Part III.
Babysitting the Marines

The EMH

While most of those observed the aftermath and discussed the creature (his acute hearing caught that there was an adult of the species still aboard), the EMH turned his attention to the patients.

The majority of wounded had been marines. He caught sight of Counselors Day and Flynn - both shook up from an ordeal one of them experienced. He sighed. Sharing brains, he thought, was as much a curse as it was a blessing.

The holographic doctor addressed the recent addition to their staff, Nurse Elzara Yin - an ensign - and whispered discretely: "Is there anything I can do to be of help?"

The EMH
Nurse Elzara Yin

Elzara looked at the EMH and tried her best to smile although she didn't quite manage it. She shook her head and scanned the sickbay and patients "I think things are under control for now, although," she paused and held out a PADD "there is a medical round to be done."The hologram took the PADD and clicked through some of the profiles. "Sounds good. Our CMO appears to be preoccupied at the moment. Would you accompany me? I am unfamiliar with most of these crewmen." The nurse nodded and fell into step beside him "Of course, Doctor....?" she looked at him expectantly "I'm sorry, I don't know your name."

He looked down a moment sighed, then back at the PADD. "I don't have a name. It wasn't part of my programming." He advanced the profiles until he came across the one designated for the first patient they encountered.

Elzara looked at the Doctor in surprise and stopped short of the first patient. "Why not? Whats to stop you choosing one for yourself?"

"I..." The EMH seemed stumped by the question. "...That is... I've had no need of a name. I've always been just the Emergency Medical Holographic program. People call me 'doctor'..." then, he added with hint of resentment, "...when they bother to address me altogether."

"Well I think you should think about it, it'd give you...." she trailed off searching for the right word. "identity. Might make you feel more like part of the crew and maybe they'd start treating you like more than just a hologram."

He smiled. "I hardly think there's cause for the crew to regard me as anything other than what I really am," He thought how novel it would be if his superiors actually would have paid any attention to him following his ordeal in the Isolation Room, or even asked him whether he was functioning well after such a stretch on the application of his subroutines. "but thank you for the sentiment."

Elzara smiled, more genuinely this time before turning her attention to the patient. "Not at all doctor, anytime."

He grinned as he checked the patient status readings on the display and relayed the info to her to check off on their PADD.

Counselor R. Dayanair

Day turned and tapped her commbadge, "Ensign Nirla, this is Dayanair, where are you at the moment.??"

"I am enroute to my office, I just finished speaking with Lt Commander Kudet and Lt Commander Woo." Nirla replied.

"I need you to come to sickbay, Lt Flynn will be assisting the Marines and I will be working with Security...." she looked over and noticed Crash was still on the floor, grieving over the death of his friend, Private D'Harn....so Day walked away from everyone, "...there are two marines I need you to keep an eye on here, a Private Bronski, he went into deep shock on the freighter, he was also physically wounded and is still unconscious...." she sighed, "...also a Private Crash, is distraught with grief, over the death of another marine, I am concerned for them both....the medical staff may also need your assistance."

"Yes Ma'am, I will be there momentarily."

Day's voice rose slightly, "Nirla!" then she lowered it, "Do not walk here alone, Siit has ordered everyone to remain in small groups, transport yourself to sickbay if no one is around you."

Nirla heard the concern in her CO's voice, "Yes Ma'am, I understand."

Day turned then to see Annie speaking with Siit....she heard words like 'hunting party'....it made the hair on her neck rise and sent a chill up her spine....her concern for both of them was increasing.

Then she looked over a Bronski...at a distance he appeared to be unconscious...resting....but her senses picked up something else going on....she walked over to him....the Tribble lying on his chest....was purring....she rubbed her hand across its fur then took Bronski's hand with hers....closing her eyes...

Counselor Dayanair
Sgt Stev Bronski

everyone in sickbay....that was conscious.....turned to look at her....as she leaned over Stev yelling his name.

"STEV ..WAKE UP …SGT STEV BRONSKI ..I AM ORDERING YOU TO WAKE UP." Stev looked at her in his dream,

" You would never make a Gunny ma`am no offence."

She did not look pleased at him

Day started to panic as his vision continued....then she got angry....she was sick of death....feeling others die....hearing their last thougts and what they felt as it happen.....not caring that Stev was wounded....she grabbed the front of his shirt...."Oh really...." she hissed as she pulled him up by his shirt, "IF YOU THINK THOSE CREATURES SCARED YOU.....WELL THINK AGAIN SOLDIER....YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ME GET ANGRY YET.....NOW....WAKE!!!! UP!!!!" her eyes watching his face for any sign of life.

*stevs eyes suddenly flickered open .hes gasped for breath, his eyes wide from the shock of being pulled back from the vison.He was about to panic

Day smiled and layed him back down, "Stev....Stev..." lightly touching his face, "...it's alright....your safe.."

*stev thrashed looking to his left and his right with his head, then grabbing her hands ..he tried to speak but couldnt* .C..CC..CC* he opened and shout his mouth more panic showing in his face and his eyes

Still holding his face, "Stev your alright....I know you can't speak....but your safe.." his head thrashing....he tried to speak....she speak softly, "Sweetheart, listen to my voice....your alright....calm down.."

He tried to sit up to see what was going on around him. He let go of her hands*He mouthed the words I want, he swallowed he mouthed the words again I want upHe moved his thumb in an upward motion.

She put her hand under his shoulder....helping him to sit up....watching his reaction.....making sure he didn't panic again.

he winced in pain as his body still ached from everything that had happened. he shook his head and thumped the bed from frustration he knew he was going no where yet.

Stev was helped to lay back by Sgt Amar, who began to run some test on Sgt Bronski, Day stepped out of the way, clutching the small tribble in her arms, it purred un aware of any danger.

The EMH

The EMH and Nurse Yin were two beds away from where Counselor Dayanair was tending to Sgt. Bronski as Dr. Amar looked on. Their attention was drawn there by Day's sudden outburst: "STEV ..WAKE UP ...SGT STEV BRONSKI ..I AM ORDERING YOU TO WAKE UP."

The hologram's mouth slacked open in bewilderment while Day muttered: "Oh really" during what was obviously one side of a conversation. When she lifted the Bajoran's upper body by the shirt and began to yell, he was moved into action, and rushed around the biobeds with intention to restrain her. Dr. Amar lifted her arm to block his path. He looked down, eyes wide with urgency. She held her finger to her lips and shook her head.

