USS CHARLOTTETOWN MISSION TRANSCRIPT – 10603.03

USS Charlottetown - 10603.03 - "The Attack," Part III

The Charlottetown remains at Starbase 245, helping to finish up with the coordination of repair and rescue teams after the devastating attack in which the Orion Syndicate has been implicated...

... The Charlottetown receives orders to participate in the search for the vessels responsible...

<<<<<<<<<<Begin>>>>>>>>>>>

ACTION: Work bees and shuttles flit about the Starbase, as a full repair effort is underway...

CMO_Kimura says:
::in her quarters, moping::

ACTION: Outside, in space, the environment is quiet... no trail, no subspace messages, no hint of Orion Syndicate activity...

CO_Shras says:
:: drops his last package into his new quarters on the Charlottetown and head for the bridge ::
CMO_Kimura says:
::gets fed up with the bed sheets and angrily throws them across the room::
CIV_Azanna says:
::walks along the corridor with Mojo::
CNS_Bauer says:
::On the bridge::
CTO_Wellington says:
::on the bridge, finalizing the last of the pre-departure checks with the Starbase::
CIV_Azanna says:
::rings the chime for the CMO's quarters::
CTO_Wellington says:
CNS: Sir... if you don't mind my asking... how exactly are we to take part in this search for the Orions?
CMO_Kimura says:
Door: Come in! ::angrily::
CIV_Azanna says:
::walks in and looks around:: CMO: Rredecorrating? ::picks up a throw pillow::
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: As far as I'm concerned ...by any means possible.
CMO_Kimura says:
::sighs:: CIV: You could say that.
CTO_Wellington says:
CNS: Well, yes, sir... but what does that mean? Do we have any leads?

ACTION: On the Charlottetown, the crew is hard at work at readying the ship for departure...

CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Orders were to locate and do what we feel necessary.
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Which leaves much to the imagination.
CMO_Kimura says:
::plops down on her bed, kicking off another pillow::
Mojo says:
::whines softly and waddles over to the CMO::
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: So what's up, Kiddo?
CMO_Kimura says:
::bends down and pets Mojo::

ACTION: On the bridge, are several officers... some completing pre-departure procedures, the SO working on a scan of the Starbase, identifying key points for repair as part of the coordination effort...

CO_Shras says:
:: walking in the bridge, heading for his chair ::
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: The Orion ships responsible for the attack are still in Federation space....I'm hoping scanners will be able to detect them.
CTO_Wellington says:
CNS: So do I... :;sees the captain:: All: Captain on the bridge!
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Taal's gone. ::sighs again:: He's been promoted and is now the commanding officer of Starbase 245. ::speaks slowly::
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: Captain. Are we finished here Sir?
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: And? ::tail twitches slowly::
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::make my way to the OPS station and familiarize myself with the console::
CO_Shras says:
ALL: At your posts, make ready to depart

ACTION: At the science station, the SO frowns, as a quiet beeping can be heard, a disconcerting noise...

CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: And I'm left here! On this-this stupid ship with nothing in these boxes and no warmth here at all!
CO_Shras says:
CNS: If everyone is onboard we go right now
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::prepares COM channels for departure::
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Wellington and I were just discussing the best means of tracking the Orion ship's. Your thoughts?
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: Very good, Sir.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: All I have is-is... throw pillows!!! ::chunks another across the room::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Checks crew manifests to assure all present::
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CO: Sir... we have something odd here...
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: The crew is on board, Sir.
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: Hey, I'm still herre, and I'm not a thrrow pillow.
CO_Shras says:
SO: What is it?
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Yeah... you're here at least... but he's not... ::looks out of her new window::
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
: Well... I'm not entirely sure... see for yourself, sir. ::she steps aside, and points to her monitor...::
CIV_Azanna says:
::sighs:: CMO: And Immonen's not...but you don't see me thrrowing a fit about it. Plenty of fish in the sea.
CO_Shras says:
CTO: Are we fully operational defensively and offensively?

ACTION: On the SO's monitors, is a schematic of the Starbase layout, superimposed on an active scan of the Starbase itself...

