Brett
	Summary: The Delphyne, trapped in what appears to be their own future, continues on its desperate mission to return to its own time and, if possible, to prevent the Dominion's takeover of the Alpha and Beta quadrants.
Brett
	Summary: Over the past few hours, crew members have been randomly disappearing from the ship, apparently due to a temporal bubble. Science theorizes that it might be an effect of the ship and crew being in a time when most are known to have already died.
Brett
	Summary: On long range sensor scans, a Breen scout is escorting a Federation type freighter. They do not appear to have seen the Excelsior yet.

Brett
	<<<<Resume Mission "The Last Dragon - Part 7">>>>

ACMO_T`Rel
	::in sickbay wondering where the CMO went::

CNS_Jakiel
	::turns slowly to look at Quon sharply after having heard the CEO's order:: SO: Quon? The voice...?

ACTO_Tek
	::in the Turbo Lift reading his PADD as he makes his away to the bridge, wonders why the Missing Tactical Officer had to pick the Alpha shift to disappear::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::finds out he's no longer on the ship and takes command of sickbay, then reads the CEO's briefing:: Self: Ah....

SO_So`Quon
	::looks into Ariel's eyes deeply:: CNS: Voice...? ::blinks, wondering if she now knows::

CEO_Mash`ev
	:: Picks up PADD from office, heads for TL. :: EO_Fixit: Keep an eye on engineering while I'm gone.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::turns to the other medical staff:: All: It seems that much has happened all over the ship, Our new commanding officer has requested my presence,. I shall return shortly. ::exits sickbay::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::goes into the lift::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::calls the lift::

ACTO_Tek
	::rubs the sleep from his eyes as the TL comes to a stop and walks on to the bridge with it brighter than normal lights::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::enters the lift:: TL: Executive Conference Room.

CNS_Jakiel
	::whispers:: SO: Don't... I need the truth... I can't anything else right now... ::tears fill her eyes::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::arrives on the right level and exits the lift, going to the conference room::

SO_So`Quon
	::frowns, keeping his embrace with her close, and slips a hand over where the pendant rests against his chest:: CNS: My... mother. That is the presence you sense...

CEO_Mash`ev
	<EO_Fixit>: CEO: Aye, aye! :: wonders about the strange look the CEO gave. ::

ACTO_Tek
	::looks around the bridge and heads for the tactical station and logs in::

ACMO_T`Rel
	:: Exits TL and heads for Executive Conference Room. ::

SO_So`Quon
	::looks up and over to see a tac officer arrive on the bridge, taking over where K'Vas had just left off::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::waits patiently for everyone to arrive standing in a typical semi-attention vulcan posture::

ACTO_Tek
	::sees the SO and CNS in a PDA and wonders if that normal for the alpha shift, but shrugs and goes back to work::

CNS_Jakiel
	SO: That's what has had your feelings so mixed up? Quon, I need you to be here... I need you to find K'Vas... and the others... ::barely says the rest:: they have to come back...

CNS_Jakiel
	::sees the new tactical officer and turns away, tears running down her cheeks as she tries to stop the shaking::

ACTO_Tek
	::wonders what he'll say in the meeting since he found no clue as to what happened to the missing officers::

CEO_Mash`ev
	:: Approaches conference room door, sighs, and enters. ::

SO_So`Quon
	::nods and whispers:: CNS: You should retire to your quarters. I can tell the commander that you needed to rest and unable to attend the meeting.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::turns to the CEO:: CEO: Greetings Captain.

ACTO_Tek
	::realizes it is almost time for the meeting, orders a replacement::

CNS_Jakiel
	::shakes her head:: SO: My quarters?! I can't...

OPS_Garth
	::Quietly slips into the conference room and takes a seat::

CEO_Mash`ev
	:: For an instant, wonders if the captain is already in the room, then realizes the doctor meant him. :: CMO: Thank you for coming, doctor.

CNS_Jakiel
	SO: I can't go back until he... ::loses her voice::

ACTO_Tek
	::turns over tactical to his replacement and heads for the conference room::

ACMO_T`Rel
	CEO: It was my duty to attend as I am the senior officer there now... I know you understand.

CEO_Mash`ev
	CMO: I do, doctor.

SO_So`Quon
	CNS: I understand. Use my quarters if you must. You shouldn't torment yourself anymore. We need to be strong so that we can bring them back... and get this ship home.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::nods and takes her place at the table::

CNS_Jakiel
	::nods:: SO: I want to come to the meeting... maybe someone will have ideas how to get back... how to get everyone back. ::looks at Quon hopefully::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CMO: Forgive me, doctor, I don't even know your name.

ACMO_T`Rel
	CEO: I am Ensign T'Rel.

ACTO_Tek
	::sits down and waits for the inquisition to start::

SO_So`Quon
	::shows a smile for her and nods:: CNS: There is always hope. You said so yourself back in school on Betazed. Come... wipe those tears and let us attend the meeting.... for K'Vas and Captain K'Beth.

