S1 - Mission 4 - Biohazard

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Station Log Stardate 306165]

After last month's incident involving a heightened security alert and nearly being attacked by a mysterious enemy, I am more than happy to say that life is returning to normal on the Starbase Columbus.

The diplomatic consequences of my failure are yet to be felt. I have not had word from Starfleet Command about any impending actions against myself or my crew. My report was hopefully enough to assuage any disciplinary proceedings.

In any case, the Columbus has another mission to focus upon. We are the only base or vessel in the sector with the medical facilities capable of destroying possibly dangerous contagions. I am happy to welcome onto the station two mission specialists in this regard, doctors Ebroch Dano and his assistant, an old colleague of mine named Jamie McConnell.

I am expecting my two fellow doctors shortly, and am more than happy to let them use the Columbus medical facilities to neutralize any dangerous viruses. In the meantime, I have a more pleasant task to attend to.

[Deck 4 - CO'S Office]

Commander Stafford stood from his desk, hesitantly. There was still some pain and tenderness in his hip. His cane was still needed, but he found that he could move on his own for a short time more and more nowadays. Sooner or later he'd be whole again. It takes more than an exploding console to send this old warhorse to the glue factory.

The colloquialism made him smile to himself. He had traveled the galaxy, fought in many battles, but deep down he was still the young country boy from Pennsylvania.

"=/\=Stafford to Lieutenant Howell. Lieutenant, could you meet me in my office, please?"

[Hust Kinun]

[Sickbay]

Hust was sickbay. He was still recovering from a massive mental attack on himself, but he was starting to heal. Slowly. His mental faculties were slower, and he was similar to a slightly intoxicated man in terms of reaction time. He just wasn't himself... especially his telepathic presence. He'd retreated deep inside himself in terms of that, not projecting, and any being with telepathic powers would sense a void greater than that of a normal being. It wasn't just that it wasn't there, it's that it was sucked inwards.

He sat up, slowly, and tried to look around. He saw a few people around. He tried to look for the Deltan. He hadn't properly met her yet, but then again she was a deltan- she attracted almost everyone's eye. He didn't look for her for a particular reason, just as a time of day thing. It seemed she had a very set routine, and so he could tell by if she was here or not.

He was still in his starfleet uniform, but he wasn't on duty. In fact, his office was closed right now, as he was the only one on the station who was there to run it. Hopefully nobody needed him right now.

He thought to the attack again. He thought about all the things that had been stolen from him. He'd have to tell the commander eventually, but today just wasn't gonna be it likely.

[Jamie McConnell]

As the USS Curie docked, Jamie couldn't help but feel nostalgia as they neared the bulk of the Columbus.  This was where she has met her husband and it would always hold a special place in her heart.  A warm smile pulled at the corner of her lips as that same warmth filled her inside.

"We're here Dr. McConnell."  A medical technician called her and for a moment she had forgotten her name.  For a moment she looked around for this McConnell person then remembered that it was her.  She had only been married for a few months and it would take a while to get used to it.

Jamie smiled at the young man that had informed her and responded with a nod, "Once we get the clearances from Columbus we'll start unloading.  In the meantime let's run another check of the systems and make sure those with direct contact are properly suited up." She pointed a long finger at him, "That means you too, ensign."

He returned her smile and nodded, his youthful face gave away his age easily and Jamie wondered if she was ever that young.

You're still young, silly...

Jamie mentally taunted herself and looked away from the Titanic station and made her way to the bridge to report to Dr. Enrich Dano the head doctor in charge.  She had been working for him for about a month and liked his talkative nature.  He was tall and dark haired and possessed those impossibly dark black eyes of his race but unlike most of his kind he was warm and generous.

Jamie moved her tall slender form quietly behind him and waited until he was free at the moment he was getting clearances from the Columbus.  "Now," Dr Dano began in his usual sing song tone, "Make sure all nonessential personnel have been removed.  There is no need for anyone to be there that shouldn't..."

