Ghosts 'n Goblins

Anomaly TrekMUX Episode: (#02-013)

Shuttle Bay - Station 419 - [IC]

This roughly rectangular room is large enough to hold several shuttles or runabouts comfortably. The walls are gunmetal grey, with exposed bulkhead supports forming columns along the outer wall. The inner and outer walls curve slightly, reflecting the station's circular concentric design. Harsh lights shine down from above. The floor is diamond patterned composite material, and caution markings indicate the edges of the central landing pad, which drops down thru the floor during takeoff and landing. A control console for the shuttle pad functions is situated in one corner of the room, facing into the shuttle bay. A set of double doors, emblazoned with the standard numerical room code, leads out to the corridor. A small control panel is recessed into the wall beside them.

The Laureg Colony has recently asked for aid in discerning the cause of what a foreman at the colony calls "strange." The colonist miners gave reports of Jem'Hadar, beasts, and other things that scared the miners out of the new dilithium mine. A runabout is prepped and its hatch stands open for the away team.

Laco steps into the shuttle bay, and begins approaching the runabout that is being prepped.

Itaani comes in. "All right, gentles. Our destination is the new Laureg mining colony. Are the pattern enhancers stowed, Mister Ghorev?"

Bela checks her equipment: An engineering toolkit, her tricorder, phaser and comm badge. Yes, she decides, she's ready. She slings the kit over her shoulder.

Ghorev nods. "Aye, Sir. Two of the EVA suits, if those should be necessary, have likewise been checked out. I'll check the rest en route."

Raioth stands waiting, calmly and quietly.

Itaani nods. Very well. Akoval, you can copilot a runabout, yes?"

Raioth nods and replies, "Aye, sir."

Itaani says "All right, then. Mister Laco, on sensors. Stations."

Itaani steps aboard the runabout.

Laco nods to Itaani, "Aye aye, Lt Itaani." He steps aboard the runabout and takes a place at one of the two rear consoles, logging on and bringing up sensor controls.

Bela climbs on board the runabout. She sits down on one of the passenger seats.

Raioth makes his way to the co-pilots seat and settles in, preparing his station.

Itaani starts powering up systems.

Ghorev disappears into the aft of the small ship to resume the check-out of the gear.

Through the viewport, one can see the shuttlebay hatch sliding open. A warning siren sounds all around the shuttlebay as this happens.

After a few hours of traveling, the runabout approaches the star system in which the Laureg Colony is located, on the fourth planet. The planet is mostly water, with a tinge of violet in the blue. A hail comes in from the Laureg Colony.

Itaani reaches forward to put the call onscreen. "Blackwater. Lieutenant Itaani, Station 419, here."

Laco hands begin to move as he initiates scans of the area. After all, some of those colonists said they saw Jem'Hadar...

Semok comes out of his meditation and pays attention to the screen.

The image of a furry Tellarite appears on the screen. "Good, thank you for coming. I was afraid that Starfleet didn't think that this was worth their time."

Itaani says "War or not, it is our duty, ...Mister Foreman?""

Bela remains quiet as she listens to the Tellarite on the screen.

The Tellarite nods quickly, "Yes, Yunarem. We've have a landing pad ready for you. Thank you for coming!"

Raioth turns toward Laco and asks, "Are you picking anything up, Ensign Laco?"

Laco works a moment longer, then shakes his head. "Nope, can't detect any traces of dominion vessels."

Itaani nods, "Forman Yunarem. We will enter atmosphere shortly. I would like to speak in person, and perhaps our Counselor could examine a few of your affected crew?"

Ghorev emerges from the back and whispers low, so that Andorian hearing can pick it up but not necessarily the communications link, "All equipment checks out." And he takes a seat to prepare for the descent.

Yunarem nods energetically again, "Yes, of course. It would be helpful. I'll wait for you are the landing pad myself."

Itaani nods. "Very well, Mister Yunarem. We will be arriving shortly. Blackwater out."

Bela looks to Ghorev. "Sir, what exactly are they mining down there?"

Itaani turns in her seat to regard the crew. Looks to Laco.

Ghorev murmurs, in Bela's direction, "I do believe it's dilithium, but as long as it's not zenite, Lieutenant, I'll be happy."

Laco pales a little as Itaani gazes at him, "Uh...yes Lt Itaani?"

Raioth says, "I wonder if it could have been a stranded Jem'Hadar ship, look for resupply." idly.

Semok shakes his head. "That would not seem likely. As I understand it, there were reports of many creatures stranger than the Jem'Hadar."

Itaani addresses the little crew. "I would like to first determine if the miners are being affected psychotropically by the air or something else they are coming in contact with. I would like to assign a team to sample for traces of such contaminants when we go down. Dr. Semok, I would like you to make some observations on the state of the miners, and try to derive theories. Akoval, issue phaser 2 to the landing party.

Semok nods to Itaani. "Aye aye, sir."

Itaani says "Is anyone here familiar with... modern... dilithium mining operations?""

Laco shakes his head.

Dakin, seated aft in the passenger compartment, shakes his head.

Raioth gets from his seat and heads back to the equipment locker. He opens it and begins passing out phasers to everyone aboard. "Hand them up, please."

Bela shrugs slightly. "Not specifically, sir, Though, I doubt it wouldn't take me long to figure it out." She takes one of the phasers and passes it up, and again. And finally takes her own.

Ghorev says, idly, "Just what was covered in basic physical and structural engineering courses. I'm EVA-Suit-rated, however." he looks around. "I'm assuming if your initial hypothesis is contamination, we'll be going down initially in suits, that is."

The fourth planet from the star rotates silently in space. The small landmass that the Laureg Colony is located on is nearing the night side of the rotation.

Itaani says to Bela "All right, Lieutenant, you will be with myself and the Counselor for the initial interview. Secure for atmosphere, people.""

Laco takes a phaser, setting it on the floor as he braces for atmospheric entry.

Bela nods to Ghorev. "I'm EVA rated as well." She smiles. "Haley's Angels. Class of 69."

Ghorev says "Excellent."

Ghorev holds onto a rail for support as the Runabout prepares to descend.

Dakin checks the charge on his phaser then hands the case to the next person. Strapping himself in the seat, he asks, "This mine have any history of raiding, piracy, et cetera?"

Raioth holds up his hand, chiming in, "Me too." about the EVA suits.

Bela nods once to Itaani. "Aye, sir."

Itaani turns in her seat and begins atmospheric entry.

Semok closes his eyes and begins meditating once again.

Laco mutters something about EVA suits.

Itaani says "Not that I am aware of, Mister Dakin."

The runabout shakes ever so slightly as it sails into the atmosphere toward the Laureg Colony. All systems are green.

Dakin nods.

Raioth holsters his weapon and returns to his seat to aid in the descent.

. o O Dakin thinks "Could be raiders using spook tactics. Hmmm..."

Itaani continues hitting keys, as the runabout slews into a reentry corridor. "I suspect we are dealing with some agent... Or being, that has the property of inducing hallucinations. Therefore, when we do go into the mines, as I am sure we will have to, keep your wits about you.

Bela asks, "Have you considered holograms, sir?"

Itaani says "Not since this morning, Lieutenant. " She nods, approvingly. " When the opportunity arises, gather data toward your theory. "

Semok opens his eyes and addresses Bela and Itaani. "I somehow do not believe holograms are the answer here. As I understand it, there were certain creatures seen that could not possible survive on this planet. To attempt to frighten workers with holograms of creatures that would not normally be there is illogical. Of course, we must also consider that anyone attempting to do so may be ignorant of xenology."

Dakin says to Bela, "I had a similar idea, Lieutenant. Might be a pirate trick to scare the miners away from their wares."

The landmass that the Laureg Colony is located on appears over the horizon, quickly growing larger.

Itaani keeps her eyes on the viewports and the instruments. "Perhaps, a telepath with a hologram generator... I had the impression from the Foreman's report to Starfleet, that people saw things from familiar fears.

Laco begins a scan of the colony.

Raioth comments wryly, "Perhaps they are Pakled pirates. We should entertain that possibility at least." and strokes his chin with a goofy smile.

Dakin suppresses a chuckle at Raioth's comment.

Bela smiles to Raioth.

Itaani says "Or, environmentalists. Would you look at this landscape," she observes to herself."

Semok slowly nods. "The telepath hypothesis is quite possible."

Bela glances out the viewport to see what Itaani's talking about.

Itaani reaches up to test the landing repulsors. "Is there a way you could sense such a method at work, Counselor?"

Dakin calls up a display from the outbound sensors to get a glimpse of the land, as he's not near a viewport to do it that way.

Itaani says "Any native animal life, Mister Laco?"

Semok thinks carefully. "I could not sense something like that working, no, however I may be able to determine if someone has been impacted that way with a mind meld. It would be very difficult to do this, however. To search for a specific piece of someone's consciousness is moderately challenging. To search for the subconscious? I must admit, I have never attempted that."

