U.S.S. Pendragon
10705.26
“What Lies Ahead, pt. 4”
 Directed by Coot

Starring:
Jeff as CO Thraxis
 Keith as CEO Damien 
Jane as XO Luchena

Absent:
 Cory as OPS Grant 

Guest Starring:
Sandy as Jordan Thraxis
 Lynda as FCO Rochelle
 Jan as TO Tribble

Host Coot says:
Last time on the U.S.S. Pendragon . . .

Host Coot says:
A new era has dawned for the Pendragon. Shedding her former skin, she emerged in the sleek body of a newly commissioned Intrepid-class vessel. Completing her final shakedown, the Senior Staff and Alpha Shift have assigned to complete the run before formally being reassigned.

Host Coot says:
Thus far, operation of the new Pendragon has gone surprisingly well and systems are exceeding efficiencies in all areas of the ship. The Pendragon has reached the outer limits of the Sol System and is expected to return to Earth shortly.

Host Coot says:
< < < < Resume Mission: What Lies Ahead > > > >

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::still sitting at Science 1 watching systems carefully::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::on the bridge in a chair watching the view screen::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: seated calmly in the command chair, enjoying the flawless performance of his new command ::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::On the bridge at the engineering station::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Distance to Oort cloud?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::gets to his feet and walks around the bridge checking each station::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::feels a chill as Lunch Box makes his way around the bridge::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The Oort Clouds springs to life on the main viewer. Astrometric data streaming along one side of the screen as details come into view.

TO_Tribble says:
::at Tactical station, in case weapons are needed::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::approaches the engineering station::  CEO:  She feels good.  Very nice...

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  We're approaching it now, Captain.  I'm getting some nice data on sensors ...

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::Hair stands up on the back of his neck.:: XO: Certainly is

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::awkward::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Excellent. Are the bioneural gelpacks having an appreciable effect on sensor response?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CEO:  Sometimes a ship feels as nice as a woman under your fingers.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
XO: I guess you could use that analogy. More like a tiger, roaring to go.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Hard to tell.  I've never manned Science before so I don't know how they operated before.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::laughs and pats the CEO on the shoulder before moving on::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Sensors are detecting a failing satellite drifting 70,000 km off the port side. Sensors identify it as one previously in orbit around Pluto.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: smiles as he hears Luchena's remarks ... turns ::  XO: I beg to differ, Mikal. In eight lifetimes, I've been with many women... in fact, I've been one myself, more than once. And I've flown many ships. On balance, I'd have to say I'd rather have my fingertips touching a woman.   :: smiles naughtily at his wife ::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Captain!  ::laughs then stops as she hears a beep on sensors::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::smiling, approaches the tactical console::  TO:  How are tactical systems functioning, Ensign?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Sensors are picking up what appears to be a satellite drifting 70,000 km off the port side.

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Fine, Sir.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: turns back to Jordan ::  Jordan: Can you identify it?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::moves to the science station and looks at the display over Jordan's shoulder::

TO_Tribble says:
::targets the satellite, just in case::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Yes I can.  It's one that was in orbit of Pluto. Sensors say it's malfunctioning.

TO_Tribble says:
::determined not to lose this Pendragon::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  If it's small enough I recommend we beam it aboard.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Agreed.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::makes his way back to his chair::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Does it pose a radiation hazard?

TO_Tribble says:
XO: In a containment field, Sir?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::scans it for any sort of hazard, radiation or otherwise::

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan: Scan it for lifeforms, too.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TO:  Good thinking.  Be prepared to set one up in the cargo bay.

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Aye, Sir.  ::orders Security to prepare a containment field in the cargo bay::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Captain, it checks out clean.  It does carry the usual contaminants from being in space, but nothing fatal.  It does have a plutonium power source, in my estimation that is the extent of any danger from it.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CEO:  Do you want to have a look at it?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
XO: Sure. Where are you putting it?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks hopefully at the Captain::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: sits down in the command chair again ::   Jordan: Once the field is up, beam the satellite directly to the cargo bay.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  According to sensors, there are no life forms aboard.

