USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10412.07
Episode 3

The Milk Run: Isn't this supposed to be a shakedown cruise?

The ship arrived at the asteroid belt in sector 005 for weapons testing when a blip registered on the CSO's console.  Unable to find a cause for the blip and believed to be a glitch in the system, testing resume.

Systems' starting going amuck and someone or something began accessing the data banks…specifically the language bank.

Suddenly the XO disappeared and the sound of children singing filled the internal communications systems.  The FCO surmised a child might understand what was happening, and her daughter was allowed to come to the bridge.

Shortly after her arrival on the bridge, tiny lights emerged from the bridge consoles. They moved towards Rachel and began dancing around her head. The child claimed the lights were fairies, though the adults couldn't see anything more than dancing lights.

The CSO's console also detected an unknown anomaly moving, at a slow rate of speed, towards the Vesuvius through the asteroid field.  The XO reappeared in sickbay and now the crew has a mystery to try and solve….

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CSO Lane says:
:: Stares at the dancing lights trying to figure out what they really are ::

Host Rachel says:
:: Watches the lights dancing around her head and giggles. ::

XO Darvo says:
::Waits for the turbolift to reach the bridge::

CO McGrady says:
Rachel: Are you doing OK, Rachel?

Host Rachel says:
:: Nods. ::  CO: I'm doing ok, Captain, sir

Host Rachel says:
:: Giggles some more at the lights. ::

XO Darvo says:
::Shaking her head, trying to dispel the remains of a bad dream which has about faded completely::

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles at Rachel wishing she could dance around like that instead of bing confined to her chair ::

TO Thursson says:
::Standing back behind and slightly above everyone, watching the situation with a hand on his phaser holster::

XO Darvo says:
::Feels the lift slowing, stands ready to exit onto the bridge::

CO McGrady says:
Rachel:  Ask the fairies why they have contacted us.  What is it that they want?

Host Rachel says:
CO: Okay...

Host Rachel says:
Fairies:  Why have you contacted us?  What do you want?

XO Darvo says:
::As the doors part, Ayla steps out onto the bridge and her eyes open wide at the sight::

XO Darvo says:
::Ayla, her eyes on the lights, makes her way down to the CO::  CO: What is this?

CO McGrady says:
XO: Greetings Commander.

Host Rachel says:
:: Continues to giggles and nods her head. ::

Host Rachel says:
CO: They say they were released and don't know how or why

XO Darvo says:
::Doesn't respond to the CO's greeting because she is fascinated with the lights and the little child::

CO McGrady says:
XO: As you can see, we have some visitors on the bridge.  ::Motions towards the lights::  Young Rachel appears to have gained communication with these "fairies", as she calls them.

XO Darvo says:
::Shakes her head::  Rachel: how do they know this?

Host Rachel says:
XO: I dunno...that's just what they tell me

CO McGrady says:
Rachel:  Released?  Released by whom?

XO Darvo says:
::Looks from Rachel to the CO::   CO: I have a feeling I've seen these "things" before, but I can't quite recall.

CSO Lane says:
:: Listens to Rachel and the Captain closely. ::

Host Rachel says:
XO: They don't know

XO Darvo says:
Rachel: They...who are they?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The songs come back on speakers...now they are singing "Let The Sunshine In"

XO Darvo says:
::Startled::

CO McGrady says:
XO: Indeed, Commander?  We suspect that these beings were responsible for your abduction.  Do share any useful memories as you regain them.

Host Rachel says:
:: Looks at the XO and in her child-like voice::   XO: The fairies

CSO Lane says:
:: Shifts in her chair as the music plays. ::

CO McGrady says:
Rachel: Where are they from, Rachel?

Host Rachel says:
:: Pauses. ::   Fairies: Where do you come from?

TO Thursson says:
::Grimaces at the music and moves up the ramp a little more for a better angle::

XO Darvo says:
::Thinks for a moment::  CO: The last couple of hours have been fuzzy, I don't remember much.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: An asteroid breaks from the field and heads towards the Vesuvius

Host Rachel says:
:: Giggles. ::   CO: They say from the rocks

XO Darvo says:
CO: The asteroids?

CO McGrady says:
::Nods::  XO/CSO: Correct me if I'm wrong, Commander, but these beings do not register as life forms.

