Jackson once more acted as his Counselor as she spoke, she turned around and looked at him her head slightly at a tilt. “And as someone who considers you a dear friend, you need to put aside a chunk of time and meditate, Your first officer and Engineer are already concerned it is only a matter of time before people who haven't known you as long begin to take note.”



Savot, his emotional state started to touch the surface again, gave a small smile at the memory of his previous First Officer posing as his wife to send him a message in prison, then he shook his head to focus and nodded slowly, "Your council is sound.  I fear my mental control has been impacted more seriously than I had previously believed by my... the young girl's mental assault.  Meditation should indeed remedy the matter but if my efforts fail I assure you I shall report to Sickbay."  He looked and nodded at Stacey's provided coordinates, "We will see you there, Councilwoman.  Peace, and long life."  Giving her a small bow of his head hoping she left feeling not quite as isolated as she had.


[El Salvador: Main Bridge]


Savot instructed Deis to take the El Salvador to the rendezvous coordinates Jackson had given, gently suggested to Karysta that the cessation of the current crisis made it more appropriate for her to return to the quarters she shared with Zhegras, as being on the bridge without being an official cadet was against regulation.  His temper seemed to flare in proximity to the girl who could have been his daughter... but the anger that surfaced was not AT her, it was the leftovers of her own loathing of his image that had stuck within his mind after her meld attack.  He walked past Delbridge without a word to head to a holodeck where he could face the source of her ire... at least its' image.

[Deis Irae]

::Commander Irae is in no way psychic or empathic, but the moment her Captain steps out of the readyroom and relays her orders...she just knows. Call it human intuition coupled with experience. She knows Savot probably better than most...actually there is no probably about it...she knows this man. Her eyes follow him after recieving her orders and murmuring a quiet "aye, Capn". The attack by the vulcan girl has shaken him more than she had realized but for this moment there was nothing she could do about it. Her eyes linger a little longer on Jackson...more expressionless than her Captain...also slightly more menacing for the lack of it. No disrespect...but whatever just passed in that readyroom did not help. Pushing up from her chair she gives the coordinates and the order to move out to the rendezvous:: Engage.

-------------

::A couple of hours pass in travel and basic minding of the El Salvador until nearing the end of her shift. Half of her mind says that she should remain on the bridge regardless of the "hours"...but the other half knows that she has another task. This task requires her presence more than the bridge does. She rises finally and looks over those present on the bridge...and just to be a pain in the [word deleted] she eyeballs Delbridge who just so happens to be here. The man knows somethings up when she gives him a faint little halfsmile:: Mr. Delbridge...ye 'ave th bridge. I needs speak wi' th Capn so dinnae ye dare call me unless we be bout t explode. ::giving the man a brighter toothy smile when he gives her the questioning expression. not explaining at all, she strides off the bridge. Once in the turbolift she speaks:: Computer, location o Capn Savot? ::The Computer replies with:: Captain Savot is currently in holodeck 2. ::She directs the lift to the proper deck and then makes short work of arriving. She does hesitate for a moment just outside the doors...but this needs to be done. So she taps in the First Officers override codes on the arch locks and strides right in::

He hadn't learned of this during his meld with his counterpart... the assassin was too proficient at compartmentalizing his mind. But the raw, primal mental assault attempted by the vulcan girl... the reflection's offspring... revealed to Savot a new level entirely of how far his other self was willing to go, and it frankly disgusted him. He took satisfaction in the decapitation of the holodeck opponent and stood breathing heavily for a few moments before regaining his composure. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and repeating calmly, "Computer, reload opponent, increase physical prowess and cunning parameters by an additional level. Begin program." Savot's mirror-reflection appeared again, instantly kneeling in supplication, "I surrender, Captain, please." Savot's confused expression lasted just long enough for the assassin to lunge forward impaling his heart in what would be a killing blow without the net of holodeck safeties rendering the blade incorporeal upon contact. The captain sneered, angry more at himself for falling for the trick than he was at the opponent for using it. With the assassin in such close proximity from his underhanded strike, Savot reached out for its face with both hands, snapping its neck with a sickening crunch as the body slumped to the floor of the holodeck. Not quite to the point of an outright yell of fury, Savot expressed the near-equivalent for himself as he clenched his fist and slammed it down atop his own thigh...


::Well THIS is not what she expected to find when she stepped through those wooshing doors. Her entry was both obvious and not exactly invited but to her suprise it does not seem to matter that shes interrupted. Because he seems very intent upon destroying....himself. Or a reasonable facsimile thereof. She isnt overly concerned when he gets stabbed by his other self. Its the sneer and the physical intensity with which he just broke the shite out of the assassin Savots neck. That alone is enough to make her pause. Then the beating of his thigh causes her mouth to drop open a little in a thrill of shock. Deis has NEVER seen him this way...never seen him less than near perfectly controlled. She knew that he had to be on edge from everything thats happened lately, herself included. But this...:: Savot...

Somewhere amidst the other information being absorbed and catalogued by his senses were the sounds of her having entered the Holodeck. But it is not until she speaks that his mind connects her voice to those recollected and pushed aside sound memories to arrive at the instantaneously conclusion. Savot's head snaps over his right shoulder towards her, teeth just barely showing before his lips close. Though the overall expression remains remarkably unchanged physically... it is definitely recognizable to her somehow that over several moments Savot is reining in as much of his ferocity as he can. His posture straightens and he moves to clasp his hands behind his back as is his typical stance but as his right hand moves behind him out of view you notice it is still tightly clenched. He pauses for a moment as though deciding what to say, and then merely utters, "Deis... Computer, end program."

::Deis has never seen him HAVE to reign it in. So watching it happen is facinating in a twisted sort of way and also almost disturbing. Shes learned, over the dim lost years, to keep a damn good poker face but that is not in evidence right now. Those greyish eyes are a little wide, face a little pale and she is so obviously concerned. It is more than concern, its outright alarm. Something is pinging in the back of her mind...shes seen something like this before but she wouldnt recall when or where. She steps towards him at a slowish pace as she speaks:: I didnae intend t interrupt...but mayhaps tis good tha i did. ::pausing close enough to have to peer up into his face, clearly wanting to obey old instincts and take his pulse or something:: Wha is this Savot? Ye are'nae right.

For a moment the vulcan's eyes flash as she approaches, narrowing in focus as though warily eyeing the approach of a predator... or perhaps of prey. Savot dips his head slowly, "I'm sorry you witnessed that display. My mental control since the attack has been... erratic." His gaze takes in her concerned expression... then slowly travels the length of her form and back up to her face.

::The wary gaze is something shes become accustomed to...but not from Savot. Out there amongst the scum of the universe is one thing...shes watched others the same way. But here, now, and from him its quite jarring and strangely exciting to tell the truth:: Yeve nae reason t be sorry. I DID just walk in uninvited. ::she reaches out and settles a hand on the upper part of his left arm, with a little "hey im here for ya man" kind of grip...and then is catching the raking gaze. It isnt as though Deis dresses for modesty anymore, tightness of uniform seems to cover all but conceals little. That pinging gets a little louder and suprisingly to her a flush of color jumps into her pale face. It isnt just the gaze, there is a certain...something to that voice that shes never heard before:: erratic or nae...lemme help? I ken th bother Savot...ye dinnae need t hide it. Nae from me. Nae ever. ::The doors woosh closed, the arch fades from vision::

[Deleted]

Nayomi shut down her computer and took a deep breath. She checked the ship's status. They were en-route to a nearby station, clearly the admiral was done any fishy business and the necklace had been found. With any luck Jahka would leave the ship there and she would never have to see him again. Her mother had a point though. Nayomi had done a lot of growing since her failed engagement, and perhaps he had too. It was probably time to face him, but everything on the table and then close that door properly. It not for the benefit of her relationship to him, at least for the one with her sister. She took a shower, changed into a fresh uniform and paged the man she had been so activly trying to avoid the last several days.
=A= Dr Chavet to Jahka Trev=A=
=A= Nayomi! giving in are you?=A=
=A= Hardly, meet me at the arboretum.=A= it would be quite at this time of day, and she hardly needed an audiance..

As she excited her quarters she saw her Bolian guard waiting dutifully. "Thank you for looking out for me, but you may be relieved." She looked puzzled for a moment, shrugged and then headed off taping her comm as she went, surely to update Lieutenant Taryn.

Nayomi headed to the arboretum and was happy to note two things, first that Jahka had not yet arrived and second that she was alone. She took a seat near a well tended red wood bonsai whose tag indicated it was almost 500 years old. She took a moment to think about how trivial her love life was compared to everything that tree had probably lived through. Before she had too long to dwell on it the doors slide open and her Ex strolled in. Looked around and spotted her then sauntered over.

"No security detail. Well that's a nice change." he smiled as he took a seat beside her. "To what do I owe this pleasure?

"We will be at the next star base in twelve hours. Have you decided what your next move will be?" She asked rather pointedly.