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Security indicates the containment field is in place, Sir.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::locks onto the satellite::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: nods to Jordan ::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CEO:  Cargo Bay one.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::beams the satellite to Cargo Bay one::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
TO: Contact the Sol System Traffic Center. Find out if they've lost contact with any satellite this far out lately.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
XO: I'll be there to greet it. ::secures his station and heads for the lift::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::turns and watches the CEO exit the bridge::

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Aye, Sir.  *COMM* Sol System Traffic Center: This is the Pendragon.  We have encountered a satellite.  Have you lost contact with one?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::enters the lift and leaves::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
FCO: All stop.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The satellite appears in the Cargo Bay.

TO_Tribble says:
*COMM* SSTC: Our position is 10,000 km into the Oort Cloud.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::notes transport is complete:: CO:  Transport was successful, Sir.  We have the satellite aboard.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  If Jose can patch it up we could drop it back at Pluto on our return trip.

Host Coot says:
<SSTC> COMM: Pen: Sensor logs have not reported anything out of sorts. You sure it's ours?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::arrives at the cargo bay::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::hears the comm::

TO_Tribble says:
*COMM* SSTC: We will investigate.  We have beamed it aboard.  Stand by,please.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::scans the satelitte::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TO:  That's odd.  I wonder who it belongs to?

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Very good. Let's see what Mr. Damien makes of it.

Host Coot says:
<SSTC> COMM: Pen: Understood. ::closes the channel for now::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: As the Pendragon sits among the debris of the Oort Cloud, the viewscreen displays what could be mistaken for a gentle winter snowfall.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::watches the view screen::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::shivers::

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Looks like Canada, eh?

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: Look at that, Mikal. There is truly no end to the wonders in this universe.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::chuckles and rubs his arms::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::Looks out the viewscreen:: Self:  Wow!

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
*CO/XO*: Captain, this satelite was put here by a private business, it dates back to 2035. ::looks closer::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: As the viewscreen displays its gentle dance, several of the bridge crew appear to be hypontized by the movements.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::zones out::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*CEO*: Who owned  --  or owns  --  it, Jose?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::gets lost in the display on the screen ... completely zones out::

TO_Tribble says:
::feels odd, and looks away from the view screen::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: Records are spotty Captain

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::begins to sway slightly::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*CEO*: Does it pose any danger to the ship or crew?

TO_Tribble says:
::sees blank look on Jordan's face::   Jordan:   Jordan?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: Not at this time, no.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
CEO: All right. We'll take it back to Earth with us. It will either be returned to its owners, or end up in a museum

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan:  Jordan?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::oblivious to what's going on on the bridge::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: It appears to have been designed to search for extraterestrial life - and was placed here by a Romulan.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The FCO, also caught in the trance of the display, slips a hand and engages engines. The Pendragon begins drifting into the heavier bits of debris.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::sits there staring, not even blinking::

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Uh, Sir.   ::notices the FCO's action::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks around... sees several of his crew in some sort of trance ::   FCO: Lieutenant... Lieutenant!

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The FCO snaps to and halts the Pendragon.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
TO: Main viewer off.

TO_Tribble says:
::snaps it off::  CO: It's off.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: snaps fingers in front of Mikal's and Jordan's faces ::  Both: Come on back to reality, you two.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Most of the crew shake off their slumber, some however, do not rouse.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*CEO*: A Romulan? In 2035?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::still just sitting there::

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Sir, should I summon the Dr. to the bridge?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::shakes his head::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
TO: At once.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::feeling chipper, investigates the satelite:: *CO*: Yes. Don't ask me how.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: shakes Jordan ::  Jordan:  Jordan! Come on, hon... Snap out of it.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks at his console and notes that he has lost some time::

TO_Tribble says:
*CMO* Medical attention is needed on the bridge.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TO:  Turn off the view screen.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*CEO*: Increase containment to Level 10 when you're done, then get back to the bridge. We may need you here.

TO_Tribble says:
::looks oddly at the XO:: It's off, Sir.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: Understodd

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TO:  It is?  ::looks at the view screen::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: steps up right in front of Jordan .. loudly ::   Jordan: Jordan! Wake up!

