Summary:
The command crew of the Andromeda has been waiting seemingly interminable minutes in an empty, apparently sealed room. The ceiling glows steadily above them.

~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Begin USS Andromeda: "Recovery" Mission 5 11209.15~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~

ACTION:
Overcome by the extensive vomiting and space-sickness he endured on the multi-hour trip into the system, McQuade has lost consciousness for the moment.

Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::closes his tricorder::  All:  Well, these appear to be useless.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::sits with his back against one of the walls, having had his own run-in with the dampening field, head still hurting::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::gets up and starts feeling the wall for any imperfections::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::walks over to Sierra::  CMO:  Pain easing up?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Sitting on the floor, out of the way, she quietly rubs her tempos to ease the headache reaching for her children had caused.  Being on the family pathway, that should not have happened.  But they were working with the unknown.  At her husband’s question she looked up.::  CO:  Slowly.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::paces slowly around the room, her finger tips tracing over the seamless material, her eyes closed.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::smiles wanly at Sky:: CMO: You did try and warn me.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  You see anything, anything at all on a way to get out of here Conor?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Reaches a hand up to her husband for assistance.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::extends his arm down to help Sierra up::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::slowly moving along the wall:: CO: Seems like a perfectly solid wall to me. So not yet.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: With a sigh, she thanks Ethan and then goes to check on McQuade.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  They could at least communicate with us!  Tell us what they want or what they plan on doing with us.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::looks up at the Captain:: CO: One would think that, sir.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: There is a flash of blue light above their heads, and suddenly the air becomes extremely thin as the pressure within the room drops precipitously.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CMO:  Is Tavish going to be okay?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CO: Given they like moving about in ships with cloak so advance we can't detect it, they don't strike me as the talkative type
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::feels the air get very thin and locks his helmet back in place::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::glad he's still sitting as the air vacates the room::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: In another flash of light, the pressure normalizes, as the air becomes infused with a sweet freshness, heavy with oxygen.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks up.::  CO:  His condition has not changed.  But it will if we do not get some water in the next few hours.  At the moment, he is just resting.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::keeps her eyes closed and the helmet of the EVA suit on, only the glove removed as she continues walking around the room. Feeling the pressure change she pulls the glove back on quickly.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::frowns:: CMO/CSO: Did they just beam in new air?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: What do you think this material is?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
XO: Stone.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
::Catching her breath with the sudden loss and then infusion of oxygen, she stands back up.::  CNS:  Could be.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: Phaser resistant stone?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: Which means this room is really a seamless, airtight chamber. ::runs his fingers over the floor and up the wall::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CNS: You ready for some pain killers?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::notices his suit readout is showing a normal atmosphere and unlocks his helmet::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::sniffs:: CMO: And the sweetness to the air... its peculiar. ::gets up:: CO: Your tricorder, please sir.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::shrugs at the XO:: Whatever carved it was precise. It was likely some kind of high intensity energy beam. However it is very dense. The resistance to weapons fire is likely very high.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CMO: I'll take whatever you have.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::hands Varesh the tricorder::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::flicks on the EVA suit's magnetic boots curious to see if they will find purchase::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CO: Thanks. ::runs an atmospheric analysis, and sets the tricorder to continually monitor air quality::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: nodding she gives him a shot of painkiller, refraining from it herself still.::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The is a flash of blue...and when it has rescinded, this time the room is down one member: Doctor Knight-Sky is no longer present.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::yells out::  I'm sure you can both see and hear us.  I would like to know why you have abducted us and what it is you plan to do with us.
Host SMLea says:
<Move action down one>
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::grouses as the tricorder doesn't work and then bites back an oath as Sky disappears::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::eyes adjust::  All:  They took Sierra!