CNS_Jakiel
	::nods again slowly, but avoids looking at the tactical officer on the bridge, even the color is upsetting to see. Walks towards the room, staying close to her friend::

SO_So`Quon
	::enters the room with her, close at her side::

ACTO_Tek
	::begins to feel the lure of sleep drawing on him::

CNS_Jakiel
	SO: And don't you disappear, So'Quon...I couldn't take that...

ACTO_Tek
	::shakes of the sleep and once again wonders who in the name of the prophets made the lights so bright::

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: I believe we're all here.

SO_So`Quon
	CNS: I don't intend to... ::feels grim about something he has little control over, but knows bravery is the best medicine here::

ACTO_Tek
	::thinks yeah physically here, mentally not here as he tries to shake the cob webs::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::swings her attention to the CEO::

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: You should have read the report by now. I called you here to hear your thoughts on the matter at hand.

ACTO_Tek
	All: From what I have seen it is as if some magical person simply willed the crew away

ACMO_T`Rel
	All: I see no basis for that assumption. My theory would be based upon this time travel we are experiencing.

SO_So`Quon
	::shakes his head:: ACTO: Not magical... temporal. CEO: Sir, we are in the future from our own time.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::nods her head ever so slightly as she agrees with the science officer::

ACTO_Tek
	All: We found temporal traces in the areas they disappeared?

CNS_Jakiel
	::bites her lip hard and looks down at her hands, feeling the tears drop on them. Tries to focus on the science part of it::

CEO_Mash`ev
	SO/All: It's a future the captain hoped to avert.

ACMO_T`Rel
	CEO: Then what do we need to do?

CEO_Mash`ev
	CTO: Temporal traces wherever a crew member has disappeared have been recorded.

SO_So`Quon
	CEO: About 5.5 years in the future, according to my calculations. I've come to the conclusion that the timeline as it stands attempted to compensate for improper anomalies.

ACTO_Tek
	::wonders why he was not given the report::

ACTO_Tek
	All: that means it's possible we've altered the past some how and those crew member ceased to exist.

CEO_Mash`ev
	CTO: Anything is possible.

CNS_Jakiel
	::shakes her head and whispers at the CTO's words:: Self: Noooo....

SO_So`Quon
	ALL: In fact, I don't think they are lost completely. The Captain and the others were probably... returned to the past - our present - in order to allow for the events to occur as they are happening now.

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: The problem is... if we stay here we might be noticed by someone. There's a Breen ship on long-range sensors.

CNS_Jakiel
	::lifts her head sharply, putting her hope in Quon's words::

ACMO_T`Rel
	CEO: Then it is logical that we go. The needs of the many...

ACTO_Tek
	So: possibly, if this is a pre-destiny loop, but if it's not then we may have already failed

SO_So`Quon
	CEO: Expediency is a must at this point. I believe the disappearances will continue. If that happens, we will be unable to prevent this future from occurring.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::agrees with the SO::

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: I'm inclined to agree with So'Quon. I fear that by staying here and searching, we may doom the rest of the ship.

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: I propose that we continue the mission as outlined by the CSO/CO.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::nods at the CEO::

SO_So`Quon
	::looks to Ariel, then back at the others:: CEO: Of course, there could be a way to limit the disappearances, if not stop them altogether, but it will require a modification of the shields.

ACTO_Tek
	SO: What type of Modification? how will they affect the ability to protect the ship from weapons fire?

CNS_Jakiel
	:;starts to feel an unreasonable panic growing, not wanting to leave the area where they disappeared, but the small logical part of her mind still functioning knows it would do no good::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::raises her eyebrow at the SO, but looks at him appraisingly::

CEO_Mash`ev
	SO: Look into it. Just be aware that we can't risk being spotted by anyone so don't make any changes, yet.

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: Also, there's going to be questions from each of your staff. Be prepared.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::nods::

CNS_Jakiel
	::closes her eyes now while she has a chance, knowing it her effort will be fruitless, but is compelled nonetheless and telepathically 'reaches' out as far as she can::

SO_So`Quon
	ACTO: A graviton variant based on the principles of a static warp shell, as detailed from an event described by USS Enterprise engineers. CEO: Understood, sir.

ACTO_Tek
	SO: A, B, C, D, E or no letter?

