Task Force: Gamma

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:14 am Post subject:

"Sit tight Jim... maybe we'll be able to figure this one out without any more hostility."

Calodan sighed heavily. "If that is what you believe. We found this body to be the most easily receptive to our consciousness but even it is rapidly breaking down. I suggest you make a decision quickly or every one of the..people..in here will be overcome and will either die or their normal thoughts will not be able to resurface." He/They watched the Captain leave and then glared at the remaining security personnel. With one touch he could make the Captain understand. Verbal communication was a waste of what little time they had.

"Lieutenant," she spoke up, calling to Calodan, "What's going on?"

As the Captain had departed, Calodan/They decided to answer the blue-skinned creature...Andorian...Lieutenant zh'Rel...this bodies mind was starting to get more confused and scattered making it hard to concentrate...the Andorian...her thoughts cannot be heard.

"Interesting, we cannot hear you. We cannot bond with you as the others. You are irrelevant to the current situation and We have other matters to attend too rather then converse with you. We suggest you stay where you are Lieutenant zh'Rel and this situation will be resolved soon." With that, Calodan/They turned away from zh'Rel and began studying how the edge of the field interacted with it's emitters.

He/They wiped some of the black slime along the edge of the field and studied its reactions. They would make their escape, whether this human Captain believed his cells infallible or not. While they could no longer hear Croft and Qech's thoughts, their knowledge along with Calodan's was a part of the whole. They now knew the shield would not be defeated with force, only with subtlety would they survive.

He/They added more of the black slime from his hands and face to the edge of the shield barrier and it began to grow and pulse with the energy from the shield. Soon there would be a weakening of this field and then they could spread. There were more bodies in the room just beyond and they would strengthen the whole with their knowledge and energy.

The black slime continued to creep along the edge of the shield barrier, forming energy pathways from the security field to the duranium that made up the walls of the cell. Slowly, the energy level of the field began to fall...
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Marek · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:24 am Post subject:

Croft slowly turned, looking around. "This appears to be the..ranch my mother was raised on, although ranch doesn't quite cover it, estate?" He turns, facing away from the sun. "There should be a building over..." As he spoke, a large building appeared. It was two story, somewhat rectangular, with the appearance of a 19th century earth plantation home in some aspects, although the columns were square and the windows all ovals, making for an interesting, if strange, contrast. Croft turned to Qech, "What do you think Commander? Should we continue?" Croft's body language showed the turmoil he felt, part of him wanted very much to go to the house, but another part was definitely not interested in continuing with this charade.
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uvek · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:48 am Post subject:

While Uvek was conversing with the captain, Phell was watching the fleet statistics. As usual, his need for perfection and accumulating applicable data to formulate a conclusion worked against him. He failed to notice the yellow light indicator on the brig's shield monitor.

Imperceptibly, the field energy was being drained away through some interference with the grid emitters. It would be several seconds before the levels dropped enough for a red light and longer for the tone that would draw his attention. As the shield was already at 76 percent, the level ten force would never take the abuse unleashed by Croft before the combined strength of the away team would collapse it.

It could be a critical oversight.

****
BRIG
****

Crewman Patterson watched Mr. Smith and his opposite number move to the security desk, alternately sitting and standing by the door the captain had just passed through. Smith looked tired, resting his eyes for a moment, while his teammate leaned heavily against the wall and began listlessly checking his phaser. The action was over for the moment and the routine of security quickly returned to the experienced men. Patterson looked back to the screen, which was still popping and cracking as Calodan tested it. It was a distraction, pulling his tired mind away from the creeping invasion on the edge of the field.
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Live a life of action...not reaction.

Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"What do you think Commander? Should we continue?"

Qech forced a reassuring smile, which was more of a chore than it should have been. She was tired, at least her mind must have been for her to be feeling it so heavily here. Between all the unwanted strain of the last few hours, the baby, and the fact that she'd now missed one too many meals, she was absolutely drained.

Anxiety rushed through her as she looked toward the house that was beckoning them forward, but it didn't show on her face. Although, as closely linked as their minds were at the moment, she was sure there was no emotion, no matter how subtle, that Croft would not feel as well.

With a sigh, she stepped forward. "We might as well. Those aliens had you convulsing on the floor, and I'm in no hurry to see that happen again. This may be the chance you need to rest your mind a bit."