Jahka took a deep breath. "Well, my company will be making a full inquiry into the invasion of the research facility and I have been told to report to head quarters for that as soon as possible. It's the type of thing that can last over a year, so I haven't thought much beyond that."

Nayomi nodded. "Despite everything Jahka, it has been good to see you again. If only to see how much I have changed in the last few years. I wish you the best, but please, if you ever felt anything for me don't try to contact me again. I want to spend more time looking to the future and a lot less time looking back.

There was a long pause. It felt like hours, but was probably less then a minute. "Ok. I can do that." He got up, looked down at her as if considering going in for a hug, then turned and headed for the door. Nayomi sat in the garden for another half hour or so, and then headed to sickbay

[Savot]

[El Salvador: Deck 3, Captain's Quarters next day]


Savot exited his meditation, feeling the vast majority of his mental serenity returned to him at last. He had sat shirtless in the center of his quarters, the lightest of scars from years before gracing his back just behind his left lung paying homage to the skill of the physicians who had tended the grievous axe wound responsible for it, with his legs crossed under him resting his hands on his knees and simply breathing regular and slow for nearly an hour. The rescue from his telepathic instability had left him possessed now of an instability of the heart, but although this was uncharted territory for him the vulcan captain felt much more capable of weathering this, than the former. He believed there was little that he and Deis Irae could not face at each other's side.


A chirp from his commbadge drew his eyes open and he rose to cross the distance to his desk to pick up the device acknowledging the summons, =^=Savot here.=^= The sound of his friend Delbridge's voice came through the intracomm, =^=Captain we've got a message from Admiral Hayes requesting your senior staff in the Conference Room in 40 minutes to receive a new mission brief. She took far too much enjoyment from my being the Officer of the Deck for the moment and I'd like to go take a cleansing stroll through Engineering if you don't mind my leaving things to Tamarov til you get up here?=^=


Savot nodded needlessly as there was no visual communication taking place, simply habit, =^=That's perfectly acceptable Commander Delbridge, thank you. I shall be there presently, Savot out.=^= He set the badge down to don the uniform shirt and jacket to which he could attach the device properly.  He looked over to Deis, his countenance once more of the serenity that was his custom, softening to a degree perhaps imperceptible in the slightest smile as he affixed his Commodore pips, "It would seem our duty calls, Commander... though oddly I consider it an extension of our time together rather than an interruption.  It is not only myself that is brightened by your presence; the El Salvador is not fully itself in your absence."

<Response if any>


*************************************************************************************************************************************
[El Salvador: Main Bridge]


Less than 7 minutes later, Savot entered the bridge via the whoosh of turbolift doors and realized then how intense his recent state must have been as he registered obvious relief and reassurance in the expressions of those who regarded his approach looking much more as they were used to seeing him.  Giving those looking a polite nod of greeting, the vulcan strode to the center seat engaging the ship's intercom, =^=Savot to all senior staff.  Subspace briefing in the Conference room in 30 minutes, Bridge out.=^=


*************************************************************************************************************************************
[El Salvador: Conference Room]


At the very rear of Deck 1, the ship's senior personnel were all present and awaiting the incoming transmission from Admiral Hayes for their next assignment.  Coming from a long line of family service, Hayes' punctuality was precise and her image appeared on the main wall screen that faced the windows showing the starstrips stretching behind the powerful starship at warp speed, =^=Greetings, El Salvador.  Glad to see there were no Prime Directive issues with your latest assignment; you all performed well under unusual circumstances.  But the galaxy stops for no one.=^=  The Admiral's hands pressed controls on her console presumably transmitting data to the El Salvador as the image of a solar system with the 7th planet highlighted rose as a hologram in the center of the conference table slowly rotating for all to see.


=^=This is the Vhenzlu system; Vhenzlu 7 being a recent addition to the Federation about 3 years ago.  They've sent out a request for aid regarding a medical condition that, while spreading slowly, seems to be baffling their attempts to combat it.  They've been a trading port for freighters to stop and refuel on some of the longer cargo runs so there've been a number of non-native species on the surface and none of those have been afflicted or even appear to be carriers but our data is limited so far.  Until we can ensure other races, even if unaffected themselves, are incapable of carrying it to other systems that could contract the disease or virus or whatever it is, we will have to institute a no doubt unpopular quarantine of the system.  But so long as all the visitors are worried about it their shipment schedules and not their lives you should hopefully not have a panic on your hands at least.  You'll be better served getting preliminary data from Vhenzlu itself than us as what they've sent us has been the equivalent of their near-entire medical database... but if there are any initial questions I'll do my best to answer them at this time=^=, Hayes paused with her fingers intertwined, glancing in particular to Chavet as she was the most likely source of interrogatives but kept her peripherals on Irae in case her medical background brought up anything.


<Tag Any/All>

[Deis Irae]

[El Salvador: Deck 3, Captain's Quarters next day]

::Deis Irae didnt meditate. The focusing inward allowed for too much memory to strike internal vision. Yet she did find that watching Savot do so was the next best thing. His centered calm served them both though she had to admit a certain serenity. A rightness of things so long comming. More than a decade in arrival, the culmination of a friendly partnership began with, of all things, the investigation of their mutual captains murder. Poor Vreenak. His death was unpreventable but they had made damn sure that he received justice. It makes the little woman smile that these are the things that she thinks of now. Adventures and duties as crew of the old El Sal. Her time in the dark seems to press less painfully sharp in the light of a new day...so to speak.::

::She remembers the mission that gave him that scar. It was her own hands that sealed the wound in his lung enough to get him home where Vulcan medicine (and enormously difficult to replicate blood) could do what she and her technology could not. She had been allowed to observe and assist in the procedure that the mans Mother and Sister performed to restore his life. This too brings forth a smile though at the time things couldnt have seemed more dire.::

::For a while Irae lay on the bunk and watched meditation in comforting silence but eventually one must rise. So she did and it was the replicator that received her first attentions...by ordering up a new uniform followed by a cup of very strong coffee which she drank while still scalding hot. While dressing the chirp comes and she pauses, looking around over her shoulder, suddenly grinning like an idiot. She manages to hold back her laughter until hes given Delbridge permission to commune with the comforting embrace of Engineering. Then she cant hold it back, snorting into laughter as she knows that she herself had not best pleased Delbridge by giving him the bridge duty.::

::Imperceptability to most is bright beacon to eyes that know better. Replacing the pips and comms on her shiny new uniform she turns and gives a rare bright smile to her Captain:: Tis nae interruption, dearlin. Tis our lives, our home. As ye say, me sweet Capn...tis an extention o "us". Always has been. Always will be. Tis all i e'er wanted, ye know. Though i coulda done wi'out all tha wasted time, twas worth ever nightmare o th past t reach this dream wi ye, Savot.  

=====================================

::Irae had followed Savot to the bridge and then to the briefing room. As usual she didnt bother to sit, but rather she stood beside and just behind the Captain, hands clasped behind her back. She too has a slightly more pleasant aspect today whereas normally she would be intensely blank. Shes actually looking foreward to whatever this mission might be. Once the information is laid out and in Hayes peripherals, she very pointedly looks to Chavet. Deis has extensive medical background, this is true...but it is important to her NOT to be seen as a doctor, but rather First officer. A little nod is given to Chavet as if to say " Yer th Doc, this'ens all yers. Im backup iffen ye need me." Awaiting the questions and then once finished she looks around to Chavet and Savot:: Wha d ye figure, ye lot? Capn on planetary diplomacy an governmental liason, Dr. Chavet on th medical, Ill take orbital quarantine procedures?

[Deleted]

Nayomi leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath. This was huge. This was make it or break it huge and she had to be honest she wasn't sure she was ready for that. Fortunately since her little heart to heart with Jahka she'd slept well the last couple days. He was off the ship now, leaving on a supply shuttle just yesterday and she'd managed to get some rest. Which was good, since she certainly would not be getting any in the coming days.

"Admiral, what type of illness are we dealing with here? How is it presenting?" Nayomi asked.

=A= it's easier if I show you =A= The Admiral's visage disappeared and instead a video feed of what appeared to be a Vhenzluvian in a quarantine room appeared. Nayomi was first struck by the vibrant magenta colouring of the short bristly hair that covered him or maybe her. It was difficult to tell with this species. She was then struck by how lethargic he seemed. He was clearly anxious, pacing back and forth, but moved like someone who had been awake for days. Along one side of the screen medical readings scrolled. Nayomi glanced over to them making a mental note to have the admiral send her the video for further analysis. The subject then dropped to the floor and curled into a ball. A soft rhythmic wheezing noise could be heard. He was fast asleep.

=A=This was one of the earliest victims. Last month he began to fall asleep at his job, he was a shuttle pilot. His shuttle crashed and nine passengers died. He survived, but has been incapable of staying awake for over several hours. When he is awake his actions are clumsy, he is forgetful and will fall asleep again with little warning. Adrenaline shots have some positive impact, but as soon as the effects wear off he is back to this state. Although the illness itself does not appear to be fatal, the effects can be. So far 263 people have died from accidents directly caused by this narcoleptic episodes. The entire planet has essentially had to shut down to prevent further injuries.=A=

Serial and contagious narcolepsy. Nayomi had never seen such a thing before, "How many have shown symptoms?"

