Host Brett says:
Summary:  The Delphyne, trapped in their own future, travels onward toward Breen space and their one chance at returning home, and preventing the catastrophe to which they are now witness.  With time itself opposing them, it is hoped that modifications to the shields will prevent any further crew disappearances.

Host Brett says:
<<<<Resume Mission - "The Last Dragon - Part 8">>>>

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Leaving his quarters. ::   TL: Bridge!

ACTO_Tek says:
::on the bridge manning the tactical station::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::sits in her chair on the bridge watching the viewscreen cautiously::

FCO_Dent says:
::leaning back in his chair will the ship essentially flies itself, eyes closed::

OPS_Garth says:
::Sits at an auxiliary console, working on programming the log buoys::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::arrives on the bridge and sees the CNS:: CNS: Greetings. ::calm and Vulcan like::

SO_So`Quon says:
::on the bridge at science I, coordinating with CMO, CNS to begin the activation of the modified shields::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
::Exits TL on Bridge.::

CNS_Jakiel says:
ACMO:  Greetings, likewise.  ::smiles at the Vulcan::  You've been assigned to help me, correct?

ACTO_Tek says:
::uses passive sensors to check for ships in the area::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
CNS: Indeed I have. How may I be of assistance?

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Crosses to Science. ::  SO: Ensign, how are the modifications going?

CNS_Jakiel says:
ACMO: Could you send the department heads a message apprising them of the shield modifications to keep the crew from disappearing?  I think that might help morale.

ACTO_Tek says:
::keeps his eye on the passive sensor screen::

SO_So`Quon says:
::glances over to Ariel and smiles at her, forever grateful to have her as a friend::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::nods:: CNS: Certainly. ::gracefully turns away to do as the CNS requests::

OPS_Garth says:
::Puts the computer on the task of copying the other two probes from the data set up for the first::

SO_So`Quon says:
CEO: Almost complete, sir. It's now only a matter of putting the changes to actual use.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::nods and returns the smile to Quon, hoping he can concentrate on his duties since losing his mother::

OPS_Garth says:
::Listens to a few reports::  CEO: Commander... two more crewmembers are missing...

ACTO_Tek says:
::checks reports from security teams, keeping an eye on the passive sensor screen::

SO_So`Quon says:
::hears the news from OPS, feeling grim and wanting all the more to activate the shields a.s.a.p::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
OPS: How long has it been since the last disappearance?

FCO_Dent says:
::notices a slight drift in the ships course, and makes a correction for it...then goes back to looking like he's asleep::

OPS_Garth says:
CEO: These two were in the last fifteen minutes, sir.

CNS_Jakiel says:
:;turns to look at OPS and frowns at his report, knowing how bad that is for the crew to hear::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::sends out the message about the shield modifications to the department heads and crew::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: What are the results of the last simulation?

ACTO_Tek says:
::sees that his sensor screen is clear, of course there no promises that it is really empty::

ACTO_Tek says:
::after all the detection range was every limited since they were in grey mode::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
OPS: Thank you, Mr. Garth. Keep me informed of any more ...disappearances.

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::sees confirmation of mail received, nods satisfied her messages were delivered::

OPS_Garth says:
CEO: Of course, sir... ::Knows these aren't the best reports to be making::

SO_So`Quon says:
::tries to look positive about the results:: CEO: Promising. I'm confident the integration of quantum physics principles to the shields will give good protection to the temporal distortions....but I doubt it will be 100 percent effective...

ACTO_Tek says:
::see the "You got Mail icon" and checks his message seeing that it just a message from the ACMO about the shield modification::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::starts to compose a message for the department heads to encourage them to keep at their jobs and let her know if any are in need of her services::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::returns to the CNS::

SO_So`Quon says:
CEO: However, the shields themselves as well as the weapons will operate as normal. Sensors, on the other hand, will be severely limited due to the static field from the shields.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: Do the best you can, ensign. Pipe the results of the simulation to the Engineering station.

OPS_Garth says:
SO: Tell me when you're ready... I'll make sure the shields get the energy they need...

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: Understood.  CTO: See what you can do to optimize sensors based on the changes outlined by the SO.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::looks up to see T'Rel back::  ACMO:  Thank you.  I'm sure that message will help lift some spirits.  Out of curiosity, have you had anyone come in complaining of dizziness or hallucinations?

ACMO_T`Rel says:
CNS: No. The primary complaint I have received in the last 24 hours was a lack of sleep. Are you experiencing these symptoms?

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Probes may help, but they also serve to alert vessel in the area

SO_So`Quon says:
CEO: Aye, sir. OPS: Much appreciated. Be wary of the possibility of potentially serious EPS power spikes as the shield generators initialize.