Itaani brings the ship over the landing pad. "Secure for touchdown. Four. Three. Two, one." <solid metal sound outside.> "Contact."

Laco begins scanning the surrounding landscape, "I'll know in a second, Lt." He works a moment, tapping controls and looking at output..."Lets see...a few small animals here and there. Nothing that appears dangerous."

Ghorev asks the follow-up question: "Counselor, if we are dealing with a Telepath with a hologram projector and that hypothesis is correct, then this agent will need to inflict these same visions on us. Can you raise personal defenses against such a thing, on the off chance that this is the case? Or will one of us need to stay here with the Runabout?"

Through the viewport, one can see several colonists approaching the runabout at a jog.

Itaani nods. "Let's greet the foreman. Mister Ghorev, if you would lead the team to gather data at the facility, I'd rather not crowd the man out of his office."

Semok shakes his head. "I will have something of an advantage when it comes to protecting myself, but I am afraid that I can not provide any defense for the rest of the team."

Itaani stands. "Let's see if we can find out more about what we are up against, before planning all contingencies."

Dakin nods in full agreement and holsters his phaser after he's through checking it for charge and condition.

Raioth stands with Itaani, nodding his agreement of her decision.

Laco looks up at Itaani, "Maybe someone should stay here and watch the runabout. I'd be happy to do it."

Dakin rises out of his chair and stretches a bit, though not enough to impede anyone.

Itaani gets up and goes to the hatch, checking air outside, out of habit, and then, pausing with a finger on the control. "Why, Mister Laco, I had no idea you'd retained a fondness for the class. While you are here, see if you can detect anything unusual."

Ghorev says "Sir, are we suiting up before departing or after speaking with the foreman?"

Laco grins and nods, happy that he doesn't have to go into those mines.

Itaani says "Mister Ghorev, see if you can get the survey data from the facility computers to Mister Laco. It may expedite matters."

Itaani says "Let's greet our hosts first, Mister Ghorev. I do not see reason to rush."

Itaani opens the hatch.

Itaani says "We're explorers. Let's explore." She steps out.

Almost before the hatch opens up completely, Yunarem says, "Thank you again for coming. You don't know how much help this will be."

Dakin follows the lieutenant outside.

Semok follows after the rest of the away team.

Ghorev follows after.

Raioth follows as well.

Itaani steeples her hands before her, briefly. "Glad if we can help. Shaiya Itaani."

Laco sets up the sensors to alert him if they detect any large life forms or energy sources, such as phaser blasts. He then leans back, yawns, and settles in for a long wait.

Yunarem looks at the rank pips, "Yes, Lieutenant Shaiya Itaani? I'll show you to the mines, okay?"

Itaani makes a gesture, about to introduce her officers, then pauses, taken aback by the foreman's haste. "You are in a great hurry to have us go in, Foreman Yunarem?'

Yunarem says, "Err, well, you see, we've been delayed for a long time already."

Yunarem continues, "And delays are bad..."

Taro ended up stepping out with the rest of the Starfleet crew... he was hiding somewhere near the back of the crowd of Starfleet officers as they exited.

Bela's equipment is slung over her shoulder, the Type II secured in its holster. She takes the opportunity to flip open her tricorder and begins a scan.

Semok is neither handy with a tricorder nor a phaser. He keeps his equipment holstered and quietly observes the foreman.

Itaani nods. "I can understand. Tell me, how is production, apart from this impediment?"

Ghorev has his own equipment visibly in hand, or at least the tricorder -- the phaser is on his belt and remains there. He listens to the conversation between mission commander and the foreman with interest.

Dakin keeps his eyes peeled for any abnormalities. His right hand is relaxed but not coincidentally near his holstered phaser.

Itaani takes a glance around the docking pad.

Raioth surveys the area, his antennae gently swaying in the air as though picking up on nuances in the air.

Bela states quietly to Ghorev. "Mines appear to be about a mile to the west, if the scan of Dilithium is any indication, sir. The only major energy signature I can see is the power generators from the colony."

Yunarem says, "We started two weeks ago, and the first few days of mining were good. This place is rich with dilithium. But after a few days, my men began to see things that scared them off. After that, everyone refused to go back in, and we've come to a complete standstill."

Two other miners stand not far behind their Tellarite foreman, idling.

Ghorev nods to Bela, and murmurs something back.

Bela aims the tricorder to the west and adjusts the gain.

Itaani nods. "Well, it will not save time to gather information that is already on the surface. Would it be possible for Counselor Semok here, to interview with one of the affected miners? I would also like my crew to see if there might be any clues up here.. A contaminant brought up to the surface, for instance.

Ghorev mutters to Bela, "Get a wide-angle long-range scan of life signs. No details, just approximate numbers. If there's anyone other than the miners here, I'd like to know.".

Taro peers around the landscape quietly, folding his hands behind his back, letting those more suited to scan for anomalies do so. He, instead, attempts to take note of anything out of the ordinary that he might be able to detect visually.

Itaani idly walks a few paces, motioning Semok to follow, letting Ghorev and his team work.

Bela nods to Ghorev once. "Aye sir," she says as she fiddles with the controls of the Tricorder more.

The heavyset Tellarite nods. "Yes, of course." He turns around at his two nearby miners and asks if any one of them will volunteer to talk to Semok.

Laco drums a frantic beat on the console with his fingers.

Itaani glances to Semok inquisitively.

Bela looks to Ghorev. "Approximately one hundred and fifty life signs, sir. A variety of species, it appears." She nods to Itaani and closes the tricorder, following Itaani and Semok.

Semok follows quietly after Itaani.

A male Bolian steps up, and Yunarem says, "Urom here will talk to Counselor Semok. Are you ready to go to the mine, or are you conducting those scans for contaminants here? We haven't detected any."

Semok nods to the Bolian. "Mr. Urom, is it? Come, let us discuss the incident in private." He glances to Itaani. "With your permission, sir."

Itaani says to Yunarem. "I think our inquiries on the surface can be brief. If we could link to your facility's database, Mister Laco aboard the runabout would like to analyze your survey data.

Itaani nods to Semok. "Thank you, Counselor."

"Yes, of course," Yunarem complies and tells the other miner to get on it.

The Bolian approaches Semok, quiet.

Itaani taps her combadge. "Mister Laco. You may expect an uplink from the facility's survey database shortly."

Semok says "Is there a good place for us to speak privately? An available office perhaps?"

Laco taps his combadge, "Thanks Lt. Anything specific you want me to hunt for?"

The Bolian nods and points to a gray building not far away.

Ghorev watches the folks go about their business for a moment, and then turns to the others who remain. "Very well. For now, tricorders and phasers. After a brief series of scans at the mine entrance we'll determine whether to use the EVA suits." And with that, he sets to work with his team.

Itaani says "Use your discretion, Mister Laco. Exotic mineral toxins that might be released by mining, might be helpful. Crossreferences with any similar incidents that may have occurred elsewhere. ...Surprise me."

Semok nods politely and motions the Bolian ahead. "After you, Mister Urom."

Raioth thinks out loud, "I wonder how far the mines are from here, and what manner of beasts they saw." speaking to everyone and no one in particular.

Itaani says "Itaani out."

Urom walks toward the building without saying anything.

Itaani taps her badge to close transmission. "What sort of protective equipment do the miners use in the tunnels, Foreman?"

Dakin nods to Ghorev. "Aye, sir." Then to Raioth, softly, "Good question. I've got a few others too."

Semok follows Urom and they leave the away team.

***

Semok enters the building with Urom and locates two chairs. He places them across from each other with a short but comfortable distance between them. "Please be seated Mr. Urom. I will try to make this as quick and painless as possible."

Urom nods and sits in one of the seats.

Semok sits down across from the Bolian. "Now then, let us begin with what happened in the mines. Please start from the beginning."

Urom begins with a not-too-certain voice, "The first few days...when we began...everything seemed fine...no problems. But then some of the other miners saw things...things that scared them away."

Semok arches an eyebrow. "What kind of..."things?"

Urom says, "Uh, well, Morval complained about giant spiders being all over the mines...but I didn't see any."

Semok says "You were in the very same cavern with him and you didn't see the spiders he complained of?"

Urom shakes his head, "No, I went into the section of the mines that he ran from...to see those spiders. I didn't see any when I arrived."

Semok slowly nods. "I see. What else happened?"

Urom says, "Um...then more miners started seeing things that scared them away, but I never got the chance to see what did scare them off."

Semok lowers his head in thought, then looks back up. "At any point did you see a worker show signs of witnessing a creature or event that you could not see?"

Urom shakes his head again, "No...no I didn't."

The Vulcan looks at Urom for a moment then asks, "Tell me, what did you see in the mines?"

Urom's face turns a paler blue and remains quiet for a moment before uttering, "I...I saw...it was a...a Borg. Several, I mean...they came out of nowhere."

Semok's eyes widen slightly, but he maintains a stoic front. "Indeed? Do you believe they were real?"

Urom says, "Of...of course they were real...they came right at me!"