=A=It's difficult to say. The effects vary, some can hardly even stay awake, other's are simply feeling more tired than normal. Rough estimates are a fifth of the local population. I will send all the data we have to you. =A=

May 11, 2016 14:10:32 GMT Deis Irae said:

Wha d ye figure, ye lot? Capn on planetary diplomacy an governmental liason, Dr. Chavet on th medical, Ill take orbital quarantine procedures?

Nayomi turned toward Deis. "I'm not sure which of us will have the more difficult job. I don't know much about the Vhenzluvians but I have heard they are high achievers who put a lot of pride in their booming little economy. I doubt you are going to make many friends. Mind you, it sounds like this little epidemic has already taken it's toll. I guess we won't know what to expect on that front until we arrive. Captain I will need a full medical away team with me going down to the surface as well as containment suits. Until I can figure out why this is not affecting other species, it's best to take precautions. I will also need a security detail. Our presence, although requested by the government, may not be welcomed by everyone"

<Tag Savot and Deis>

[Savot]

[El Salvador: Conference Room]


Nayomi turned toward Deis. "I'm not sure which of us will have the more difficult job. I don't know much about the Vhenzluvians but I have heard they are high achievers who put a lot of pride in their booming little economy. I doubt you are going to make many friends. Mind you, it sounds like this little epidemic has already taken it's toll. I guess we won't know what to expect on that front until we arrive. Captain I will need a full medical away team with me going down to the surface as well as containment suits. Until I can figure out why this is not affecting other species, it's best to take precautions. I will also need a security detail. Our presence, although requested by the government, may not be welcomed by everyone"


Savot nodded his agreement with all the points raised by their medical officer, "I concur; additional personnel here on the ship will have little bearing unless we're forced to board a vessel attempting to breach the blockade. The suits are a wise precaution as well." The vulcan tapped his commbadge, =^=Chief Zakryn, prepare a security detail for transport to the surface and have riot gear available should it become necessary. Primary objective is the protection of the medical personnel but should the populace begin fighting amongst themselves attempt to safeguard women and children without compromising your perimeter. And liaise with the Vhenzluvian security as closely as possible to show proper respect as we are guests.=^=


The tailless Gorn's reply was immediate and succinct, =^=10-4 Captain; we've got the doc's back. We'll be standing by in the transporter room.=^=


Savot turned back to the two women after the Admiral agreed to transmit a copy of the video log to Chavet for review then ended her transmission, "Commander Irae will remain to command the El Salvador and supervise the blockade; I'll accompany Doctor Chavet and her teams to the planet to be on-hand to assuage as much tension as possible with the local leadership. Commander, contact the planet's Traffic Control center and request logs of all incoming vessels to Vhenzlu from a week prior to the first recorded outbreak. Though not all ships do, many provide a crew manifest when landing on a planet; check if any of the species listed are ones that have never had a member visit Vhenzlu before. Though I believe it a proverbial longshot, it's possible that the factor at work is something dormant carried by a species that suffers no ill effects and unwittingly exposed it to Vhenzluvian immune systems. There's no known pattern yet to the spread either, which means it could be something non-biological at work. The more possibilities we rule out, the closer the solution will become. Make your preparations.  I shall transport down ahead of you Doctor with the security team to make official contact and ensure a stable situation before your arrival.  You have clearance to bring a cadet if you think they can be of assistance to you."


<Insert tagged response if any>

****************************************************************************************************************************
[El Salvador:Transporter Room / Vhenzlu]


With that, Savot dismissed his staff and they all set about their various duties.  He met up with Zakryn in the transporter room, a half-dozen guards with energy-dampening armor plates adhesed to their uniforms in tactical locations and helmets as well with retractable protective visors.  Savot himself took only his phaser pistol and a standard tricorder and took his place on the pad with Zakryn and the burly black-haired human Vax Holser taking up position behind silver shoulder of the vulcan's command jacket.  A nod to the transporter chief had the group briefly broken down to invisible particles before finding themselves in the lobby of the main medical center of the planet Vhenzlu.  The security teams' suits were airtight unless the visors were retracted, but Savot himself had elected to go sans-protection for 2 reasons.  The first, as a diplomatic gesture showing his concern for their situation was genuine as he himself was potentially at risk; and the second was that if he did fall victim to whatever plagued this world, the medical team would have that much more data to evaluate.  It was unlikely in the extreme but little could be ruled out completely at this stage as Chavet herself had counciled.


A female of the species strode toward them, taller and narrower in general than the males tended to be, and gave a small dib of her head in greeting trying her best to maintain a composed countenance despite the circumstances, "Commodore Savot, I am Minister Pargroban of Vhenzlu; thank you for coming."


Savot shook his head slightly, giving her the vulcan hand salute in greeting, "Offering aid when needed is the only course our conscience can permit in times of crisis.  Your gratitude we will endeavor to earn by finding a solution to the affliction.  Are you ready for our Chief Medical Officer to begin?"   Minister Pargroban nodded enthusiastically, "Yes please.  We've converted the main teaching surgical theater into a command post of sorts; the screens have direct-feed communication links to the largest hospitals on each of our other two continents so your doctor can confer with everyone in case environmental factors appears to impact the affliction differently, though as yet we've noted no such link."


A vulcan eyebrow arched imperceptibly impressed with the Minister's preparatory capacity; it seemed her people had elected a good leader indeed, then Savot nodded and bowed slightly, "Thank you Minister; Chief Zakryn, establish a perimeter at the entrances to the hospital at large and remain in proximity to Doctor Chavet without hindering her work."  The security force received floor plans of the hospital tightbeamed to the HUDs on their visors and began to disperse strategically while Savot tapped his commbadge, =^=Savot to El Salvador.  Doctor Chavet and her team may beam down as soon as their preparations have been completed.  Landing party, out.=^=

[Deleted]

Nayomi had a small team of support personel and her selected cadet, Linayra the Suliban who had proven herself capable of experiencing medical work outside sickbay. They all wore cover-all suits with pull down face masks that they would place before they beamed down and remain there except when the team with in the clean quarters that the local medical authorities had arranged. Although Nayomi respected Savot's choice to forgo any protective measures himself. She could not afford to loose a single member of her team and they would be working directly with the infected population.

Nayomi pulled down her mask and signalled to her team to do the same. A moment later the transporter room was replaced by the headquarters of the Vhenzulians battle against the unknown. She was greeted immediately by two doctors.

"Welcome Dr Chavet! My name is Helia, I am the chief medical authority for our planet" The female introduced herself. Her fur was slightly greying. Nayomi supossed that like many species the lost pigment was a sign of age. "This is Doctor Chel, he is my right hand and an authority on pandemics. I can show you the quarters we have set up for you and your team. I assure you al steps have been taken to insure your safety.

"That's quite alright Doctor. We brought some equipment from our ship that we believe may be of help and would like to get started right away." Nayomi placed down one of the large cases she was carrying. It wasn't so much for her expertise (both Helia and Chel where likely more experienced) but mainly for the Star Fleet tech that her team was there. That and an outside eye. It was amazing how simple things could be overlooked by someone too close to the problem.

Helai beamed "Absolutely! wonderful to hear. I have a diverse group of the infected being treated in the next room. I can also take some time with you know to go over all our findings so far and the timeline of events."

And with that it was off to work

[Deis Irae]

[Back in the conference room]

Nayomi turned toward Deis. "I'm not sure which of us will have the more difficult job. I don't know much about the Vhenzluvians but I have heard they are high achievers who put a lot of pride in their booming little economy. I doubt you are going to make many friends. Mind you, it sounds like this little epidemic has already taken it's toll. I guess we won't know what to expect on that front until we arrive. Captain I will need a full medical away team with me going down to the surface as well as containment suits. Until I can figure out why this is not affecting other species, it's best to take precautions. I will also need a security detail. Our presence, although requested by the government, may not be welcomed by everyone"

::Deis gave the Doctor a little hint of a smile.:: Oh i dinnae worry bout makin many friends nowadays, Doc. There was a time when diplomacy was me duty...nowadays we need someone tha will shoot t disable iffen we 'ave t...that person is me. Tis better'n th alternative. Ye an th Capn...those will be th harder jobs.

Commander, contact the planet's Traffic Control center and request logs of all incoming vessels to Vhenzlu from a week prior to the first recorded outbreak. Though not all ships do, many provide a crew manifest when landing on a planet; check if any of the species listed are ones that have never had a member visit Vhenzlu before. Though I believe it a proverbial longshot, it's possible that the factor at work is something dormant carried by a species that suffers no ill effects and unwittingly exposed it to Vhenzluvian immune systems. There's no known pattern yet to the spread either, which means it could be something non-biological at work. The more possibilities we rule out, the closer the solution will become. Make your preparations.

::For the Captain there is a nod of the head and the Commander rises from her chair:: Understood, Sir. I love it when ye get all medical scientisty on us. ::When the briefing closed Deis rose and headed out to carry out the Captains orders::

...................