He stood, frozen on the spot, and looked at the two. Sgt. Bronski's eyes flickered open, and Amar moved a step, preparing to take over. The EMH sighed and took his place beside Nurse Yin.

Counselor Dayanair
Sgt Stev Bronski

"What did you see? Why did you scream at him like that?" Annie asked. Bronski turned and looked at her ,he was surprised as the voice was clear no longer muffled no longer distant

"He was having a difficult time....I did what was necessary at the moment."

Day looked down at the tribble....then over at Bronski she then walked over..to ..Bronski who was now calmer and resting quietly.... she layed the tribble in the space between his waist and his arm Bronski felts its warmth, he heard it purring.he suddenly thought back to all the other little tribbles running around the ship, most of which were in LT colonels Avakars office.

Bronski looked at day walking away she had a conversation on her com badge Bronski then turned and looked at Annie who had come a little closer, he was glad to see her safe and well.

"Good to see you're still with us," she said. "I expect a full recovery from you, Marine."

Bronski weakily raised his hand and saluted. Bronski waved his hand at her as if indicating he was writing with a electronic scribe. Annie turned away, looking for an ENP, Finding one she handed it too him. He scratched down as much as he could before he felt drained.

She looked at the information.

[What happened to the away team?…what happened to me ..why can`t I talk?….when will I be able to talk ….when can I return to duty.."]

Counselor R. Dayanair

Replying to Woo, "I am to use my abilities to help locate any stragglers, so to speak, any person or persons who have not abided by Siit's recent order, that no one is to remain alone."

Day could hear the noise surrounding Woo....sighing inwardely and thinking, {This ship is so large....with so many people.}

"Commander I will transport myself to your location momentarily, we can talk more then, Dayanair out."

She walked over to the EMH, "Doctor, Lt Flynn and I will be leaving to sickbay soon..." she stopped talking for a second as she thought about Annie and Siit going after that THING....she can't seem to shake the forbiding feeling, "...I have called Ensign Nirla, another counselor on board, to come here in our place, she will keep an eye on Private Crash and Sgt Bronski, plus if there is anything you need her to assist you with, please, don't hesitate to ask her."

Smiling slightly....she walked away from him....looking over at Annie....she noticed Bronski was awake and trying to communicate with her....she didn't want to interrupt them.

Then looking over at Siit....she wanted to wish him well on his 'hunt'....but she knows at this point in their working relationship....he would not believe her sentiments were sincere....so she dropped the thought.

"Computer..." taking a deep breathe, "...requesting a site to site transport...at my comm signal....from sickbay to Lt Commander Eric Woo's location....on my mark..." replied, "State when ready for the transport." she looked over through the glass, at the charred remains of Limrii, "Begin transport."

De-materializing from sickbay....she re-materialized a couple of feet from Woo...right off she was sweeped up with the crowd of moving people.

Squeezing through the crowd....she yelled to get Woo's attention, "Commander!" she moved next to the elderly couple he was helping....linking her arm with the elderly womans...Day smiled at her....she could sense the women was frightened and confused....as was everyone else around her.

Day blocked the massive amount of confusion going through her mind....for the moment....as they continued to walk towards the Mall area....she would be able to speak with Woo then.

Dr. Kamala Rosea

Dr. Kamala Rosea recieves a call to report to main sickbay, she is being transpered there from the civilian hospital, due to The CMO needing replaced, she has been given the oportunity to take the job.

Kamala: tapps her commbadge "Computer beam Dr. Kamala Rosea to Main Sickbay.

The EMH

At the sound of a familiar voice, the EMH looked up from conferring with Nurse Yin. "Why hello, Dr. Rosea! How good it is to see you here." Being no stranger to the civilian sector, the hologram worked several times with the new CMO at the hospital on and around deck 71. His uncharacteristically pleasant tone momentarily turned a couple of heads.

"Hello Doctor, could you give me a briefing as to what has been happening here?"

"Certainly, Doctor: A race of hostile aliens was responsible for the death of several marines during a rescue mission. One had incubated within a Klingon marine - a Private Limrii - it 'hatched' from his thoracic cavity, killing him instantly. Commodore Siit had the new creature destroyed before it could mature into an invulnerable state. Prior to its incineration, I managed to gather some readings. I had to recalibrate equipment to do so, as this species has the ability to mask its lifesigns. The Science team should have possession of them now." He checked his PADD. "The Bajoran you see over there is Sgt. Stev Bronski. According to this report, he fell on a blade in a skirmish aboard one of the vessels coming back from the mission, puncturing a lung. Dr. Amar has restored his physical health, and - with the aid of Counselor Dayanair (who applied a rather unconventional technique I might add) - brought him out of a coma only minutes ago. A tracheotomy performed on him as part of first aid measures has been reversed as well; he will regain his voice in time."

He handed the PADD over to Dr. Rosea. "I would also like to mention that one of these formidable creatures came back with the rescue party, and is loose somewhere on the ship. I believe they've evacuated the civilians to the Mall. I suppose you know more about that, having just come from there..."

Game Master

It was in no hurry.... there was no rush. It had learned that the lights could not hurt it or stop it from moving freely... but this did not mean that it was complacent.... it would never be that, which could not be said for the people onboard the vessel....

Many small pockets of one to three persons were meandering unhurriedly to the Mall or other designated areas. These complacent groups would require a great deal of luck to avoid being targetted by the alien.... luck for one such group of two had run out....

... It would start by taking one host alive to begin the process of creating a hive. The other would not be of use. Moving out of the jefferies tubes it approached the two hosts. It choose the one it wished to keep and with that decision made it sprung into action... no hesitation, no mercy....

Crewman Frost and his girlfriend Crewman Deitrich were saundering along with no real urgency. They were both young and were flirting and bantering with one another thinking about the drink and relaxation they had planned in Bee'root's later(if the current annoyance was finished).... it happened so fast that all they saw was a blur...

It hit them with such a force that they didnt have time to register it completely..... well Crewman Frost didn't.... he was propelled into the wall and was knocked unconscious.... perfect for the alien. Crewman Dietrich din't comprehend what was happening until the alien slowed its movements and turned to her. She saw the 7 ft apparation before her and she realised too late that complacency was now going to kill her. Dietrich froze unable to move and put up any fight. The alien's tail reached around her and embraced her in a cruel parody of comfort... it moved closer to her and bared it's inner jaws.....