TO Thursson says:
::Notices the warning on the tactical console and moves up to it and prepares to fire phasers at the asteroid::  CO: Asteroid incoming

CSO Lane says:
:: Checks her sensors. ::

Host Rachel says:
:: Giggles and reaches up.  Several lights land on her hand. ::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: You recall the blip earlier, could this be them?

CO McGrady says:
TO: Destroy it at will, Ensign.

TO Thursson says:
::Fires phasers at the asteroid::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Possibly Commander.

CO McGrady says:
Self: My God...

XO Darvo says:
::Raises an eyebrow::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The asteroid explodes and showers the Vesuvius shields with debris

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO::  CO: sir?

CO McGrady says:
XO/CSO: We could have destroyed their home.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Unknown, sir.  If we did, I would think they would be reacting differently.

CSO Lane says:
CO: The anomaly is still moving closer.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Estimated time of arrival?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Several of the lights moved from around Rachel's head and end up dancing around the TO's head

TO Thursson says:
::Looks suspiciously at the lights::

CSO Lane says:
All: Trying to identify...it should be here within the next twenty minutes sir.

CO McGrady says:
Rachel: Ask the fairies what that is, on the main viewer.  ::Pointing to the anomaly::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Anything like this in the Starfleet database?

Host Rachel says:
Fairies: Can you see that on the screen?   :: Points at the viewscreen. ::   And can you tell us what that is?

CO McGrady says:
TO: Any reports of aggressive behavior from our visitors or the crew?

CSO Lane says:
XO: I've been looking ma'am, but I can't find anything even close.

XO Darvo says:
::Nods::  CSO: keep trying.

TO Thursson says:
CO: No, sir.

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles. ::  XO: Of course Commander.

Host Rachel says:
CO: They don't know what it is, but they don't fear it either

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Are there similarities between the approaching anomaly, and these lights on the bridge?

XO Darvo says:
CO: I'm worries about the child, what effect this will have on her.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Well both are unknown sir.

CO McGrady says:
XO: She seems quite amicable with these fairies.  Plus, her mother has promised her ice cream for dinner.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Did she promise us ice cream, also?

CO McGrady says:
CO: Sadly, no.

CO McGrady says:
Rachel:  Tell our friends that we mean them no harm, and would like to help them reach their home.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Too bad.  ::Stands and picks up a tricorder and walks over to the TO, scanning him and the fairies::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Sir, they could be a common bond with them. Both are twinkling.

Host Rachel says:
CO: They are not afraid of us, Captain.  I think they are curious about us

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Our fairies and the anomaly?

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods :: CO: Aye sir.

XO Darvo says:
::Walks around the TO, continuing to scan::

Host Rachel says:
CO: Can I dance with them around the bridge, Captain?

Host Rachel says:
:: Giggles. ::

CO McGrady says:
Rachel: Indeed.  TO: Make sure she remains safe.

XO Darvo says:
::Looks up at the request, doesn't think it's an appropriate place for a child to dance, with all the sensitive equipment::

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir.

CO McGrady says:
::Huddles the XO and CSO together::  Officers, what do you make of this?

XO Darvo says:
::Walks back to her seat and analyses the tricorder readings::

Host Rachel says:
:: Gets out of operations chair and begins to dance around as a child would. The lights follow and swirl around her as she moves...::

XO Darvo says:
CO/CSO: I haven't a clue, sir.

EO Jeffries says:
::Stands in Main Engineering with his arms crossed, staring at the large wall display with a puzzled look on his face::

CSO Lane says:
CO: It's clear that these are some kind of intelligent beings, but I'm not sure why they only speak to the child.

EO Jeffries says:
::Shakes head after studying the display for a moment::  Self:  They just don't pay me enough for this.

CO McGrady says:
::Raises his right eyebrow::  CSO: Indeed.

XO Darvo says:
CO: A child’s mind is much simpler than ours...maybe this is why?

EO Jeffries says:
::Walks briskly back to the Master Systems Display table, checking the plasma flow through the plasma conduits::

XO Darvo says:
CO/CSO: They believe...

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: While the officers are in conference, the anomaly has come and now engulfs the Vesuvius.  Various lights invade the bridge

CSO Lane says:
:: Smirks to herself that there are a lot of simple minds on the Vesuvius. ::

TO Thursson says:
::Stands back and brings his hand to the handle of his phaser but keeps it in his holster::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Belief is based in scientific fact is it not?

XO Darvo says:
CO: Sir, we've been invaded...

CO McGrady says:
::Looks around, dazed by the brilliance::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: To some...