Semok taps his comm badge, "Lieutenant JG Semok to Lieutenant Itaani."

Itaani says "Itaani here."

Semok says "Sir, were there any signs of Borg in this system?"

Itaani says "Borg, Dr. Semok?"

Semok says "Yes, sir."

Itaani says "Unlikely, Counselor. The whole quadrant would still be on alert if there were."

Urom seems to get more worried as Semok talks to Itaani about the Borg.

Semok says "Are the Borg known to leave a few drones in a planet deep in Federation space and not have some form of ship nearby?"

Itaani says "Unknown on that, Doctor. I don't believe such events have been recorded. Particularly not when there are twenty meter Tellarite yellowsnakes about."

Semok says "Do the Borg have any form of cloaking technology that we could not detect?"

Semok says "Thank you, sir. Semok out."

Semok reaches up and taps his badge, terminating transmission.

Semok looks back at the Bolian. "You do now see how it is rather unlikely that there were Borg drones in the mines?"

Urom says, "I know what I saw."

Semok nods and rubs his chin. "I know, and I certainly believe you. However, I do have strong reason to believe that what you saw was not really there. Tell me, have you ever encountered the Borg before this incident?"

Urom looks at the ground, "Uh...no...but..."

Semok leans forward and motions Urom to continue. "But what?"

Urom says, "But...the Borg killed many people that I cared about at Wolf 359...but I never came in contact with them...no..."

Semok nods. "I see. I am sorry to hear of that. Tell me about this Morval. He saw giant spiders you said. What race is he and what planet does he come from?"

Urom's face is still a paler blue than usual as he says, "He's a Trill...from his homeworld...I think."

Semok cocks his head to the side for a moment, then taps his comm badge. "Lieutenant JG Semok to Ensign Laco."

Laco says "What can I do for you Lt Semok?"

Semok says "Ensign, please check the runabout's computer logs for me. Are there any giant spider like creatures on Trill?"

Laco says "Don't know, I'll check..."

Laco says "I can't find anything about any creatures of that nature, Lt."

Semok says "Are there any spider like creatures on Trill whatsoever?"

Laco says "Yeah, but no big ones."

Semok says "Thank you, Ensign. Semok out."

Semok's combadge chirrups and Itaani says, "Counselor. Is your line of inquiry leading to something? I would like to share findings."

Semok taps his combadge. "I am attempting to determine how related fears are being experienced by the miners. Mr. Urom saw Borg drones, and he has a distaste of the Borg as he lost many loved ones at Wolf 359. Another miner from Trill saw giant spiders. Excuse me sir, while I find out more about the second miner. I will keep you informed."

Itaani says "Yes, Counselor, we seem to have derived that people are seeing shadows of their own fears. I would like to find the candle that casts these shadows. There is some possibility the intensity of the effect increases with time."

Semok says "I understand. Semok out."

Semok says, "Did Morval have a fear of spiders?"

Urom shrugs, "He would kill them whenever he saw some...but he didn't seem scared of them."

Semok says "I see. Mr. Urom, I am going to ask you to assist me in this investigation in a rather unorthodox and potentially disturbing manner. We want to find out what is causing these visions, as many of them can not be real. If you would, I would like to experience your encounter through a mind meld. You would be reliving the experience, but I would be with you. It would not be near as traumatic and we could learn many things about what caused Borg drones to appear before you."

Urom frowns, "You're going to mind meld with me? But...I'm going to have to relive being chased by the Borg?"

Semok slowly nods. "To a degree, yes. It would not feel exactly like you were reliving it. It would be more like...watching a holovid program. You would see everything, but you would also know it isn't real."

Semok says "If at any point it becomes too much, I will know and break contact."

Urom says, "I don't...know..."

Semok says "Please consider it. I will be with you, and I will help strengthen your resolve with my mind. I won't have you jump straight in to the encounter. We can start with a simple meld, share ideas, and then move on."

Urom looks uncertain, very uncertain, but finally nods. "You promise that you'll stop when I tell you to?"

Semok nods and holds up his hand with his two middle fingers spread apart. "You have my word, Mister Urom."

Urom looks at the raised hands, then says, "Uh...what am I supposed to...do?"

Semok says "You will have to do very little. All you have to do is think of what I ask you to when I ask you, and I will do the rest. We will enter a sort of trance in which we can exchange thoughts and memories. All I have to do is maintain physical contact with you."

Urom says, "Uh...okay."

Semok nods. "Thank you. Now, I want you to relax and close your eyes." Semok does the same and brings his hands up to the Bolians temples, where he lightly lets his fingertips touch.

Urom closes his eyes, but is not very relaxed.

***

Ghorev motions for Dakin to come a bit closer.

Dakin approaches Ghorev. "Sir?"

Bela continues walking with Itaani, her eyes constantly looking about. She approaches her CO after a moment and waits to be acknowledged.

Yunarem says, "Oh, hard hats, gloves, that kind of thing. Why do you ask?"

Ghorev mutters to Dakin, "I will focus on possible contaminants. I want a trace scan from you on the mine itself for things that might react badly to phaser fire. If these *are* holograms, or otherwise have a physical presence, but they are not living beings, we may have to fire at settings higher than stun, and I do not wish to risk a mine-fire.".

Itaani says "It seems sensible to first determine if it is something in the air. No filter masks, then?"

Taro stands with the remaining officers who didn't go off with Itaani, folding his arms across his chest slowly as he watches things unfold.

Yunarem shakes his head, "Well, some of them wear masks to keep the dust out, but they were scared away from the mines too. Do you think this is a psychological thing?"

Dakin nods, says simply, "Aye, sir," then unfolds his tricorder and begins scanning.

Raioth glances over toward Taro, being one of those who didn't go off too. He says, "I think we should gather more information on what exactly they /did/ see. Not what we suppose they saw. Then go from there." in some kind of fellow security officer like voice.

Bela keeps looking about, but waits for Itaani to acknowledge her before addressing the Andorian woman.

Inside the spacecraft, Laco starts playing a game with the computer to pass the time.

Taro glances over towards the Andorian security officer, nodding his head once, "Aye..." the Bajoran pauses a moment, "There aren't any indigenous lifeforms from what we've been told correct?" He pauses once more then adds, "Sentient I mean."

Itaani tilts her head to the Foreman. "Not solely, offhand, but we haven't ruled anything out as of yet.. Yes, Lieutenant?" she says to Bela.

<CONTEST> Dakin contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Bela's eyes focus on Itaani then. "Sir, permission to have one of the security officers join us. Standing orders are that I have to have a security escort."

Ghorev fiddles with his own Tricorder. "Let me know what you discover, Ensign," he says to Dakin.

Itaani says "Quite correct, Lieutenant."

Dakin frowns at his readings. "Nothing conclusive, Lieutenant. Figure we'd better be cautious in either regard."

Raioth comments back to Taro, "I'm not sure, to tell you the truth."

Itaani glances to see which of the security officers is least occupied, and then calls out. "Akeen Ghorev. If you would send one of the security officers?"

Bela nods, relief washing over her somewhat. "Thank you, sir."

Ghorev, after a reply of "Aye, Sir!", looks around at the remaining security folks. Gauges them each in turn. Looks for the subtle cues as to who might be most suitable.

Itaani turns back to the foreman. "Foreman. Your report indicated that when you went into the mines, you saw a monstrous version of a common beast from your home. In your estimation, did all the affected miners experience something already familiar to them?

Taro continues peering around the scenery, continuing his conversation with Raioth, "That may be something we should check into... they might be responsible for this if they do exist... perhaps some sort of... self defense, it has been known to happen before."

Raioth glances between himself and the other security officers, not particular on whatever his superiors may decide about it.

Yunarem shakes a little as he remembers the giant snake in the mines. "I-uh-I think so. Not everyone talked about it."

Dakin keeps his tricorder out, in case he gets any split-second spikes. He glances up upon hearing Itaani's request.

Ghorev gestures finally to Dakin. "Go on ahead." he points to where Itaani and the others have gone.

Itaani nods. "And, did the appearances of these creatures take place in the same place, or at a regular interval, or after a certain amount of time below the surface?

Dakin folds his tricorder. "Aye, sir." He then heads over alongside Bela, nodding to her in confirmation.

Raioth nods his head as he listens to Taro. "Could be. It seems strange though."

Yunarem shakes his head, "Not fr-from what I've gathered. But they did become more often as time went by."

Ghorev approaches Raioth and Taro. "Gentlemen."

Taro nods his head to Raioth and agrees, "Indeed-" he stops as he hears Ghorev's greeting, turning and nodding, "Sir."

Bela smiles briefly to Dakin, nodding to him.

Itaani says "But you were affected quickly, your first time down there?"

Yunarem says, "I've been there several times before. Being a foreman doesn't mean I stay away from my workers. Well, not to me anyway."

Ghorev says "Let us overlap our scans. Have either of you practical scientific or engineering knowledge which may bear on this or shall I assign tasks?"