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::looks at the place where the CMO had been then removes her glove and places her palm on the wall again de-activating the suit's boots as she resumes her circuit of the room::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::draws his phaser:: All: Lock your  helmets if you haven’t already done so ::locks helmet back::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::moves closer to the Captain:: CO: She could be with the children. ::puts his helmet back on and locks it down::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::checks to make sure his lock is secure::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sets his phaser on low power and starts trying to cut through the stone::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The phaser does fire, and begins to slowly heat the stone, but does not immediately carve it.  The area of the wall glows bright as it absorbs the energy, releasing some of it as heat.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::stops firing for a second and examines his handy work:: All: I think we'll cook ourselves to death before this cuts through
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::scans it with his tricorder::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The wall continues to hold the heat, releasing it slowly.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: I'm not one for a slow roast today.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::sees his tricorder returns nothing, hits it against the heated stone::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: There is a flash of blue light above their heads, and suddenly the air becomes extremely thin as the pressure within the room drops precipitously.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
ALL: It seems the only way in and out is by transporter.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: In another flash of light, the pressure normalizes, as the room receives a gust of fresh, cool air.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: How long between transports?
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: Roughly 10 minutes, maybe thirteen.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: If we give me a boost up right before the next window, I may be caught up in their transporter lock?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
XO: Also you may be cut in half by the beam out.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: Got any better ideas? So far I see either cook ourselves to death or starve to death. Neither are options I like quite frankly.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
XO:  Ivara is correct.  I would prefer to have you here in one piece.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
XO: Just a hand?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
XO: They are providing air, one would assume they want us alive, so food will likely be provided when appropriate.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::gets a bit more agitated::  All:  I just wish they would at least communicate with us!
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::grumbles and starts sweeping his phaser fire along the walls to see if he can find any minute defects:::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::puts a hand on the Captain's arm:: CO: All in good time, sir. Try keep calm.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The rock faces heat slightly as they absorb the energy from Conor's phaser, but each time the heat quickly dissipates as he moves on to the next location, each glowing only momentarily.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The is a flash of blue...and when it has rescinded, this time the room is down two members: Captain Knight and Counselor Varesh are no longer present.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::takes her hand away from the wall and returns her glove to it folding her arms and saying nothing as she moves to the center of the room.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::looks around:: Self: Great. ::starts phaser sweeping the ceiling::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The ceiling reacts to the application of phaser fire by briefly dimming, the room goes momentarily dark.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: Then the ceiling glows blindingly bright, releasing the phaser energy as pure light.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::closes his eyes due to the light:: CSO: I think we're getting somewhere
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The ceiling continues to alternate blackness and bright light every 2.5 seconds.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::flips open his tricorder again and sees if it is working again::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: Should I shoot it when it is bright or dark?
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The tricorders readings fade in and out, in and out, every 2.5 seconds.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::tints her visor darker:: XO: That is up to you sir, I have no evidence that either would be more effective.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
<delete previous because I'm an idiot>
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The tricorder flashes data, but only just under 2.5 seconds at a time.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: There is a flash of blue light above their heads, and suddenly the air becomes extremely thin as the pressure within the room drops precipitously.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: Nothing else happens yet.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Self: Hmm, no oxygen back. So either I shot the life support system or they are punishing us.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: In another flash of light, the pressure normalizes, as the room receives a gust of fresh, cool air.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::starts firing again at the roof on a low power continuous beam to try get some longer window for tricorder scans::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: The ceiling goes dim for a longer period, absorbing the phaser's energy gradually, dark as it does so.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: My tricorder is getting some readings when the ceiling is dark, what can you pick up?
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::pulls her tricorder out and checks its status::
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: 24 seconds later, the ceiling shifts back into blind-you-brightness mode, and the tricorders go once more dark.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
::closes his eyes and looks away from the ceiling::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::sets the visor to 'reactive' mode so that it tints dark when the light gets too high.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
CSO: What do you think max power from a phaser could do to this rock? The ceiling appears to continue 12m up at least
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: There is a massive flash of blue light, filling the room.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
XO: Looks like we are 12 meters below the surface of a forest.
Host SMLea says:
ACTION: When it fades, Captain Knight, Doctor Knight-Sky, Counselor Varesh, Briana and Braeden all appear within the room...along with one Kriosian-appearing woman of approximately 50 years of age, attired in a white robe, its hood puddled around her strikingly black hair.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::calmly pockets her tricorder and turns towards the new returns::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
All: Uhm. Hello?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::appears back with the others, Braeden still clutched to his back::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::gets up from the floor where he was kneeling::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Reaching down to pick up her daughter, she looks both suspiciously and angrily at the woman before them.::
Host Woman says:
::Standing with her arms down, hands empty, and eyes closed, to the side of the group that just beamed in::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  Just who are you and why are we here?!