CTO_Wellington says:
CO: Yes, we are, sir, we are quite ready.
CNS_Bauer says:
::Tries to see the Ensign's monitor::
CO_Shras says:
:: moves in to the science station and look at the screen ::
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CO/CNS: I'm conducting a scan of the Starbase, and matching it against the layout, to identify any areas that require immediate attention in terms of repair - anything out of the ordinary, that sort of thing. But... this here is a small empty, powerless storage room that the sensors just scanned... but it's not supposed to be.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: I know but...
CNS_Bauer says:
::Standing next to CO:: CTO: Not suppose to be, what?
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Not suppose to be there?
CO_Shras says:
OPS: Try to contact Captain Taal on SB245
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: I don't know if I can... can stand to see him only once in a Ferengi moon...
CO_Shras says:
CTO: Just a thought, how big ids that area over there?
CNS_Bauer says:
::Looks at the screen carefully::
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: At least you can see him at all. You'rre kinda lucky that way.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO/CTO: Looks at that!
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CNS: Well... according to the layout, it's not supposed to be empty and powered down at all, it's a critical junction for several power relays in fact.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: Do you see it?
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::establishes contact with SB OPS::CO: Aye, sir

ACTION: The CNS gestures to a very tiny blip, a pulsing energy signature...

CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: But what if I DON'T see him at all! We came back to the starbase to find it barely there!
CTO_Wellington says:
CO: It's roughly 10 metres by 25 metres, sir.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO/CTO: Its a blip or something. Flashing....like every 11 seconds...see there it is again.
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: So make one of those...holo-thingees....orr wrrite him letterrs orr something.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: What if we had come back a few days earlier, it might have been Taal who would have died and we would have been long gone...
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: What's that like an energy signature or something.
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CO/CNS: That is... Deck 4, section 09-Eta.
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
COM: SB OPS: SB245, this is USS Charlottetown, Capt Shras would like to speak with, Capt Taal.
CO_Shras says:
SO: Would that affect the station if that area was in fact powered down?

ACTION: The image of Captain Taal appears on the screen...

OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::CO: Sir, I have Captain Taal.
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: You can 'what if' yourrself to death. ::takes a swig:: Orr you can put on yourr big girrl panties and join the rreal worrld.
CNS_Bauer says:
::Sees Taal on the big screen::
SBCO_Taal says:
COM: Charlottetown: Captain... Is there something wrong?

ACTION: The pulsing continues, precisely every 11 seconds... 

CO_Shras says:
COM: Taal: Captain, sorry to bother you but we have a little mystery you might be interested in, it is on Deck 4, section 09-Eta
CO_Shras says:
SO: Monitor that pulse, warn me if there is any change in pattern
SBCO_Taal says:
::raises an eyebrow, he checks his sensors...:: COM: Charlottetown: Fascinating.... sensors cannot detect anything in that supply room... it is almost as if... there is a dampening field in place...
CMO_Kimura says:
::puts her face in her hands:: CIV: I know I know ... its just... every time a really great someone comes along something just tears it away. And it’s always been like this... I'm sure you understand...

ACTION: The pulsing continues, eerily, amidst the silence across the comm channel...

CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: Storry of my life. ::offers her the flask::
CMO_Kimura says:
::takes a big swig of the liquid inside and shakes her head::
CNS_Bauer says:
CO_Taal: You might want to have it investigated, Captain.
CO_Shras says:
COM: Taal: We are moving in position to get a direct look, you might want to send a security team down there.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO_Taal: Yeah, what he said ::Points to CO::
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::leaves OPS station and moves to helm::
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: I would drink more with you, but I'm on duty I suppose...
SBCO_Taal says:
COM: Charlottetown: Unfortunately, our access to that area of the station is limited at the moment, several of the corridors... ::he takes a closer look at the scan:: ... appear to be blocked by damage. Are you able transport a team to investigate?
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
;;tranfers OPS to Helm::
CO_Shras says:
OPS: Take us near that section of SB245, about 250 meters away
CIV_Azanna says:
::laughs:: CMO: I suppose I'm always on duty.
CMO_Kimura says:
::smiles weakly at her::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Smells an Away Team brewing::
CO_Shras says:
COM: Taal: We will look into it, I'll report to you any findings, Charlottetown out.
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
CO:Aye sir. ::begins to move the Charlottetown to the are of interest::
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: If you everr need to talk, you know wherre I live.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: This is going to be hell, I know it is...
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::adjust thrusters to position the ship::

ACTION: The Charlottetown moves closer towards the area of the pulsing... but the proximity does nothing to the sensors...