Itaani nods. "But not as much. I ask because an increasing frequency might mean a cumulative exposure to something. If you were exposed less, but just as severely affected, it means the intensity of the effect is increasing with time... Had the mine gone deeper since the attacks began?

Taro shakes his head in response to the Andorian engineer's question, "Nothing particular, sir."

Yunarem says, "Only a little. My miners wouldn't go back afterwards, and I can understand that, so we couldn't mine much more."

Itaani nods, "Show me where you were digging, on a map.

Ghorev says "Alright, then. Scan for concentrations of energy," to Taro. "I want to know if there's machinery down there that doesn't belong to the miners."

Bela looks to Dakin. "What did they find back there? Anything?" she asks the man quietly.

Yunarem takes out a small padd that he carries with him and brings up a map of the region. The mine is about a mile west of the colony.

Itaani says "You have a map of the tunnels, or is there only one, at this point?"

Itaani's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant JG Semok to Lieutenant Itaani."

Itaani taps her combadge, still looking over the foreman's shoulder.

Dakin shakes his head. "Nothing I'd heard before I was ordered here, Lieutenant."

Itaani says "Itaani here."

The Tellarite brings up the map of the mines. "Here. It's probably not as high quality as Starfleet is used to, though."

Semok says "Sir, were there any signs of Borg in this system?"

Itaani says "Borg, Dr. Semok?"

Semok says "Yes, sir."

<CONTEST> Taro contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Itaani says "Unlikely, Counselor. The whole quadrant would still be on alert if there were."

Semok says "Are the Borg known to leave a few drones in a planet deep in Federation space and not have some form of ship nearby?"

Taro takes out his tricorder and begins scanning as suggested, he looks towards Ghorev, "All machinery in the mines appears to be Federation, Lieutenant."

Itaani says "Unknown on that, Doctor. I don't believe such events have been recorded. Particularly not when there are twenty meter Tellarite yellowsnakes about."

Ghorev is working on a scan of his own. "Excellent. Thank you, Ensign."

Semok says "Do the Borg have any form of cloaking technology that we could not detect?"

Bela smiles and whispers to Dakin, "If we can't detect it, how would we know?"

Itaani says "None detected, Counselor."

Semok says "Thank you, sir. Semok out."

Itaani reaches up and taps her badge and terminates transmission.

Dakin grins and whispers to Bela, "The catch-22 of cloaking technology."

Itaani downloads the map into her tricorder and uplinks it to the runabout. She taps her combadge. "Landing party will meet at the mine entrance to discuss findings. Mister Laco, you may continue aboard the runabout if you deem it useful. Mister Raioth. Bring filter masks and wristlights for the team.

Laco taps his badge, "Aye sir. Getting the map now...."

Laco looks the map over on his console, trying to discover anything out of the ordinary.

Raioth heads off, back into the runabout, at a jog after an, "Aye, sir." Inside, he nods toward Laco and gathers the requested equipment.

Itaani says "See if they were approaching any unusual concentration, in the flagged location, Mister Laco. And keep this channel open." She gestures to the foreman, "If you would lead on, Foreman?"

Ghorev says "Well, team, you heard the orders. Let's meet head for the mine entrance."

Yunarem nods and heads west.

Bela follows her CO, making sure to stay close to Dakin, too.

The Tellarite stops a few meters away from the hole that is the entrance to the mines. He says, "You don't m-mind if I don't go i-in, do you?"

Dakin keeps his eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary, while not forgetting his escort duties.

Laco continues looking over the map, at the specified location.

Raioth catches up to the others and begins handing out filter masks and wristlights to the rest of the team, around the mine.

Laco's combadge chirrups. "Lieutenant JG Semok to Ensign Laco."

Dakin accepts the gear and affixes the devices to the requisite areas. "Thanks."

Laco transfers his channel to Itaani and the others to the runabout's systems, then taps his badge, "What can I do for you Lt Semok?"

Semok says "Ensign, please check the runabout's computer logs for me. Are there any giant spider like creatures on Trill?"

Itaani says "Quite all right, sir." She smiles a bit. "If this doesn't go well, we will not be long."

Laco begins accessing the databanks, "Don't know, I'll check..."

<CONTEST> Laco contests his Computer (Research) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Bela takes her equipment from Raioth, thanking him softly.

Foreman Yunarem sits against a boulder, "I'll be waiting out h-here."

Laco says "I can't find anything about any creatures of that nature, Lt."

Semok says "Are there any spider like creatures on Trill whatsoever?"

Laco says into his badge, "Yeah, but no big ones.

Semok says "Thank you, Ensign. Semok out."

Itaani taps her combadge. "Counselor. Is your line of inquiry leading to something? I would like to share findings."

Laco cuts the transmission on his badge, and goes back to perusing the map.

Bela flips open her tricorder and makes a cursory scan, once she has donned her filter mask.

Semok says "I am attempting to determine how related fears are being experienced by the miners. Mr. Urom saw Borg drones, and he has a distaste of the Borg as he lost many loved ones at Wolf 359. Another miner from Trill saw giant spiders. Excuse me sir, while I find out more about the second miner. I will keep you informed."

Itaani glances to Ghorev. "He is likely treating every miner he can. But I think they will feel better when they know what this is."

Ghorev places his own filter mask on, and peers about. "Indeed," he says to Itaani. "So far, bioscans come up negative, as do energy field scans."

Itaani says "Yes, Counselor, we seem to have derived that people are seeing shadows of their own fears. I would like to find the candle that casts these shadows. There is some possibility the intensity of the effect increases with time."

Dakin, once getting his mask and light in place, takes out his tricorder and puts it on a cyclical scan mode.

Semok says "I understand. Semok out."

Laco presses a spot on his console, "Lt Itaani, Laco here. I can't see anything unusual about this map. Just looks like a normal mine layout."

Itaani says "Very well, folks. Let us circle up. Observations?"

Taro follows in behind Ghorev, placing his mask on, he continues scanning quietly with his tricorder.

GAME: Bela spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Bela (claiming advantage) contests her Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Itaani taps her combadge. "See if you can determine any structure or pattern in the minerals where the mine is dug, Mister Laco. I begin to believe they have dug up something. Or dug *into* something."

Bela frowns as she taps on her tricorder. "Lieutenant Itaani," she says.

Itaani looks to Bela. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

Laco holds the button again, "I did Lt, if there is anything there, its beyond my geology skills..."

Dakin blinks at Bela's apparently finding something.

Bela says "There's something out of phase at the bottom of the mine, it seems." She frowns deeper as she adjusts the tricorder. "But I can't tell exactly what it is."

Ghorev says "Out of phase?"

Itaani says "Mister Laco. Stand by. " She looks to Bela. "Uplink it to the runabout, then. What manner of phase are you referring to?""

Itaani pulls out her own tricorder and links it to Bela's readings.

Raioth listens intently to the other officers with a discerning expression. He occasionally glances around, antennae swaying nervously.

Bela states, "I was running a multi-phasic scan looking for anything that might not specifically be in our space-time. And came across that. It's only slightly out of phase. If something is slightly out of phase, it's almost as if it is incorporeal."

Itaani says "Ah. The mountain has a spirit, if you will." She glances to the opening, then to the landscape, and then to her team. "Of course. The question being, is it a life form, a device, or a rare effect?"

Ghorev says "Were all the miners in a specific part of the mine when they began perceiving these images?"

Yunarem says, "No. The sightings came from several sections of the mine."

Itaani taps on her tricorder. "Are you reading this, Mister Laco?

Laco says "Uh, looking it over now...."

Ghorev says "Lieutenant Bela, can you pass me the coordinates of this phase-shifted anomaly? I would like to see if we're dealing with something inanimate, sentient, or purely energetic, or some reasonable combination of these."

Itaani superimposes the out-of phase reading on her map.

Ghorev indicates Lt. Itaani with an incline of the head, noting that his question is in echo to hers.

Bela transmits the information to Ghorev. "Lt. Itaani, permission for me to enter the mine alone. I can try and ascertain what it is if I get closer."

Dakin says "Lieutenant, all due respect, shouldn't I come with you?"

Itaani says "Negative on that, Bela. We will wait for the Counselor."

Bela frowns slightly. She decides to try and push it a little. "I'll be okay, sir - I just want to try and get a closer reading on this.. thing. It'll be safer if one of us goes alone to scout ahead."

Laco puzzles over the readings, trying to recall if they correspond to any of the physical, geological, or other scientific phenomenon he has encountered.

Dakin waits to hear Itaani's reply to Bela's request.

Taro continues scanning, trying to get any information that others haven't yet... to help out as best he can in the situation.

Laco presses the transmit control, "This is weird stuff Lt, never seen anything like it. Not caused by anything natural that *I* have ever seen."

Itaani considers. "Mister Dakin. Accompany Lieutenant Bela to her scanning point. Report anything unusual, and bear in mind that this is a potential first-contact point. We will be directly behind."

Dakin nods to Itaani. "Understood, Lieutenant."

Bela nods to Dakin.

