Brett:
 Summary: The Delphyne has departed Denali and now makes its way toward the Mar Oscura nebula; there to rendezvous with the USS Tenebrae and insure its safety while the science vessel monitors a neutron star collapse.

Brett:
 <<<<Begin Mission "On the Edge of Night - Part 1">>>>

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 ::after two days, she feels that she has sickbay set up the way she wants it, just in time to go to the bridge and report for duty so that she can start her actual work in sickbay::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 :: On the Bridge, Engineering station… monitoring status ::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::researching all she can on the nebula::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::walking down the hall towards sickbay to check on the new MO and her ward, Jolene::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Leaves Ready Room, relieves duty officer as he heads for the Big Chair. ::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 ::boards turbolift and heads for the bridge::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 ::Nods to the captain as he enters the bridge::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::looks up at sees the CEO:: CEO: Greetings.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CEO:  ::nods:: Quinn, I trust everything is in good order?  ::smiles::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Greetings, lieutenant.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::enters sickbay, and looks around.  Not seeing the MO anywhere.:: Nurse: Where is Ensign O’Dell?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CO: So far so good sir.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::blinks as the CO responds to her instead of the CEO:: CO: Greetings, Sir.

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Gingerly crawls out of the Jeffreys tube and closes it behind her. Wipes a bit of sweat from her brow::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: What are you looking at there?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 <nurse>: Sir, she just left to report to the Captain.

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Consults the PADD in her hand and nods to herself. Walks briskly toward the nearest turbolift::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: wonders if he has time for a surprise inspection of Engineering? ::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: Information on the nebula… as it is comprised of dark matter it is hazardous. Should the ship contact a portion of the gaps it creates in the fabric of space… it will remove that portion of our ship.

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: That would be horrible… is there anything I should do to prepare the ship for this nebula?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Nurse: Thank you. ::turns and exits sickbay to head towards the school to check in on Jolene::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 ::arrives on bridge at attention, doesn't want to interrupt anyone, so she pauses for a second::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Enters the turbolift and leans back against the wall at the doors slide closed:: Turbolift: Bridge.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Listens to the CSO's report of Dark Matter. ::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: We would only be able to detect these gaps when in close proximity… ::pauses and considers the CEO's question:: I would recommend drilling your engineering crew on hull breaches… to ensure they know exactly what to do should a crisis occur.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 ::waits for CSO to finish before speaking::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::looks at the CO and sees the new medical officer, grows quiet::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::enters the TL, and advances to correct deck::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: Hull breaches, got it… how about the sensors is there a way to enhance it to detect the dark matter better?

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 CO: ::in a thick mix of an Irish accent and a Scottish one:: Ensign Nelys O'Dell, M.D. reporting for duty, Sir.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Looks over at where CSO is looking just as MO speaks. ::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 MO: Welcome aboard, doctor. Join us for a moment, if you will?

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 CO: Yes, Sir. ::joins them::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: Unfortunately no. That is the problem with dark matter… its virtually undetectable until you are almost on top of it. I believe that there was an incident where a galaxy cruiser was stuck in a nebula saturated with dark matter and used a shuttle to help navigate the larger ship out.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 MO: I trust you found sick bay just where we left it?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 :: Hears the accent… albeit a bit different it conjures memories of home.::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::enters the school, and looks around spotting the teacher, and smiles at her, then looks around and sees Jolene::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::As the turbolift open onto the bridge, sweeps through the doorway and, after locating the CO and MO, moves directly near them.::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Do you know if the Tenebrae has enhanced their sensor array to better detect this dark matter or not?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: Wha… oh yes, hmm using that as a starting step… perhaps we could turn a shuttle into a remote controlled nav bouy.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 CO: Yes, Sir. I've been getting everything set up the way I find the most efficient. The light levels have been raised to make it easier to see the patients, but only slightly. Otherwise, it's just as the last CMO left it.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I believe that the Tenebrae is more suited to be in and near the nebula due to its highly specialized sensor package as an Oberth class science vessel, they should have no problems. They are far more capable of detecting dark matter than us.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::walks towards the teacher as she sits at the desk to speak to her a moment::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 MO: Very good, doctor. Let me know if there's anything you need. ::smiles::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: Hopefully we will not enter the nebula itself…

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Listens vaguely as she waits at a respectful distance for the captain to finish speaking with the other officers::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::after talking to the teacher for a few moments he walks over to Jolene, and kneels down:: Jolene: What are you working on?