... Dietrich's only response out of her catatonic like state was to relax her bodily functions. She wasnt aware of soiling herself, all she was concentrating on was the slime dripping and the inner set of teeth racing out to end her young life.....

...It sent its inner jaws deep into Dietrich's forehead. It sensed the release of bodily fluids and the death of the host.... but it didn't care, it didn't feel anything except it had met its objective. It dropped the now dead and useless host on the floor and picked up Frost.... this host would become the first one of the new hive. It moved off to a place that suited it well.

And in hindsight, Frost would have wished that he had remained unconscious....

Sgt. Stev Bronski

"I hope that helped?" she said. She handed the PADD back to him in case he had any other questions.

Sgt Stev Bronski had a million and one questions but trying to write everything down was going to take an, he shook his head allowing her to go about her business. He lay back in the bed trying to come to terms with what was happening. He watched people coming and going.

Thinking in his head ~ laying here isn't going to get me sorted out..I got to report in find out whats happening ~
He put the tribble down on the bed and threw back the covers. Swunging his legs over edge of the bed and sat up slowly *coughing * as he did so.

~ I may have a new lung but sure feels different~ he winced in pain, his throat hurt , his chest ached and he felt stiff all over. He looked around the room .

~ we`re the hell are my clothes ~ He slid to his feet and stud up a little shaky at first, he noticed the floor was cold the floor was cold. He looked down on the floor and saw under the bio bed a small box. He noticed his boots and uniform and underclothes, he bent over ,groaning as he did so and dragged the box out ,every movement harder then Bronski had ever noticed, his breathing laboured .

He pulled the box out and put it on the bed, he pulled out the fatigues and srewed up his face they were covered in his blood and slim.

~ oh great, now I`ll have to replicate an new one..and just how do I do that with no voice commands .~ he exhaled in frustration then set about a coughing fit. He leaned against the bed to support himself.

Once he was composed, he rifled the uniform and found his com badge and attatched it to his surgical gown.

~now to get out of here ~

Sgt Bronski looked around and saw Crash still sitting on the floor, Stev shuck his head and walked over, he grabbed the marine, by the fatigues and dragged him to his feet.

~ hell your bloody heavy marine~ he thought as he sat him back on a bio bed. Stev went back to his bed an d picked up the Padd ,wrote on it and walked back over to crash. He held out the Padd.

[ Crash we need to grip, both of us..lets go and hunt this mother down, you want to get it back?..lets do it together]

Stev noticed the new Dr homing in on him.
~ oh crap..hurry up crash …she looks meaner than the alien ~ he allowed himself a little laugh, but he was correct she was homing in on him.

Counselor Nirla Rhyssa

Ens Nirla received Day's message. She beamed directly to Sickbay, and reported to the two Doctors there. A noise caused her to turn, and she made her way to where Sgt Bronski was being lowered to the bed. The Dr turned too.

"What's happening? Why are you trying to leave?" Rhyssa asked Bronski, "You're not well enough to leave - is he Doctor?"

The EMH

Dr. Rosea was called to the Observation Lounge. "Doctor, seems I've got to go, I trust you to keep things under control here, please keep an eye on Sergeant Bronski, and restrain him if necesarry. I will return as soon as possible."

"You can count on me, Doctor," said the holographic doctor. Satisfied, Dr. Rosea left.

Standing by Bronski's bed, he felt a tap against the side of his leg. The marine gestured with a PADD, then broke into a fit of coughs.

[[ you so much as touch me with a restraining field and I will delete your programe so fast you wont be able to spell anagrams let alone play it again ..got it?" ]]

The EMH raised an eyebrow. "You realize of course that any threats to other members of the crew or to my program will be a matter of record..."

Counselor Rhyssa looked up briefly at the calm hologram while trying to comfort Bronski. He nudged his arm from her grip, refusing her attentions. The Bajoran looked to another patient - seemingly for comradeship - and found the fellow marine unresponsive.

When a group of marines arrived through the door carrying a wounded Private Briggs, the EMH faced down Bronski, who wore a slight sneer of a smile.

The doctor bent slightly over him, eyes intense and lips tight. "I've had to contend with ONE beastie today. To be honest, that was one too many." And with the touch, the restraining field was activated. "Now you be good and I'll be right back."

Bronski and the EMH changed expressions almost instantly: a look of shock on Bronski's vs the smug smirk on the hologram...

Counselor Rhyssa felt only slightly secure with Sgt. Bronski under a restraining field. The EMH and a nurse went to help another injured marine.

The look of blood in his eye wasn't pretty. And for someone who still suffered diminished lung capacity after an organ replacement, he was unusually feisty.

But how much of this was borne of gut and adrenaline, only the Profits could say for sure. His written threat directed to a computer program told her he wasn't in the best frame of mind; no matter how intimidating he was, she was bound by duty to see to it he stayed put and recovered. If it got bad enough, she would call the EMH over to sedate him.

Sgt. Stev Bronski

The marine group put private Briggs on the bio bed and the medical staff set about there jobs. Stev smiled as he made his way gingerly to the Sqaud leader.(npc)

" Its good to see you up on your feet Sgt Bronski, we were worried about you ."
~ you were worried me I was worried about me ~

Bronski took out his PADD and wrote down on it.
[Laddie I want you to go and fetch me a set of fatigues,]
She looked at him surprised " Your kidding me right ..your in no fit state to go anywhere..hell you look like death warmed up..you should be going back to bed."

~ What is it with you chicks all wanting me back in bed. ~
[Kirladdison I am ordering you to get me some fatigues.]

She half laughed at him, they had never been the best of friends.
[Sorry Sgt Bronski I`m not taking orders from a guy in a night gown]

~ if you weren't a women I `d hit you Laddie ~

a split second later Sgt Bronski found him self on a bio bed looking up at the Holodoc

The doctor bent slightly over him, eyes intense and lips tight. "I've had to contend with ONE beastie today. To be honest, that was one too many." And with the touch, the restraining field was activated. "Now you be good and I'll be right back."

Bronski and the EMH changed expressions almost instantly: a look of shock on Bronski's vs the smug smirk on the hologram...

Bronski was totally imobilised.