Dakin makes his way into the mine's entrance, pausing only to turn and make sure Bela's accompanying.

Bela walks to the mine's entrance, her tricorder out in front of her.

Dakin takes point, tricorder also in hand.

***

The two minds become one. Semok and Urom's minds are quickly shifting and exchanging surface thoughts. In their linked mind, Semok's voice echoes out, "I am here, Urom. Now, I want you to think of a haven. A place where you feel safe and nothing can hurt you. If something frightens you, we will return to that haven. Think of one now.

Darkness fades, replaced by a green valley with a rapid river rushing through. A kayak is beached on the shore.

Urom and Semok examine the river bank. Semok is oddly enough not in uniform, but in a set of white robes with Vulcan symbols embroidered in the sleeves. "Good. This is good. How do you feel Urom," Semok's voice echoes. It is still fairly emotionless, but also seems much stronger than it did in the real world.

Urom looks around, wearing a light, summer outfit. "This is Norum Valley," he says, voice echoing.

Semok nods with interest and looks around. "You are familiar with it I assume?"

Urom looks at the Vulcan in his mind, "I used to come here all the time." He laughs, "Almost drowned here too. My fault for being so stubborn, I guess."'.

Semok examines the river, then looks back at Urom. "Alright, you feel comfortable now with the meld? We are now going to go to the caverns, right before you saw the Borg. I will be standing right with you, so there is nothing to be afraid of. Take us there, when you are ready."

Urom approaches the fast river, crouching down and dipping a blue hand into the water. With a sigh, the valley disappears into darkness.

The darkness goes away again, this time in a mine with blue-gray walls. Urom is wearing a mining uniform, using a pick to break some rocks. Nearby is a human male dressed in similar attire and with brown skin.

Semok is still in his robes, and he steps back to watch both miners while examining the surroundings.

Urom says to the human, "What do you think is going on? I mean, with Morval and Christine and everyone else?"

The human shrugs, "I don't know, man. It's really freaky if you ask me."

Two, quick flashes of light pop out of the wall in front of both men and fly right into their heads for half a second before jumping out and disappearing back into the cave wall.'.

Semok looks on with amazement. "Fascinating."

The Bolian and human continue working on the wall until a minute later when a large chunk of rock breaks away, revealing dilithium ore.'.

Urom freezes. "Did you hear that, Saad?"

The human looks at Urom, "Hear what?"

Urom turns around quickly, eyes wide as he searches the dim mine. "I thought I just heard...nothing, nevermind."

Semok looks at the revealed dilithium ore.

Urom is about to turn back to the dilithium ore when he spots a movement and small lights in the distance.

The mechanical sounds of Borg equipment come from several tunnels as drones walk toward Urom. A mist-like figure condenses from the air and floats toward the human.

Semok steps back, but examines the mist figure, ignoring the Borg.

Both men scream as they see what approaches them. The Borg hold out their arms while still quite a distance away, injection tubule waving around. The transparent floating figure resembles a woman with long, flowing hair and empty eyes. It says in a hollow voice, "Come to me, Saad..."

Both men scramble toward the exit, and everything goes dark.

Urom finds himself in the valley from before.

Semok stands right in front of him, calm, with his hands in his robes. "Are you alright, Urom?"

Urom is kneeling over the edge of the river, a hand dipped into the running water. Instead of answering, he asks, "Are you done?"

Semok cocks his head to the side. "Almost. I am not going to take you back there, I promise you. However, I saw strange things that you did not mention or perhaps even remember. Do you remember a white flash of light hitting you in the head before you saw the Borg?"

Urom waves his hand around slowly in the clear water. "Now that you mention it..."'.

Semok stands still and listens.

Urom says, "I didn't remember it before. What was that?"'.

Semok shakes his head. "I do not know. But I would like to find out. Urom, with your permission I would like to try and go deeper in your mind to your subconscious. Perhaps there I can find the answers that I can not in your consciousness."

Urom looks at the Vulcan from his crouched position. "Deeper?"

Semok says "Yes, Urom. Your mind sees things that your eyes do not. Sometimes we can see something and not remember everything, but when hypnotized we can give every detail of what we saw. That is called in subconscious, and I would like to explore yours to find out what the white flash was."

Urom seems uncertain again, but says, "Fine...I guess it wouldn't hurt...too much..."

Semok says "It shouldn't. I will only be looking for an outside impact, to see what entered your mind."

<CONTEST> Semok contests his Psi (Focus) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Semok holds up his hands and the landscape shimmers and begins to brighten. He is visibly concentrating, but the shimmering disappears and Semok sinks down to his knees. "I...can not reach it. Very well, I believe we are done."

The valley goes dark.

Semok and Urom slowly come out of their trance and the Vulcan opens his eyes. "Thank you, you have been very helpful Mister Urom."

Urom says, "Are you going to take care of those Borg now?"

Semok nods. "We will make sure that you never see Borg there again."

Semok stands up from the chair.

***

Itaani taps her combadge, a bit impatiently. "Counselor. We have found something, and I need you here. I would like you to site to site transport to this location as soon as possible

Itaani's combadge is silent.

Itaani taps again. "Counselor Semok."

Still, there is nothing. Semok's voice is nowhere to be heard.

Itaani says "Itaani to Blackwater. Mister Laco. Locate Counselor Semok."

Laco says, "Aye sir." He then attempts to use the runabout's sensors to lock onto the signal from his combadge.

Itaani says "Akoval. Scan for Vulcan life signs. Whatever he is up to, it had better be good."

Laco transmits, "Lt Itaani? Lt Semok is right in one of the buildings. Perhaps he's having comm difficulties?"

Dakin, before the two of them are gone for long, breaks into a dead run back out of the mine. His phaser is in hand, and his face is pale and sweaty.

Bela is not far behind Dakin, her face showing fear.

Itaani says "Acknowledged, Mister Laco. Go, Akoval. He probably has decided to..." She senses Dakin coming. Looks back to Raioth. "Go! and have him report. By site to site transport." Then, ...looking at the running figure... "Stand by on Blackwater's transporters. Mister Dakin. Report."

Yunarem's face is contorted with fear and concern. Bela places her hands on her knees as she gasps for air.

Laco transmits, "Standing by, Lt."

Dakin struggles to catch his breath. "J-Jem'hadar... place is crawling with them... I... I don't think they saw me... Prophets..."

Ghorev draws his phaser, just in case, even though he's more than a little certain these are also hallucinatory phenomena.

Itaani looks to Dakin, then the party. "Scans." To Dakin, she says, "Unlikely, Mister Dakin. Did you touch any?"

Taro glances at Dakin, instinctively grabbing his phaser from its holster. He looks down into the mine where Dakin came from.

Ghorev, once armed, follows the order to scan.

Bela heads back to the runabout without saying a word, stomping angrily.

Dakin swallows, then exhales. "No, no... I didn't... I... oh, man... I got faked out, didn't I? I could practically smell them..."

Itaani reviews the scan she'd been keeping of the interphasic phenomenon, seeing if it has changed since the crew was affected.

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Taro scans as well, holding the tricorder in one hand, the phaser in another.

Itaani says "We need to make contact before the hallucinations take hold of our fears...."

Itaani says "Someone, take scans of Dakin. Brain-chemicals, endorphins... Thath, this is why I wanted the Counselor here *five minutes ago.*"

Dakin shakes his head rapidly, trying to shake the effect off, which admittedly isn't easy. He still has his phaser in hand.

Ghorev says "The phase-shifted field is on the move, Lieutenant." And that done, he turns his scanner on Dakin. "Scanning the Ensign."

Dakin almost regains his composure. "It... it felt almost like an Orb Experience... but... but different..."

Itaani says "Bearing, Mister Ghorev?" She raises her own scanner. "Itaani to Laco. I need to know what this field is projecting, and quickly. Scan in wavelengths corresponding to humanoid brainwaves. All forms of emission you can handle...."

GAME: Ghorev spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Ghorev (claiming advantage) contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Laco transmits, "Aye aye." He then brings up the runabout's sensors to scan for brainwave-like emissions.

<CONTEST> Laco contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Itaani says "Set all phasers to safety, and holster them."

Itaani steps closer to the mine entrance.

Dakin powers off his phaser and slides it into his holster.

Ghorev says "Bearing indeterminate. I could barely pick up the shifts." he continues his scan on Dakin. He holsters his phaser. "I'm picking up some residual energy in the brain. Unfortunately, I'm *not* a doctor, but I'll save the readings for the Counselor."

Itaani says "Send the readings to Mister Laco, Ghorev. Mister Laco. You will be receiving an energy signature from Mister Ghorev. See what you can make of it. Thath. First, patch it into the universal translator, and transmit linguacode friendship messages."

Taro frowns at the order, but slides his pistol into its holster on his belt, resuming his scans, trying to detect anything that might help in the investigation, but not letting his hands stray too far from the phaser itself.

Ghorev nods. "Aye, Sir." He passes the readings along as ordered.