::Once firmly ensconced on the Bridge, Deis begins sending out the Traffic Control requests for manifests, cargo listings, passenger, and even odd course changes prior to hitting orbit around the planet. A few would probably like to not cooperate but the vast majority has no problem sending in the information. Once this ball has been proverbially rolling she stands up from the big Chair and keys in a simultanious hail to every cruiser, freighter, shuttle and ship in orbit. Sent as priority federation transmission all ships in orbit and all grounded on the planets surface would recieve. The little Commander used to feel nervous about this sort of thing...but those days are long in the past. Thankfully she dosent look as rock hard as she usually does...its been too damn good a night and day. So once onscreen she gives a little smile before she begins speaking:: =/\=Attention all vessels. I am Commander Deis Irae, First Officer o th Federation Flagship, El Salvador. As ye all are aware, th outbreak of illness on Vhenzlu has necessitated th lockdown o quarantine. This is fer th safety o yerselves and worlds beyond this one. It be imperative tha we stop this infection here an keep it from spreadin t other planets and stations beyond. I 'ave been empowered t enforce this quarantine and will do so wi weaponery if necessary. I would prefer tha we all work t'gether t end this outbreak as quickly an efficiently as possible an We understand yer impatience an share it. Each ships capn is urged t cooperate in any way possible so tha we can all be on our way a' th soonest. Th El Salvador an myself can be reached iffen there be questions or relayed information pertinant t th outbreak. Thank ye fer yer attention an cooperation, we will work t resolve this as quickly as we can.=/\=

[Savot]

[Vhenzlu: Surgical Observation Balcony w/in Main Medical Center, 3rd Floor]


Though not thirsty, Savot polited sipped at the picante halfway-hybrid of coffee and tea offered him by Minister Pargroban; the more they connected with the Vhenzlu the more they would seem to share their plight and Savot had found that he himself had many times taken comfort during difficult situations merely from the presence of another with whom to share his thoughts if not his burden.  "Your personnel seem most attentive and organized, Commodore.  Despite their youth, I understand many Starfleet doctors have a great deal of experience."


The vulcan captain knew the comment was from nerves, not genuine accusation, and he replied calmly, "Experience that builds upon many years of student training under the guidance of medical professionals from both Federation worlds and those beyond.  As we know that every light year we traverse brings us more unknown variables, Starfleet is devoted to providing as thorough a baseline as possible for all of its officers in every branch of service."


Pargroban nodded her understanding then her ear was sidelined by an aide leaning in to whisper, "Ah, my apologies Commodore Savot, I have a conference with the regional governors to update them on our situation and get the latest reports on how effective our infrastructure is holding up in places where we've had to remove our people for fear of them suffering injury or their attention lapsing during an episode of unconsciousness.  I assure you you will have direct means of communication to me day or night should you or your people need anything.  Excuse me."  As no response was strictly required Savot merely nodding with a respectful bow of his head and turned to observe Chavet's setup through the windows of the surgical theater balcony down into the main operation area where the C&C for the medical crisis had been established.  This was a potentially dire situation, but regardless of Doctor Chavet's relative youth the vulcan had faith in her abilities, and he knew any gap in experience would be offset by the knowledge of the local Vhenzluvian physicians.


Savot watched things unfold for roughly a half-hour before addressing the aides left to attend him, "May I ask the direction of the nearest restroom?"  Receiving his answer, Savot left the observation balcony and strode down the hall, noticing as he walked that a Vhenzluvian in nurse scrubs appeared to be tracking his movements.  Arching a brow in intrigue, the vulcan entered the restroom then immediately turned on his heel to face the door with his hands clasped at the small of his back in his usual posture.  The nurse indeed followed through the door to the bathroom soon after and was startled by the waiting Vulcan, gripping at his chest with a gasp followed by more controlled breathing, "Forgive me visitor I mean no hostility.  I needed to speak with you... you are the Federation leader here?"


The captain nodded with a dip of his head, "I am, my name is Savot.  What did you need to discuss?  If it is a medical matter it is better brought to the attention of your own physicians and Doctor Chavet from my crew."  The nurse shook his head, "That is precisely the issue Captain.  Doctor Helia knows of this but cannot speak of it for fear of destroying her reputation.  I am but a student... my name is Ma'epk, so if scandal arises there is far less lost by the social fallout.  And you are an ideal audience for my message because your race understands telepathy..."


The vulcan's brow furrowed slightly, "I thoroughly reviewed the data relayed by Starfleet regarding your world and its people; there is no mention of telepathic capacity in any of your historical documentation.  What relevance could it have on the current medical phenomenon?"   Ma'epk swallowed definitively enough to produce a dramatic bulge in his neck, "No... there would be no mention of it..."

[Deleted]

In the middle of a small pile of PADDs, a Klingon sat with her brows furrowed. The PADDs were filled with pictures of all kinds of plants, various molecular strings, scribbled plant genera and just odd ramblings. Every now and again the Klingon would glance at one and, with a few quick taps, slightly alter the contents. The deepening angle of her eyebrows showed that despite the changes, she was making little progress.

"Ghuy'" She spat quietly. "This isn't getting us anywhere."

Across the room, looking much less stressed, a petite human nodded along with her. "I told you that at least three hours ago hun. Whatever this is, it doesn't seem to be caused by the flora, pre-existing or recently introduced."

The Klingon sighed, letting her shoulders drop slightly. "I was so convinced. All the symptoms..." She stopped as the ship's comm system automatically activated.

=/\=Attention all vessels. I am Commander Deis Irae, First Officer o th Federation Flagship, El Salvador. As ye all are aware, th outbreak of illness on Vhenzlu has necessitated th lockdown o quarantine. This is fer th safety o yerselves and worlds beyond this one. It be imperative tha we stop this infection here an keep it from spreadin t other planets and stations beyond. I 'ave been empowered t enforce this quarantine and will do so wi weaponery if necessary. I would prefer tha we all work t'gether t end this outbreak as quickly an efficiently as possible an We understand yer impatience an share it. Each ships capn is urged t cooperate in any way possible so tha we can all be on our way a' th soonest. Th El Salvador an myself can be reached iffen there be questions or relayed information pertinant t th outbreak. Thank ye fer yer attention an cooperation, we will work t resolve this as quickly as we can.=/\=

"What in the name of Kahless was that? I thought these comm system's had universal translators built in?" The Klingon watched as her human companion folded up in laughter. "What? What?!"

When she had finally stopped laughing, the petite woman, wearing the outfit of a Starfleet science officer, responded. "That was actually Federation Standard. Albeit... a non-standard version."

The Klingon, who was wearing an identical outfit to her friend, shook her head in despair. "Too many dialects. I suppose we should make ourselves known." Without waiting for a response from her colleague, she waded through the PADDs to access the comm panel.

=/\= Transport J-72 to El Salvador. Ensigns B'Leela and Sharma aboard. We arrived here a couple of weeks ago to investigate whether some form of plant toxin had caused the outbreak. Our initial findings suggest that it isn't the case. We can send you what we do have though. And... if we're going to be caught in the quarantine, maybe we could come aboard and help you? We're both technically on leave at the moment after... =/\=

B'Leela trailed off at a glare from her human companion. "What?" She hissed.
"You're babbling."
"Klingons don't babble. We... expound. Or maybe even declaim."
"You babbled."

B'Leela sighed quietly. She and Sharma had been practically inseparable ever since they had been the only two cadets in that year's academy intake to be specialising in Plant Toxicology. In fact, there were very few botanists at all. The science department seemed to be full of astrophysicists and other people that B'Leela personally categorised as 'Wannabee engineers.' However, there were times that Sharma seemed to enjoy needling her, and it made B'Leela uncomfortable.

=/\= El Salvador to Transport J-72... =/\=

<tag El Salvador>

[Deis Irae]

=/\= Transport J-72 to El Salvador. Ensigns B'Leela and Sharma aboard. We arrived here a couple of weeks ago to investigate whether some form of plant toxin had caused the outbreak. Our initial findings suggest that it isn't the case. We can send you what we do have though. And... if we're going to be caught in the quarantine, maybe we could come aboard and help you? We're both technically on leave at the moment after... =/\=

::Commander Irae eases back into her Captains' chair and studies the dossier of the potential crew in question. Science team...not bad. Though one dosent usually see that many klingon scientists...this should prove to be interesting. Shes always found klingons to be both worthy crew and adversaries. So cracking the faintest of ghostly smiles, the little human keys in to speak back to those who come to call.:: =/\= El Salvador to Transport J-72...yI'el pe'el Ensign B'leela an welcome t Ensign Sharma. Yer authorized t dock in bay 2. Will meet yer both meself. Deis Irae out. =/\=  ::The truely funny part is that Deis accent in klingon is far less than it is in federation basic::

::Auth thus given, Irae stands and hands off the bridge for the moment, heading down to the shuttle bays. This should be interesting...far moreso than keeping a narrowed eye on ships that really have nowhere to go at the moment.::

[Savot]

[Vhenzlu Medical Facility: 3rd Floor]


Savot's right eyebrow arched, "For there to be no record of telepathic ability in your species that would require one of two possibilities: either it was never recorded to begin with... or entities went to painstaking effort to systematically remove all record of it from every historical documentation.  The manner in which you've approached me suggests the latter.  To risk so much you must genuinely believe there is a connection between this and the current dilemma facing your world.  How would long-removed telepathy be responsible for the mass-unconsciousness sweeping across Vhenzlu?"


