=/\= A Call to Duty =/\=
USS Luna NCC-65828
SD 10610.15

Staring:
Christopher Dickinson as CO Savar
Karriaunna Scotti as XO Harmony Singh
Heike Daemmig as FCO Shania
Steve Gelhorn as CMO Lennier McDonald
Claudio Gouveia as OPS Nanadial Mussambe
Christopher Nickel as MO Richard Lynch
Richard Pickett as CEO Richard McGregor
Ken Reinke as CTO Gladius Augustus

Ship Manager Peter Saunders

Also Staring:
Peter Saunders as Atlas CO Commander Sutcliffe
Karriaunna Scotti as Science Officer Silver

Absent:
Scott Smith as CIV Ewan MacPherson-Quest

Episode 219 “Third Party Intervention, Part 3”: The USS Luna is still inspecting defensive and sensor installations near the Briar Patch, along with the USS Atlas in case the Amenti/Synod spills into this section of Federation space.  The crew of the Luna have detected two distinct set of ion trails leading to an uninhabited M-Class moon.  Initial scans cannot determine what class of vessel has left these trails behind. Both the Altas and Luna have changed course to investigate, is it possible that the Synod have managed to reach this place undetected?
=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  Begin Mission  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

ACTION: The Luna and Atlas drop out of warp a few hundred thousand kilometers from the moon.

OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::back to the bridge after finished adjusting the sensors to the new setting::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: On the bridge, watching the screen:: SO: Silver, anything on sensors?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
CTO: Yellow alert, shields up, weapons on standby.  SO: Sensor readings of the moon and surrounding area.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::just applying the Comm. Badge to the newly applied uniform::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Having reappeared from the Ready Room at precisely the perfect moment ::
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::at helm:: CO: ETA to the moon is 1 minute.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Goes through the sensor data to answer both command officers.::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Captain, we are at yellow alert, recommend red alert until we have a better understanding of the ground situation
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
CTO: Negative.  Defensive posture only.
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: sitting in his quarters drinking his morning coffee reading the latest news ::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::exits his quarters and heads for the bridge::
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::establishes standard orbit:: CO: We are in orbit.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::Manning his post Gladius attempts to get a better understanding of what might be transpiring on the surface::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Aye; yellow alert
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Is at engineering 1 monitoring systems::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: waits for sensor readings ::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: Anyway to clean up the sensors readings for the planet?
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::quietly steps onto the bridge from the TL and stays at the rear::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CO/XO: The planet below is volcanic with small pockets of biomatter,  It is high in CO2 and on the warm side.  The moon is heavily jungled with a breathable atmosphere.  I am not picking up any sentient life forms.  The vessel is on the surface... class... indeterminate.
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: finishes his coffee and heads for sickbay hoping to catch the MO there ::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CTO: Clean it up?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Looks to the captain:: CO: Away team?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
XO: Is it more likely that something in the atmosphere or planetoid is masking lifesigns, or was it an unmanned craft?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: Yes, no life signs...no animals of any type or kind? Rubs me wrong
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
CTO: Prepare a probe to emit a lifesign reading, and send it to skim the location of the craft to determine if sensors are being blocked.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CO: Hmmm... given it was going back and forth, even if they had died, there should be some biomatter other then plant.
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: arrives in sickbay and doesn't see the MO around and then remembers he gave the MO a few days off :: Self: Silly me. :: heads for his office to read the night reports ::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Aye sir
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CTO: There is nothing wrong with my sensors... however, I will double check.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::Readies the probe, and prepares to launch::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: On your command sir
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Checking the status of the new sensor systems::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::quietly watches from the rear of the bridge::
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: after reading the reports heads out to prep sickbay for the day ::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Locks onto the probe.::
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::checks sensors, nothing wrong with them::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: Do you not think it is strange to have a jungle environment full of plants and not even a bug in it?
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::starts checking readings from the platforms::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CTO: Actually... no.  It is totally possible.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Sir probe ready for launch at your command
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
CTO: The order is given, Lieutenant.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::hearing the CTO::  SO: I have to disagree with you Lieutenant.  What do you base that hypothesis on?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: How...and please do explain
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::pushes the yellow launch button for the probe::

