=/\= U.S.S. Elara Stardate 10703.11- "Shapeless, part I"=/\=

The USS Elara is en route to Betazed which was the last stop of the Ferengi vessel Gambling Star. The casino ship was found to be transporting a group of cardassians in possession of a Vorta and a shapeshifter life form. The Elara's job is to find out how they acquired such a cargo.

Meanwhile this shape shifter lies peacefully in a science lab waiting to be further examined.

=/\= =/\= =/\= Start Mission =/\= =/\= =/\=

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: on the bridge - sitting comfortably ::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::scratches his eyeball in his office and then slouches in his chair, tired::

SO Speed says: 
::looks at the shape-shifter from angle to angle::

Dr Greene says: 
::Walking towards the science lab to see whether he can help with the investigation::

OPS Lt Tar says: 
:: on the bridge, doing something’s OPS people do::

CO Capt Timrok says: 
OPS: See if you can find out the Gambling Stars last port of call, so we can start tracing this business back

OPS Lt Tar says: 
::looks up in confusion:: Self: Who? What? Where? When?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
OPS: precisely

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Computer: Activate the Elara avatar in the Engineering Office

OPS Lt Tar says: 
CO: Huh, what captain? The Gambling Star? Erm, let's see.

ACTION: Following orders, the Elara materializes. Still a young, Orion woman in a Starfleet skirt uniform

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: raises an eyebrow at the OPS ::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Hmm...are you satisfied with your visual appearance?

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Glances up from his console, watching the Captain's and the OPS interaction. Sighing, he shakes his head and turns his attention back to his console:: CO: Seems to me this crew needs some time off, before we find ourselves serving on a tugger. ::Grumbles::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::sitting at flight control flying the ship::

OPS Lt Tar says: 
CO: Just traced it back to a casino in the middle of the Betazed capital.

Dr Greene says: 
::Enters the science lab and looks around for a moment::

CO Capt Timrok says: 
CIV: That’s an uncharacteristically chartable point of view from you Mr Maor

Elara says: 
CEO: I chose one that suited me. Should I change?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
OPS: Then that is where we will start

OPS Lt Tar says: 
CO: Start what sir?

SO Speed says: 
Greene: Welcome Dr, our patient is here

OPS Lt Tar says: 
::frowns in confusion::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Your call. I suppose many would enjoy having the ability to change ones appearance.

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Nods, acknowledging the Captain's response:: CO: Someone has to do it seeing the Commander.. decided he had other matters to attend to today.

ACTION: The Elara warps through Federation space towards Betazed

Dr Greene says: 
::Looks at Speed as he walks over:: SO: Hello.. Have we found out anything more yet?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
OPS: Finding where the Gambling Star got it's interesting cargo

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: I am having great difficulty in creating a second holo-emitter.

OPS Lt Tar says: 
CO: Oh, that jelly thing we just saw in the Science Lab?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: adjust your course to fit us into orbit above the co-ordinates found by Mr Tar

OPS Lt Tar says: 
::relays the co-ordinates to the conn::

SO Speed says: 
Greene: Not really doc. See, it only responds to biological material so we don't have much to test it with. I think we got all the chemical information we could

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Adjusting course cap'n. ::adjusts course::

CO Capt Timrok says: 
OPS: As well as the group who fled into the hands of the Klingons, yes

Elara says: 
CEO: That is quite possible; the emitter is not 24th century technology. As for my appearance, I choose the logical one. My abilities to change are the same as yours.

Dr Greene says: 
::Nods slowly, thinking for a moment:: SO: That's something...

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Any suggestions on the emitter?

SO Speed says: 
::shrugs::

Elara says: 
::stops in apparent contemplation of the wall in front of her::CEO: No

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: I thought you'd say that...