Ma'epk took a deep breath, let out with a heavy sigh as though bracing himself to set down a heavy burden after carrying it for so long he was afraid he might never get used to the absence of its weight, "Approximately 730 years ago there existed persons within our race that could know the thoughts of others.  Rather than feared as a supernatural phenomenon as has happened in other cultures... these telepaths held positions of great respect, counselors who could peel through layers of lies told to each other or ourselves so we could begin the healing process from a foundation of truth, judges who could not be distracted by silken words spoken by those who defended parties they knew were guilty, ambassadors who could listen to the deliberations of feuding clans seeking peace to know if the offer of friendship was genuine.  The thought-walkers were revered, held up as the epitome of what our people could be."


The nurse walked to lean heavily bracing both hands on the washing counter, "However... as medicine grew more advanced, studies of this phenomenon became possible, we could see and understand it at a genetic level.  And over a century it was discovered that the genetic strands connected with telepathic ability were slowly, but inexorably, evolving.  Telepathic ability slowly but surely became stronger, and would continue to do so toward an end no one could envision but that everyone began to fear.  What is present, in front of someone, can be accepted, embraced... but the unknown can be so fearful as to paralyze a world!  In time there was a consensus to begin genetically modifying all Vhenzluvian children at birth to remove the genetic material allowing for telepathic potential."


Savot's countenance was furrowed in intense concentration, fascinated at the tale despite the obvious tragedy of it, "And were those telepaths who already existed, executed?"


As a man of medicine, Ma'epk's face instinctively took on an expression of horrified disbelief at even the suggestion the vulcan had made, but after a moment it softended into a melancholy and he shook his head slowly, "Perhaps that would have been more humane.  But no, our people were 'advanced' enough to know that solution was unacceptable.  And the telepaths themselves felt that their own culture and historical significance to Vhenzlu was too important to remove entirely.  That perhaps in time there would be a place for that gift among us.  So it was decided that the 75 most powerful telepaths would be exiled... while the others were sterilized so they could not pass their genetic material to future generations.  That combined with the genetic modification of children at birth completely purged the required genome out of our people within 90 years, and as it was considered a shameful era of our history even the verbal mention of it within families began to subside.  Official records were gradually doctored so as not to humiliate ourselves, so now there are probably fewer than 100 people on our entire world who know this history."


"To what destination were the existing telepaths exiled?", Savot inquired, growing more concerned with each sentence.  This much cover-up, denial of an entire people's past... this could be more devastating to Vhenzlu than the epidemic itself by far.


Ma'epk finally looked up, directly into the Starfleet captain's eyes, "We constructed a cryonic sustainment vessel to be placed in orbit.  Our first serious venture into spaceworthy construction was to ostracize our own people.  Since joining the Federation; however, some few of us who know the history have attempted to locate the vessel to no avail."  Savot's brow lifted, considering the Earth parallel of banishing Khan's genetically engineered lieutenants into space aboard a self-sustaining craft later discovered by the Enterprise under James Kirk.  The vulcan pursed his lips in thought for a moment before speaking, "Ma'epk, I respect you overcoming the obvious instincts toward silence in order to share this information with me.  And while I appreciate you attempting to safeguard Doctor Helia... this information must be shared with my Chief Medical Officer if it bears possible relevance on the current crisis.  Are you personally aware of anyone whose knowledge of this past includes any details regarding the cryonic vessel?  If something about the exiles is impacting your people it will be critical for us to track them down and examine them to determine a connection and possibly the means of severing it."


Ma'epk's head sunk in a nod both relieved and ashamed for his world, "I know someone who descends from the chief architect on the vessel project.  I think I can get them here quietly; shouldn't take more than 3 hours if nothing goes wrong with the transport pilot.  Teleporters are being locked down except for the transport of medical supplies and samples between healing centers and labs.  Captain... I am afraid for my world.  Not just the sickness, but what will happen if this becomes public knowledge."


Savot nodded his understanding, "While the physical safety of your people must take first priority, be assured we will endeavor to do all we can to preserve their well-being as a whole.  We will converse with Doctor Chavet and my First Officer in 3 hours, and you will share this story with them.  Go carefully, Ma'epk."  The nurse bowed his head and left to see about subtly bringing his contact to the medical center without attracting attention.  Savot tapped his commbadge, =^=Savot to Irae.  Commander in an effort not to risk unintended interference with planetary transmissions between medical centers, please transport to me a secure console over which we may confer visually should the need arise.=^=  Savot completed his exchange with Deis and returned to the Observation balcony to wait until it was time to gather Chavet, Ma'epk and his contact somewhere away from prying eyes and include Irae over the console screen so they could speak unimpeded...


(Chavet/Irae, you can feel free when your posts come to that point, to assume the meeting takes place and all the information above is relayed to the both of you by Ma'epk, and progress right into any follow-up questions or elaborations you would ask)

[Deleted]

=/\= El Salvador to Transport J-72...yI'el pe'el Ensign B'leela an welcome t Ensign Sharma. Yer authorized t dock in bay 2. Will meet yer both meself. Deis Irae out. =/\=

"Well here goes, I suppose. Do you think we'll manage to get postings on board? Excalibur-class vessels are supposed to have swee-eet science labs." Sharma barely paused to take a breath. "Who's going to dock this thing? You're awful at flying."

B'Leela blinked slowly. She thought that she was used to her friend's sometimes excitable nature, but this topped anything in the past.

"Now you're babbling. And I thought that I'd just let the autopilot take her in. What with being so bad at flying." She bared her teeth in an aggressive grin at her friend.

"Point taken - lots of them actually. Uhmmm... do you think we should get changed into our uniforms?"

"BaQa'! We'd better do, we can't meet this Commander Eerie in our leisure wear."

A few minutes later the pair, looking much more presentable in their Ensign's uniforms, stepped out of their transporting into the El Salvador's shuttlebay. B'Leela looked around briefly at the NCOs buzzing around, and then at the pair of security officers at the door.

"For us?" she asked hesistantly.

The pair nodded, and the officer on the left replied. "Nothing sinister sir, it's just an unconventional way to board the ship, so we'll just need to register you onboard while we're waiting for Commander Irae."

"Ir-ay, not Eerie?" B'Leela responded, drawing a chuckle from one of the guards.

"Yeah, best not be calling her Eerie sir. If you could just tap in your codes here for me?"

Just as the pair had finished registering with the security guards, the shuttlebay door swooshed open and Commander Irae entered.

(I'm not even going to try and replicate your speech here Irae! Feel free to speak for my character as you wish. How does it work here - is it preferred to let people choose their own character's dialogue, or do people speak for each other, as it were.)


((Savot here: If you're comfortable with a specific person's ability to correctly gauge your character's responses then it's fine in those instances, but in general we err on the side of caution and either leave blanks in our posts where our recipient can input their replies to what your character says, or when possible you can arrange to do a Joint Post over instant message or something similar and let each participant reply real-time, then one participant posts the finished product here. Good posts so far; looking forward to seeing these 2 develop!))

[Deleted]

Nayomi Chavet and her team had worked tirelessly with no avail. Those who had been affected slept calmly, their brain scans showing no differences then a simple nap, but they could not be easily woken. When they were forcibly awaken they were groggy and incoherent. Babbling about strange dreams of them drifting over the planet. Others claiming they could see their sleeping bodies like some sort of out-of body experience. One even insisted she knew her husband was cheating on her "I could hear his thoughts!" she exclaimed, and was quickly hushed. As the day wore on, and their advanced equipment whirred away finding nothing Nayomi was beginning to feel like she herself could use some rest. One last check over the machine's findings (or lack their of) and she excused herself to the private quarters set up for them.

She happily removed her biosuit and weighed the pros and cons of leaving it off for her next shift. Their lack of findings made it difficult to decide. She was about to step into the shower when her comm badge chirped.

=A= Savot to Dr Chavet, I require your immediate presence. Some urgent information has come to light on the crises here and I must speak with you in person Please prepare to be beamed to a secure location=A=

Nayomi scrambled to her comm and answered =A= One moment commander=A= she pulled her uniform and the biosuit on again =A= Ok, beam away=A= She materialised in a small room with a console, her captain and two locals. One was dressed in the familiar nurse uniform, the other an older civilian. They quickly ran her through what they had sold Savot earlier.

"We need to find that ship Captain." Nayomi insisted, stepping out of her biosuit. This was all starting to make more sense. The dreams and babbling of the patients. "I believe the answers lie there. Our tests have found nothing to support this being a virus or pathogen. Psychic interference is looking very probable in light of this new information."