ACTION: On the view screen, after what seems like an age, the probe can be seen making its way through the moons atmosphere

ACTION: At the same time the Luna receives a hail from the Atlas

CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Probe away and should be obtaining its target point in a few seconds
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
:: the signal from the probe reads loud and clear::
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
COM: Atlas: this is Luna, please proceed
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CTO: Plant and animal life are two different entities.  One does not require the other.  However, in a balanced system, plants do need enough CO2 to exist.  Most planets give off a steady supply of this as it is in their rock make-up.
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
CO: Sir, Atlas is hailing us
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
::Nods to the OPS officer, and awaits the message ::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: Yes I am aware of that, however what about the natural checks and balances?
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: A light flashes:: CTO/CO: I am still reading the probe at surface level.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::scratches the back of his head thinking he has never experienced a planet with vegetation and a zero supply of insect life::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
SO: Very curious...
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: For once Captain we would seem to be in agreement
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::mumbles aloud::  Bridge:  Soft landing?

ACTION: The face and shoulders of Commander Sutcliffe appears on the viewscreen

Host Cmdr_Sutcliffe says:
COM: Luna: This is Commander Sutcliffe of the Atlas, are you detecting any lifesigns on this moon?  My science department assures me that with that much plant life its rather odd...
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CTO: Plants existed on your planet existed millions of years before life as you know it.  Do however keep in mind one other thing.  There could be other life forms on that planet on the microscopic level which are infinite apparently in variety.  My sensors would not necessarily read them.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: Like I said this rubs me the wrong way, feels wrong
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::Gladius is rubbing his stomach as he is talking to the SO::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
COM: Atlas: We can confirm those readings.  As best we can tell, our sensors are not being blocked, possibly indicating an unmanned craft.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
SO: I really have to agree with Lieutenant Augustus.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
CTO/SO: Could it be this planet is in the middle of terraforming?
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: You may agree, but that does not remove the possibility.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: Anything is possible...
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
CTO/SO: It would possibly explain the soft landing of our probe.  If that is indeed what happened to it.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
SO: What type of plasmatic readings are you getting?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Listening to the discussion going back and forth::  CO: Perhaps some soil samples would be in order.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
SO: Question Lass,Could there be such a planet with only plants and no other organisms?
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
ALL: I'd hate to sound silly, but could that craft down on the planet being bringing something up to another ship?
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
SO: Seems well...odd
Host Cmdr_Sutcliffe says:
COM: Luna: That is a possibility, but why would an unmanned craft be coming and going so often?
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CEO: Yes... there is one specific that comes to mind, the called it eden.  In reality, it was not.  The plants where highly toxic to all forms of animal life.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
COM: Atlas: The theories could be numerous - recovering soil or mineral samples?
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::mumbles to himself:: self: my idea
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Thinks for a moment ::  XO: I am hesitant to send an away team, but I do not wish to try to bring that craft aboard.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
SO: Ah read about it.  But was it ever truly explored?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Sir, I again recommend Red alert, based on unknown, as a cautionary measure
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CO: We could simply beam aboard some soil samples.
Host Cmdr_Sutcliffe says:
COM: Luna: Possibly.  Do you wish to send down an away team?  If so it will take us some time to assemble one of our own to accompany you.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
SO: Could the plants possibly consume living matter?An would we want any of that on the ship?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
XO: Very well.  CEO/CTO/*CMO*: If this is inconclusive, I'd like you to prepare for away team duty.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CEO: I believe it was.  Extremely acidic... highly... unusual.
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
*XO* anything to report that I may need to be aware of?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
COM: Atlas: We will be exploring one option before deciding on sending down a team.
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
*CO* Understood. I'm already to go.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
CO: Aye sir
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CEO: If it consumed only animal matter... and there are no animals...
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
CEO: If that;s the case... there needs to be some down there for them to consume otherwise the plants would start to die off until the animal life increased again
Host Cmdr_Sutcliffe says:
COM: Luna: ::nods:: Understood, we will go to the other side of the moon and conduct an investigation of that area.  Atlas out.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Aye sir,::sends a message to Tactical for a replacement bridge officer:: Red alert status sir?
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
SO/MO: Ah but if our sensors cannot detect the living matter.  Then what?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
*CMO*: We are looking into an unusual situation were we have abundant plant life and no apparent animal life.
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
CTO: I will give the order to go to red alert when it is necessary, Lieutenant.  Do not ask again.