CO McGrady says:
*EO*: Status of engines?

XO Darvo says:
TO: Hold still, I don't think they mean to hurt us....

EO Jeffries says:
::Shakes head again, noting that the plasma flow and the relevant EPS taps connected to the plasma transfer conduits are functioning properly::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A feeling of peace, joy and good will pervade the bridge crew

XO Darvo says:
::Shivers::

Host Rachel says:
All: There are more!   :: Joy in her voice ::

XO Darvo says:
::Doesn't trust this feeling and wonders if someone is trying to take over their minds::

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches as more lights appear on the bridge and pulls out her tricorder while setting the bridge sensors to a tight beam. ::

CO McGrady says:
::Tries to fight an illogical sense of elation::

EO Jeffries says:
*CO*: Sir, I can't seem to figure this one out for the life of me.  Everything appears to be functioning, but the systems won't engage properly for some reason.

CO McGrady says:
::Laughs a bit::  *EO* Understood.

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO::

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at the Captain for a moment and remembers when Sam laughed liked that ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: My God, Ayla...I feel like a child.

EO Jeffries says:
::Runs a level five diagnostic on the EPS trunk which is housed just off of Main Engineering, trying to trace back through the EPS system to see if an error occurred further up the chain::

TO Thursson says:
::Tries to fight the relaxation, still suspicious, but drops his hand away from the holster::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Sir,  ::Giggles::  seems to be a large flock of fairies.

CO McGrady says:
XO: I hope they do not mean to commandeer the ship.   ::Bursts out laughing, even though he knows it’s not a laughing matter::

CSO Lane says:
:: Presses the tricorder buttons. ::  CO: Captain, I have an analysis...these new lights appear to be a form of pure energy, the kind generated by thoughts.

XO Darvo says:
:;Fights the feeling...but hears the songs of her ancestors ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  A booming voice is heard throughout the ship. The Vesuvius shakes slightly...

Host Voice says:
All:  Why have you released my children?

EO Jeffries says:
::The scan reveals no errors in the EPS trunk, either; he rules out an EPS failure altogether::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: That's quite a discovery, Commander.

XO Darvo says:
::Holds on::

TO Thursson says:
::Startled by the voice, but can't help laughing at it::

CSO Lane says:
:: Drops her tricorder at the sound of the voice ::

Host Rachel says:
:: Still dances with the lights impervious to everything around her. ::

XO Darvo says:
::Looks up as if the voice has come from the ceiling::

CSO Lane says:
Self: Oopsy.....

CO McGrady says:
::Looks around, a sense of concern returning::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Uh oh...appears we've made a mistake...the jig is up.

EO Jeffries says:
::Looks around and tries to figure out if the voice is in his head or not::

Host VOICE says:
ALL: Why have you released my children?

CSO Lane says:
CO: I think their daddy is a wee bit upset.

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO::  CO: I think you should answer that, sir  ::Smirks::

CO McGrady says:
::Stands front and center::  VOICE:  I am Commander Doane McGrady, Captain of the Federation Ship Vesuvius.  Identify yourself?

Host VOICE says:
CO: I am the one

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Do you have a fix on that?

EO Jeffries says:
::Tries to ignore the shaking and the voices, focusing now on the generation of a warp field instead::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Can't pinpoint it ma'am. It seems to be all around us.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Scan the area, maybe there is a ship out.

CO McGrady says:
CO: The one?  Are these lights your children?

XO Darvo says:
::Nods to the CSO::

TO Thursson says:
::Scans the area for any ships::

Host VOICE says:
CO: I have many children and they are but one of mine

CO McGrady says:
XO: Riddles.

XO Darvo says:
CO: I'm no good a riddles, sir....

Host VOICE says:
CO: Why have you released my children?

EO Jeffries says:
::Attempts to generate a small warp field to the aft of the ship, not fit for warp travel or anything else really::

TO Thursson says:
XO: Nothing, sir. No ships.

CO McGrady says:
VOICE:  We did not intend to release your children.  It was, as we say, an accident.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Aye, keep an eye out none the less.

TO Thursson says:
XO: Yes, sir.

Host VOICE says:
CO: Explain yourself

EO Jeffries says:
::Watches as the power sequence performs flawlessly, and the nacelles generate a field to the exact specifications he desires; but it lasts for only two seconds before the field dissipates and the engines return to stand-by::

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: On a routine exercise, I believe we accidentally destroyed their home, and released them into space.