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: We're in position Cap'n

Elara says: 
CEO: I understand you have a mystery to solve...a new life form. I was programmed to solve mysteries

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: Excellent

ACTION: The Elara drops out of warp orbiting Betazed. The planet looks dazzling in its sunlight

Dr Greene says: 
::Looks at a console to look up the information to date::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Yes...well maybe you'd even be stumped on this one

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
::walks into the science lab containing the changeling and notes who is inside, gives Doc Greene a nod before going over to get a closer look at the lifeform::

Dr Greene says: 
::Notices the XO entering:: XO: Ah, commander... I was just looking at the latest information on the chemical composition to see how to proceed.. ::Turns back to the console::

ACTION: The life form blobs away in its container

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::monitors the orbit::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Well I'm going to get to the science lab...I guess you'd prefer to be deactivated?

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
::ponders:: Greene: Have you tried communicating with it?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
CIV: I doubt if we go down there looking and acting like Starfleet officers hunting potential criminals, they are likely to reveal themselves. This appears to be the kind of job which suits your CV

Elara says: 
::stares at the wall for a moment::CEO: Now that you have chosen to interact with me, I'd prefer to continue the interaction

Dr Greene says: 
XO: Plenty of conversation has been going on here while it was here... No perceivable responses... ::Looks up from the screen::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Very well...sounds interesting. Anything in particular you wish ot discuss?

Elara says: 
CEO: The life form

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Your theories?

Elara says: 
CEO: An attempt to clone a shape shifter

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Nods slowly, considering his options:: CO: I'm sure I still have a few connections left on Betazed. ::Pauses to think:: Do you want me there alone or do you want me to take someone with me? ::Raises from his seat::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: That was my theory. Scary prospect

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
Greene: Have you thought that it might be like a very small child, it might not be able to respond verbally.  Has anyone attempted to interact physically with it?

Elara says: 
CEO: A shape shifter under one's command may be a very powerful tool

CO Capt Timrok says: 
CIV: Do whatever you consider to be most appropriate, call it as you will

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Well it’s not a tool is it! It’s obviously a life-form

Elara says: 
CEO: The concepts are not mutually exclusive

Dr Greene says: 
::Frowns for a moment:: XO: An interesting theory.. I haven't yet myself... ::Shakes head:: Why do we always assume something is grown up when we don't know for sure?

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Meaning?

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::plays Tetris on his console::

SO Speed says: 
::clears his throat::XO/Greene: The CEO's initial report says the creature wrapped itself around his hand when he touched it

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
CO: At your leave, Captain. ::Makes his way towards the TL, giving the bridge one last look before turning and entering the TL:: TL: TR1.

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: paces the bridge - behind the FCO ::

Dr Greene says: 
::Looks at the SO:: SO: It did..?

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
Greene/SO: There we go then; perhaps one of you would like to continue this line of investigation?

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::hears pacing behind him and closes the game::

Dr Greene says: 
XO: I came down here to try a few things... ::Looks at the container with the creature in it::

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: Spins around and faces OPS :: OPS: Can you get a hold of the Gambling Stars cargo and crew manifest? I am curious whether any of these people.. or things were actually recorded as going aboard?

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
Greene: It's all yours doctor.  Have you pulled up the data on the other Starfleet interactions with Changelings; it may be useful to find out how they first initiated contact.

Elara says: 
CEO: Obviously, a living creature can be a tool and vice versa

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Yes but they have the choice...in theory

Elara says: 
CEO: Sometimes they choose to be tools

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Such as yourself?

Elara says: 
CEO: I am a tool yes

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Parts the TL, taking a quick look around the empty corridor he begins making his way towards the lockers room adjourning the TR::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Although not by choice, and of course not a living creature per se.

Elara says: 
CEO: Yes. Should we not check the creature?

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Eager aren't we. Well your emitter is here ::points to the desk and stands up:: Feel free to join me.

ACTION: The viewscreen now shows a series of ships and stations orbiting the planet along with the Elara

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: Spins back suddenly toward the FCO ::

Dr Greene says: 
::Shakes head again:: XO: Again, I only just took this up... I'll try to use everything the computer can get me...