She started walking toward the house with the odd feeling that she was in a Vulcan mind meld; at least it was the closest sensation she could relate this to. "I'm not sure how all of this works, but it seems to me that if we're in you're mind, it's going to have to be you that gets us out... I have to admit though. As far as subconscious prisons go, this one isn't half bad."
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Marek · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 5:13 pm Post subject:

Croft followed as she headed towards the house.
"I don't think it's so much as a prison as a safe house. At least, I hope that's the case." He slowly mounted the porch, looking around as he did so. The building was made out of some sort of stone or concrete-like substance. As Croft and Qech neared the front door, it slid open, revealing a marble floored entryway, classical music drifting from somewhere inside.
"Mozart, that sounds like my Grandmother..." Croft hesitated on the threshold, a strange look on his face.
"I don't sense anyone but us.." He muttered.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 7:35 pm Post subject:

<ACTION PAUSE>

I'm going to continue this a little later, but I wanted to pause everything before the shit hit the fan. Hold all posts until my next, anything posted IC before that will be deleted. Sorry for the hold up.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:13 pm Post subject:

Location: Brig, USS Hartington

"We can't theorize about the origins of this life form, Lieutenant. Maintain our course and speed, cooperate in any way with the Prefect... that is until he starts asking things that would be harmful to the ship."

The Captain took a breath as he looked towards the door leading to the cell block. With a shake of his head he continued speaking to the Bridge.

"I'm going to need a quiet evacuation of this deck, along with the simultaneous prepping of a shuttlepod for jettison. Strip down the Shuttlepod Kent as fast as it can happen, I don't want anything on the ship that an Officer like Calodan could use to get her functioning again. Rip the components out if need be. Also, order Chief Blair to have all transporters maintain an active transporter lock on everyone in the Security Office and Brig, those in side the cell are to be transported back into a holding field if they get out and those of us who are not under quarantine are to be transported to the deck one conference room if the security field fails or I give the order. We're going to keep an active com line from now on, notify me when all of the preparations are in place. Understood, Lieutenant?"

***

Meanwhile, inside the cell, Lieutenant zh'Rel stepped forward. Concern laced her voice as she watched Calodan at work.

"Lieutenant, Jim... please stop. I do not want to have to use force, but I will if I have to."

***

After the Captain received his confirmation from Uvek, he stepped back out into the Brig area, looking towards the cell full of his crewmen. With a sigh, he started to speak once again.

"Alright Jim, I'm willing to let you go, but I need t..."

Brennon stopped short as he saw the shimmering energy of the force field. Shaking his head, he looked to Calodan.

"You need to stop, right now. If you have Jim's mind in there you know that I'll sooner sacrifice one life to save the lives of my crew. Stop what you are doing or I'll have you beamed into space!"
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ArjimCalodan · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:32 pm Post subject:

"Lieutenant, Jim... please stop. I do not want to have to use force, but I will if I have to."

"It would be inadvisable of you to attempt to use force on us. We have been able to augment the normal strength that you would experience in Jim several fold. You were not awake to witness Xavier ripping a bunk from the wall and smashing into the security field, but it was impressive and not a one time feat. I ask you to kindly please sit back and stay out of the way and no harm will come upon you."

"You need to stop, right now. If you have Jim's mind in there you know that I'll sooner sacrifice one life to save the lives of my crew. Stop what you are doing or I'll have you beamed into space!"

"We not only hear Jim's thoughts, but the thoughts of Davynn and Xavier as well. Davynn know you quite well Captain Brennon...and she believes that you are a truthful man. Allow me to make you an offer. We will stop attempting to circumvent your security efforts if you will immediately break away from the Prefect's ships at high warp. You may set any course you deem safe. At that time, we request access to your main computer. We believe we have absorbed enough of Croft's knowledge to be able to input a proper course and heading to our home planet. If you will return us there, we will do our best to do no harm to those that currently play host to us and release the bond that holds us once we are beamed to the surface."

They stopped, watching the Captain ponder the information presented

"There is one other concern we wish to express to you as you consider this. With only the few hosts in here, we are forced to dwell heavily upon them. We are quickly killing them. As you can see, three have already fallen into a.." the entity paused as if searching for words, when he continued his voice had a similar quality to Qech's when she spoke of medical things. "Coma. The process of bonding increases the metabolic rates to far greater then what a few bodies can withstand. We need more hosts if you wish us...and them..to survive the journey. Using the knowledge we have gained, we know that these four have many friends aboard this ship, many of whom would likely be willing to join us to help save their friends. Perhaps a request for volunteers."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech slowly took a step inside the manor, taking in every detail she could. The music was drifting through the halls in an almost haunting sort of atmosphere. "If we did run into anyone else, we know that they'd just be fragments of your memories. I can't say that I'm not used to that sort of thing." As if on cue, her mind immediately began to wander, and she found the memories of one of her previous hosts was trying to force its way to the surface. She closed her eyes, and tried to fight them back.

No. I need to be myself right now. Please.

She stood there, oddly silent, for a few moments. In the end, she couldn't really decide if she had won the control or not. Odd flashes from a life that she knew had not been hers flowed, unbidden, into her thoughts. She knew Ailis was a Mozart fan as well, and Qech knew this song measure for measure.

Davynn put her hands to her ears, not sure if she was trying to block out Ailis or the music. Trying desperately to fight off the confusion, she finally managed to say something:

"Maybe we should leave."
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Cory Drake · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:00 am Post subject:

Lt. Cory Drake
USS Hartington
Bridge

Drake, now standing at his science station and working on the upper console got to work quickly on dispatching a science team to help tear apart the Shuttlepod Kent. Security was having its hands full, so it was the least Drake could do with the science crews.