~ what the ..you carnt do this doc~ Bronski struggled, only his head moving.
~ god help your program when I get out of here I`m going to make you a 12inch Barbie doll ..so help me I will ~

It didn't take long for the panic to set in, the closed suffercating feeling. Bronskis heart rate increasesd, his vision became clouded, his fingers, began to tingle his sucked the air in fast and breathed out fast.

~ oh crap..now whats happening …doc get me out of here ~.

The panic continued, Bronski was becoming more and more terrified, he looked at the young women, he mouthed the words help me to her.

The EMH

The EMH coordinated the group to lower Briggs onto the biobed vacated by Bronski. No sooner had this been done, when he heard Counselor Rhyssa call to him. He turned his head.

"...It's Sgt. Bronski. He's enraged himself into a full blown anxiety attack."

The hologram sighed, then steeled himself. "Be right there." He turned to Nurse Yin. "Please prepare me a hypospray with 2cc of Merfadon. I'll be right back." Then, he whispered to the marines: "Your comrade is recovering from a lung transplant..." He looked at each of them with a look of fatality wrinkled on his brow. "If he is not allowed to recover, this may well have been his last assignment. I'm sure you all would like to see him by your side again as quickly as possible, fighting the good fight..." he threw up his fist for emphasis.

The six marines agreed and were eager to assist him. They followed over to where Stev Bronski was thrashing his head back n forth in a rage while hyperventilating. Counselor Rhyssa stepped away from the biobed.

For a moment, Bronski stopped his tantrums and smiled blearily at his buddies. Good, thought the EMH. He deactivated the restraining field. All at once, twelve strong hands were on his patient, holding him down by the limbs and chest. His eyes bugged out wide with fury - no doubt in his foggy mind he saw this as betrayal by his brethren - but before he could apply any effective counter force, the doctor administered the Merfadon to his lateral artery. In seconds, the sedative took effect and the Bajoran dozed off, no doubt into some little battlefield in his mind. The hologram was pleased they were graced with effective manpower when he truly needed it.

Physical restraints were applied, and the counselor returned to Bronski's side to keep vigil. The marines were proud of having succeeded in their second good deed for the day. One slapped the EMH on the back so hard, he almost pitched over. The raucous bunch departed from sickbay.

He made it back to Briggs' biobed, a little jarred but ready to proceed.

Private Crash

Crash had sat and watched the chaos and confusion that had become the Sickbay. His one true friend had died from the injuries that he had sustained while on the Extraction mission. This had deeply upset the Scotsman, but he was far from 'over the edge'.

Crash never had a likeing for Officers, and He barely tolerated them. Even when they try to help as Daynair had. Even NCOs got His goat, so when Sgt Bronski had tried to befriend Him Crash just acted distant and confused. A tactic that had worked on previous occations when He found himself in front of an Officer.

But Crash could see that the Marine Sergeant was honestly trying to leave Sickbay, but he was unable to do it himself. Also Bronski had brought up the notion of 'Getting even' with the Alien that now roamed the ship.

*Bronskis not such a bad bloke* The Private thought *I think I could get him out of this and We could put a big hurting on the creature that threatens Our ship.*

Crash stood and walked over to his fallen comrade D'Harn for one last farewell. The Scotsman noticed the Dead Klingon still wore his combadge. This gave him an idea.

Removing D'Harn's combadge Crash casualy strolled over to stand next to Bronski. With a little slight of hand he was able to remove Bronski's badge and replace it with D'Harn's.

In a voice loud enough to be heard, Crash stated to noone in particular "Aye Lad, Tis too bad ye canna go and fight. But I must return to My duties. I wish ye luck an a speedy recovery."

With this said Crash stood back and adressed the computer. "Computer, Site to site transport to the Marine barracks. Lance Corporal D'Harn and Private Noname."

The transporter effect engulfed Crash and Bronski. Instantly they were wisked away, to rematerialize in the barracks.

Crash set to work on Bronski quickly. Smacking the Sergeant about the face and shaking him briskly to awake the sleeping Marine.

"Wake up lad, We got t' move. We has Aliens t' kill, Aye."

Bronski's eyes began to flutter open

The EMH

"Doctor!"

He turned around in time to see the last particles of the two marines dissipate. The empty restraining bands fell limp on the biobed where Bronski once lay. He handed Nurse Yin the generator and rushed over.

"It was Crash!" Rhyssa explained, "He wandered over as though checking up on the sergeant, then slapped something on his chest."

"Hm." grunted the EMH as he picked up Bronski's damaged combadge lying on a nearby biobed. So... Crash played possum. Last he'd checked, the Scotsman's readings weren't the greatest either; two ill men were loose somewhere on the ship, trying to hunt down the most dangerous lifeform ever encountered by the Federation...

He tapped his combadge. "This is the Emergency Medical Hologram to Doctor Rosea." He didn't fancy having to interrupt the CMO during a senior staff meeting.

There was a tense pause.

=/\= Yes doctor? Why are you disturbing me during a meeting? =/\=

"I wouldn't if I didn't deem it necessary, Doctor. Two marine patients have escaped Sickbay via site-to-site transport. One was sedated and in restraints." He hesitated. "It's Crash and Bronski, Sir."

Private Crash
Sgt. Stev Bronski

Crash set to work on Bronski quickly. Smacking the Sergeant about the face and shaking him briskly to awake the sleeping Marine.

"Wake up lad, we got t' move. We has Aliens t' kill, Aye."

Bronski's eyes began to flutter open

Bronski grabbed Crash by the fatigues and ran him back wards against the bulkhead; he was still confused as to what was going on. Crash grabbed Bronski wrist twisted them around and spun Bronski on to a near by Sgt Ices bed. The Tribble that had been sleeping on the bed bounced on to the floor and scuttled away in to the corner.

"Now me wee lad, ye kenner, go round pushing people ag`n the bulkhead. With out me hitting ye back" Crash pinned Bronski down onto the bed by kneeling on his back. Bronski yelled at the private in his head.

~ Oh GET UP you stupid GRUNT~ Bronski began cough making Crash think about getting off his back.

Crash shuck his head, watching Stev sitting up in to a sitting position on the side of the bed., he continued to cough and gasping for oxygen.

"May be I should beam you back t`sickbay you dunner look well at all sgt."he almost yelled the sentence at Stev.