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 CO: Yes, Sir. Am I dismissed to return to sickbay?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: Just trying to cover the bases sir.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO:  ::nods::  Very well. Hopefully we won't have to get too close, ourselves.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::points at the sculpture she's making::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: And it is a wise precaution. I… ::pauses trying to find the right words:: applaud your efforts and find them most agreeable.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::smiles:: Jolene: That is very good, you have a lot of talent.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 MO: Yes, doctor. Dismissed.  :: wonders why she's so anxious to get back? ::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 :: Puffs up with the sort of pride you get when a Vulcan agrees with you:: CSO: Thank you.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: Thank you. ::the sculpture is of a human woman::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::sits down on the floor, so he is at the same level of the table the sculpture::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 CO: Thank you, Sir. ::departs for the turbolift::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Begins a mental count as she waits for the CO::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: Sees the CIV waiting. ::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::only her eyes reflect the pleasure she receives in seeing the CEO puff up with pride::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 ::Returns to the Engineering station and begins stepping up drills for his department, especially those concerning hull breaches::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CIV: Welcome aboard, commander.

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Steps forward and offers her hand to shake, smiling:: CO: Thank you, Captain. Reporting for duty as ordered.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CIV:  ::shakes her hand::  I trust you've everything in order so far?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::takes some of the extra clay on the table and starts modeling it him self:: Jolene: Is the women someone you know?

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 CO: Yes sir, you run your ship quite exceptionally.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CIV: I have a very good crew. But don't tell them I said that. :: Laughs a bit at his own joke. ::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Tilts her head a bit playfully:: CO: Perhaps they wouldn't believe me.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::nods, but doesn't speak:: ::you sense a wave of deep pain and loss from the little girl::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 ::arrives in sickbay, anxiously awaiting the first injury or illness::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CIV: Well, I'm doing my best to keep everyone busy.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::sits up a bit straighter, urgency on the edge of her tone:: CO: Sir… I am receiving a distress call from the Tenebrae…. it is cutting in and out… and it is garbled. :: decides she does not envy the lives of Operations Managers who deal with this kind of thing all the time…::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 :: Hears the CSO and looks to the Captain::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Can you clean it up at all?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::fingers fly across the console as she attempts to do so:: CO: I'll put it on speakers…

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::sense's the pain from the little girl::  Jolene: I see, she is very pretty. You are putting a lot of detail into her sculpture, which tells me you much have loved her very much

Brett:
 COM: Delphyne: USS Tenebrae…we're <static>…and suffered a complete loss of power.  <Static> …support has failed.  Back-ups are draining.  Any ship, please…<static>

Brett:
 Action: Before you can establish communication with the Tenebrae, the signal fades and is gone.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 FCO: Steady course, warp 9. Engage.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene> CNS: I LOVE her very much. Don't talk like she's gone!

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CEO: Looks like we'll be putting a slightly bigger burden on the engines than expected.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: There may be a problem going to warp.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Oh?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 ::Monitor engine power output::  CO: I'll keep her together sir.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Jolene: I am sorry, you are right.  ::smiles:: I bet she loves you very much, too

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: If we were to run into one of the fragments of dark matter we could wind up in an alternate dimension.

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 CO: Shall I take OPS, sir?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Jolene: Why don't you tell me about her?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I thought you should know that this poses more of a danger as we approach the nebula.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CIV: Please do.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: How close can we get before we are in danger of hitting one of those pockets?  :: unhappy about the thought of being moved into an alternate dimension… again::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: On the cautionary side I would suggest that we slow to impulse near .005 light years from the established edge of the nebula.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::Scottish accent coming out as she gets upset:: She does. I don't know where she is. But, she does. ::begins to pout and doesn't tell you about her just yet::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Slips over to the Operations console and notes Rhykmal's two gold pips:: CSO: If you wouldn't mind releasing OPS to me, Lieutenant?

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::nods:: CIV: Certainly, Sir. ::does so::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::looks around and notices the other children are looking:: Jolene: How would you like a grand tour of the ship, a special one just for you?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 ::Tries to see if he can give the captain more speed by doing some creative power manipulations.::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: Feed those coordinates to FCO. What I need from you now is the best way to get to the Tenebrae. Will a shuttle leading us be the best way?