EO Jeffries says:
::Tries to initiate another warp field, this one slightly larger than the last::

Host VOICE says:
CO: Home?  What is HOME?

CSO Lane says:
:: Checks on the sensors, happy that they seem to be recording the event just fine. ::

XO Darvo says:
::Thinks::  Self: Oh great::

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: We call where we came from, HOME.  Your children tell us that they came from the rocks.

CSO Lane says:
::Whispers::  XO: Commander, sensors are recording this, but the data is still vague.

Host VOICE says:
CO: They came from the incubation chamber.  You released them prematurely

EO Jeffries says:
::Again, everything works out until the field is generated, and the warp field for some reason dissipates::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Good, everything we get will help explain some of this.

CO McGrady says:
VOICE:  Incubation chamber?  Where is this incubation chamber?  ::Motions to the CSO to search on sensors::

EO Jeffries says:
::Scans the area surrounding the Vesuvius, wondering if it possesses some property, or group of properties, that are not suitable for a warp field and warp travel::

Host VOICE says:
CO: Among the rock field

XO Darvo says:
CO: Incubation chamber?  That means they may be infants.

CSO Lane says:
:: Catches the Captain's nod and begins the search on her sensors ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: Indeed.  And for what purpose are they being born?

XO Darvo says:
CO: Indeed, sir.

CO McGrady says:
XO: In the very heart of the Federation, no less.

XO Darvo says:
::Nods::

Host VOICE says:
CO: Everything must come forth to be born...to live...and to die

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: What is your purpose?  Why have you created this chamber here?

EO Jeffries says:
::Looks at the preliminary results of the scan, but nothing sticks out; he decides to head to the Bridge::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, ask them if they are new to this asteroid field.

XO Darvo says:
TO: bring your short range sensors online, scan the immediate area

Host VOICE says:
CO: I created no chamber.  There are rocks here that are perfect for their incubation

EO Jeffries says:
::Enters turbolift::  Turbolift: Bridge!

TO Thursson says:
XO: Aye, sir. ::Begins a scan of the immediate area::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: See if you can find any additional chambers in the asteroids nearby

EO Jeffries says:
::Folds hands behind back, trying hard not to slip into parade rest; for a moment his mind wanders back to academy days, but only for a moment::

CSO Lane says:
XO: That's a lot of rocks to check out.

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: Is this asteroid field your home, or have you come from afar?

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Yes, get the TO, to work with you on the search.

Host VOICE says:
CO: You are communicating with my thoughts only.  My physical form is many astronomical units away

EO Jeffries says:
::Bolts out on to the Bridge, perhaps a little too eager; he heads over to the person at the Science station and sits down next to a woman whose name he doesn't recall::

TO Thursson says:
::Nods and begins the additional search::

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: What is your purpose here?

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods. ::  TO: Ensign, I need you to search for anything that might be an incubator for these beings. Anything out of the ordinary.

TO Thursson says:
CSO: Yes, sir. ::Continues the scans, adding additional parameters::

Host VOICE says:
CO: To bring my children, whom you've released back to their plane of existence.

CSO Lane says:
:: Aims her sensors to the area where the Vesuvius entered the field first. ::

EO Jeffries says:
CSO: Question for you, ma'am.  Have you noted any properties in the space around this area that might inhibit the use of warp fields?  I know you probably haven't looked specifically, but maybe something popped up in your other efforts...?

TO Thursson says:
XO/CSO: Looks like rocks to me...

CO McGrady says:
VOICE:  By all means, I believe we are both eager to return your children home.

Host VOICE says:
CO: I have scanned your vessel.  I see you are a vessel of exploration?

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles at the new EO. ::  EO: Nothing came up on my scans, but I'll keep looking if you like.

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: Indeed, that is a primary mission of this, a Galaxy Class Starship.

EO Jeffries says:
CSO: I'd appreciate it - it might help explain why we're stuck in the sand, so to speak.

XO Darvo says:
::Watches Rachel out of the corner of her eye::

Host VOICE says:
CO: Your missions are mostly peaceful?  I see...

CSO Lane says:
EO: I'll let you know as soon as possible.

Host Rachel says:
:: Continues to dance around an open area on the bridge happy with her friends. ::

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: Yes.  I belong to a Federation of cultures, drawn together by fundamental principals of peaceful coexistence.