Jamie did not know who he was talking to but the Betazoid man was not really bossy so much as cautious. She leaned over a bit and read the information that was sprawling through the monitor.  It wouldn't be long now before they were given clearance and the moving of the dangerous pathogens began...

[Daniel Howell]

[Station Log Stardate 306165]

After last month's incident involving a heightened security alert and nearly being attacked by a mysterious enemy, I am more than happy to say that life is returning to normal on the Starbase Columbus.

The diplomatic consequences of my failure are yet to be felt. I have not had word from Starfleet Command about any impending actions against myself or my crew. My report was hopefully enough to assuage any disciplinary proceedings.

In any case, the Columbus has another mission to focus upon. We are the only base or vessel in the sector with the medical facilities capable of destroying possibly dangerous contagions. I am happy to welcome onto the station two mission specialists in this regard, doctors Ebroch Dano and his assistant, an old colleague of mine named Jamie McConnell.

I am expecting my two fellow doctors shortly, and am more than happy to let them use the Columbus medical facilities to neutralize any dangerous viruses. In the meantime, I have a more pleasant task to attend to.

[Deck 4 - CO'S Office]

Commander Stafford stood from his desk, hesitantly. There was still some pain and tenderness in his hip. His cane was still needed, but he found that he could move on his own for a short time more and more nowadays. Sooner or later he'd be whole again. It takes more than an exploding console to send this old warhorse to the glue factory.

The colloquialism made him smile to himself. He had traveled the galaxy, fought in many battles, but deep down he was still the young country boy from Pennsylvania.

"=/\=Stafford to Lieutenant Howell. Lieutenant, could you meet me in my office, please?"

Engineering
Howell was doing his morning rounds. His last route before arriving in Operations was engineering, as he was still overseeing it within his role as acting First Officer. Just as he arrived he received a message over the comm system from Commander Stafford. Tapping his combadge he replied Aye Commander, I am on my way now and with that headed for the closest turbolift.

Operations - Outside Commander Stafford's office
Howell soon arrived outside the Commander's office. Dan was quite relaxed and so didn't hesitate on pressing the door chime to await a response.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

Operations - Outside Commander Stafford's office
Howell soon arrived outside the Commander's office. Dan was quite relaxed and so didn't hesitate on pressing the door chime to await a response.

CO's Office

"Yes, come in." Stafford turned to the door and smiled when Howell entered. The commander was only in his early forties, but injuries and the passage of time had not been kind to him. He looked at least a decade and a half older. But when he smiled he looked anything but old or tired.

"Take a seat, Dan. I'd offer you a drink, but I don't keep it in my office." He said no more. He did not want to delve into the problems of his past with anyone but the station's counselor.

"You've been filling in for executive officer for quite a while now, haven't you?" Stafford asked. Trying for the motion to look painless, he sat opposite of the other officer at his desk.

[Kirok]

[Sickbay]

Hust was sickbay. He was still recovering from a massive mental attack on himself, but he was starting to heal. Slowly. His mental faculties were slower, and he was similar to a slightly intoxicated man in terms of reaction time. He just wasn't himself... especially his telepathic presence. He'd retreated deep inside himself in terms of that, not projecting, and any being with telepathic powers would sense a void greater than that of a normal being. It wasn't just that it wasn't there, it's that it was sucked inwards.

He sat up, slowly, and tried to look around. He saw a few people around. He tried to look for the Deltan. He hadn't properly met her yet, but then again she was a deltan- she attracted almost everyone's eye. He didn't look for her for a particular reason, just as a time of day thing. It seemed she had a very set routine, and so he could tell by if she was here or not.

He was still in his starfleet uniform, but he wasn't on duty. In fact, his office was closed right now, as he was the only one on the station who was there to run it. Hopefully nobody needed him right now.

He thought to the attack again. He thought about all the things that had been stolen from him. He'd have to tell the commander eventually, but today just wasn't gonna be it likely.