Dakin runs his fingers back through his hair. He seems to have gotten himself together for the most part.

Itaani strides over to where the foreman is. "Mister Foreman. If there is any mining equipment running, here, have it shut down. Now."

Laco transmits, "There are some brainwave signatures in the mines, but they're fading. Whether they're going deeper down, or deactivating something somehow, I don't know. Perhaps you could send someone down there to try to provoke another reaction, and I could scan from here, sir?"

Itaani says "Can you transmit it on the levels we have it now, Mister Laco?"

Yunarem says, "They've all been shut down long ago, when we couldn't mine anymore because of those-those things."

Dakin, at Laco's suggestion, says "If you need a volunteer, Lieutenant, I'll do it."

Laco says "What do you mean by transmit, sir?"

Itaani looks to Dakin. "Not this time, Mister Dakin." She detaches her phaser from her belt and hands it to him. "We cannot replicate the form of energy, Mister Laco?

Laco says "Well, maybe...I didn't get a good scan of it though. Like I said, it was fading."

Dakin nods and takes Itaani's phaser. "Aye, sir."

Itaani says "It must be reading us, somehow. I am going to attempt to make contact, and set my tricorder to monitor my own life signs. Keep an eye on the readings."

Laco transmits an acknowledgment, and begins scanning for waves similar to the ones he detected earlier.

Ghorev says "Are you certain that it's actively reading us, Sir? it might just as well be a .... reaction preying on existing fears in the brain."

Itaani taps keys on her tricorder. "If the Counselor ever does show up, Akeen Ghorev, perhaps he will be able to find out." She straps a wrist-light on, and then, presses her hands together before her face, settling her thoughts. Concentrating on one fear.... That the Federation may have done wrong...

Itaani steps into the cave.

Ghorev keeps up a running scan as Itaani enters.

Taro watches in silence as he continues scanning. Watching Itaani enter the mine.

Dakin rubs the back of his neck as he watches Itaani enter. He silently delivers a prayer to the Prophets that she'll be all right.

Laco watches the console.....

Laco transmits, "Whoa, big spike in those brainwave readings....something's going on down there."

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Taro scans down the mine quietly, concentrating on the readouts.

Ghorev grunts at the tricorder. "Come on....you had a lock just a moment ago. Where *are* you?"

GAME: Itaani spends a courage point.

Laco's combadge chirrups. "Lieutenant JG Semok to Ensign Laco. Report."

Laco taps his badge, "Ensign Laco here. What do you need?"

Semok says "Ensign, please report on the current status of the mission."

Laco says "Lt Itaani just went into the mine. I've been able to detect some kind of brainwave like emissions coming from down there, whenever anyone enters. I think the Lt believes these emissions are causing the hallucinations. By the way, sir, why aren't you at the mine site? Lt Itaani was calling you for quite some time."

Semok says "Ensign, I was engaged in a mind meld. Inform the team that I am available and believe that there is a sentient being that is causing the hallucinations."

Semok says "And please beam me to the mine entrance, Ensign. I am interested in speaking with Itaani when she comes out."

Laco says, "Alright, just a sec, sir..." He attempts to beam Semok to the mine entrance.

<CONTEST> Itaani contests her Presence skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

<CONTEST> Laco contests his Shipboard Systems (Transporter) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

There is a shimmer of light and Semok appears with the rest of the team.

Ghorev looks up from his tricorder as Semok materializes. "Counselor, how up to date are you?"

Semok looks down at Ghorev. "Perhaps more up to date than you would believe. I am nearly certain that a sentient creature is in the mind and is somehow causing hallucinations."

Itaani emerges from the shadows of the entrance, eyes streaming with tears..

Semok looks up as Itaani exits the mine and immediately moves forward. "Lieutenant, come here!"

Dakin blinks as he notices Itaani's emergence from the mine.

Ghorev says "I don't disbelieve it, Counselor. Lt. Itaani went down there on just such-----" he turns to see her. "Oh, my."

Itaani says in Andorian, "The nameless, faceless, mothers-forsaken bastards. They showed me Eagle.. How I was not there. Kiisha...."

Semok blinks and looks over at Ghorev with a confused look, but continues walking quickly to Itaani.

Semok says "Sir, please remain calm. It was not real."

Itaani shouts, "Shadows, demons, faceless, cowards, and damned!"

Semok reaches the Andorian woman and grips her by the shoulders as he brings his face level with hers. "Sir. It is over. It was not real."

Itaani grabs Semok by *his* collar, twisting it. "And where were you?" Her eyes change. "...Counselor?"

Semok remains amazingly calm considering the fact that he has a known warrior gripping him by the collar. "I was conducting a mind meld with Mr. Urom, and returned here to report my results, sir."

Itaani brushes aside Semok's hands, angrily, and turns away. "We needed you here, Counselor, as you were ordered *before* you took that action. There is a mind in there. At least one. I am not sure it is intelligent. But it responds to attempts at contact with mental brutality."

Semok shakes his head. "Forgive me, sir, but I do not recall any such order. I must have been deep in Mr. Urom's mind when you gave the order."

Semok looks up to the mine entrance. "However, I would like to meet with whatever is down there."

Ghorev, having stepped forward to intervene as necessary in the brief confrontation, adds "Nevertheless, Counselor, it was perhaps ill-advised not to inform us before doing so." And turns to follow Itaani's gaze.

Itaani says "If you can speak, you can hear, Vulcan."

Semok stares at Itaani for a moment, then looks back up to the mine entrance. "I do admit, I was negligent in not informing you of the mind meld. I apologize."

Itaani still looks away. "Report, Counselor."

Semok nods. "When melded with Urom, I noticed white flashes that were aimed at both his head and another workers. They did not seem to notice this anomaly, and a minute later both saw something they feared. Because this was not seen when it occurred, but was seen in the mind meld, it leads me to believe that this flash can not be seen with the naked eye."

Itaani says "And?"

Semok says "Urom mentioned seeing Borg, but he did not see the second vision which was a white ghost like woman. Only the other worker seemed to see that. That would rule out holoprojectors. Either someone is psionically attacking the workers, or using a form of psychotropic drug that causes one to see their own worst fear."

Dakin says "Bela and I weren't in there for much more than five minutes before I saw what I thought were Jem'Hadar troops. I don't know WHAT Bela saw... she just walked off madder than hell."

Itaani says "If you had been here as requested, you could scan for these drugs. Scan me now."

Semok cocks his head to the side. "Lieutenant, my tricorder skills are quite limited, but I will try."

Semok pulls out his tricorder and begins scanning Itaani.

Semok scans Itaani with his tricorder.

Itaani says "I need to know what effects these strange energies have on the brain, and how they can be used to communicate. If you had not ignored my requests, or given a report of your findings and intentions... as the landing party conference was intended to *do*, we would have known this."

Ghorev says "Sir," to Itaani. "I should perhaps get the pattern enhancers, and the other gear, and prepare them to be set up in case any attempt you and the Counselor make for a follow-up contact is unsuccessful and we need to beam you out of there before that thing drives you mad."

Itaani says "They are only shadows, Akeen Ghorev. Only shadows."

Ghorev says in Andorian, "Shadows are thrown by the interplay of light and substance. You know that as well as I. Just because you *see* but a Shadow doesn't mean there wasn't something there to throw it."

<CONTEST> Semok contests his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Semok shakes his head. "I can not find anything." He seems to be ignoring Itaani's tirade.

Dakin just stands off to the side, keeping watch on everyone and everything.

Itaani says "Did I not say that on the way in, Akeen?" She sighs. "The shadows are nonetheless, vivid. I attempted, to communicate with the images, as if the creatures, were trying to communicate, perhaps their own fear and pain at what might be happening."

Itaani says "After such attempts, the fearfulness of the images only intensified. Perhaps... The white light is simply a weapon, and the interphasic being has no interest or means of contact through them."

Ghorev says "Their motives are one thing -- their potential is another. You still prepare for what the wounded /makra/ may do, not what it *wants*. My recommendation is that we prep the pattern enhancers, just in case."

Dakin says "Was there any sign of sentience or are we dealing with an animal instinct?"

Itaani says "No one is attempting to make contact in that manner again, not without further information. I cannot allow it.""

Itaani holds out her hand to Dakin, probably for her phaser.

Ghorev says "Aye, Sir."

Itaani says "We may need the pattern enhancers, regardless."

Ghorev nods. "Aye, Sir. I'll prep them and return, then, unless you have another idea."

Dakin hands Itaani her phaser back. "Here you are, Lieutenant."

Itaani looks to her party, trying to gather her dignity. "Speculate."

Semok says "When I was with Urom, I saw the flashes come out of the wall. It seems to be something in the cavern itself."

Taro is still standing off to the side, seemingly mentally gathering data on the situation, listening intently to various views and experiences.

Itaani says "Or, if you will, ghosts in the rock itself? Dilithium is a multiphasic element... Could they... literally live there?"