CSO Lane says:
:: Lowers her chair and finally picks up her fallen tricorder. ::

XO Darvo says:
::Wonders why the fairies are ignoring the voice and continue to dance with Rachel::

EO Jeffries says:
::Nods::  CSO: Thank you ma'am…  ::Almost runs out to the turbolift, a little nervous from being on the Bridge and all::

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: Are you an explorer as well?

Host VOICE says:
CO: So I have seen from your data base.  And yes, I do explore.  However, your technology is much less then my own. You have one in pain.

EO Jeffries says:
Turbolift: Deck 36!

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO::  CO: In pain?

Host VOICE says:
Children / Lights: My children...you know what you need to do.  Please see to it now

XO Darvo says:
CO: Only "one" in pain out of a crew of about a thousand?

XO Darvo says:
::Looks towards Rachel::

CO McGrady says:
XO: A perfectionist...

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The lights on the bridge converge upon the CSO and engulf her in a brilliant bath of calming light

XO Darvo says:
::Stands::  CO: They are converging on the CSO...

Host Rachel says:
:: Smiles ::   All: They are helping!

XO Darvo says:
*Sickbay*: Send someone to the bridge.

CO McGrady says:
::Looks in awe and concern, and signs that Rachel might not be correct::

CSO Lane says:
:: Is surrounded by dancing lights and isn't sure what to do. ::   CO: Captain!!!

EO Jeffries says:
::The lift doors open and he bolts out again on to the deck in Main Engineering, immediately wandering around aimlessly for a few seconds::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Are you alright, Commander?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The lights turn a pale blue and the lights send calming feelings to the CSO

CSO Lane says:
CO: What's happening?

TO Thursson says:
::Reaches for his phaser instinctively, and looks back and forth from the CO to the CSO::

XO Darvo says:
::Wants to help the CSO, but is unable to move, Ayla watches the lights::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: They're all over you, Commander.  ::Moves a bit closer, and waves the TO down.::   Are you all right?

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the TO and holds her hand up::

EO Jeffries says:
::Finally lands in front of the matter/anti-matter containment unit, and he accesses the nearby console to check its status::

CSO Lane says:
CO: I feel strange…  :: Smiles. ::  …but nicely strange.

TO Thursson says:
::Nods and relaxes::

XO Darvo says:
::Grabs a tricorder and runs a scan on the CSO::

CO McGrady says:
::Smiles a bit::  Self: Nicely strange?

CO McGrady says:
XO: How are her vitals?

XO Darvo says:
CO: Stable.

CSO Lane says:
:: Feels her legs tingle. :: CO: I'm tingling...all over.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The lights leave the CSO and dance again around the bridge. Colors of the rainbow are seen

CO McGrady says:
XO: Amazing...simply amazing.

XO Darvo says:
::Looks up from the tricorder at the lights::

Host VOICE says:
CO: All will be returned as it once was.     Lights: Come, my children....

XO Darvo says:
::Turns her attention the to the CSO, kneeling down next to her running the tricorder over her::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The lights begin to fade out; many return to Rachel as if saying goodbye

EO Jeffries says:
::Sees nothing wrong, and he slumps in the chair behind him::

TO Thursson says:
::Watches the lights curiously::  Self: I've gotta tell dad about this...

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles ::  XO: That was really exciting wasn't it?

CO McGrady says:
VOICE: Goodbye.  This was a most incredible meeting.

Host VOICE says:
CO: We will meet again, Captain McGrady....

XO Darvo says:
::Scans her legs::  CSO: I'm not sure, but you should have use of your legs...we'll need the doc up here to verify my scans though.

CO McGrady says:
VOICE:  I will look forward to that.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The fog-like anomaly and the lights fade until the bridge is clear. There is no indication of them anywhere in the asteroid field or anywhere nearby

XO Darvo says:
::Smiles up at the CSO:: CSO: This is amazing!

CSO Lane says:
XO: Are you sure? I know they've been giving me some pain lately...

CO McGrady says:
::Looks towards the XO::

Host Rachel says:
Out Loud:  Bye-bye...

XO Darvo says:
CSO: yes.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain...did you hear that? The Commander says I'm cured.

CO McGrady says:
XO: An amazing shakedown cruise.  I'm sure Starfleet will want detailed reports.  Let’s hope that today we've made a friend, and not an enemy

XO Darvo says:
::Nods::

CO McGrady says:
::Looks at the CSO in amazement::

CSO Lane says:
All: It's a miracle!

Host VOICE says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>