Bronski moved his hand gesturing he needed a writing padd. Crash nodded and walked over to his locker and took out the padd he used and returned to the bed. He spoke his voice raised again, Stev managed a sleepy smile

Stev wrote on the padd [private you don't have to shout. I cannot talk..My hearing is somewhat perfect] he handed the padd to crash. Crash laughed." Yes Sgt sorry"

Bronski snapped his fingers getting crashes attention, he held out his hand wanting the padd back. Stev scratch on it.

[How did we get here?"]

Crash beamed proudly as he explained about swapping COM badges and beaming out under the nose of the holodoc..Bronski removed D`Harn comm. badge, turned it over and removed the back panel, he removed a small hexagon shaped chip from inside. Put the back plate back on and did the did the same to Crash's comm. badge.

" What are y` doin` sgt?"

Bronski picked up the padd, his lifeline to communication.

[Removing that small chip stops the annular confinement beam of a transporter beaming us to either the brig or the infirmary. keep a hold of these] Bronski handed the two chips to crash.

"WHY keep them," He said loudly" Bronski tapped his right ear trying to remind crash he was not deaf simply temporally mute.

"Sorry lad, I forgot." Crash put the two chips in his pocket.

" Why keep them?"

Using the padd Bronski wrote it down.

[Because my dear friend even we might need an emergency beam out]

Dr. Kamala Rosea

~ Observation Lounge ~

"This is the Emergency Medical Hologram to Doctor Rosea."

There was a tense pause.

" Yes doctor? Why are you disturbing me during a meeting?"

=/\ I wouldn't if I didn't deem it necessary, Doctor. Two marine patients have escaped Sickbay via site-to-site transport. One was sedated and in restraints." He hesitated. "It's Crash and Bronski, Sir./\=

She looks with embarrassment at the Commodore and others around the table, her eyes take in the uniform of the Marine Colonel. {Samson I believe}.

"I know you did your best Doctor."

She looks over at the Marine Colonel.

"I am sorry, sir, it appears you and security will need to handle this, it is my understanding Sergeant Bronski is not of sound mind, and he is still in a serious condition as far as his recovery is concerned. From what I saw of Crash, I am sorry I do not know his rank, he appeared to be having an emotional break down."

She sighs and looks again toward Commodore Siit.

"I am very sorry sir, for the interuption." {this makes a fine impression for my first meeting with him.}

Colonel Samson

The Colonel couldn't help but over hear the EMH contacting Doctor Rosea through the comm badge. "I wouldn't if I didn't deem it necessary, Doctor. Two marine patients have escaped Sickbay via site-to-site transport. One was sedated and in restraints." He hesitated. "It's Crash and Bronski, Sir."

The Colonel placing his hand to his head "as if this day couldn't get any better" he said to himself.

The Colonel tapped on his comm. badge "Colonel Samson to the MP's. We have two Marines that have go off on thier own to do something stupid. Please make every effort to capture these marines and have them thrown in the brigg." said Samson trying to keep his anger in check.

Dr. Steve Ross

In Sickbay, Ross heard the EMH report the escape of Bronki and Crash. He walked over to the EMH, leaned into the hologram's combadge.

"Colonel, if you would permit me, I'd like to go after them. I believe I know where they went, and they'll trust me more than a bunch of trigger-happy MPs," he said. Without waiting for a response, he tapped the EMH's combadge as a look of dismay came across the EMH's face. Apparenatlly, he didn't like being left alone in Sickbay with a possible medical emergency coming soon. "I'll be back before you know it, Doc," he said. To himself, he thought ~if the MPs don't get to Ski and Crash first, that is.~

He walked into the CMO's office, input a command into the computer, and felt himself dematerialize. He rematerialized in the barrcks, in the same room where Bronski and Crash were getting ready for their big adventure.

"Hello gentlemen," Ross said, ready for anything now.

Corporal Dunbar, Marine MP

Corporal Dunbar had been left at the Operations desk with his team to respond to any emergencies that should devlop while the rest of the M.P.s were assisting the evacuation.

"Colonel Samson to the M.P.s. We have two Marines that have gone off on thier ownto do something stupid. Please make every effort to capture these Marines and have them thrown in the brig."

The call over the com-panel nearly startled the sleepy M.P. He figured his team would have the 'Cake' duty just sitting around while everyone else was working.

"Aye Sir. I'll get a team right on it." Dunbar responded

Corporal Dunbar glanced toward his team members, Private first class Reynolds and Private Krantzski were already preparing for the mission.

Dunbar's team mates were the classic broad shouldered, no necked, muscle bound meatheads that everyone thought a Jarhead should look like. The two Privates liked nothing more than to hunt and seek a suspect and haul them back to the station. On more than one occation the two mountians of human flesh were repremanded for being overly phisical while roughing up the victim of thier pursuit.

"Krantzski, Reynolds. Lets get moving. We got Orders from the top." Dunbar told his people as they moved out on the chase.

Private Crash

We've got t' move lad. They're sure t' sick t' M.P.'s on us. No doubt." Crash said to Sgt Bronski

Stev was busy rifleing through his locker finding himself a new uniform.

The next instant Dr. Ross materialized in the Marine barracks.

"Och, Here we go then. First problem of t' day." said Crash as he advanced on the Doctor.

Sgt. Stev Bronski
Dr. Steve Ross
Private Crash

Bronski stood up. He tugged at his nightshirt, trying to tell Crash he was going to get changed. He slowly staggered down to the end of the barracks to his locker and started to pull out his fatigues, underclothes and boots.

We've got t' move lad. They're sure t' sick t' M.P.'s on us. No doubt." Crash said to Sgt Bronski.

~ Give me a minute need to get dressed ~ he thought

When Bronski was half dressed, there was a shimmer of blue and Dr Ross materialized near to Crash

"Hello gentlemen," Ross said, ready for anything now.

Och, Here we go then. First problem of t' day." said Crash as he advanced on the Doctor.

The Doctor backed off away from crash..

Stev looked up. ~ Oh great trouble before we begin.~ Stev threw his boot at Crash to get his attention Bronski the fell down at the side of the bed.. Both crash and the doctor came running over. Bronskis blood shot eyes were rolling around in their socket, crash picked him up and laid him on the bunk…

"Och it's the sedative, the doc gave`im, can `u gee him someut to counter act it." Crash thought for a moment " Some` ut like Delectovine and he needs oxygen" crash looked at the Doctor hoping he would be able to try something. " What he could dee with is a shot of energy, a stimulant to send him hyper"

Bronski opened his eyes and gave a thumps up agreeing with the idea, if only the doc could arrange it. It would mean beaming back to the infirmary, getting what was need and getting out again with out being caught.