OPS_Garth says:
SO: Of course... everything's going to go crazy.

ACTO_Tek says:
::instructs the launcher room to ready the necessary probes in the event the ACO decides to order the probes launched::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: Probes may alert enemy vessels to our location. We can't risk it right now.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::shakes her head::  ACMO: No, I haven't...well, last night, yes, I did.  But I'm not used to sleeping by myself.  ::looks away for a second:: My mate was one of those that disappeared.  I just miss him terribly.

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: I agree, unfortunately I can not think of any other away to negate or minimize the sensor interference.  I instructed launcher control to ready the probes, so if you change your mind we will be able to launch them within 5 minutes

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: We may not have a choice, though. See if there's some way to disguise a probe as space junk or a comet or.. well, anything.

SO_So`Quon says:
OPS: Crazy....I could do without craziness...as if this hasn't been a maddening several days as it is... ::shakes his head going back to work, but sighs thinking about his forever lost mother::

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Aye sir

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::nods:: CNS: I myself cannot feel the bond that I share with mine.... although he would be in all likelihood on Vulcan at this time.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: Good thinking, Mr. Tek.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Gives a cursory look at the simulation. His mind is on the safety of the crew. ::

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: But I think modifying the probes to appear as sensor ghosts of the vessel scanning them may be the best bet

ACMO_T`Rel says:
CNS: But what I was concerned with was headaches and dizziness, not sleeplessness... as those were the symptoms you were curious about. I was concerned you were experiencing those.

CNS_Jakiel says:
ACMO:  I do hope all those that have vanished have returned back to our original time.  I hope they're not just ....  ::swallows and can't finish her sentence::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: See what you can do, Tek.  SO: Who else has assisted you with the shield modifications?

ACMO_T`Rel says:
CNS: It is not logical that they have simply disappeared. They may well be back in our regular time... it is hard to guess. But if I had to fathom one, that would be it.

ACTO_Tek says:
::runs computer simulation on possible way to disguise the probes, looking to see what the computer feels would be the best method::

CNS_Jakiel says:
ACMO:  Then I will believe you...that is the better alternative.  And no, I haven't experienced those symptoms.  I just wondered if the time jump might cause medical problems.

SO_So`Quon says:
CEO: Actually, I owe some of the aid to the modifications from Doctor T'Rel and Mr. Tek. They were most helpful.

OPS_Garth says:
::Can't help but overhear the CMO and CNS::  CMO: Of course they couldn't have disappeared - conservation of matter, and all that.

ACTO_Tek says:
::gets the results from his simulation and decides to run it again::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
CNS: Ah. ::nods solemnly:: I have received no specific reports. ::hears the OPS officer, raises an eyebrow:: OPS: Indeed you are correct.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::thinks over Garth's statement and is further optimistic::  OPS:  Yes, that sounds right.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
::Raises his eyebrows - that was not who he expected to hear.::  SO: Very good ensign. Go ahead with the shield modifications as soon as you're ready. Just coordinate through OPS.

ACTO_Tek says:
::gets the same results, even as he changes the parameters a bit, and pass on the programming instructions to launch control::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
OPS: Continue to assist ensign So'Quon with the shield modifications. Coordinate with engineering and tactical as well.

Host Brett says:
Action: A young yeoman entering the bridge suddenly vanishes, her PADD clattering to the floor.

OPS_Garth says:
CEO: Aye.  SO/ACTO/EO: Are we ready?

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::raises an eyebrow, suppressing that she finds the temporal distortion most distressing::

SO_So`Quon says:
::nods to Mash'ev, punching up the program control and initializes the startup sequence through the OPS control computer:: OPS: Implementing initial mod sequence.... ::spots the yeoman vanishing::

FCO_Dent says:
::turns around at the sound of the PADD dropping and looks at the thin air where the crewman had been::  That's one way to get out of working.

ACTO_Tek says:
:: receives word that the probes are ready::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: Ensign! Focus!

CNS_Jakiel says:
::senses the yeoman's thoughts disappear and turns to look at the PADD sadly::

OPS_Garth says:
::Walks to his console::  All: Diverting power to the shields... power consumption increasing gradually...

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Glares at Dent. ::

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Probes are programmed, and standing by.  They can be loaded and launched in five minutes or less from your order

SO_So`Quon says:
::catches his composure and resumes the sequence:: OPS: Initializing now.... ALL: Here we go.