CNS_Jakiel
	~~~K'Vas... please... answer.... ~~~ ::strains to hear even the barest wisp of a 'voice' and 'hears' only silence::

SO_So`Quon
	ACTO: The Enterprise D. It was actually from a report from an acting ensign there... his name escapes me.

ACTO_Tek
	SO: Wesley crusher I believe

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: We're going to proceed, in Grey Mode, and try to avoid detection. Hopefully we can get more info on the time/space wormhole as we get closer.

SO_So`Quon
	ACTO: Sounds like the one. ::looks to Ariel again, deeply concerned for her::

CEO_Mash`ev
	All: If there are no further questions? Dismissed.

CNS_Jakiel
	::exhales. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath, then opens her eyes and quickly wipes her cheeks::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::stands up and prepares to go to sickbay, then pauses:: CEO: Shall I come to the bridge later and monitor life signs of the crew... let you know of any more disappearances?

CEO_Mash`ev
	:: Crosses to CNS. :: CNS: Counsellor, can I speak with you privately?

ACTO_Tek
	CEO: perhaps we should stand down form Red Alert and go to yellow alert, we can only man battle station for long before the crew begins getting fatigued and their reaction times slow down

CEO_Mash`ev
	CMO: Please do that, doctor.

CNS_Jakiel
	::rises:: CEO: Of course, sir.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::nods:: CEO: Yes sir. ::leaves before the emotional scene she thinks might happen errupts::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CTO: Of course. Please see to it, Mr. Tek.

ACTO_Tek
	CEO: Yes sir ::stands up and heads for the bridge::

SO_So`Quon
	::exits, but hesitates at the door hearing the CEO, then leaves for his station at Science I::

CNS_Jakiel
	::looks back at Quon::

ACMO_T`Rel
	::goes to sickbay::

ACTO_Tek
	::Arrives on the bridge and takes over Tactical and lowers the ship alert from Red Alert down to yellow::

ACTO_Tek
	*all hands*: Stand down to Yellow Alert, The ship is now at Condition Yellow, Stand down to Yellow alert!

CEO_Mash`ev
	OPS: See to getting the ship under weigh. Continue the course laid in.

ACTO_Tek
	::notices that the vessel that had been on the edge of the sensor range drop of his sensors::

OPS_Garth
	::Nods to the CEO and stands to leave from the room:: CEO: Right away, sir.

SO_So`Quon
	::feels very uncomfortable sitting in Sykora's old chair, but straightens himself and begin preparations for the shield modifications::

ACTO_Tek
	*CEO*: The Breen vessel and freighter are no longer in sensor range

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: Counsellor.... I don't know where to begin.

OPS_Garth
	::Arrives on the Bridge and takes his seat, poking at the console::

CEO_Mash`ev
	*CTO* Thank you, Mr Tek.

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: There is nowhere to begin.... ::looks away towards the stars out the window:: I'm sorry, I'm doing the best I can...

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: For a Betazoid... it's as if part of me has been ripped out... ::her voice cracks::

OPS_Garth
	ACTO: You think their disappearance is good news, or bad?

ACMO_T`Rel
	::explains much to her staff::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: I wish we could take time to ... make this easier. But we can't.

SO_So`Quon
	::looks around, amazed to see the late night people being forced into Alpha so suddenly, then turns to his work again, considering if he should allow Ariel to contact his mother in the crystal::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: Will you be able to return to active duty or do you need time off?

ACTO_Tek
	::keeps an eye on his tactical sensors as he checks on the reports from security teams::

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: Time... something we obviously cannot control... ::looks back at the CEO:: If I could I would like to help So'Quon. It will give me something to do... and he is... a very good friend.

OPS_Garth
	::Frowns as the ACTO ignores him. What a way to start your day::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: Understood. If you need to talk to someone, I'll always be here to listen. But I do understand how having something to focus on ... helps.

ACTO_Tek
	OPS: Unsure at this time; only the prophets know

OPS_Garth
	ACTO: You think the Prophets are here? Now? I know they're 
'nonlinear' and all that...

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: Thank you sir. ::nods:: I wish I could help with your decisions... I know this must be a terribly difficult burden, and so unexpected.

ACTO_Tek
	OPS: The prophets transcend all time, this may well be a test by them

ACTO_Tek
	OPS: Perhaps to see if i am worthy

ACMO_T`Rel
	::returns to the bridge:;

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: It is. ::laughs:: This is one of those things they can't really prepare you for at the Academy.

ACMO_T`Rel
	::sets up a station at the back of the bridge for the life sign monitoring::

ACTO_Tek
	::signs up on security teams reports and looks at his tactical sensors again::

SO_So`Quon
	::is unimpressed with the ACTO's religious doctrine with so-called "prophets" who are just wormhole aliens::

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: I don't think even they would dare believe this possible. Do speak with So'Quon, he is very knowledgeable with things scientific... I have known him a long time.

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: I will. I'm going to be relying upon everyone for their specialties. I have to admit, I've been concentrating so hard on engineering matters that I'm having to 'catch-up' a bit on the current situation.

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: I imagine you are. I just hope we don't lose more of our crew. Each person is very valuable at this point.

SO_So`Quon
	::decides that if only he had just one minute, he could reveal the truth about the pendant to Ariel, now knowing that he could never have a chance to do so again::

CNS_Jakiel
	CEO: And I am here if you need an ear.... K'Beth would call on me at anytime... day or night.

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: Thank you, councilor. I don't want to lose anyone else and I'm trying very hard to prevent that. Nothing would please me more.

ACTO_Tek
	::wonders how much longer the shift will last, and sure hopes he does not have to man the beta shift as well, not to mention the gamma. It then dawns on him that he ought to look into who will be manning tactical for beta and gamma shift or he will be stuck on duty::

CEO_Mash`ev
	CNS: Let's go. :: Motions towards the bridge. ::

Brett
	Action: The Delphyne resumes its course toward the last reported location of the wormhole ship. A report comes in that four more crewmen have vanished in the past hour.

Brett
	<<<<Pause>>>>