Crash looked at the doctor waiting for his idea.

___ Ross sighed. He looked at Crash and Bronski. "All right, you two. I'll go to the infirmary and get the equipment we need. Crash, lock this door behind me, and don't let anyone but me in. Unless its the Colonel, in which case you can't stop him. Bronski, just hang on for a few minutes." Ross stood, then made his way out into the empty corridor. It was unusual for the Marine corridors to be empty, but with all the Marines (save for himself, Crash and Bronski, anyways) helping with the evac, very few people would be here. Ross hurried down the corridor, until he reached the turbolift. He entered it. "Marine Infirmary," he ordered. The lift whirred to life and dropped him off at the desired location. He exited, creeping along, his phaser drew and set to stun. He wouldn't shoot unless he was shot at, but he wanted to be ready in case the MPs were faster than usual. Ross heard footsteps behind him, closing on him fast. He ducked into the infirmary, then watched as two MPs went tearing by, in search of the three marines. Ross shook his head, wondering how the hell he had gotten into this mess. One minute he was trying to help Samson, the next he was helping Bronski and Crash. But he hoped things would work out for him in the end. Surely his service to the Core so far would prevent from severe punishment if he survived this mission, but he couldn't be sure. He shook his head once more, then entered the infirmary.

"Computer, lights on, dim," he ordered. The dark room lit slightly, just light enough for him to see. He walked into the office he shared with Amar, and unlocked his desk. He pulled out his medkit, then walked over to the hypospray cabinet. He placed four of them in, along with refills for tricordazine and Dexalin , a drug that would help Bronski breath easier. He also threw in an extra phaser, an extra medical tricorder, and a surgical gown and laser scalpal, in case he had to perform emergency surgery on somebody. His extra combadge and a dermal regenerator finished off the special-made med kit, which he closed and draped across his shoulder, then he turned off the lights and headed back out into the corridor. He entered the turbolift and headed back to the barracks where he had left Crash and Bronski. He made his way silently and quickly towards the room, then entered, bringing out his hypo and injecting the Dexalin and tricordazine into Bronski almost before Crash had the door closed again.

"There," he said, looking at his handywork. "Now what?"

Sgt Bronski opened his eyes long enough to see Dr Ross administer the injections to help relieve his labored breathing. With in minutes the breathing easied up . Dr Ross took out his medical tricorder and ran it up and down Bronski wracked body. He shuck he head while doing so. Crash walked away from the door way a worried look on his face.

"How`s he doin`?." He stood behind the doctor looking down on Bronski.

"He`s not doing well at all his breathing is very shallow, see how his lips are blue, lack of oxygen, not good….you want my professional opinion he should be in the infirmary, His vitals are low and are dropping slowly." Ross stood up and pulled crash by the arm out of ear shot of Sgt Bronski..

"You know a good Marine never leaves a man behind, but in this case I wouldn't even take him, what ever you two are planning, he`s going to be dead before you get to the end of it. I say lets beam him to the infirmary."

Crash looked over at the Sgt, who looked like a walking zombie, pale blue and dead looking.

" Aye than nos what ya mean."

Bronski began to cough, screwing him self in to a ball, drawing his knees up to his chest. He gasped for breath, .he gripped the cover on the bed, his eyes bulged out of his head.

Dr Ross and Crash ran back over. Both grabbed an arm each and pulling him on to the bed. Ross took out the tricorder. "Oh dear." He exclaimed

The EMH

The EMH sighed. This day had not been one of the better ones on record for him. Contention with a small dog became almost laughable after losing a patient to an unknown and highly dangerous alien offspring while chasing it in the marine's blood.

Now some hardheaded and foolish marines had transported out while under his charge. There were sufficient witnesses to confirm that he had taken all the proper steps, so he knew that there were no impending reprimands due him. Likewise regarding Counselor Rhyssa.

But the holographic doctor couldn't help but wonder whether these measures taken to escape sickbay would have been considered had he been a flesh and blood physician. For some reason, his molecular composition seemed to have a bearing on how seriously any of the crew took him. He sighed again while he and Nurse Yin quietly put the finishing touches on Briggs' setting femur.

Sgt Ice

Sgt Ice knew the Mp's would even get thenselves killed or would not find Sgt Bronski. Ice decied to go after the sgt and his friend himself.

Ice disappeared to the barricks and unloaded the weapons he would need of this insane quest he was going on.

Ice: Computer send this message to Colnel Samson in 1 hour

Sir..

I have gone looking for my Commrad Sgt Bronski

I feel if I came to you or one of the other commanding officer.. you would trun down my request.. So I have gone anyway.. I accept full responabbiltes if I live through this.

I ask that you have a medical team on standby and please don't send anyone after me.. I choose the risk..and accept it.

Ice packed away all his weapons and left the barricks.

Ice: computer locate sgt Bronski.. and then beam me to his loctain.

Ice Appeared in the room where:

Sgt Bronski
Private Crash
Dr Steve Ross

were in .. Ice looked at Ross and crash and shook his head, Ice kneeled down to have a look at his Commrad and noticed his breathing was shallow and he could see he was in intense pain. Sgt bronski Punched Ice in the nose and Ice felt his nose break.. and and blood began to drip out of nose.. Ice stood up and became angry but soon calmed down again ad he looked at his commrad Sgt Bronski.

Bronski look pale as snow his body was racked in pain his breathing was shallow..and his pulse was slow..Ice was worried as his Commrad was dying.

Ice picked his commrad up and transported him and the party to the sickbay and then informed two marines to watch the sgt and and private and to not let then leave untill futher notice.

Sgt Ice left the office and walk through the ship looking for colnel samson..he waited outside his office and tapped his commucation badge.

Ice>Colnel Samson: I am waiting to hear my fate sir..I will wait outside your office

Dr. Kamala Rosea

Kamala looks again at Commodore Siit, and glances at the padd EMH has given her.

"Sir, if I may. What we have found so far is the alien beings physiology contains Fluorine-based compounds, the being may be of a fluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons mix. The blood a hydrofluoric/hydrochloric mix with a higher concentration of Hidrofloric compounds."

She pauses watching his face and glancing around at the others.