CO_Shras says:
CTO/SO: Get all that we have in sensors on that area, tell me what is really in there
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: I can't stand this already, Rina. I just can't STAND it... I should have stayed with him on the Starbase...
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: And then you'd be borred.
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
CO:We are in position, sir ::brings the Charlottetown to a stop::
CTO_Wellington says:
::shakes his head, he continues to run active scans on the area:: CO: If it's a dampening device, it's about one of the strongest I've ever seen - there's literally nothing in there at all, save for the very slight energy pulsing.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: It would be better than here on this... this shovel-ship without him...
CO_Shras says:
CTO: Your opinion about sending a team over there chief?
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: Then you'd be grriping to Taal how you miss me. ::toothy grin::
CMO_Kimura says:
::smiles:: CIV: Yeah, I would be bored...
CTO_Wellington says:
::looks up:: CO: Well, there's gotta be a reason why we can't scan the room's interior, sir.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO:  I could take a team over and take a look, Sir?
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Oh, God, I sound so... so weak and sappy... ::stands up and puts a pillow back on her bed::
CO_Shras says:
CNS: Commander, assemble your team and get the investigation going
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: I have my moments too. We all do.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: Aye, Sir.
CO_Shras says:
CNS: I might suggest EVA suit, in case the area is not structurally sound
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Mr. Worthington I'd like you on that team.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: Aye, Sir. EVA's, oh boy.
CTO_Wellington says:
::nods, and logs out of his console::
CNS_Bauer says:
*CIV/CMO*: Bauer to Lt. Kimura and Miss Grey.
CMO_Kimura says:
::sighs:: CIV: I don't want to go back on duty...
CMO_Kimura says:
::answers her com anyway:: CNS: Yes, counselor....
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CO: In the meantime, sir, I'll see if I can find some way to scan past.
CIV_Azanna says:
CMO: I'll stick with you, don't worry. You can pay me back laterr.
CNS_Bauer says:
*CIV/CMO*: Report to transporter Room one for Away Team assignment, please. We are headed to the Starbase. We may encounter injured.
CNS_Bauer says:
::Heads to the Turbo lift:: CO: I'll report to you as soon as I know something, Sir.
CMO_Kimura says:
::shakes head:: CIV: With this job, I can never call in sick unless I'm sick with an incurable disease.
CIV_Azanna says:
*CNS*: Arre you gonna be therre? ::purrs softly::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Enters TL:: 
CTO_Wellington says:
::he walks into the turbolift with the CNS:: Turbolift: Transporter Room One.
CMO_Kimura says:
::sweeps her hair into a ponytail and straightens her uniform::
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: Do you suspect a weapon there of some kind? 
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Don't you go getting sweet on him... he burns.
CNS_Bauer says:
Why else a dampening field, you think?
CNS_Bauer says:
::Exits TL and heads for Transporter room::
CMO_Kimura says:
::starts to walk out of her room::
CTO_Wellington says:
CNS: I do not know, but we cannot rule it out. One thing is for certain - something is hidden there.
CIV_Azanna says:
::follows the CMO:: Mojo: Go home.
Mojo says:
::nods and waddles off down the hallway in the other direction::
CNS_Bauer says:
::CTO: Keep sharp down there. ::Enters TR1:: CTO: Issue standard phasers to the Away Team, please.
CTO_Wellington says:
::he enters the transporter room, and quickly heads for the EVA Suit locker and weapons locker, pulling out equipment and handing some to the CNS::
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Do you know how to get to the transporter room?
CNS_Bauer says:
::Takes the EVA from CTO:: CTO: I really hate these things::
CIV_Azanna says:
::blinks and looks around:: CMO: That way. ::points::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Quickly dons his going to the party outfit::
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: Lead the way... I may or may not follow...
CMO_Kimura says:
::sighs::
CIV_Azanna says:
::giggles:: CMO: As you wish.

ACTION: The CMO and CIV magically enter the transporter room one.

CIV_Azanna says:
::checks the charge on her disruptors::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Takes his phaser and checks it before putting it away on his person::
CTO_Wellington says:
::nods to the CNS, CIV and CMO:: All: Be sure your phasers are activated and at the ready.
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
CO: Sir... Why would the Orion Syndicate attack the starbase?
CNS_Bauer says:
CTO: You got it. CIV/CMO: Welcome ladies...put on your party dresses and let's go.
CIV_Azanna says:
CNS: I hate those things..
CTO_Wellington says:
::he steps onto the transporter padd, waiting for the others::
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV/CMO: We may be dealing with a weapon with a timer.
CMO_Kimura says:
::grabs an EVA suit and puts it on::
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: I'd like you expertise down there. Who knows what we will be up against.
CMO_Kimura says:
CIV: It's too bad I'm not supposed to shoot with this thing on... ::points to her red cross armband::
CIV_Azanna says:
::grumbles and slides on EVA suit:: CNS: You mean like someone I know?
CNS_Bauer says:
CMO: I just saw Taal on the big screen. He looks good.
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: Ummm, no. Just you’re good to have around ::Steps up on teleporter pad::
CMO_Kimura says:
::nods to the CNS, which makes her even more sad:: CNS: That's good I guess...
Transporter_Chief says:
All: Everyone ready?
CIV_Azanna says:
::giggles:: CNS: Does that mean you like me?
CMO_Kimura says:
::grabs a kit and hops onto the pad::
CO_Shras says:
SO: Unfortunately they retaliated from our bust on their cloning facility
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: I'm trying too. ::Smiles so she knows I'm kidding::