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: steps closer to her husband both for comfort and ready to take their son if her husband needs to defend them.::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::lets the Captain handle the questions for the moment::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::looks at the CMO then the CO and frowns slightly. she moves over by the woman, her hands down at her sides looking almost protective.:: CO: Sir...please remain calm
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CSO:  I will remain calm once I get an answer from whoever this is.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
CO: Sir, that will likely not be a particularly effective method to gain your answers.
Host Woman says:
::Opens one eye...then the other, turning her head - but not her body - to face the Captain shouting the orders. Her voice is familiar to those who were on the shuttle Inferno:: ::With an extremely careful and calm tone:: CO: You are here...because you came here. Tried to land here. Despite our warnings not to come.
Host Woman says:
CO: We rescued you from your disintegrating shuttle before it killed you all. We have reunited you with your family. We have cared for you children in your absence. ::Tilts her head::  Would you like to kill me now?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks over at the CSO and just lightly shakes her head at him::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Wants to make the comment they would not have been absent from their children had they not been taken, but keeps silent.::
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Woman: Family you kidnapped, not really the same.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  I do not want to kill you.  We came here despite your warnings to rescue my children.  Now that we have them, I would appreciate it if you release us all.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::recognizes the voice, keeping his retort to himself. Like Ethan and Sky would keep from coming for their children just because someone said so::
Host Woman says:
::Raises both eyebrows:: XO: I fear you are gravely mistaken.  CO: And I would like to know just to where you would like to be released?
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Woman: Enlighten us in that case.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::frowns at the response since the children were definitely taken against everybody's wishes::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::remains near the woman, her eyes flicking from the CO to the CNS to the XO wondering who is going to try shooting first.  It feels strange to be standing between the crew and a complete stranger, but the signs of anger on the crew's faces she feels the need to stay ready, at least until the woman answers::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  How about to my ship?  Don't tell me you do not have the means to send us there.  I would find that very hard to believe.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::leans closer to Sky:: CMO: As much as I want us to get out of here, I also want to know why all this happened.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Feeling her daughters arms tighten around her neck, she reaches up to gently ease them a bit, whispering a few calming words into her ear.::
Host Woman says:
CO: You mean the ship, that you sent 1.5 light years away to avoid seeming suspicious?   XO: The children were found in the possession of a state criminal when he was captured. We have been doing our best to care for them here, while making quiet inquiries as to their origins.  As you may imagine, the criminal was less than forthcoming on the matter.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looking over at her son, she sees he is equally as tense, but showing more restraint.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Woman:  If that is true, why did you not simply tell us you had the children or simply let us come get them?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  This criminal, what happened to him?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: meaningless?  Their terror, fears and sorrow had no purpose?  With concentration, she held back the anger, burying it for now.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  Look, we mean you no harm.  We simply want to just be released back so that we can continue on our way.
Host Woman says:
::Looks to the mother, with a sense of sympathy:: CMO: We were dedicated to returning the children to their parents, but we are even more dedicated to our privacy. Had you turned back, we would have used the knowledge gained in scanning you in your assault on our planet to trace you back to your ship. The children would then have been arranged to
Host Woman says:
CO: And the criminal is currently in holding, pending trial.
XO_LtCmdr_Conor says:
Woman: Is he one of your citizens given the level of technology he had available to him?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  But we did not know this.  If this had been communicated to us, we never would have entered your system.  But what choice did we have?  Would you not do anything you could to retrieve your own children?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: her husband speaking her own sentiments, she said nothing, only shaking her head lightly::
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::listens to the story unfolding::
Host Woman says:
::Looks steadily at the XO a long moment, her face flickering, but quickly looks back to the Captain:: CO: Again, our government was loathe to confirm any connect of ourselves with the presence of the children. We did everything we could to hide from them our very existence and identity, as well as to you.