"As known highly corrosive, flame on contact with the blood could release hydroflurocarbons into the surounding air. There are also siliferous compounds present. The existence of carbon based elements show the creatures adaption for survival. The genetic modifications affect the host's RNA and DNA lowering the ph of the host , addapting the host so see the embryo as a part of it's body."

She looks at him once more.

"Sir I believe these are all things you may be aware of. Actually I would have prefered the body of one of the aliens to better understand it's structure, since scaned readings did not give that much information. Maybe science can give you more."

The EMH

No sooner had he finished with Briggs and left Nurse Yin to clean up, when four men materialized in Sickbay. Sgt. Ice had apprehended - with apparently Dr. Ross' help? - the two renegade marines. Ice had a bloody nose, but even that didn't make him look as precarious as Sgt. Bronski.

The EMH was not going to take any more chances. As Ross helped Crash back to a biobed, Ice assisted the hologram in getting Sgt. Bronski on one as well. "Nurse! 2 cc's Anesthezine!" Then, to Ice: "Step back, Sargeant. I will be placing a containment field around this patient."

"Doctor.. check his Lung ? I am 100 percent sure it has collasped!" Sgt. Ice behaved beyond anxious. And with good reason, thought the EMH.

"I'll find out momentarily, Mister Ice." Once the anesthetic was administered, he handed the hypospray back to the nurse and commanded the computer to set up a level six containment field. Unconscious and contained, Bronski was going to be treated unhindered this time.

But first:

"Doctor Ross." He looked two biobeds over where Ross stood over Crash. "Can you assist Sgt. Ice with his nose and see to Crash? I will need to direct my full attention to Mister Bronski."

Ross nodded. "Sure thing, Doc." Ice looked over to the EMH and nodded before strolling over to where the marine doctor stood. Ross grabbed his dermal regenerator and began running it over Ice's nose.

Now on to Bronski. The EMH walked through the containment field and picked up his tricorder. He sighed. "On top of everything, he has pneumonia." He looked up and faced the others. "I'll have to keep him under to ensure his recovery - or he'll die."

The holographic doctor tapped his combadge. "This is the Emergency Medical Hologram to Dr. Rosea. They're back."

Lt Commander Kudet

"Well, Sir, to continue what Dr Rosea was saying, the alien embryo, would have ready access to a hydrochloric supply while developing in the host - the stomach. As the embryo develops it could take on additional chlorine and fluorine from the host, to make the compounds that Dr Rosea mentioned."

Kudet paused from giving her report to see if everyone was following her.

Another theory to add to that is the possibility that the alien's acid acts as a bio-electric "battery." This means that they wouldn't need any oxygen at all to survive. However, I can't yet work out how they would "recharge" this battery.

"One thing we did observe from the holodoctors readings is that once death occurred the blood became neutralized. This suggests that the low pH levels are somehow being maintained internally. If there some sort of organ maintaining these pH levels, then when death occured and the organ ceased to function the pH levels would rise."

Feeling that she'd said enough Kudet turned to the Ambassador.

"Although what you've said is true Ambassador, there are other areas where the temperature is higher. Certain of the hydroponic areas, as well as one or two of the arboretums are well above the ship's ambient temperature. We should consider these areas also."

She sat, having finished.

Counselor Rhyssa Nirla

Ens Nirla Rhyssa was furious. Damn stupid Bajoran marine....! He was a disgrace to their race - she shook her head and her earpiece tinkled.

How was she supposed to counsel crewmwmbers when they kept beaming out of her presence then returning with pneumonia.

She stood there looking at Bronski while the EMH worked on him.

"Bronski! By the Prophets - if you don't recover so that I can educate you in the finer points of being counselled, I'll...I'll...make you wish you'd been eaten by whatever that thing is running round the ship!"

With that, she threw herself into a chair, ignoring the glances of the other occupants of Sickbay.

Commodore Siit

Siit closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his temples. Scientists, Doctors and Counselors.... always seem to say so much.... well, that was their job. It was his, P'Trell's and Marchinko's to utilise the information into practical command decisions.... even when there was no practical information to go on. He sucked in a breath of patience

"So like the good Doctor, Science has no further insights into this alien apart from it is hardy enough to survive in vacuum conditions"

It was not their fault, though it didn't really help him. He thought it was time to table his ideas.

"OK... there is no point in debating and speculating on what we don't know.... and unfortunately that is a lot. However, what we will concentrate on will be what we 'do' have... and we are not without resources"

Siit smiled wanly. It appeared that the general mood was negative and everyone thought that the seemingly invincible aswell as invisible alien had them by the short and curlies (lol... sorry couldnt help it ) Well Siit didn't think like that. And it certainly grabbed the senior officers' attention.

"The main ship areas and corridors are all fitted with holo-emitters. This leaves us with a few options… One…" Siit sighed as this was going to be fun with the gung ho's "We could holographically create projectile weapons and remove safeties….. However, it would be for last resort efforts. The acidic blood aswell as the solid rounds, could cause considerable damage to the ship and other crew."

"Two… we utilise the holo-emitters to entrap the alien….. example, creating 1m thick transparent aluminum on either side of the alien" There was more to this than met the eye, as he let it slide on how he planned to lure the beast out into the open.

"Opinions?"

Counselor Annie Flynn

"Sir, I've seen these things rip through the walls on that frieghter like they were paper," Annie said. "Do you think we could possibly trap it that way?"

Commodore Siit

"From all reports, that freighters technology was not even close to our own. But your opinion is noted Lieutenant"

He appreciated all opinions and he knew that there would be plenty of devil advocates to the overall plan.

Annie blushed. Well, no one expected a Counselor to be an Engineer, right?

Lt Commander Kudet

"Assuming that you're right, and I believe you are Commodore, how will you find the alien? We've had no luck so far in tracing it..." Kudet's voice tailed off.

Commodore Siit

Siit grinned at the turn of conversation. This was one part of the plan that was going to cause great controversy.

"We need to draw the alien away from the jefferies tubes where there are no holo-emitters and into corridors. We already know what will attract it.... potential hosts."

That raised eyebrows...

"Too many people have been the victim of this thing already and I refuse to send more good people in harms way unless I am prepared to do it myself" Siit paused knowing that there were other deeper motivations aswell "Therefore, I will act as the bait"

Lt Commander Kudet

"Commodore, you can't do that! It's not Starfleet policy for the CO to put themselves in danger that way!"

Kudet was unable to prevent her outburst and looked around the table for the support she was sure would come.