ACTION: The comm is cut, returning the viewscreen to show the forested moon

CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
;;Begins lock down of engineering 1::
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
*XO* That is strange. I'll patch into the sensor array here and try to determine if anything specifically happened to the anminal life.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
CEO: Then we visit...
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::shakes his head::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
CO: Yes sir
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::shuts down the comm, channel::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
CEO: Then it would have to be an incredibly odd form of protein to be undetectable
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: taps into the sensor net and starts running preliminary scans.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::heads to the TL and to Tactical, where if the away team is needed he can be prepared::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
SO: Silver, beam a sample to lab one into the containment area.  I do not want anything wondering about.  High level.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
MO: An after all we have seen,is that unlikely?
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
CO: Engineering 1 locked down sir,Am ready ta go
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::arrives moments later at the Tactical office, and starts to prepare, but keeping an eye on everything as well from his office::
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
::readies containment field in the lab::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Finding an area with little plant life, locks onto a soil sample and beams it to lab one.::

ACTION: In the science lab a nice cube of dirt appears in the middle of a containment field before gravity takes hold and it crumbles into a pile

OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
CO: Containment field up and holding, sir.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
XO: Commander, if you will excuse me, I will go run the tests.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::analysis the transport of the SO's sample, Gladius can not believe that there is no life signs::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Nods::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
CEO: Your point is well taken Lieutenant.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Curiosity a great motivator, she quickly leaves the bridge for science lab one.::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Arriving at the lab, she nods to one of the techs who comes to join her to run the samples through standard tests first.::
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
MO: Aye
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::watches the SO rush by and decides to join her before the TL closes::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Knows there isn't much they can do to speed analysis along ::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
:: Lifts a brow:: *XO*: Commander.  The soil is basic silicon with other minerals.  It also contains organic biomatter... no animal and no microbes.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::arriving in the lab behind the SO::  SO: Anything I can assist with Lieutenant?
SO_Lt_Silver says:
::Looks at the doctor::  MO: I just ran the standard tests... no animal matter.  I was about to start the not standard tests for animal life.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CO: It is still possible, if rather unusual.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::nods and looks over her shoulder waiting on the remaining results::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: The cultures will take some time.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CO: If she is doing cultures, they will take awhile.  Shall we proceed to the surface?
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
XO: Prepare for the worst.  Take the CEO and FCO to inspect the craft, and the CMO for on the site biological study.  And tactical, of course.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
*SO*: Lt Silver this is Augustus, do you not find it strange that there are no traces of animal life or insect life in these samples?
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: finds nothing so abandons that idea :: *XO* I'm ready for the away mission if it comes to it. Didn't find anything of significance on my scans.
SO_Lt_Silver says:
*CTO*: Unusual, yes.  Strange, no.  Too many things are possible.  Keep in mind, that does not preclude the fact this moon might once have had life long ago and something occurred to remove it.  However, it would have occurred long ago or there would be some animal DNA traces... however, a more thorough search and sampling would be needed.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CO: Aye sir...
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
*SO*: Understood, it just seems to me something is missing, like that DNA
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
*CMO/CTO*: Meet me in transporter one.  Probably should wear EVA suits.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
FCO: Your with me...
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
*XO*: Aye, anything else Commander?  Special gear or weapons?
SO_Lt_Silver says:
*CTO*: Well, there is still plant DNA.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
XO: Aye. ::gets up and follows Singh::
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
*XO* Understood. :: grabs the EVA suit from the medical storage room ::
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: heads for Transporter Room 1
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Heading for the lift, waits for the FCO to join her.:: *CTO*: Standard equipment.  The captain says to prepare for the worst.  ::as the doors close, she orders the lift to the transporter room and to have EVA suits ready.::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
*SO*: That is understood, but fertilization and expanding the the life span of these plants need certain needs.  Those needs seem to be lacking in my opinion.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::steps into the Tl and listens:: XO: Understood
SO_Lt_Silver says:
*CTO*: Depends on the plants... if you do not mind bringing me back a few samples....
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
*XO*: Aye  ::grabs his gear, places extra power packs in his leg pockets of the eva suit.::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: As they are deposited near the transporter room.:: FCO: Anything in particular you need?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::heads to the TL and then to the transporter room::
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
XO: Do we have air conditioned suits? ::grins::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Stepping through the door, she walks over to a tech holding out an EVA suit that will fit her and sighs as she begins to slip in on.::  FCO: Unfortunately, this is preparing for the worst.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::follows Singh, finds an EVA for herself and starts putting it on:: XO: It was worth a shot
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
*XO*: Anything else you need for the AT, sir?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::arrives in his gear and ready for transport::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
*OPS*: Just keep a lock on us.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
XO: Have you drawn your side arm?
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
:: arrives in the TR shortly behind the XO ::
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
*XO*: Will do, sir ::smiles::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: at touch of humor in her voice. :: FCO: I sincerely hope not to be shot at.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
CTO: Not yet...
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Looks behind her as the tech does a final check.::
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
XO: Shot? Probably not...but maybe those plants are hungry.
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::Goes to the weapons locker and draws out sidearms for the landing party, and hands them to each member present::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
TC: Beam us down near the vessel.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::takes the gun from the CTO and checks it::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
:: Stands and walks to stand between the forward consoles ::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Steps up onto the pad with her tricorder in one hand, and a phaser in the other.:: All: Ready?