[Sickbay]

Zex saw movement out of the corner of her eye.  It had been some time since the alien presence had attacked Hust and had left the station.  But still it seemed a bit early for the man to be getting out of bed.

"Gently there" Zex said as she walked over to the man's bio bed.  "In fact, let's lay back down until I've had a look at you.  Can you tell me your name, where your at, and the last thing you remember" the Deltan said as she grabbed the nearest medical tri-corder.

Without waiting for an answer, Zex powered up the unit and started waving it above his body.  Everything appeared to be in the normal range.  But still, the man's answers would tell her more.

[Jane D Angelo]

Operations

Jane was on duty in Ops. She had only arrived a few days previously and was still adjusting to life on a Starbase rather than a Starship. She was monitoring both the external tactical sensors and keeping an eye on the security board so she could direct the security personnel appropriately. There was nothing going on in the immediate area, aside from the routine arrival and departure of starships. Though she had been briefed on the imminent arrival of some highly dangerous chemicals that were to be disposed of, along with two specialists to see to it. The station itself was also quiet, though she imagine that would change soon enough. She looked at as Lieutenant Howell arrived and went straight to the CO's office, where he was promptly admitted. She figured it was nothing serious as Howell looked like his normal self. She then focused her eyes back on the tactical readouts and settled in for a long shift.

[Daniel Howell]

CO's Office

"Yes, come in." Stafford turned to the door and smiled when Howell entered. The commander was only in his early forties, but injuries and the passage of time had not been kind to him. He looked at least a decade and a half older. But when he smiled he looked anything but old or tired.

"Take a seat, Dan. I'd offer you a drink, but I don't keep it in my office." He said no more. He did not want to delve into the problems of his past with anyone but the station's counselor.

"You've been filling in for executive officer for quite a while now, haven't you?" Stafford asked. Trying for the motion to look painless, he sat opposite of the other officer at his desk.

CO's Office
Howell made a polite smile and nodded as he entered and then as Commander Stafford asked, took a seat. Waiting for Stafford to sit down himself as well, he replied in response to the drink "No worries Sir." He then listened as the CO pointed out that Dan had been filling in as Executive Officer for a while and with that replied "Aye Commander, I have been filling in as First Officer for about 2 months now."

It was only then he realised how long he had actually been doing the job of XO. He briefly had a surprised look on his face, but quickly changed it back to the relaxed pose he previously had.

[Michael J. Tritter]

Tritter had been able to enjoy some family time since the... goings on of things as of late, it was something that was much needed and enjoyed. It helped center him for some strange reason. He had been assigned to Alpha shift, on his first day back since recent events. He wore a neatly pressed uniform, a hand phaser strapped to his leg. He made his way into the Main Security Office, his mere presence put the fear of god in the new Security Officers he had that were definitely on the green side of things. He delayed his call to "As you were" for about thirty seconds and was done deliberately to mess with them, as he could be a bit of a cruel boss, but he was definitely the one you wanted to have your back.

He had proceeded to make his rounds through the area, much to his relief, they had not gotten sloppy in his absence, which made him feel good. The man didn't say much, he wasn't known for being a chatty cathy if you will. Although he did feel a bit... unsatisfied because he never got to question or... take care of the alien invader who had tricked him, and he was not a fan of being messed with in such a fashion. He had a padd in his left hand, he was flipping through a report on the virises that would be arriving to the Station and his team had been designated with the task of access control to these viruses, so that they do not fall into the wrong hands.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

CO's Office
Howell made a polite smile and nodded as he entered and then as Commander Stafford asked, took a seat. Waiting for Stafford to sit down himself as well, he replied in response to the drink "No worries Sir." He then listened as the CO pointed out that Dan had been filling in as Executive Officer for a while and with that replied "Aye Commander, I have been filling in as First Officer for about 2 months now."

It was only then he realised how long he had actually been doing the job of XO. He briefly had a surprised look on his face, but quickly changed it back to the relaxed pose he previously had.

CO's Office

"Indeed." Stafford almost blinked. He was quoting Constance Lafayette, in tone and word.