ACTION: The transporter systems are activated, and the team dematerializes... only to rematerialize on the starbase... and everything looks perfect, save for the emergency lighting... they are standing in front of the storage room...

CNS_Bauer says:
@ALL: Nice landing.
CMO_Kimura says:
@::quickly whips out a tricorder and starts scanning::
CO_Shras says:
SO: Keep an eye on the away team progress
CIV_Azanna says:
@::sniffs the air and realizes, duh, she's in a suit::
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
::monitors COM channels::
CTO_Wellington says:
@::he points to the door:: CNS: In here, sir...
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: Let's see what's behind that door before we open it, if we can.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: Scanners show anything new?
CNS_Bauer says:
@::Takes out a phaser::
CMO_Kimura says:
@CNS: Mine is not picking up anything at all...
CTO_Wellington says:
@CNS: Nor mine.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CMO: That ain't good news.
CO_Shras says:
     OPS: So are you enjoying your new position?
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: Ok, Wellington but, slowly.
CTO_Wellington says:
@::smiles disconcertedly, as the captain seems to have changed the subject:: CO: It's proving to be an interesting challenge, sir. But I'm happy to be here.
CTO_Wellington says:
@::nods, and, accesses the panel...::
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
CO: It is different to just driving only sir. But I am sure I will quickly pick up the required skills

@ACTION: The door slides open... inside, the lights are out... and a horrendous wave of heat and a stench hits the away team...

CIV_Azanna says:
@Self: Oh nasty.
CMO_Kimura says:
@ALL: Oh God! What the hell? ::feels the heat through her suit::
CNS_Bauer says:
@::Sheilds his nose and face from the stench and heat....reflex....::

@ACTION: A very sharp hyperventilation can be heard in the darkness...

CIV_Azanna says:
@::pulls her disruptors::
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: We throw some light on the subject in there?

@ACTION: The CTO activates his flashlight... and as the lightbeam drags along the ground, a thin green liquid can be seen streaked across the floor, as the breathing intensifies...

CNS_Bauer says:
@::Takes out a light to light the way::

@ACTION: The flashlight is redirected towards the corner... and in the corner, is a body... an Orion pirate, dressed in fine clothing... his legs bent with his knees pointed upwards, his right arm twisted over his chest, his left arm by his side...

CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: What's the green goo? 
CMO_Kimura says:
@CNS: Blood

@ACTION: The left arm is severed at the elbow, exposing twisted bone, burnt skin... the wound oozes green blood towards the centre of the wound, while the flesh closest to the edges begin to dry, almost plasticized by drying plasma...

CMO_Kimura says:
@::rushes over to the wounded Orion and runs a tricorder over him::
CIV_Azanna says:
@Self: Oh joy.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: I see that now. Wow, what got him?
CMO_Kimura says:
@ALL: He's going into shock.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: And is it still around?
CMO_Kimura says:
@::opens her kit and finds bandages and coagulants to apply::
CTO_Wellington says:
@CNS: Uncertain, sir.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CIV: Keep an eye on the Orion, give the Doctor some security...we can't trust him. But, hopefully he knows something.
CMO_Kimura says:
@CNS: If we want him to live, we need to get him back to the Charlottetown.
CNS_Bauer says:
@::Looks to the ground::
CIV_Azanna says:
@::blinks and reaches for a PADD in the Orion's pocket::
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: What's this? ::Next to body:: CTO: I think I found our dampening device.
CNS_Bauer says:
CO: You better ask the Captain if he wants that brought aboard our nice clean ship.
CMO_Kimura says:
::applys some painkiller::
CNS_Bauer says:
CMO: Let him know what we've found, too.

@ACTION: The Orion pirate settles down slightly...