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Are you still seeing snowflakes, Sir?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::activates a level 10 containment field and heads back to the bridge::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::gives his head another shake::  TO:  I feel a bit odd.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::finally snaps out of it.  Looks around confused::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Are you all right?

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Medical help is on the way, Sir.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
TO: Thank you.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  Permission to leave the bridge, Captain.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The satellite in the cargo bay begins emitting a new energy signature not previously detected.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  I'm fine.  ::looks at the screen:: CO:  Who turned it off?

TO_Tribble says:
XO: Shouldn't you wait for the Dr.?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TO:  I'm fine.  Just a bit... disconnected some how.  Those particles induced a trance.  ::smiles::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: If you're thinking of going to Sickbay, we've called them to the bridge already. Perhaps you should sit for a bit and recover.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: I ordered it off. Seems the display had an odd effect on you.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::is still confused ... looks down at the console::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  I'm fine Captain.

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan: I turned it off.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::gets up and walks toward the turbo lift::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks up ::  XO: Mikal... where are you going? I really want Medical to have a look at you.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::arrives back on the bridge, and nearly walks into Mikal as he exits the lift.:: XO: 'Scuse

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  I'm fine.  Never better.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::nods at the CEO as he steps into the lift::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::detects something odd:: TO:  Can you please confirm my readings from the cargo bay?

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Several of the Medical Staff arrive on the bridge and begin making their rounds.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
TL:  Deck 3

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan: I will check.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: Nonetheless, Mikal, the...  dammit.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::wants to recapture the trance::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
MO: Follow Commander Luchena and give him a once-over.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  It was so beautiful, Captain ...

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::exits the turbo lift and heads for the lounge::

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan: I am picking up a bio-electrical reading.  Perhaps the warmth of the cargo bay triggered it.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: I know. But it's time to leave.   FCO: Plot a return course to Earth.

Host Coot says:
<MO_Better> CO: Aye Captain.  ::waits for the next lift::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::hears another beep as more information comes to light:: TO:  I'm also picking it up.  It could be a life-form.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::enters the lounge and walks toward the piano::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::sits::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Why didn't we detect it earlier?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::opens the keyboard::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The FCO taps across the console, laying in a return course.

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Should we have a science officer examine it, Sir?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::rests his fingers on the keyboard and closes his eyes::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  As the TO said, the warmth in the cargo bay may be triggered it, or reanimated it.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::lifts his head and remembers what he saw on the view screen::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Can you characterize it further?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::begins to play::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  No, Sir.  I'd need to take more detailed scans to do that.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Then do so.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  But to do so, I'd need to be close to the satellite ... ::knows the CO isn't going to like this::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The lights in the lounge react in sync with the XO's song, growing brighter and darker as pitch and volume increase or decrease.

TO_Tribble says:
CO: We are on our way back to Earth.  Perhaps we should wait until we get there for a closer examination?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::doesn't notice MO Better sneaking up on him with a medical tricorder::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: thinks for a moment ::  Jordan: We've already seen anomalous behavior from Luchena. Are you detecting any telepathic activity from this lifeform?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::turns:: TO:  If this is some kind of life form we wouldn't want to take it back to Earth ... would we?

TO_Tribble says:
Jordan: They are better equipped than we are.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  No ... but I'm not that powerful a telepath.  But I could try.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::plays on::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: No. Keep your mind shielded, but let me know if you feel any sort of probe.

TO_Tribble says:
CO: If she does, I recommend she be accompanied by security guards... in case.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: As Jordan reaches out for any telepathic presence, the most serene smile crosses her face. She appears at complete peace with everything.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks at Jordan ::  Jordan... did you hear what I said?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::suddenly has the silliest smile anyone has ever seen on her face::

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Sir, with your permission   ::goes to weapons locker and takes out a phaser and sets it on stun::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  I heard, Captain.  Everything is fine ... ::gets up::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Jordan, sit down please.     TO: Security team to the bridge.

TO_Tribble says:
*Security* Security team to the bridge.  On the double!