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::admires the design of some of the ships and suddenly wishes he had one::

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Enters the lockers, giving a court not to the officer stationed there he heads to the direction of his personal locker intent on finding a change of clothes::

Elara says: 
::picks up the emitter and pits it on her waist. She flickers for a moment and then returns:: CEO: I am ready

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: Monitor all traffic in the Area, when word of our arrival gets around - some people may decide it is time to leave

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::suddenly wishes he had a coffee::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: you know the way better than me ::smiles walking out side by side::

Elara says: 
::walks towards the turbo lift and waits for the CEO to join her::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Monitoring now. ::monitors:: hmmmm what's the Cardassian ship doing there?

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::enters TL:: TL: Science labs

Elara says: 
CEO: I can activate anything on this ship, you can make those requests to me

ACTION: The TL swiftly takes the CEO and the avatar to the science labs

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Yes, Im aware of that, but I think it's nicer...more natural...to ask the computer

Elara says: 
CEO: It is your choice ::some odd edge on her voice::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Elara: Was that frustration or anger I detected?

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
Greene: I will see what I can dig up with you, I could do with a change of pace ::goes over to a free console:: Strange isn’t it, a few years ago those little puddles brought the federation to its knees and yet we are still trying to befriend their kind.

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
::Finishes changing his clothes, he grunts and closes his locker door behind him. Grunting at the direction of the officer there he parts the room and enters the TR room.:: TR Officer: This coordinates please. ::Hands the officer a PADD:: Try not to put too far from there, will you? ::Steps on one of the pads, he waits until the officer inputs the coordinates:: Energize.

Dr Greene says: 
::Nods:: XO: A life form is a life form... And isn't all life worth saving? Or even worth knowing..

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::enters the science lab::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::suddenly wishes he had a luxury yacht and shakes his head::

@ACTION: Maor materializes in the busy Betazed capital. No one really notices or cares someone just appeared out of nowhere

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
Greene: An interesting point of view.  What happens if you saved the life of a man who went on to kill a world, was his life worth saving?

Dr Greene says: 
XO: Anyway, let's get things started... ::Steps over to the control console for the container and makes the input the raise the substance's temperature a few degrees::

ACTION: The Cardassian ship moves in front of the Elara, slowly

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
Self: Now what's he up to?

Dr Greene says: 
XO: I have taken an oath, commander... What the persons I save decide to do after that is hardly a concern of mine... I save them and that's the end of my involvement and care for their person and actions.. Until such time the need medical assistance again..

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
SO: Anything new?

@ACTION: Not far from Maor a Ferengi leaves the casino the CIV was supposed to investigate and makes his way to a nearby bar

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::nods to the XO/Dr::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Self: I wonder what it tastes like...

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: stands behind the FCO - watching the Cardassian vessel move across their bow ::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::feels like honking a horn at the Cardassians to get out of the way::

Dr Greene says: 
::His back turned to the door and his attention dedicated to his task, he did not notice the CEO enter, nor speak to the SO::

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
::smiles a little smile and delves into the databanks, keeping half an eye on what the doc is doing:: Greene: I didn't mean to offend you Doctor, just raising a question. ::notes the CEO enter and nods to him, gives the Avatar a slightly awkward stare::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::shivers a he senses the CO looking over his shoulder::

Elara says: 
::enters the lab as well staying in the background::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
XO: Anything new Sir?

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
@::Glances up frowning, seemingly recognizing someone in distance. Cursing he takes a quick look around before making his way towards the direction of the person he recognized::

Dr Greene says: 
XO: None taken, sir... ::Pull up sensor data to see what came up with the temperature change::

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
CEO: You better ask the experts ::indicates everyone but himself:: I'm just the hired help

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: Scan them, get there registration and trace where they have been lately

OPS Lt Tar says: 
::tries to get a hold of the cargo manifest of the Gambling Star, but isn't feeling quite well::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::suddenly wishes the CO would back up a bit and stop breathing in his ear::

SO Speed says: 
CEO: Well, we haven't found much more than what you discovered. Since it is a life form we have ethical issues in experimenting with it

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Aye sir. ::runs the scans::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
SO: Why not just ask it...