CTO_Wellington says:
@CNS: I think that in his condition, we need not worry about him being a threat to us.
CIV_Azanna says:
@::looks over the PADD::
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: Your call, Doctor.
CMO_Kimura says:
@Orion: It's alright... ::wraps him in a solar blanket::
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: What do you make of this device?
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: What's it for, you think?
CMO_Kimura says:
@*Charlottetown*: Two to beam up to Sickbay immediately.
CTO_Wellington says:
@::he looks closer at the device... then presses a few buttons.... the device powers down...:: 
CNS_Bauer says:
@CIV: Miss Grey? Take a look. You know it?
CTO_Wellington says:
@CNS: Ah. Dampening field. Sir, if I may suggest, we should be present in Sickbay as well, I am sure that the Orion will have much to say...
CNS_Bauer says:
@CIV: It's Orion technology isn't it?
CIV_Azanna says:
@CNS: Farrius actually.
CNS_Bauer says:
@CTO: Then if we are done here, contact the ship for our return.
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
  CO: Sir, we're receiving an emergency transport from the Starbase to Sickbay.
CTO_Wellington says:
@::nods:: *Charlottetown Transporter Chief*: Three to beam up.

ACTION: The away team is beamed back to the Charlottetown...

CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: Farrius? Eloborate, please.

ACTION: The CMO and the Orion pirate rematerialize in Sickbay...

CIV_Azanna says:
CNS: Just one of the supplierrs forr the Syndicate.
CNS_Bauer says:
::Hates beaming mid sentence::
CMO_Kimura says:
::arranges the blanket around the patient and calls for her nurses::
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: Thanks. 
CIV_Azanna says:
CNS: He had orrderrs ::tosses the PADD to the CNS::
CNS_Bauer says:
::Gives her an "I'm glad you're here smile::

ACTION: As if triggered by the CMO's presence, the Orion pirate's eyes open, bloodshot... he tries to push himself upwards, but he is delirious...

CNS_Bauer says:
::Catches PADD::

ACTION: On the Padd, several statements...

CNS_Bauer says:
::Looks at PADD:: CIV: Orders from who?
CMO_Kimura says:
Orion: Calm down buddy... ::injects him with sedatives::

ACTION: "Target: Life Support Systems. Mission Completion Signal: Chi-485-Rimzhad_. Contact: Trinna, Farius."

CIV_Azanna says:
CNS: Prrrolly his boss.

ACTION: The Orion pirate's eyes roll up for a moment, his body tenses up, and then he exhales sharply, as a quiet click is heard... and he begins to mumble...

MO_Orik says:
CMO: He seems to be stabilizing...
CNS_Bauer says:
SELF: Hmmmm, interesting. CTO: Here take this PADD to the bridge and give it to Captain Shras, perhaps he'll need to contact Captain Taal again.

ACTION: He mumbles very evenly, very precisely...

CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: Trinna? Ever hear that name?
CMO_Kimura says:
::works on the man's arm::
CIV_Azanna says:
::looks up as she thinks:: CNS: Hmmm......maybe, a long time ago.

ACTION: The mumbling gets a little louder... and the CMO can almost make out what he's saying... "... Twenty-two... T-twenty-one... Twenty... N-n-nineteen..."

CO_Shras says:
SO: Is everyone on the team safe?
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: You think it's important?
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
::nods:: CO: They are all back, and... well, it appears they have an Orion with them in Sickbay.
CMO_Kimura says:
MO: You hear that? He's counting backwards?
CO_Shras says:
SO: An Orion? What the hell was he doing there?

ACTION: The nurse's eyes, next to the CMO and MO, widen slightly...

CIV_Azanna says:
::shrugs:: CNS: It's his contact...I could do some digging if'n ya want.
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: I'd appreciate that.
SO_Ens_Chan-Kamarov says:
 CO: Uncertain. I would imagine he was part of the attacking force. I am sure that we will have more information once the away team reports in.

ACTION: More mumbling... "Ten... n-nine... eight... s-s-seven..."

CMO_Kimura says:
Aloud: Why is he counting?
CNS_Bauer says:
::Watches CTO leave with PADD::
CIV_Azanna says:
CNS: Just let me know what to wearrr to dinnerrr. ::winks::
OPS_Lt_Williams says:
:: continues to monitor COM channels and propulsion systems::
CNS_Bauer says:
CIV: You hungry? We could get something later if you like. After my shift?
CMO_Kimura says:
MO/Nurse: Get back... NOW!
CIV_Azanna says:
::grins:: CNS: Surrre, alrright.
CMO_Kimura says:
::grabs the two and runs to the back of Sickbay, or as far away as she can::

ACTION: "... Three... t-t-two... one...."

ACTION: There is nothing, for the briefest of seconds, almost an eternity in the mind of the CMO... and the medics, running to get as far away as possible... and then, the flash... 

<<<<<<<<End>>>>>>>>>>