Jordan_Thraxis says:
CO:  Of course, Captain.  ::sits serenely::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::looks on dispassionatly::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::swaying as he plays::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Security arrives on the bridge, faster than anticipated.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ ::reaches out to Mikal ... sharing her serenity and peace:: ~~~

TO_Tribble says:
Security guards: Take posts around the bridge.  Make sure no one tampers with the helm or weapons.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~::senses Jordan and enfolds her with his music::~~~

Host CO_Thraxis says:
CEO: If this thing is responsible for what's going on here, we don't dare take it back to Earth until we know more about it. Can you retune the lateral sensor array to focus inward and run a high-resolution bioscan on the artifact?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: I can sure try

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::begins swaying in time with the XO's music::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::retunes the lateral sensor array to scan the satelite, and runs a high resolution bio-scan::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Internal scans are detecting bio-electrical movement in the cargo bay. It registers as 200cc's of occupied space.

TO_Tribble says:
::scans Jordan and inputs the data into the computer::  Computer: Analyze data on Jordan Thraxis.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: There's movment in the cargo bay

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The computer beeps accordingly.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::opens his eyes::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
TO: Send Security teams to guard the exits to the cargo bay. They are not to enter without direct authorization from me.

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Aye, Sir.   ::makes it so::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::notices the phenomenon of the lights at a subconsicous level::

TO_Tribble says:
CO: Sir, the computer reports elevated levels of endorphins in Jordan, making her extremely receptive to suggestive thoughts.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::closes her eyes and completely immerses herself in the peace she has found::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::stops playing::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
CEO: Can you identify a species?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~::listens::~~~

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::suddenly stops swaying::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: Visual sensors of the cargo bay capture what appears to be a stream of charged energy, zipping about the containment field, searching for an exit.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: Negative. It's occupying 200cc's of space. It's small.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~Jordan:  Jordan?~~~

TO_Tribble says:
::doubles the strength of the containment field::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  Mikal. ~~~

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: sees the change in Jordan ::  Jordan: Hon? Talk to me. What's happening?

TO_Tribble says:
::sends security team to locate and guard the XO::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~Jordan:  You're still in it? ~~~

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: This is odd - I'm detecting literally billions of lifesigns within it

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  Yes.  It is beautiful and peaceful.  It is perfect.~~~

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The medical officer assigned to follow the XO has fallen victim to the enchantment of the XO's song and remains standing in place, swaying.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
CEO: It's a colony creature?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~Jordan:  Float back to the surface every once in a while.~~~

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: Very possibly. Or one that just gave birth

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::turns on the bench and sees the MO::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  No.  I wish to stay right here. ~~~

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::begins to feel alarmed::

TO_Tribble says:
<Security Guard guarding XO>  *TO* The MO is swaying.   Should I stun him?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::taps his commbadge::  *CO*:  Is everything all right up there?

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*XO*: Mikal! No. Jordan's in some sort of trance, and I can't awaken her. I need your help.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::finally notices the security detail::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
*CO*:  I'm on my way to the bridge.  ::gets up::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  Why do you wish to leave, Mikal? ~~~

TO_Tribble says:
<Security Guard guarding the XO> XO: Sir, what's going on?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~Jordan:  This is where I belong.~~~

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Security personage:  I'm not sure.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The medical officer blinks several times and realizes he is swaying. He composes himself and falls in behind the XO.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  I finally have found peace.  This is where I belong now. ~~~

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
~~~Jordan:  You belong with us.  Come back here right now.~~~  ::sprints through the lounge towards the exit::

TO_Tribble says:
<Security Guard Roman> XO, MO: Sirs, I had better follow you.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
~~~ XO:  NO! ~~~ ::cuts off all contact::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
CEO: Route all data from the cargo bay scans -- biological, radiological, ...whatever -- to the universal translator. See if these things are sentient.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
CO: I'm on it

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The Universal Translator emits a high-pitched squeal at first then clears up. Billions of voices speak in unsion, "We Tweezle. Hear Tweezle. Be Tweezle." The message repeats continously, pulling several of the crew back into a trance..

Host Coot says:
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