Laco's voice comes in over the comm, "It sounds like whatever being is in there has some attachment to the cavern, and doesn't like the miners digging up its home. Also, theoretically, it may be possible to generate some kind of phase field, allowing an object to pass through another. Perhaps this creature can do that naturally, and that’s how it moves through the rock.

Dakin says "Then, if this is an indigenous lifeform, don't we have a Prime Directive conflict here?"

Taro speaks up, "That depends on whether the lifeform is sentient or not."

Itaani says "And its level of advancement."

Laco says "Either way, maybe we shouldn't be letting some miners bust up the home of an unknown and possibly unique creature, sir..."

Taro pauses and asks, "If this being... or these beings live in the mines themselves... sentient or not, I do not believe mining can continue..."

Itaani says "Thank you, Mister Laco." She looks to the group in general, and the Counselor in particular. "That is the issue, in fact."

Itaani stands, straightening her uniform. "Now, here. While the Prime Directive may or may not be in force, the miners have already unwittingly broken it. The Federation needs dilithium, but not that badly. Other powers, might not share our scruples, however.

Dakin says "So do we quarantine the planet somehow?"

Semok says "I believe we need to first be certain of the creatures sentience before such an action."

Laco's voice comes over the comm, with more intensity this time, "Sentient or not, sir, you can't continue mining without knowing how it effects this creature. What if the mining is killing it? Is a few freighters of Dilithium worth wiping out a species?"

Itaani says "That, is not our decision, Mister Dakin. And the Counselor is correct. We need more information. And, I would like to communicate our intentions, or at least apologies. Creatures that live in such a different ecological niche may be quite capable of coexisting in the future.... And we may have done them harm. We must find a way to set it right."

Semok says "Sir, if I may..."

Itaani says "Speak."

Semok nods. "The creature seems to be psionically communicating to us our greatest fears. I do not believe we could communicate with it using conventional means.

Semok says "In short, I would like to attempt communication psionically with the anomaly, with your leave, sir."

Itaani nods. "I attempted, to walk *through* the shadows of my fears, as one of my mothers taught me. I managed to speak, and attempt to show caring. It met with further resistance, though."

Semok considers this. "Perhaps it did not understand the message?"

Itaani says "Or, perhaps, the fear-images *are* nothing more than a weapon, and not a means of communication at all."

Semok lowers his head in thought, then looks back up. "Lieutenant, I have achieved the third level of Arie'mnu. While I am not a being of perfect logic, I have suppressed most of my emotions. I believe that I may be able to at least communicate with this anomaly. If it does not cooperate, I will take my leave of it."

Itaani presses a finger to her forehead. "I will consider allowing it, Mister Semok, but we must be methodical. Given what we know, ...do we have enough information to communicate on our *own* terms?"

Semok shakes his head. "I do not believe so. We do not even know what shape the creature takes, if any."

Dakin says "Its very thought processes could be entirely alien to ours as we understand them."

Itaani says "Shape is not necessarily relevant." She glances around. "But we seem to be short of multiphasic physicists, today."

Semok nods. "Perhaps, but it would seem that we have everything to gain and little to lose. The worst case scenario that I can see is running out of the cavern in fear. That is a small price to pay if we can resolve this situation without a multiphasic physicist."

Itaani nods. "Then, Counselor. Your objectives are, to attempt to establish our non-belligerence, determine our Prime Directive status, and establish communication protocols."

Semok nods. "Aye aye, sir. Are there any preparations that you believe should be made before I enter?"

Itaani says "If they fall under the Prime Directive, then it is clear that corrections have to be made. Frankly, if they were not aware of beings like us, they would not have such weapons against us. But, follow procedure."

Semok says "Anything else, sir?"

Itaani says "Keep your comm open and report as you can. We will beam you out if your vital signs exceed what the computer believes is your body's tolerance."

Itaani says "Lock your tricorder onto yourself."

Semok nods. "Very well, sir." With that, he taps his commpin, secures his tricorder, hands his phaser to Itaani so as to avoid going trigger happy in a panic, and moves towards the mine entrance.

Semok disappears into the entrance of the mine.

As Semok descends into the darkened mines with only his wristlight to guide his way, a misty, feminine figure sits against a boulder in the distance.

Laco makes something to eat quickly in the runabout's galley.

Semok stops and examines the figure while trying to keep his psionic senses open. He keeps a hand in contact with the cavern walls whenever he can, being a touch telepath.

Itaani puts a hand to her head and settles on a rock. Stands, and paces. "Mission log, stardate...."

The transparent figure floats off the rock and glides slowly toward the Vulcan, hair waving in slow motion behind her and eyes empty.

Laco returns to his console with a steaming cup of broccoli and cheese soup.

Itaani says "51993.5. We are engaged in first contact operations, with an apparently-unknown subspace being or beings. Sentience not proven, but likely. Possibly hostile, but nonetheless, this appears to be their home. Attempted peaceful contact, myself, and faced mental attack that intensified the more I attempted to make clear our peaceful intentions. Given the emotional nature of the attacks, I have reluctantly allowed Counselor Semok to attempt to make contact on their terms. Confidence is low, but the alternative would be planetary quarantine; an expensive proposition given the rich dilithium deposits that may be the creatures' habitat..."

Semok slowly walks towards the figure with his hand out in an attempt to touch it. He stops short, however, with his hand outstretched as if inviting the vision to make the first move.

The figure stretches out her arms, as it continues its slow approach. "Come to me, Semok..."

Semok looks at the creature's eyes. "I have seen you before, vision. You asked for Saad then." Might as well try verbal communication, since she's using it.

The ghostly figure stops from getting too close to Semok, but rather hovers in the air. It keeps its arm outstretched toward the Vulcan.

Itaani continues to narrate to the mission log. "At this point it is unclear to me whether or not mental contact is actually involved in the experiences we have had in the mine, or if the energies detected simply provoke hallucinations and fear-responses. Perhaps Counselor Semok will meet with some success. We are monitoring his life signs and engrams in hopes to curtail any physical or mental injury. If he fails to derive further information... We shall see. Whatever this is down there, I know one thing. I do not like it."

Semok takes a step forward and takes the vision's hand in his own, or tries to rather.

Itaani sighs, paces, and reads the scanner for the tenth time that minute.

Laco eats his tasty soup.

Itaani's commpin: "I have encountered a ghostly looking woman, and am attempting communication."

The transparent woman disappears as Semok reaches for her. The Vulcan finds himself again alone in the dark mine, with only his wristlight to show him his surroundings.

<CONTEST> Semok contests his Projective Telepathy skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Itaani says "Acknowledged, Counselor."

Shadows dance in the distance where Semok's light hits.

Semok blinks, then moves forward through the caverns towards the shadows.

The Vulcan soon finds himself standing before a wall of giant spiders, each about two meters in width. A few dangle from the ceiling, lowering themselves down to him by their webs.

This is not going to be pleasant. Semok reaches out and touches one of the spiders...

The spider that the Vulcan reaches for jumps back on quick legs and moves around quickly, agitating nearby spiders that in turn agitate other nearby spiders.

Itaani says "Let us know what means of contact produce reaction Counselor."

Semok says "I have reached a group of spiders, but I am not receiving any intelligent communication as of yet."

The sounds of rapid-moving, lithe feet and the hissing of agitated arachnids echo through the cavern. The sounds, however, do not transmit through Semok's combadge.

Semok touches the wall and tries to send a psionic signal through it.

Semok says "Sir, I believe these hallucinations are meant to impede my progress. I am going to attempt moving through the spiders."

And so he does. Semok tries to walk through the swarm of arachnids.

The spiders take an aggressive stance and show their twitching spider fangs to the Vulcan.

Itaani says "Acknowledged. Proceed at your discretion, Counselor."

Semok is slightly shaken, but repeats to himself, "They are not real."

GAME: Semok spends a courage point.

Itaani says "I concur, Counselor.""

Just before the Vulcan touches them, the spiders scatter, dispersing themselves into the maze of tunnels.

Semok continues moving along the tunnels. "I have passed the spiders."

Mechanical servo noises echo from within the darkened tunnels. They do not transmit through Semok's combadge.

Semok says "I hear mechanical sounds. Is the mining equipment active in here?"

Itaani says "I was assured it is not, Counselor. No such sounds are coming through on our end."

Semok says "Understood."

Dakin crosses his arms and softly drums his fingers against one elbow.

The sounds grow louder.

Semok follows his way along the tunnel, keeping his light forward and also looks for any deposits of dilithium he can find.

The light falls upon a Borg drone, then another, and other. They all walk toward the Vulcan with their Borgish gait.

Semok says "I have encountered Borg."

Dakin exhales. "They're really pulling out the stops."

Itaani watches her scans, idly, then, glances up. "Further hallucinations, Counselor. But if they were Borg, they would ignore you unless you attacked their system." She looks to the landscape. "It *is* a beautiful planet. I wonder if these creatures see it as we do... Mission log, supplemental. Intuition tells me that Semok's impression is correct... that there is intelligence, here... but is he in contact with them, or only images in his own mind?