Drake looked back at Uvek and nodded. "I already have a science team enroute to begin stripping down the shuttlepod, Sir. I can help Mr. Blair keep a lock on our folks down there too. With that slime on them, he may need some extra help in keeping their patterns intact."

Drake turned back to his console and sat back down to open a connection with he and Chief Blair in transporter control.
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uvek · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:34 am Post subject:

Uvek nodded to Drake after closing the channel. "Do whatever is necessary. Mr. Phell, I want defenses set on automatic. I want shields up and phasers to target the Prefect's ship the moment there is a deviation from...." he stopped talking and immediately stepped to the tactical station. "H'naev, Phell, what is this?!" he angrily exclaimed.

The red light flashing indicated that shield levels had dropped nearly to the point of audible alert...close to 60 percent. Uvek immediately tapped controls and reenforced the field with a power surge. The light went out. He looked at Phell but caught himself before exploding, things were tense enough.

"Get below, supervise the deck evacuation Ensign Phell." He said simply. The Benzite stood still for a moment, his carbon dioxide rebreather puffing in and out as he realized the magnitude of his oversight. The field could have been compromised, or worse. He nodded his head and headed to the Security level on Deck 12. Uvek nodded to Lt. Thomas, "Please assume tactical, Lieutenant." he said.

Uvek did his tactical work alone, then moved to the command chair. "Helm, you heard the captain, maintain course and speed. However, I want evasive maneuvers laid in and ready. Mr. Drake, make all haste on the shuttlepod. Report to me when you are ready, so we can coordinate all our efforts." He sat back and watched the Prefect's ship on the screen, wondering where all this was going.
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Live a life of action...not reaction.

ArjimCalodan · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:39 am Post subject:

The field surged with renewed power and the tentative connections made between the field and the bulkheads by the black ooze flared, then started to sizzle and bubble. Calodan/They fell to his knees in front of the field and screamed, grasping at the sides of his/their head.
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Marek · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:30 am Post subject:

Croft, who had barely entered the house, nodded quickly.
"I think that's a good id..." The house vanished, replaced by a corridor. It was definitely Starfleet design, in fact, Croft knew where he was instantly. He had never served on the vessel, but it haunted his dreams nightly. "The Odyssey.." Croft glanced down the corridor as movement caught his eye. A woman stood there, waving at him, a warm smile on her face. Her blond hair was pulled up, and she looked sharp in her Starfleet science officer's uniform, her new Lieutenants pips shined to a high sheen. Ally Croft walked over to Qech, almost grabbing her hand before catching himself,
"I think I'm losing control Commander. I would never willing enter this dream." As if on cue, from around the corner of the corridor, something could be heard approaching. Red laser beams can be seen, emitting from something just around the bend, several on each end of the corridor. The entities on the young woman's end of the corridor come into sight first. Croft watches, frozen, as he nightly horror unfolds once again, this time with a witness. The first Borg grabbed her by the shoulder, causing her face to make an almost comical "Oh!" of surprise. The Borg's other arm comes up, two tendrils shooting out from it's wrist and injecting the deadly nanites into his first loves blood stream. She cries out in pain, "Xavier! Help me!"
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

"I think I'm losing control Commander. I would never willing enter this dream."

Qech spun around to face Croft, turning away from the horrible events that were unfolding behind her. She put both her hands squarely on his shoulders and looked him in the eye, urging him to turn away from his nightmare. "This isn't happening, Xavier, not now. You need to get us out of here... Don't look at her, look at me! Okay, now...concentrate. You can do this!"

She closed her eyes with him, trying very hard to block out the gruesome images that were begging to be witnessed. She tried to think of someplace else, anyplace else in hopes that he could gather some strength from the effort. It was very difficult trying to project serene thoughts with the sounds of the borg whirring around them. She'd heard that sound. She knew the screaming... But she steeled herself against it, thinking of home. Thinking of her family and her late fiance... Anywhere but here.
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uvek · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:45 pm Post subject:

Phell moved through the hallway, watching personnel move quickly to the turbolifts. His checks indicated the security screens were still intact around the brig and security office. He was not going to make the mistake of overlooking something so blatant again. He caught Smithers, a recent starfleet grad and pointed to the door opposite his position. "Mr. Smithers, secure the weapons locker in there. Make sure that lock is changed to this," he hands the crewman a chip with an encrypted security lock. Since Data released his formula for Fractal encryption codes, even the Romulans were needing to find creative ways to gather information on certain files.

He tapped his commbadge. "Phell to the bridge," he called out in a quiet voice. "Deck 12 will be cleared in five minutes. Security screens will be erected at every junction at that point. Phell out."
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Live a life of action...not reaction.