Host Woman says:
CO: Unfortunately, it appears we were ultimately unsuccessful.  ::Glances at the XO, though she continues to speak to the CO:: It was deemed necessary that I reveal myself to you, lest your officers destroy one of our holding rooms, and seemed unlikely to release his phaser for us to remove at any time.
Host Woman says:
CO/CMO: I am authorized to express great sympathy for the terrible tragedy that has befallen you... ::Her voice and expression clear that she even more deeply feels the "authorized" words::...and wish that there could indeed have been another way.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  Terrible tragedy? Just what exactly are you saying?
Host Woman says:
CO: That your children were stolen from you, leading you here, and forcing this interaction.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Woman:  A word of advice... if you truly wish to keep your isolation, a little bit of communication can go a long way.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  I tell you what, why don't you allow me to speak with whoever is in charge.....to discuss our release with that person.
Host Woman says:
CMO: I believe we did communicate, repeatedly.   CO: I am afraid we are likely beyond that at this time. Even as we speak, relevant members of my government are discussing how to handle this breach.  Of course, we wish you no harm...although you did ignore our warnings, you were drawn out of a deep familial commitment.
Host Woman says:
CO: That will go far to sway those involved to have sympathy upon you.
Host Woman says:
CO: But our complete isolation...it is sacrosanct. They will what is necessary to ensure its continuance.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
CO: Captain. I believe the best course of action is to retreat from this and let them deal with their criminal as dictated by their laws and customs.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  Look, we will do what we can in our power to help your people to allow us to leave.  With your technology, wouldn't you happen to have something that could block our memories of this incident?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Woman:  Repeating repeatedly to stay way, is not communication.  :: does not keep back the wryness from her voice.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
::holds his hand up to Sierra::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
CO: I would ask you to remember Attaché Light's condition, sir.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks at her husband, not at all liking that idea.  For their memories should not really matter.::  CO:  It would probably be better to let it be known this area is off limits then wiping our memories.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
CSO:  Light's condition is pretty much not on my priority list right now.
Host Woman says:
::Tilts her head:: CO: These are sure to be matters under consideration by my government, but I will gladly propose to them any additional suggestions you would like to ensure they consider.   ::Pauses, looking blankly past them a moment::
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::clenches her jaw slightly:: CO: Noted. Captain.
Host Woman says:
ACTION: With a small flash of blue light, several sheets of paper and pencil-like objects appear on the floor nearby.
Host Woman says:
CO: Please record anything you would like brought before them, or any messages you may want sent to me.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: looks down with a lifted brow at the objects before them.::
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
Woman:  The sooner we can get this done, the better.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
::Turns to the woman:: Woman: The crystal power sources we found on the criminal's vessel are you familiar with them?
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  If any of you have anything you wish to convey, I suggest you right them down immediately.
CNS_Cmdr_Varesh says:
::tries to think of anything that could be useful::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Shifting her daughter slightly who by now has been looking around curiously, she bends down to pick up a pencil and paper.::
Host Woman says:
::Looks to Ivara, blinking:: CSO: I-- ...   ::Looks back to the Captain:: CO: ...will retrieve your notes as soon as they are complete.  ::Bows her head:: Good day.
Host CO_Capt_Knight says:
All:  And, I suggest you convey something that will be useful.....nothing to suggest that we would be aggressive.
Host Woman says:
ACTION: With a final flash of blue light, the woman disappears from the room.
CSO_Ens_Ivara says:
Woman: What I have to write is dependent upon a yes or no answer to that question....::turns to the Captain as the woman turns away a flash of anger in her eyes, she snatches her paper and pencil from the floor::
Host Woman says:
~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~Pause Mission - Time Lapse: 30 minutes~"~"~"~"~"~"~"~
Host Woman says:
Notes: What whatever point in that time the last person sets down their paper and pencil, all the writing implements will vanish.   About 20 minutes into that, a tray with exotic fruits, vegetables, and dried meats will appear. These are foodstuffs the children are well-accustomed to and can vouch are safe to consume. As well as plastic cups of water.
Host Woman says:
Four cups per person.

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