You stand there quietly, watching the creatures. You warn your teammates not to move. The creatures do nothing. After a few moments, they begin to move around the shuttle, exploring, and ignoring you. Doug Gillard: What are they doing? James Morrow: I'm not sure. They dont appear to pay any attention to us now. Vex Xiang: Fascinating. You snap your fingers. "Of course, the Kelvinase," you say, "it reacts with heat." James Morrow: Could these creatures be drawn in by the heat from our technology? Vex Xiang: Apparently, the greater the source of heat, the more violent their response. Perhaps the Centaurus crew did not realize this, and proceeded to use their weapons in an attempt to exterminate the ship's infestation. It may have angered the creatures and caused them to attack. Doug Gillard: Angered? You think they may be sentient? Vex Xiang: Perhaps. But, I would certainly consider them intelligent. James Morrow: Heat dissipates kelvinase. Maybe they consider excessive heat to be a threat. Vex Xiang: Indeed. After several minutes, the creatures fade away through the shuttle's walls and are gone. Doug Gillard: I suggest we give our engines one burst on a course for the Excalibur, and drift back on minimal power. You agree. Upon your return, the crew is fascinated to hear of the fate of the Centaurus. It is not long before a tow line is sent into the nebula and the decayed wreckage of the Centaurus is pulled free. And, the probes within the nebula have sent back enough data for Starfleet science to ponder over for months. Congradulations, you have exceeded expectations. The USS Excalibur crew would be privileged to have you aboard.