ACTO_Tek says:
::Cross his fingers as the SO activates his shield modification, and wonders why he this sinking feeling that his life line just took a major detour to the end of his life::

SO_So`Quon says:
::looks to Ariel with hope in his eyes::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::Nods in confirmation to Quon's announcement, having all faith in his ability to make this work::

Host Brett says:
Action: The modification goes into effect almost anti-climactically.  The shields change to a slight bluish tint, but otherwise nothing happens.

OPS_Garth says:
All: Power consumption is stable... slightly more than grey mode...

Host Brett says:
Action: Sensors, however, drop drastically in effectiveness.  As the simulation predicted.

SO_So`Quon says:
::monitors the shield activity, directing all status info to tactical and operations::

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Sensors range has been cut almost in half from the amount we had before

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: Launch probes. I'm counting on you to monitor the probe's effectiveness, though. We can not risk getting caught!

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Aye, Aye sir ::sends the order::  Probes launching in 5 minutes

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Paces bridge, wondering if he's doing the right thing. ::

ACTO_Tek says:
::gets the light that the probes are locked and load and hits the fire button:: CEO: Probes away, they’ll be in position shortly

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: How are the modifications holding, ensign?

SO_So`Quon says:
CEO: The shields remain stable, sir. The static field effect is working as I had originally theorized... ::returns his hawkish gaze over his monitor, troubleshooting for aberrant field changes::

ACTO_Tek says:
::Watches as the probes leave the launchers and head for their position.  One Aft, one Fore, one port and one starboard::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
SO: Good work, ensign. Keep an eye on ... ::sees that So'Quon is already doing that:: ..  keep up the good work.

Host Brett says:
Action: The four probes maneuver into position alongside the ship.  Almost instantly they begin sending sensor data to the nearly-blind Excelsior.  A number of contacts appear, one directly ahead, two light years away.

OPS_Garth says:
::Diverts unneeded energy away from the long range sensors... not like they need it::

FCO_Dent says:
::blinks as stuff suddenly appears on sensors::  CEO: Contacts, sir.

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: We got contacts.  Nearest one is dead head with in two light years

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: Can you identify it?

FCO_Dent says:
CEO: Shall I alter course?

CEO_Mash`ev says:
FCO: Plot evasive course. Carefully, we don't want to suddenly veer away if he's spotted us.

ACTO_Tek says:
::attempts to ID the contact:: CEO: Trying to, but I doubt they’re friends, we not that lucky

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::hears that there is possibly a ship near by and stands very still::

FCO_Dent says:
CEO: Aye sir.  ::alters course to avoid the contact, but makes small adjustments, rather than one big course correction::

ACTO_Tek says:
::fiddles a bit more, attempting to get the correct reading.   He able to confirm that it Breen, but is still working on more data::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
CTO: Hopefully the ships Grey Mode will make us 'uninteresting' enough that we won't be noticed.

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: So far I am able to determine it is a Breen vessel. Still working on finding you what class

CNS_Jakiel says:
::hears the word 'contacts' and immediately looks at the viewscreen, worried that it is Breen and feels very nervous because she cannot sense that species at all:

SO_So`Quon says:
::looks at the sensor data, trying to improve the signal gain to the probes without breaking the Grey mode stealth capability::

CEO_Mash`ev says:
FCO: Good job, Dent. Keep it up.

Host Brett says:
Action: The probes show the Breen ship alter course slightly and increase speed.  It would appear that the Delphyne, or its probes, have been spotted.  Time to intercept is 25 minutes.

FCO_Dent says:
::notices that he is having to correct more and more for their course, and realizes it's because the contact is moving closer to them::  CEO: It doesn't look like I'll be able to keep up that good job for long sir, they've turned and are headed for us.

Host Brett says:
Action: The CNS shimmers slightly, going transparent.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: His heart sinks when he realizes that they've been spotted. ::

OPS_Garth says:
CEO: If we've been spotted already... we could increase power, divert it to the engines...

ACTO_Tek says:
::contacts security personal instructed them to be ready to rebel boards::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::gasps at the Breen ship approaching and then feels very strange.  Turns to look at Quon::

SO_So`Quon says:
::spins around to see Ariel vanishing:: Self: No.... Noo! CNS: Ariel! ::his feelings of hope vanish utterly::

ACMO_T`Rel says:
::looks at the CNS and feels sad, but again doesn't appear that way::

Host Brett says:
Action: Counselor Ariel Jakiel vanishes.

CEO_Mash`ev says:
:: Turns to see the counselor vanish. ::

ACTO_Tek says:
CEO: Security personal standing by to repel boarders should it come to that, Weapons standing by for your order

SO_So`Quon says:
::leaps out of his chair to try and fruitlessly save her, but of course finds nothing but empty air::

Host Brett says:
<<<<Pause Mission>>>>