@ACTION: Maor follows the Ferengi to the bar and sees him talking with a local

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Registered Transport... supposedly delivering flowers ::chuckles:: the schedule has them leaving in 10 minutes.

Dr Greene says: 
::Hears the other voices in the room now and turns around slowly:: CEO: Because it is not quite in a form that it could respond.. We're running more tests now to see whether we get more responses..

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: Delivering where?

@ACTION: In the bar everyone turns their eye to Maor. Even if they don't want to read his mind, an aura of suspicion surrounds him

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Here apparently.

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: But specifically

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
CEO: Chief, apparently when you touched it last time it gripped your hand, yes?

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
@::Watches in the direction of the Ferengi, studying the two individuals. Frowning, he turns his attention to the bar's patrons. Glaring at their direction he mumbles something and finds himself an empty bar stool Signalling the bartender, he orders a random drink::

ACTION: On the bridge everyone hears a thump as OPS falls on the floor

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: A warehouse in the city... I have the co-ordinates.

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::wonders what Elara is thinking:: XO: Yes, it moulded itself around my finger almost like it was experimenting.

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
OPS: Dalin stop sleeping on duty.

OPS Lt Tar says: 
::doesn't respond to FCO::

@ACTION: The bartender brings Maor a blackhole. That’s what you get for ordering something from a telepath

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Greene: Maybe there’s another way apart from vocal

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::gets up and prods OPS:: *Sickbay*: Medic to the bridge.

Elara says: 
::touches the shapeshifter, it starts exploring her finger but then quickly looses interest and she shrugs::

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
CEO: Fancy sticking your hand in the bucket again?

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
@::Nods courtly, he raises his drink and takes an experimental taste. Nodding in satisfaction, he throws a bar at the direction of the bartender::

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
::eyes the avatar suspiciously:: Elara: Maybe it doesn't like you.

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
XO: Not a problem. Elara: Probably because you are not flesh. ::puts his hands in the bucket, somewhat hesitantly::

MO Ross says: 
*FCO*: On our way

ACTION: A medical team quickly arrives on the bridge and start scanning OPS

@ACTION: The Ferengi goes to the side of the bar and disappears in a transporter beam

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
Self: that was quick. ::goes back to his console and wonders why his seat moved as he falls to the floor::

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO/OPS: Perhaps it’s time Starfleet investigated pollen levels or did a spot check for contraband flowers :: turns around to Tar with some surprise ::

MO Ross says: 
CO: Something happened with the connection between them and the symbiont. We will have to take him to sickbay

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::picks himself up just in time to see on sensors that someone just beamed to the Cardy ship::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Cap'n, someone just beamed to the Cardassian ship.

ACTION: The shape shifter wraps himself around the CEO's hand slowly and goes up to his arm

CO Capt Timrok says: 
MO: OK, do what you have to

ACTION: The Cardassian ship powers up engines and  ....

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Goo: Whoah whoah slow down

ACTION: The goo eventually comes to a stop at the CEO's elbow and mimics his skin

CO Capt Timrok says: 
FCO: The devil is in the detail - find where he beamed from, who was it?

ACTION: the medic and OPS beam to sickbay

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
::runs more scans::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
XO: Fascinating...See what I meant...it's not harming me...

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
@::Watches the Ferengi leave the bar, frowning he turns his attention back to the person he was talking to. Slowly, he raises and takes the Ferngi now vacant seat:: Bartender: Get him whatever he was having. ::Doesn't bother looking at the direction of the other person instead, he studies his own drink considering:: Person: Nice day we're having, don't you think?

MO Ross says: 
*Greene*: Ross to Greene, we have a medical emergency with a senior officer

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
All: Well well, at least we know it is able mimic shapes and colours.

Dr Greene says: 
::Looks up:: *Ross*: On my way! ::Turns around and rushes out of the lab::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
Greene/SO/XO: It's different this time...its...warmer...