"WE ARE THE BORG," all of the drones say simultaneously, their already echoing voice multiplied by the mine.

Semok says "Urom also saw Borg in his hallucination. I am certain that these are not real. It is odd, however, that it uses this same scenario as I experienced in the mind meld."

Semok tries to reach out and touch a Borg, assuming that they won't skitter away like the spiders. With any luck, he will be able to psionically connect.

They reach an arm out and injection tubules wave around from the back of their hands. "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED. YOUR BIOLOGIC-" They disappear into thin air as Semok reaches out to touch one of them.

Semok says "They disappeared as soon as I physically touched one."

An Andorian woman lies on the ground, writhing in pain.

Itaani hmms, contemplating. "Proceed at your discretion, Counselor."

Semok walks to a dilithium deposit and kneels by it, ignoring the Andorian woman he considers to be a hallucination. He places his hand on the dilithium.

The skin on the Andorian woman seem to tear on their own accord, and blood begins oozing out.

Semok turns his head away from the woman.

The Andorian woman screams out in pain as her skin disintegrates as if in contact with a fast-acting acid.

<CONTEST> Semok contests his Psi (Focus) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

The Andorian woman's flesh begins falling off in clumps.

Semok shakes his head, as he can not manage a contact. He turns just in time to see the carnage, and clenches his teeth at the scene. "Sir, it is a good thing you are not here."

GAME: Semok spends a courage point.

The exposed organs shrivel, soon revealing only bones.

Semok continues on, passing the carnage with resolve.

Itaani says "I understand, Counselor. Mister Laco. Is the scanner data anything you can theorize about?"

As the Vulcan passes beyond the dying Andorian, a chorus of shouting emanates from the second large cavern that he is approaching. The third cavern is where the strange readings were detected.

Semok says "Sir, I have a hypothesis. If you use a weapon on an opponent, and the effect is limited, what would you ordinarily do?"

Semok continues to the second cavern.

Far below the Vulcan, in the second cavern of the mines, several regiments of Jem'Hadar soldiers are shouting, but what they are saying cannot be heard over the multitude. A giant snake is slithering through their midst, unhindered by the Dominion warriors.

Itaani says "Attempt a throw?"

Itaani says "But I think I know what you refer to... They may simply be trying to use more power."

Itaani says "We require a non-threatening means of communicating with them, however, Counselor. If I wished to fight them, I would use a torpedo."

Semok says "Precisely. Attempt another form of attack. This is not a normal defense mechanism we are facing. After 4 different hallucinations, they are still trying the same tactics. I see Jem'Hadar now and a giant snake creature. I am not certain this is a defense so much as it may be a game. If it was myself in the creature's position, I would attempt some sort of different defense, such as make a hallucination of a cavern wall in front of my attacker. I would try to confuse and divert my opponent, not frighten them when that has failed several times."

Semok continues walking to this next cavern. The snake sounds like what the foreman saw, so it isn't real. Neither are the Jem'Hadar...probably.

A wall of rock appears at the end of tunnel just in front of the Vulcan.

Semok says "Sir, are you picking up any shouting on my comm?"

Itaani says "Negative, Counselor. If it is a 'game,' ...Play. Make them curious about *you*, if you can."

Semok stops and looks at the wall. "Fascinating. It does not only read my sub-conscious mind, it reads my conscious mind as well."

Semok says "Sir, just as we were speaking a rock wall appeared in front of me. A rather strange coincidence."

Semok attempts to move his arm through the wall.

The arm slides through easily.

Semok follows his arm through the wall.

The shouting of Jem'Hadar once again fills the Vulcan's ears. Some of them spot the Vulcan and start firing their polaron rifles at Semok.

Itaani says "Counselor. If they are drawing images from your mind, what would happen if you.. cleared your mind?"

Itaani says "Might they not have to ...bring something else to the field? Something of their own?"

Semok blanches slightly at the Jem'Hadar attack. "An interesting thought, however I do not believe I can clear my subconscious mind, where most of these thoughts probably come from. I was not openly thinking about the Borg when they appeared."

GAME: Semok spends a courage point.

Semok pushes on and moves towards the Jem'Hadar's cavern.

The shots of blue/white energy continue firing at the Vulcan, all of which are missing - for now.

Semok keeps walking forward, confident now that these are not Jem'Hadar. They don't miss that badly and if they were real he would be dead.

Itaani says "I see. What if you, ceased pursuing, but did not retreat?"

Semok says "I am not certain. Is there a certain point in the mines I am trying to reach? I assume that is why you went down here."

The snake rushes forth from the mass of Jem'Hadar, slithers up to the Vulcan, and raises its upper half to arch itself into a stance.

Semok is not worried about the snake. He has heard the story of the foreman's fear and this could not live on this planet. Its existence is not logical.

Itaani checks her scanners to the Vulcan's position, compared to her map. "There is only the last place where the miners were digging, before they began seeing these visions. There may be a connection...

Semok moves past the snake and the Jem'Hadar.

Semok says "In the next cavern?"

The snake brings its head down on the Vulcan, with its jaws wide open. Semok soon finds himself inside the mouth of the snake, yet still standing on firm ground.

Semok blinks. "Quite imaginative." He attempts to walk through the head of the snake.

Itaani says "Correct, Counselor, the next cavern."

The snake and all the Jem'Hadar disappear.

Semok continues to the third cavern.

The Vulcan moves on without any more trouble. As he gets halfway through the tunnel between the second and third cavern, Itaani's voice says through his combadge, "Counselor! We're under attack!"

(From this point on, Semok cannot hear anything from the landing party, but the landing party can hear him)

Itaani says "See if you can get a tricorder scan of the cavern, Counselor."

Semok says "Sir? What's going on?"

Itaani says "We're monitoring, Counselor. See if you can get us scans."

Through Semok's combadge, Itaani's voice says, "There's a huge wave of ships out here. Thath! They have Siinogan markings!"

Semok says "Sir! Get to the runabout and beam me out if you can. We must warn the mining crew about the Siinogans!"

Dakin blinks. "Siinogans?"

Through Semok's combadge, Itaani's voice says, "We will, but sensor readings that far down into the mine is weak. You will have to return to the surface in order for us to lock onto your signature!"

Itaani sighs, "This exercise may have failed.

Itaani says "Counselor, we are showing no Siinogan attack. Proceed at your discretion, we are secure, here."

Itaani says "Blackwater, stand by to transport the Counselor back. But I will give him a little more time."

<CONTEST> Semok contests his Intellect (Logic) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Dakin nods to Itaani. "It sounds like the illusions are getting worse."

Semok says "Aye aye, sir. Returning to surface. If you can not gain a lock, I recommend you return to 419 and leave me here. I believe the Siinogans would not be able to enter this cavern without difficulty either."

Semok begins racing up the caverns.

Through Semok's combadge, Itaani's voice says, "Negative, counselor. I'm not leaving you here unless all other options are gone. Hurry!"

Dakin says "Enter the cavern? He thinks we're under attack out here..?"

Itaani nods. "That would appear to be the case. It does seem to show a rather sophisticated understanding of our language, I think, to create that level of detail."

Itaani says "Frightening images are one thing, but I do believe the Counselor thinks he is responding to specific statements from us."

The Vulcan cannot see nor hear the other Starfleet officers as he exits the mine. Instead, he can see a fleet of Siinogan warships high up in the air. Meanwhile, the others can see the Vulcan running out of the mine and toward the runabout.

Dakin blinks. "There he is. Counselor!" He tries to wave him over.

Itaani says "Blackwater. Beam the Counselor here, site-to-site."

The Vulcan is locked onto and beamed back to the entrance of the mine. The illusions are gone and he can now see and hear the others.

Itaani's tricorder picks up changes in the anomaly at the bottom of the mine.

Itaani walks back up to the entrance of the cave, watching her tricorder, now. "You're not fooling anyone, people-in-the hill.. Surely you realize *that.*"

Dakin nods to Itaani. "Aye, sir." He then makes his way hastily back to the Blackwater.

Itaani says "Mister Laco, I am picking something up..."

The tricorder reads a buildup in energy in the first cavern.

<CONTEST> Itaani contests her Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

The tricorder reads that the raw dilithium is destabilizing.

Geological scans read that the mine is starting to shake.

Itaani says "No, no, now, you're not fooling anyone... But it is good enough for me, People in the hill. I am sorry we could not be friends, but there are limits. I will play along."

The ground starts to shake.

Itaani says "Blackwater. One to beam out, and recall the landing party."

Itaani looks back to the hill as it shakes. "Notify the foreman to get his people clear of the mine. Stat. Energize."

Soon, the destabilized dilithium wreaks havoc in the cavern and the mountainside starts crumbling. A cloud of dust and debris shoot out of the mine entrance, but the landing party is beamed away in time to escape injuries.

From the Blackwater, Shaiya looks out the viewport. A hand goes to the scanner to look for the multiphasic entity, but she instead, sighs, and closes the tricorder.