<Tag Savot>

[Deis Irae]

((gunna go at this all crabbed. Ensigns first))

::As Irae swept into the shuttle bay, one might have expected an amazon rather than the tiny, somewhat petite, creature that strides in. She cant stand more than 5 feet and some change. If not for the intensity in those greyish eyes and the predatorlike flow to her movements she might have looked even fragile. As the woman closes on the two new ensigns, the scarring to the left half of her face, along the jawline and cheek, would indicate her as somewhat less than delicate. One might expect her to scowl and grumble out a quick welcome but as soon as she is close enough to shake hands, which she does, there is a quick brisk smile of welcome that changes the dire expression on her face as though sunshine had peeked from behind stormy clouds. And then there is that lilt of accent...:: Ach, welcome aboard Ensigns, lemme get righ' t th point. Ye 'ave both been reposted aboard th El Salvador, transfer documents cleared, quarters assigned. We 'appen t be a bit understaffed currently so ye will be put righ' t work. Science department needs warm bodies...errr...not tha th cold blooded ones are'nae fantastic.

::All of this is spoken quickly, in a brisk manner and clearly the little Commander is about to say something else when...the comms chime::

=^=Savot to Irae. Commander in an effort not to risk unintended interference with planetary transmissions between medical centers, please transport to me a secure console over which we may confer visually should the need arise.=^=

::Irae cracks a little crooked smile, tapping her badge to answer:: =/\=Aye, Sir. Stand by.=/\= ::Looking to the two ensigns:: As ye can see, always sommat goin on. Normally id be givin ye th tour an a bit o time t set up quarters but we've a small crisis 'appenin wot with this quarantine and all. So...movin righ' along. ::Noding to the Sec officer:: See these ladies t quarters an then t science stations. ::Before the man can say "aye sir" Irae has turned and headed right back out of the shuttle bay, tapping comms:: Transporter room 1, please... ::and the rest is cut off due to the shuttle bay doors closing.::

----------a bit later----------

::Transport provided, Irae stands in the briefing room essentially alone save for Savot, Chavet, and Ma'epk onscreens. This information wasnt what she expected. Telepaths. Exiled and held in cryostasis. And guess who gets to go hunt them up? Once the information is relayed she gives the screens a nod.:: On it...this should prove interestin.

[Savot]

[Vhenzlu: Side Room]


Savot nodded, unsurprised at Chavet's immediate grasp of the situation, as well as Irae's.  From the start the medical evidence as compared to the "epidemic" seemed senseless with no discernible connection.  The vulcan captain was; however, surprised at the extent to which the Vhenzluvians had actually succeeded at such a massively-scoped cover-up.  With effectively all evidence purged aside from a critically narrowed spread of Oral History on the matter... an entire genetic chapter of a species was erased from history.  While Savot knew full well that the narcoleptic situation was the priority in leaps and bounds over their political situation... he was also aware that a revelation of this nature could well result in the removal, at least temporarily, of Vhenzlu from the Federation as this behavior went against the core fabric of the Federation's principles.  


As Irae and Chavet got to work mentally plotting out the next steps, a troublesome prospect rose to the forefront of Savot's mind, clasping his hands at the small of his back, he addressed Ma'epk's contact Ril'vren, "Honored elder, the Vhenzluvian race has possessed warp travel for decades, and been a trading hub of significant size for several years... Probability would lean toward someone locating the cryo-ship before now even by accident.  Is the vessel constructed of an alloy whose composition deflects scanning devices?"


The cane-wielding female of at least 90 years pursed her lips as she spoke with both pride in the quality of their work... and grave understanding of the obstacle that same quality posed to their current dilemm, "All of our space program's artifacts were composed of stealth-enhancing materials.  The logic was that if there was anything out there we wanted to learn about it without giving ourselves away at the same time... in case whatever our probes encountered was hostile.  My greighth-paternal helped design and construct the ship", she reached a ragged hand into what looked to be a hybrid of purse and satchel and pulled out in a trembling hand what looked to be an external data device like a memory crystal or an old-earth USB stick, handing it to Savot, "All the surviving data about the Cryark is within this device, though I regret the encryption key was lost before I was born.  I hope this can help you find the ship before it is too late to save our world from our blind deferring of responsibility..."  Ril'vren's grip on her cane quivered as did her knees, Ma'epk rushed to aid her to a chair as though the weight of the burden she carried had been with her so long her body felt unbalanced now that she was free of it.


Savot tapped a control on the computer console Deis had sent him, revealing a very small pad roughly the size of what used to be finger-pads for laptop computer mouse control, except this one could serve as a small transporter for scientific specimens and items of similar size.  He placed the data module on the pad and after copy its contents to the console, he activated the transporter to beam it to Deis' hand aboard the El Salvador, "Commander, give that to our Science team for decryption and use the parameters therein to refine our sensors so you can locate the Cryark.  With the amount of traffic entering and leaving the planet's atmosphere daily, I find it highly improbable that the vessel remains in planetary orbit.  The ship could have been knocked free of its orbit by external means such as a collision with a small meteor or asteroid fragment.  You could try accessing Starfleet astronomical data beginning from the date of the Cryark's launch.  Re-tracing a stellar body's tracks that is known to have gone through the Vhenzlu system might let us extrapolate a time and location of impact from which we might be able to project the Cryark's course after it was struck.  It may be wise to deploy shuttlecraft to extend your possible search grid once the sensor parameters have been established; good luck Commander.  Savot out."


He turned then to Chavet, "Doctor, until the El Salvador can locate the Cryark our focus must be on attempting to shield those still unafflicted here from falling victim to telepathic interference.  Ma'epk may have knowledge that can help you understand how Vhenzluvian telepathy worked, from which regions of the brain, et cetera.  If we can zero in on how the signal is both transmitted by a telepath and received by the target it may be possible to develop a shielding effect or temporary vaccination."




<Tag: All>


(B'Leela, feel free to have had the storage device and instructions relayed to you by Commander Irae off-camera and proceed with the study as soon as you like)

[Deleted]

Nayomi returned to the medical command centre no more rested than before, but with a renewed sense of purpose. She collected her group of technicians, nurses and cadet and quickly briefed them on the situation.
“How are you going to broach this subject with Helia and Chel?” Linarya asked, getting right to the root of their most immediate problem.
“I am not certain.” Nayomi sighed. “I can’t beat around the bush that’s for sure. I would suggest you all get ready for a hasty exit in case this goes badly. At that very moment Dr Chel turned the corner and nearly ran straight into the Starfleet huddle.

“Oh my!” he gasped putting a hard brake on before he smashed straight into them. “Shall I take this gathering as a good or bad sign?”

“Both” Nayomi replied. Summoning up what courage she had. “My Captain has discovered the reason behind the illness and it is not exactly going to be an easy pill to swallow. Is Helia available? I need to speak with both of you.”

“She is in her office on a conference call, but for this I am sure she can be interrupted.”

A few minutes later Nayomi was seated across from Helia’s desk with Chel standing behind her. “ How much to you two know about the telepaths of your species past and their current whereabouts?” She began.

Helia’s brow furrowed. ‘I know more than most due to my position and so does Dr Chel. Are you suggesting that this has some bearing on our current situation?”

“All other causes have been ruled out. It is entirely possible that something has occurred on board the stasis ship and this has triggered… something. I suggest two things. One is that we run the victim’s names through the database taking into account their relationship with the telepaths. It is possible that genetics are at play here. The second is that we find a way to block the connection.” This was far easier said than done. There had been numerous attempts in history to block telepathy with very little advancement. “I need access to everything, even the classified information, on the telepaths. The more we know about the physiology behind their ability the better we can build some sort of shield.”

Helia looked over and Chel and back at Nayomi. “Let me make a few calls.”

[Deis Irae]

::After returning to retrieve her new Science duo, Commander Irae leads them both back towards the bridge, speaking as she goes.:: Ive been briefed on our current orders. We, lasses, be goin into th wild black t hunt down a cryarch ship tha we willnae be able t find...wi conventional sensors tha is. This cryarch be made o rather slick stealth materials tha we 'ave nae scans for. I know ye Ensigns be botany an biological specialists but yer also trained in several other sciences as a matter o course. I was, an i was medical...erm...back in th day. ::waving that off as the three enter the turbolift:: Bridge. ::Once the humming of life begins she studies the two new Ensigns with obvious confidence that they can perform the tasks that she requires of them:: Hate t just throw ye in like this but...tis always been unspoken tradition o th El Salvador t stretch th limits o trainin an knowledge in th strangest missions possible. Or we just be lucky tha way.