Counselor R. Dayanair

"Commodore, you can't possibly," Annie said. She watched as Sharas' normally blue face almost turned purple. If he had been human, he would have been red. She stood. "I will do it."

Comodore Siit

The El-Aurian wasn't stupid. He had no intention of going out there to die. He knew of course that there would be objections

"Thank you but please be seated Counselor." He looked at both Annie and Kudet "I do not have a death wish, so forget about relieving me of command."

He knew there would be more recriminations from his other senior officers so he halted them now

"I want back up in large groups but you will be far enough away not to 'scare' it away from me. I want a transporter lock at all times and when I ask for a transport it has to be immediately. However the beam out has to be within 10 meters of my last location"

There was still more to this as trapping it would be risky in itself but there was much more to do then.

Colonel Samson

The Colonel stood up, "with all due respect Commodore, you cannot be serious. I will not allow the commanding officer of this vessle to risk himself. Therefore, I volunteer myself and a hand pick squad of marines to act as bait." said Samson.

Realizing that he may have spoken out of turn, the Colonel returned to his seat hoping that the Commodore will give the Marines another opportunity to redeem themselves.

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet sat and glowered. What Siit said made sense, except fot the fact that he shouldn't be the one to be the bait. However, now wasn't the time to argue about that. The best ploy, in her mind, was to hear him out, get the rest of the plan, and then talk about who would be the bait later.

"Very, well Commodore", she replied to Siit "But what happens when we have the creature caught? We can't use projectile weapons except in extremis, and we can't beam it out of the ship because ours sensors still aren't registering it"

'Although given that we know its structure I can't see why' - she thought to herself.

"Do you have an extension to this plan - I assume so, otherwise you wouldn't be proposing to put yourself in this danger?"

Commodore Siit

Trust Kudet to say her piece then not beat around the bush about getting to the meat of the problem. The CO felt blessed by having such fine officers... it made him feel like he could achieve anything.

"'When' we have the creature trapped, you will have a short time to gather as much information as you can about the thing. The next will require the holograms of the Doctor and the JAG officer. They will beam in with it and attempt to attach an isolinear tag onto the thing..... then beam it the hell off the ship"

He thought of the contingencies...

"All back up crew will be carrying a holographic weapon.... but I stress, it is imperative that they be used only in dire need"

In over a century of serving as a SF officer, he realised that going in with all guns blaring rarely was the best option.

Lt Commander Kudet

Kudet sat and digested Siit's words. They made sense - unfortunately.

"I agree with the Commodore's plan - although I have major reservations about the choice of 'bait'"

She looked around the table.

"The question now seems to be - when do we start?"

She looked challengingly at Siit. If he wanted to play heroics, then let him get on with it!

The EMH
Counselor Nirla Rhyssa

The EMH disengaged the arch and entered more data into a PADD. Fluid drained, ailing lung repaired and healing... A waste of time and resources - all due to misplaced pride. Some people... he shook his head and heaved another sigh.

Rhyssa watched as he finished - "Will he be ok Dr?"

He looked up from the PADD at the sound of the Counselor's voice. He smiled. "If we can keep him unconscious, he might even live to a decent age."

She forced a small smile "perhaps we ought to set some Marines on him"

He looked back down at his report. "That didn't work the first time."

"Perhaps I can just punch him when he starts to come 'round?"

He looked up and arched an eyebrow. "I take it you don't believe I get enough to do?"

She had the grace to look shamefaced. "I just feel angry with him."

The EMH's expression softened, a smile forming again. "When he's well enough to be revived, you'll have plenty of opportunity to give him what for."

Counselor Rhyssa smiled back.

Game Master

Crewman Frost awoke in extreme pain. He was cocooned in some sort of resin and his lower body felt invaded... and throughout this was the continual throb of pain. Only his head could be seen as the host, resin and cocoonment was becoming something from the old hive egg chamber. He looked around too weak to shout, his cognitive functions becoming disorientated.... except for the ever present and sickening pain...

....It had cocooned the host and no longer required to guard it. Nothing, nothing could save the host's life. The next host it brought in would suffer the same fate.... a slow agonisingly transformation into a face hugger pod. Then would a Queen be born and a new hive flourish.

It of course felt no joy or excitement... it just did what it's instincts dictated.... and now it moved back out to find new host to be transformed, dead or alive it didnt matter for the next one.... then they required to all be alive....

The EMH

Dr. Ross, having done his part, left for the mall to see whether he could be of help. The holographic doctor watched him transport with gurneys, medicines, and the like, still pondering the marine doctor's entire role during the botched escape.

Counselor Rhyssa kept a watchful eye on Bronski, who mumbled a little at times. Her expression constantly shifted from concern to fury, to grief, then back to concern again.

The EMH raised an eyebrow, wondering what the nature of the sergeant's dream was. Perhaps fighting an entire horde of predatory, silicon-based lifeforms single-handedly. He checked the readings and made notes in a PADD, determined to watch Bronski closely and handle his treatment personally until the marine was well out of danger.

Dr. Kamala Rosea

~ Observation Lounge ~

Kamala stands and watches the others some going off in small groups to discuss what had just been decided upon. She glances once more at the Commodor, dissapointed that he was still intent on risking his own life. She heads for the door to return to sickbay.

As she walks out the door she nods in passing to Captain Barton and a group of what she guessed to be fighter pilots. She walks to the turbo lift and takes it to return to main sickbay. Seems that security guards and marines are stationed every where she looks.

~ Main Sickbay ~

She enters main sickbay and walks over to check again on Sergeant Bronski, she looked at his readings, his nuero patterns were showing signs of activity. She smiles at Counselor Nirla.

"Has he shown any signs of coming around?"

The EMH

=/\= Commodore Siit to Medical Hologram. When you are free beam youself to the Observation Lounge..... I have a job for you. =/\=

The EMH tapped his combadge. "Right away, Sir."

He walked out of the containment field and passed his PADD over to Nurse Yin. "Please be sure to administer another 2cc's of Anesthezine at 2300 hours and check for pulmonary fluid." She nodded in acknowledgement.

He then stood at attention a ways from the biobeds. "Computer, transfer the EMH to the Observation Lounge."

The holographic doctor rematerialized before Commodore Siit and a woman whom he recognized to be the holoJAG officer.

He remained at attention. "I take it you have a mission for me, Sir?"