"Well, Mr. Howell. Due to your quick thinking and steadfast service over the past few months I have put in a request with Starfleet Command." From the drawer of his desk, ratting through some old antique forceps and a half eaten chocolate ration bar, was an elegant, shiny black box. He handed it to Howell. "They've agreed."

"Daniel Howell. I hereby promote you to the rank of lieutenant commander, command division, and to the billet of Executive Officer, with all the privileges therein." He stood, and not even the pain in his hip could dim his smile as he extended his hand.

"Congratulations, Dan. Or do you prefer 'commander' now?"

[Jamie McConnell]

As Dr. Dano cleared the USS Curie for dock, Jamie sat down on the open seat next to the Betazoid man and began to scroll through the list of the pathogens they were carrying.   There were some man-made monstrosities that were created to wreak havoc on the enemy, but most were mutated strains of a strong virus that just became too much to handle.  Some were kept by scientists in order to do research and study.  These were all the ones that needed to be eliminated from the universe and Jamie was only too glad to do that.

The USS Curie was not the only ship that was going to transport these pathogens.  There was the USS LeBlanc which was carrying several leftovers from the outermost reaches of the Federation.  The USS Eisenhower was going to arrive with several strains that pertained mainly to aquatic species.  The list was too long for Jamie's liking and she couldn't imagine how so much of this ugliness was out there.  Most of the strains had a 100% mortality rate while others would affect the being for the rest of their lives.
A report beeped on her control panel.  Dr. McConnell read the report that the Hazmat Medical crews were ready for transport.  She gave them her acknowledgment then sent in the report to Security.  That report consisted of the instruction to keep any unnecessary personnel away from the Hazmat crews while they locked down each Pathogen.  The work was meticulous and very strenuous and called for no distractions whatsoever.
The Hazmat team engineers had already sent the specs for the heavy duty force fields that would be needed and it was fortunate that the Columbus was such a big girl and had enough juice to power them all.  They were going to need them.  Jamie checked with Columbus to see if these force fields had been set in place and that they were activated.  She then leaned in and whispered in Dr. Dano's ear, "We're all ready, doctor..."

[Jane D Angelo]

As Dr. Dano cleared the USS Curie for dock, Jamie sat down on the open seat next to the Betazoid man and began to scroll through the list of the pathogens they were carrying.   There were some man-made monstrosities that were created to wreak havoc on the enemy, but most were mutated strains of a strong virus that just became too much to handle.  Some were kept by scientists in order to do research and study.  These were all the ones that needed to be eliminated from the universe and Jamie was only too glad to do that.

The USS Curie was not the only ship that was going to transport these pathogens.  There was the USS LeBlanc which was carrying several leftovers from the outermost reaches of the Federation.  The USS Eisenhower was going to arrive with several strains that pertained mainly to aquatic species.  The list was too long for Jamie's liking and she couldn't imagine how so much of this ugliness was out there.  Most of the strains had a 100% mortality rate while others would affect the being for the rest of their lives.
A report beeped on her control panel.  Dr. McConnell read the report that the Hazmat Medical crews were ready for transport.  She gave them her acknowledgment then sent in the report to Security.  That report consisted of the instruction to keep any unnecessary personnel away from the Hazmat crews while they locked down each Pathogen.  The work was meticulous and very strenuous and called for no distractions whatsoever.
The Hazmat team engineers had already sent the specs for the heavy duty force fields that would be needed and it was fortunate that the Columbus was such a big girl and had enough juice to power them all.  They were going to need them.  Jamie checked with Columbus to see if these force fields had been set in place and that they were activated.  She then leaned in and whispered in Dr. Dano's ear, "We're all ready, doctor..."

Ops

Jane saw the message come through about the Pathogens and immediately tapped her com-badge.

=/\=D'Angelo to Tritter. We have received conformation from Dr McConnell that the Pathogens are ready to transport. They have requested that we keep our distance while the Hazmat teams do their work. I'll forward you the full report.