::She cant help but break into a faint little smile as she says that last. Its been true the entire time shes been aboard. Gorn/Romulan alliances. Child birth on primative planets. Bizarre machine planets and psychic ghosts. Katra chasing. Rogue cardassians. Murder investigations. Curing the ship of a virus that it caught FROM the crew. The list goes on and on.:: Dinnae worry...ye will both see th way o it. ::Stepping out of the turbolift like a little dark intense comet dragging the two Ensigns in her gravity wake. Once on the bridge, she pauses, facing both of them with hands clasped behind her back:: I need ye t gimme strange possibilities in scanner modulation. I need thins ye may nae e'en think will work. Feel free t be as outre an creative as ye wish. An be as swift about it as ye can. We be searchin tha whole solar system in gridlike pattern until one o us 'as a bright idear. Step to, Ensigns.

::She gives the probably gaping ensigns a little "go to it" nod and turns to step down, taking the Captains chair:: Helm, get us movin. Grid search pattern, keep it tight. Bloomin ship could be anywhere as it was knocked outa orbit by who knows wha. Id say, iffen ye wish t find sommat, use yer eyes...but...tha is a lotta damn space. Try nae t hit anythin. ::The helmsman looks over his shoulder at the Commander for a moment in suprise. Why is that woman so darned chipper?? The new crew members couldnt know but this is veritably singing in the rain in comparison to when she rejoined the crew several months ago. She may as well be singing zippidy doo dah. Deis arches a sleek brow at the man and he turns around without saying anything. Then blooms the little crooked smile that fades quickly, game face settling into place on the Commanders face.::

::Hours pass as ideas are spoken back and forth, different modulations of scanners tried, discarded, tried again with various changes, and discarded again. Deis wonders if she should just go outside with a freaking flashlight. Three planets passed, the orbits of which studied in minute detail. Just for a change the Commander has the helmsman jump ahead to the last planet in the system and start again there. 6 hours out, moving by thrusters alone through the next search grid, an odd thing happens. Just as Deis is standing up to get everyone a cup of coffee there is a dull sounding BOOOOONG!!!! that seems to pervade the entire ship. There is no tremmor, thats what the dampers are for. She looks around at the helmsman and says in exasperation* Did ye actually hit sommat man?? ::The helmsman looks agast and defensive of himself he says:: No Commander! Something hit US...but i cant quite... ::Deis interrupts him with a crossing of arms and spoken...:: Onscreen. ::The screen lights up to show a veritable cornucopia of nothing. All the nothing you could want. Irae nods to the man:: Aye, aye dinnae worry. We cannae see it...but sommat IS out there. ::Looking over her shoulder to her Science team:: Got anythin fer me lasses?

[Savot]

[Vhenzlu: Medical Command Center]



Savot opted to remain in close proximity to the remainder of the El Salvador crew upon the planet surface as there was vast potential for things to go poorly depending on who found out what had been revealed to the Starfleet outsiders.  Seven hours had passed since the initial reveal to himself, Irae, and Chavet and each group had set about their tasks in trying to see this crisis alleviated.  In the last hour, personnel from Minister Pargroban's office brought in sealed containers marked for medical samples, etc.  Minister Pargroban herself re-entered the Operating Theater looking extremely haggard after a long session with the regional governors, but it became quickly apparent that that was not the sole source of the strain upon the planetary leader.


Thick, bio-containment doors slammed shut at every exit to the makeshift command center, and even as Savot drew his phaser to defend himself and his people who were now cut off from the Security teams who had been stationed outside the doors to prevent external rioters from getting inside, Pargroban activated a command from her wrist computer that sent a disabling pulse throughout the Operating room deactivating all technological devices that didn't have shielding.  On the plus side, the latter included the current standard-issue commbadges worn by the Starfleet personnel... but it also included the laser pistols Pargroban's men had brought in via the containment cases under the guise of stocking extra medical equipment.  Within 20 seconds of frantic head turnings and huddling together of the Vhenzluvian medical workers in shock and dismay, the inside of the room was surrounded by 15 armed guards roughly the Vhenzluvian equivalent of Secret Service.  


Raising a silent hand to signal his crew to remain calm and refrain from overly aggressive action for the moment, Savot returned his phaser pistol to the clip at his belt and moved to place himself between the Minister and Chavet and the other doctors and nurses.  "Minister, may I inquire what you hope to achieve with this course of action?"


Pargroban looked like someone sliding off a cliff, grabbing at anything whether it was anchored or loose, a pistol of her own held in a slightly shaking hand, "I can't let this come out... something like this in our past... the Federation will ostracize our planet for behavior unbecoming a sentient world.  Our entire infrastructure has boomed in the last century but only because we're inextricably woven into galactic trade!  To lose it now would decimate us and I can't allow that to happen under my leadership..."


Savot took 2 slow paces backward to make the Minister feel less threatened, "Minister Pargroban, it has been clear from the onset of this phenomenon that you are dedicated to serving your people to the best of your ability.  The situation before us was set in motion centuries before your birth and nothing done now will erase that even if you were capable of silencing the truth entirely.  No action on your part can eliminate our current state, and you are correct in that upon learning of this situation the Federation will rescind full membership for Vhenzlu for the foreseeable future.   What your actions here and now can determine is how the Federation proceeds with you from this point forward.  The mistakes of your past can be acknowledged, and mediatory assistance offered to help the divided facets of your population reintegrate as painlessly as possible... or you can represent your entire people as willing to harm outsiders who have done nothing but offer aid at our own potential peril.  The latter scenario would make it nearly impossible for any Federation diplomat to strive for renewed Federation membership for your planet possibly for entire generations.  You did not exile your people, Minister.  You did not order the genetic excising of a natural ability in your people.  But you are the leader standing here, now, who decides what will happen today.  What legacy will your leadership leave behind, Minister Pargroban?"

[Deis Irae]

::One of the the small science team looks around to the Commander and states:: Commander, we could try tactile sensing by modifying our tractor beam. Without proper sensors we cannot "grip" onto the ark...but we will be able to detect pressure and the lack thereof. Basically we will be able to see where nothing "isnt".

::Irae crosses arms over her chest and gives a nod:: Nae bad...see it done. Them make ready t grapple th nonvoid. May be movin a whit as we rammed th bleedin thin. ::The helmsman sighs but Irae gives the man a little smile. Just giving him a hard time because she can. It seems to be how Deis deals with officers that she likes. The science team settles down to begin throwing "the net" around in the general vacinity of where the El Salvador was struck. Thankfully the ships systems extrapolate exactly where that impact happened. Speed of El Sal plus impact strength equals speed and trajectory.::

Weve got it, Sir...Maam. ::Speaks the rather pleased little team. Deis gives them both a nod of approval:: Righ...gimme th beams impact as visual, onscreen.

::And there it is. It isnt what Irae expected. It looks like what one would call "old fashioned." Actually shaped like a rocket from some pre spaceflight era movie...with a terrible budget. Hull of black metal, pockmarked with time and small impacts of spaceborne particles.:: Damage? ::The science team gives her a resoundingly negative:: "We cannot tell Commander. We can see it...but we cant scan it. We might need a closer visual...a direct visual.

Time t take a walk then. ::Deis begins to smile. Faintly and with some amusement. A quick tap to her commbadge is given and she makes someones day.:: Mr. Delbridge, meet me a' th foreward airlock, an bring yer fanciest "suit." ::Retapping the badge:: Tamarov, ye 'ave th bridge. ::And with that, the commander heads off the bridge to her favorite EVA suit closet...also known as her "Office".::

[Delbridge here if hes got something to add]

::Easily a half hour later, Deis stands on the foreward airlock ramp, boots magnetized, walking slowly towards the clearly visible Cryark with her dashing escort, Lt. Cmdr Chester Delbridge, who carries a full engineering kit just in case. Using shot grapples, the two leave the rampway and float towards the Ark. Its not a long trip, and quite peaceful. It is one hell of a view out here. The intrepid Commander and Lt. Cmdr reach what can only be considered a hatch. Circular with heavy bolts clearly not meant to be removed easily:: Get 'er open, Mr. Delbridge. Ill assist.

[Deis Irae]

::There was only a space of 20 minutes before Delbridge manages to depressurize the cryoark's bolted airlock, though the damage is clear and was unavoidable. The two spoke sparingly and only about the job at hand. The Commander is suprised, though, to find that she is no longer unnerved by being out in the void with only a suit between herself and nothing. Like a walk outside at night, IF a bit more uncomfortable than what would be usual. The two avid spacepersons turned from one huge bolt to another and had to simply wrench them off. Small hissings of atmosphere escapes when each is removed and placed inside a magnetic net so they dont float away to put a hole in someones ship someday. Its tiring work and both are glad to finally wrench the outer hatch open. The opening is rather large so they have no problem drifting within::

::The next little problem was the fact that the outer airlock door was ruined in the process. There is only the inner left. Thankfully the inner door alone is enough to maintain positive air pressure inside, at least so the rather primative readings state. Delbridge checks and rechecks:: "Commander, we can vent the interior entirely without damage to cryopods. I would tie off if i were you though." ::Deis nods, finding that indeed a wise idea. She and Delbridge both tie off lanyards to the interior hatch hooks, tugging to test that they are secure. Then she gives the word.:: Vent it, Mr. Delbridge. Once were inside th interior, lets lock it back up an repressurize. Then th real work begins. ::This gets her a nod. Tricorder hacking is quite successful at engaging with this archaic ships computer systems and quickly enough, the two are hanging onto the airlock interior and lanyards alike as the atmosphere from within the cryark rushes out in a heavy woosh that would have sent one or both of them flying through empty space until someone managed to catch them::

::It is quite dark inside the cryark save for pink hued indicator power lights that run the length of the place, and dim console screens, all of which are dotted with recirculated dust partiulates older than this womans great grandfather. Through internal suit comms they discuss repressurization while searching for just such a console. Delbridge begins that search while Deis physically cranks that interior door closed again and wrenches large lever locks in place. Its much like what an ancient submarine might have used, manual cranks for emergency purposes though the cryark is far larger than the most comfortable of those old seabound machines.:: "Commander...i have the environmentals...repressurization in 3...2...1...mark."