@ACTION: Maor is sitting next to an old Betazoid dressed in black

Betazoid says: 
@CIV: Yes I do but you don't

ACTION: The creature now seems to want to move up to the CEO's neck. Elara watches fascinated

ACTION: The Cardassian ship leaves orbit as scheduled

Dr Greene says: 
::Arrives in sickbay and runs over to the trauma ward:: Ross: Alright, what do we have?

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::feels the goo go up to his neck, doesn’t stop it:: XO: I don't think it's going to hurt me. It would have done that on the Gambling Star

#ACTION: OPS mind is far far from the Elara. He is on an ocean planet, his skin is not his own, yet he is himself

MO Ross says: 
Greene: I haven't seen anything like it. It’s like the symbiont is rejecting the and causing massive pain

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
CEO: Unfortunately it might not know that it can hurt you, what if it tries to enter your throat?  It might not know you need oxygen for example, it might be better if you tried to get it back in its container.

Dr Greene says: 
::Frowns and looks at the scanner's data:: Ross: What?

ACTION: It continues moving to the CEO's neck, maintaining the colour and texture of his skin

MO Ross says: 
Greene: I haven’t seen anything like it

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
XO: Maybe you're right...Goo: Okay enough... ::tries lifting it off into his hands::

CIV Cmdr Maor says: 
@::Tilts his head in acknowledgment:: Betazoid: Why, that almost sounded like a threat to me. Tell me, you can read my mind. Right? ::Takes a second sip from his drink:: Then you must know I could care less about your idle threats.. ::Pauses:: However.. ::Takes a second sip:: I have no problem making a few threats of my own.. ::Finally turns to look at his direction:: Ever saw what happens when you allow a certain limb in a humanoid body to rot while the rest of the body was kept alive? Hmm? ::Moves his drink away:: I think you and I need to have a nice, long talk.

Betazoid says: 
@::finishes his drink:: CIV: I am not going anywhere

Dr Greene says: 
::Takes a look at the results himself, thinking what could cause this sudden effect:: Ross: Inject 2 ccs of cervaline now! ::Walks around the bed and picks up a medical tricorder to run a new scan::

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::still trying to get it off::

ACTION: The shape shifter seems to find it a nice spot to wrap itself around the CEO's neck and chest. It stays stopped there for a while

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::gently tries to remove it::

OPS Lt Tar says: 
#::looks around at the ocean planet wondering where he is::

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
Self: I hate Cardassian technology.

FCO Lt Sollo says: 
CO: Ok, well he didn't beam from the warehouse... I'm trying to see where he did beam from.

Dr Greene says: 
::Looks at the readings on the monitor:: Ross: Okay, that seems to have stabilized things for now.. Time for further scans... ::Looks around:: Carter: Carter, pull up lieutenant Tar's medical records!

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
::pulls his uniform top up to see it:: XO: Any ideas?

CO Capt Timrok says: 
:: Nods to the FCO ::

XO LtCmdr Pazoski says: 
CEO: I think we are going to have to give it some incentive to leave.

CEO Ens JoBrel says: 
XO: A new bucket...::smiles a bit fearfully::

=/\= =/\= =/\= Pause Mission =/\= =/\= =/\=

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Terry Imrie is Captain Joseph Timrok (CO – Commanding Officer)
Peter Saunders is Lieutenant Commander Peter Pazoski (XO – Executive Officer)
Eldad Ben-Tovim is Commander Maor (CIV – Starfleet Intelligence Specialist)
Scott Knight is Lieutenant Iain Sollo (FCO – Flight Control Officer)
Rob van den Dungen is Lieutenant Dalin Tar (OPS – Operations Officer)
Andrew James is Ensign Jo'Brel (CEO – Chief Engineering Officer)

Lilia Perfeito is SO Speed, Elara, Betazoid & MO Ross
Tim Schols is Dr. Greene

Stardate: 10703.11
Arc Title: “Shapeless”
Part: One
Ship Manager: Lilia Perfeito
Arc Creator: Lilia Perfeito

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