Jane activated the appropriate command and forwarded the report to Tritters' PADD.

[Sevoc]

Sevoc was still working on the analysis of the peculiar readings from the visitors. The initial readings were that radiation levels appeared off the charts, yet there are no signs of isotopes. The temperature fluctuationed from 230Á¢"žÆ' to -30Á¢"žÆ'. The final results were a even more fascinating than anyone could imagine.

Energy Reading Results

Since the encounter, systems across the Starbase have been affected. There have been power fluctuations that have also affected ships that have docked. The Gibson has experienced Warp Core issues, as have a few freighters that have come and gone. Tactical has reported that the have been chasing bugs in the system. One caused a phaser to fire with no one initializing it. The results also indicated that the energy source is from a new element. It is radioactive without being in an isotopic state. The rest of the results conclude that it can only bond with itself.

Sevoc raised an eyebrow. He tap the comlink.

=/\=Sevoc to Commander Stafford. Sir, I have the results from the analysis of the energy readings. They are as peculiar as the initial readings.

[Hust Kinun]

[Sickbay]

Zex saw movement out of the corner of her eye.  It had been some time since the alien presence had attacked Hust and had left the station.  But still it seemed a bit early for the man to be getting out of bed.

"Gently there" Zex said as she walked over to the man's bio bed.  "In fact, let's lay back down until I've had a look at you.  Can you tell me your name, where your at, and the last thing you remember" the Deltan said as she grabbed the nearest medical tri-corder.

Without waiting for an answer, Zex powered up the unit and started waving it above his body.  Everything appeared to be in the normal range.  But still, the man's answers would tell her more.

[Sickbay]

He sat up, a jagged motion, uncomfortable and sudden. Not so sudden as to be surprising, but sudden enough that it didn't seem natural. And yet, somehow, natural it was. He was fully himself, but he just felt empty, afraid, and weak inside. If he were human, the fear would have shown in the color of his irises, a sort of feeling others would get. For the betazoid, his black irises hid all signs of this.

He was instructed to lie back down and he did, a little softer than the sitting up, but with no frills or excess motions. Point A, meet Point B. He sighed a little as she asked the questions. "Hust. Kinun J. Sickbay, Federation Starbase Columbus, DS-298. Last thing I remember? Getting my mind shattered by a being I was dumb enough to probe." he said, mechanical and robotic, the only emotion presented toward the end, that of dread and self-loathing.

He didn't speak much more, however. He wasn't a very talkative person right now. He wasn't mad, nor did he blame anyone but himself. He needed something to distract him- but he was in no fit condition to return to work in this mood.

[Kirok]

[Sickbay]

He sat up, a jagged motion, uncomfortable and sudden. Not so sudden as to be surprising, but sudden enough that it didn't seem natural. And yet, somehow, natural it was. He was fully himself, but he just felt empty, afraid, and weak inside. If he were human, the fear would have shown in the color of his irises, a sort of feeling others would get. For the betazoid, his black irises hid all signs of this.

He was instructed to lie back down and he did, a little softer than the sitting up, but with no frills or excess motions. Point A, meet Point B. He sighed a little as she asked the questions. "Hust. Kinun J. Sickbay, Federation Starbase Columbus, DS-298. Last thing I remember? Getting my mind shattered by a being I was dumb enough to probe." he said, mechanical and robotic, the only emotion presented toward the end, that of dread and self-loathing.

He didn't speak much more, however. He wasn't a very talkative person right now. He wasn't mad, nor did he blame anyone but himself. He needed something to distract him- but he was in no fit condition to return to work in this mood.

[Sickbay]

"Ok" Zex replied non-committedly.  "What about your pain level.  On a scale of 1 -10, 10 being the worst ever.  Where do you fall today?" she asked.

While he contemplated his answer, the Deltan ran a few extra tests.  She tapped his knee with a small hammer and checked his hearing with a snap of her finders among other things.  Tri-coders were good, but some to the tried and true methods still worked better.