::The loud hissing pushes new air from old old processors, though both check the atmosphere contents before Deis finally reaches up and removes her helm. An immediate wrinkling of nose happens once she breathes in the recirced and scrubbed air. Not deoxygenated stale, just old. Dimmish white lights begin blinking and flickering on overhead, creating a rather eerie sort of shifting flash of illumination that is stronger in some places than others, though the whole of it stabilizes as well as the rather frigid temperature. This takes only a few minutes, which suprises Deis. It seems all the technology in here wasnt primative. Certainly not the row after row after row of coffinlike cryopods that line a single large corridor that extends a little more than 100 meters. A small console rests between repeating double coffin stacks, one racked above the other with clearance of a couple feet. Readouts for each cryopod. The corridors coloration as a whole is rather industrialized brushed metal and grey tiling, almost nothing in the way of decoration save for the name and what could only be a date in unfamiliar text stamped into each cryopod.::

::Once going over awakening protocols translated from the main console at the far end of the corridor, Deis and Delbridge start from opposite ends of the ark. Each mans a single side, Delbridge port, Deis starboard. One by painstaking one, they begin cycling up release commands to each pod. The only words spoken in this hushed place is when one of them brushes dust from the viewports of a pod, here and there, and find inside skeletal remains, or simply more dust. These words are...:: Dead, Commander. ::To be answered with:: Aye...ive one too. ::And the like. This process takes more than an hour with a few minutes spent at each smaller console to begin the release cycle.::

::There is quite a bit of disorientation, confusion, and dizziness as the suprised people begin sitting up as footward sliding hatches loose the poor people inside. Deis has to control a surge of what is both pity and anger...these ARE telepaths after all. Put to sleep...dragged out here and then just left to be forgotten. Intolerable. Deis herself goes to each pod with a medical tricorder, tries to project calm, and makes sure that there are no left over issues from cryo suspension save for the expected discomforts. Delbridge joins her eventually at the head of the corridor once grey bodysuit garbed people are staring at a being the likes of which they have never seen:: Welcome back t wakefulness. I know i may look a wee bit strange t yer eyes...i will explain. Me name be Commander Deis Irae, First Officer o th Federation Starship El Salvador. Ye all 'ave been asleep fer quite a long time...an ive much t tell ye. Be as comfortable as ye can...yer free. Its been... ::And thus begins the explanation of a lifetime...more than one perhaps, depending on species. Much time is taken, and many questions are asked. But the refrain of Deis words are "yer finally free".::

[Savot]

[Vhenzlu: Medical Command Center]


Within the Operating Theater, Savot continued his efforts to de-escalate the situation as gently but firmly as possible.  Push too hard too quickly, and the Minister's sense of being cornered would push her to drastic action.  Leave her to stew in her own thoughts; however, and her own irrational imagination would conjur scenarios worse than the truth and likewise make her desperate.  "If you have means of signaling someone outside this chamber, Minister, it may behoove you to have someone contact the other continental medical centers to calmly explain that we are attempting treatment protocols that are creating interference with electronic signals, so they do not become concerned at being suddenly cut off from us.  If our theory is in fact correct regarding the telepaths, there is no deadline of activity here for us as our efforts would do little to alleviate the planetary crisis, and so it would be wise to avoid creating a deadline via concern from your people.  Allow yourself as much time as you can secure to evaluate the situation, and choose a course of action you will be least likely to regret afterward", Savot spoke, leaving his hands hanging at his sides awkwardly since his customary posture of keeping them behind him might make weapon-wielders nervous.


In addition to the Minister herself, the more time her guards and other attendants had to calm down and think carefully about the situation and the potential consequences versus gains could only serve to lessen their interest in performing violence against those herein.  "I ask your leave to permit the nurses at least to resume monitoring the vital signs of the patients here with us.  The instrumentation in the biobeds themselves should present no threat to your containment of the situation, and it will give them something to occupy their thoughts reducing the overall tension level of the chambers", the vulcan captain inquired after a 15-minute pause.  Pargroban seemed to tense for a moment, and so Savot said nothing further for several minutes... then the Minister breathed deeply and nodded albeit jerkily, "The nurses will please resume monitoring the patients' vitals, thank you."


It was of tremendous relief to Savot that he knew he could rely on Doctor Chavet's steadfastness in helping the rest of the impromptu hostages to stay as calm as possible, enabling him to focus on reaching the Minister herself in a very gradual game of emotional chess.  Savot knew the Minister was not nefarious; indeed he had generally liked her since their meeting upon his arrival.  So he kept himself conscious of the fact that her actions, while wrong and entirely irrational, were indeed born from a place of genuine concern for her world and her people.


The guards did begin to slowly lower their weapons and simply maintain an ocular vigil on the hostages for which Savot was grateful; if enough tension built up a readied weapon could quickly become a fired weapon with little or no genuine provocation.  After what felt like an eternity but was actually less than half an hour... Linayra's eyes widened as vital activity began spiking little by little on one of the patients, "Doctors... you need to see this."  Savot commended the young Suliban girl for keeping her tone and physical responses calm despite the magnitude of the occurrence.  Helia checked the brainwave readings... unnecessarily it turned out, as the patient on the biobed who had been comatose for 5 days, began to blink his eyes awake.  


Savot turned to address Pargroban with a fairly sympathetic visage for a vulcan, "Minister; whatever else happens, this is the result we have all aimed our efforts toward.  We should resume communication with the other hospitals to see if any others are recovering.  You have my word as a Starfleet Captain that we will take no action against you or your people as no harm came to us, but please allow us to help complete the job we came here to perform."  Soul wracked with both relief then instant shame at her actions, Pargroban nodded her head covering her mouth with a shaking hand to help calm her stomach's sudden urge to empty itself.  She handed her weapon to Savot and gestured for her guards to relinquish their arms as well.  The force-fields, jamming devices, and containment doors were all released, and a barely-controlled Gorn Security Officer stomped through the nearest doors to confirm the captain's well-being.  


Grateful for the Gorn's intense interest in their wellfare, Savot nonetheless calmly forestalled Zakryn with a raised hand while he tapped his commbadge with the other, =^=Savot to El Salvador.  We have confirmed patients beginning to awaken here; did you locate the vessel and her occupants?=^=

[Deis Irae]

::It had taken several hours to check each survivors health with tricorders, innoculate them with the standard vaccines, recieve all possible personal information on each and then get them moved onto the El Salvador. Once onboard was the rather fascinating task of filling them in on the DATE. There is clearly quite a bit of confusion, anger, sadness and even, oddly enough, joy for being freed. All of this is accomplished with an almost eerie silence. Only one of the telepaths speaks for the group, and his questions are few and far between. It isnt this small woman that they want answers from. The trip back would not be a long one so there was no need to assign quarters...these poor people had slept enough. For now the crew lounge was filled with them. Medical staff brought forth their more indepth scanners and equipment to check each over more thoroughally and one hell of a delicious dinner was had by all. Medical staff included. Deis had paused after making her manners to look back. A woman and a man were both staring at a 3d chess set. Neither of them moved, nor did the pieces, but after roughly 5 minutes only, the two looked at one another and just nodded. She never knew who won...but she is sure it was a very satisfying game.::

::It wasnt until she returned to the bridge that she recieves the comm from her Captain. She and Delbridge both have the same relieved smile, though when they look at one another and see that, both clear throats and put on more serious faces. Yes yes one tends to bond just a little when one is suspended in the vacuume of space with a load of bleary telepaths, on a frozen coffin ship.::

=^=Savot to El Salvador. We have confirmed patients beginning to awaken here; did you locate the vessel and her occupants?=^=

::The Commander gladly retakes the center seat:: =/\=El Salvador, 'ere. Aye, Sir. Th vessel is bein towed behind us an we will be back in orbit in a lil o'er 2 standard hours. Ill 'ave ye know tha ive 71, live an well, ladies an gents aboard tha verra much wish t be speakin t their people. I do regret t inform ye tha we lost 4...prolly 100 years ago. Cannae wait t hear all bout yer comm silence, but tha can wait til we speak face t face. Engagin yer way a' warp 2...see ye soon, Sir.=/\= ::Giving helm the nod, stretching the stars to bring us back in::