"Conundrums… and Ideas"
[Previous Post: Francois's excellent "A Matter Of Choice"
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Stardate: 61037.1615
The Vulcan FCO stood amidships near the main mast of the SEA BREEZE. He had been in this spot almost from the time they had left the ANUBIS. By logical choice and observation he had determined this was one of the few areas where he was for the most part out of the way of the ships crew as they went about their business. Therefore it was the perfect place for him to consider all the options that so far had been placed before them. As one part of his mind worked on the power problem… another was remembering his recent conversation with Captain Rikar over the issues raised by the COO.
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"Excuse me Captain; may we have a word with you?" Stormwind asked as he Ensign Thomas, and Ensign Mitshiba approached the command chair.
Looking up from the PADD she was reading, she eyed her three officers speculatively. The Vulcan gave no indication of the problem, while Elliot looked worried and Akira looked a little confused. Placing the PADD on the arm of the chair, "Yes Lieutenant, what may I do for you?" she replied.
"Sir, Ensign Thomas has brought a concern to me, and I feel you should be made aware of it, and what has been found by investigation. It may impact some members of our crew's abilities to operate in this environment." Derek answered in full Vulcan mode.
Eyeing her FCO carefully, "Ensign explain your concern?" she spoke to Elliot but watched Stormwind. Trying to gauge his reaction, although the report should be given by the senior officer, she wanted to see how he would deal with her snub of him. She knew he was a good officer with past problems, but he had shown real growth until recently. She felt he was beginning to slip and that was one thing she could not and would not allow.
"Ah… well I have had some strange feelings when around Roxy…" Thomas began, glancing sheepishly at Akira. "I was concerned that I might have been being mind controlled or something because I seemed to be willing to do anything she asked. I felt that I was becoming a security risk."
"I see… and did you bring this up with the SEC/TAC?" the red haired woman asked.
"No sir… I did not think anyone would believe me, and since I thought it might have to do with a form of mind control, well I felt the FCO would better understand." Elliot replied nervously.
Derek quickly spoke up… "Sir I advised the COO to bring up his security concern with Uxtar, until he pointed out what it was. In discussing it with him I suggested he have the aCMO give him a physical, while I investigated."
Giving her Lieutenant her full attention Sabrina asked… "What were your findings?"
"Captain I could find no indications of any type of mind control, whether mechanical or by a known form of telepathy. However the aCMO did find something interesting." Answered the Vulcan turning toward Akira with a nod of his head.
"Ensign?" the captain asked turning to Akira.
Akira now in her environment relaxed as she answered. "Captain I found nothing in my initial medical check of Ensign Elliot, a few raised hormonal levels but nothing that was out of the ordinary. After discussion with Thomas and Lieutenant Stormwind, I placed a medical sensor on the COO and he went back to speak with Roxy. I'm sure the CMO could explain this better but… well the results showed an almost immediate and large change not only in body chemistry but also in his brainwave patterns, especially those areas controlling logic and self awareness?"
The silence that fell was broken only by the hum of the machinery.
Looking at the aCMO Sabrina asked… "What cause did you find for your readings?"
"Scent… Captain, the females of some of the species here apparently emit strong pheromones that affect humans, basically removing all inhibitions over time. Eventually the affected human would not be able to resist, and would do anything for the female."
"I see… well I will take this under advisement. Meanwhile let's restrict access to the ANUBIS, and continue to look for a way to deal with the problem. We will be leaving shortly so I suggest you all finish your preparations… Dismissed," the Captain stated firmly. "Lieutenant remain a moment please."
Derek nodded and watched as the two Ensigns gave slight nods of their heads and left the bridge.
"Mr. Stormwind, are you sure that only humans are affected?" the Captain asked.
"At this point Captain… yes. Both Uxtar and I have been close to Roxy for long periods of time with no apparent ill affects. In fact she would appear highly agitated when around us," Derek answered confidently.
"Very well, I want you and Uxtar than to maintain a watch on ALL members of the away team for any signs that they may become affected by close proximity to our friends, and use your best judgment in correcting the problem," Sabrina said as she looked eyes with the Vulcan.
Derek returned her gaze but only momentarily, for he felt a warning in her tone. "Very good Captain." And standing to attention he actually saluted as he turned away.
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Derek glanced toward the stern where he could see the Captain standing at the rail. In his jaded years in Starfleet he had run afoul of many Command grade officers. This was one of the reasons he was a new Lieutenant JG, when many of his contemporaries were ranks above him. But many of those previous Commanders were set in their ways, stale and unwilling to grow and change as time and circumstances did.
Captain Rikar was different, true she had let him know in no uncertain terms that she would not put up with anything but his best. Yet she had also shown that she was willing to use his abilities when necessary. She was a command officer he would not, could not let down. That was why the other side of his mind had been reviewing and categorizing all of the research he had on the power problem.
As he watched the red headed woman his mind clicked on the final answer. He now thought he knew how they had been caught; he also knew of one possible way they could get back into space. The only problem …it would be a one time opportunity, as it had become obvious that whatever continued to drain their power learned each time they did anything new. Logic dictated he tell the Captain of his findings, but unfortunately logic was not in control at the moment.
Turning to face the bow he opened his mind, and released his thoughts and memories of Mei free. No… logic was not in control at the moment… his heart was.
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As
Lt. JG Derek Stormwind 2006 post #276
Setting: SEA BREEZE, Main Deck
Stardate: 61037.1400
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 61037.1630
Location: SEA BREEZE, Main deck amidships
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS ANUBIS NCC-18501