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::nods::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: I do believe so, Sir. Yes. ::sends coordinates to the FCO::

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 CSO: Thank you.   ::Acknowledges receipt of control on her panel and immediately begins rerouting power in an attempt to bolster communications::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::stands up and reaches his hand out for Jolene::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::doesn't want to take his hand just yet, but follows him::

Brett:
 Action: Through the CEO's efforts, the ship's speed climbs to warp 9.4.  ETA to the Nebula's edge is now a little over two hours.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: Sir, I should inform you that the faster we go the more dangerous it will be… Time to the Tenebrae from the outer edge of the nebula is at full impulse, 1 hour; half impulse two hours; one quarter impulse, four hours.

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CO: We're at Warp 9.4 sir.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CSO: What are the odds of the Tenebrae's survival if they've suffered a complete loss of power?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::smiles and motions with his hand as they exit the classroom::  Jolene:  Would you like to go to my favorite part of the ship?

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CEO: Very good, ensign. We'll be backing off warp just as soon as we get there.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::is uncertain:: CO: Sir… might I suggest you ask the CEO, as he is probably more familiar with an Oberth class and its systems than I am.

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Begins preemptively reducing power to non-essential systems - unused holodecks, inactive replicators, and personal environmental controls for those strange people who insist on keeping their quarters at 10 C degrees::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::nods timidly::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::enters the TL::  Computer: Legend Lounge

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: I wonder… if we were to generate pulse of some kind of radiation that we can monitor, could we see it disappear into the nebula… a kind of sonar if you will.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::raises an eyebrow and considers it a moment::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CEO/CSO/CIV: We certainly don't need to run into any pockets of dark matter on the way to the nebula… Perhaps we should drop out of warp a bit further back and try to take better sensor readings?

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: We should be a able to extrapolate a fairly detailed topography of the immediate area.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::the TL comes to a stop, and they walk into the lounge::  Jolene: This is my favorite part of the ship, because they make the best chocolate shakes here.   Would you like one? ::takes a seat at the table::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::smiles in spite of herself::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CO: That was why I suggested the .005 light year distance from the established edge to be on the…. safe side.

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 :: doesn't like the thought of having bits of the Delphyne disappear ::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Jolene: I thought so. Waiter: Two of your best chocolate shakes please

CIV_LtCmdr_Grey:
 ::Nods to the CO::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: The null space generated by dark matter absorbs energy… as such we would get no return signals. Additionally because of the random nature of the pockets and the nature of the swirling gasses of the nebula, we would be unable to map a steady path.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::staring at him with her eyes wide:: ::you might be able to sense that she's on the verge of opening up, but still very hurt::

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 ::the waiter smiles and hustles off, coming back with two large glasses full of chocolate shake, with whip cream, and a cherry on top::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: Oh.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 <waiter> ::sets the glass down in front of Jolene:: Here is one for the young lady ::sets the other in front of Donnie:: and one for the gentleman. :: the waiter smiles and wanders off ::

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: ::sees shakes, lights up, says only one thing:: Joie.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: Additionally, the pockets of null space appear and disappear randomly… some are stable for long periods of time and some are not… there is always the unfortunate possibility of one appearing directly on top of a ship, which would destroy it instantly. However, for the most part our job is to detect them and avoid them.

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: Well then why the heel would anyone go inside it?

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Jolene: These are my favorite ::takes the cherry off, and eats it::

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 ::raises an eyebrow, only her eyes sparkle with a momentary wry amusement:: CEO: To learn…. to know… in the name of Science ::almost sounds passionate in her reverberation of the word science::

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: But the risk… that's near insanity, if one can just pop up out of nowhere and leave ya driftin through oblivion.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: It is a calculated risk; it is rare for that to happen.

CEO_Ens_Quinn:
 CSO: So rare that when we send a ship in there it happens to them? You can't calculate random.

CSO_Lt_Rhykmal:
 CEO: Indeed you cannot. Such is the nature of risk. Dare we stay in our beds for what might happen? No, we still get up every day and explore the unknown.

CNS_Lt_Cmdr_Llewellyn:
 Jolene: Joie, you can call me Donnie. ::smiles and enjoys his shake::

CO_Capt_Mash`ev:
 CEO/CSO/CIV: Let us hope that, once we're closer, we can better assess what's happened to the Tenebrae. With any luck, we won't have to go in ourselves.

MO_Ens_ODellMD:
 <Jolene>: CNS: Donnie. ::sips shake::

Brett:
 Action: The hours pass quickly, and soon the Delphyne arrives at the edge of a dark, swirling mass of particles, in which patches of inky blackness appear and vanish like black waves in a midnight sea.  Somewhere within lies a ship in distress, and time is running out.

Brett:
 <<<<Pause Mission>>>>