ACTION: The Transporter Chief gives the XO a "you got it" nod.

CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
::prepares himself tricorder in his left hand phaser in his right::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: You are rather quiet.
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::sighs and nods::  SO: A lot on my mind.  How are the cultures coming?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
:: Looking at the three officers on the PADD, nods to the TC::
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
::steps onto the transporter pad, ready to beam down::

@ACTION: The Away Team disappear from the Luna and rematerialize in the middle of quite dense jungle, full of ankle catching vines and face cutting tree limbs.  Through a small gap in the trees they can see a small section of what is more than likely the vessel they detected from orbit

SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: Normal amount of time.  ::Moves to sit on one of the stools as the tech leaves to do some other work.::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
@::Arrives on the planet, starts scanning the area::
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
@:: grabs his tricorder and starts scanning for lifesigns ::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::nods::  SO: I suppose ship's word has gotten to you by now?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@All: I never thought I might actually be glad to wear one of these. ::Carefully moves limbs out of her way as she moves toward the shuttle::
OPS_Ens_Mussambe says:
CO: Transport signal locked on the away team, captain.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Re-opens Engineering 1::
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@ :: Looks down at her tricorder as she moves.::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
@XO: Scanning Commander
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: I am a good listener.

@ACTION: The ship is quite remarkable, in that it appears to have no discernible front, back or engines.  It seems to be composed of what can only be described as "Organic Metal"

FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
@::breaks off a branch of a tree which is hanging right in her face::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::nods knowing that means she has in deed heard::  SO: Well....  It's hard to say where to begin.  I thought I was using it to find the energy to get things done but I am beginning to question that hypothesis.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
@::gets out her tricorder and fights her way thought the jungle towards the ship::
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Locks down engineering 1::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
@XO: Commander it looks as if this is organic
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@:: Lifts a foot high to shake off a vine that seems to want to make friends and steps over a log::  CTO: Given the degree of vegetation, one can believe there is nothing to break it down.  ::Almost stumbles at the next step to the vessel.::
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Heads for transporter room 1::
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Arrives in Transporter room 1::
SO_Lt_Silver says:
MO: When one hypothesis fails, you create another.
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@ CTO: Can you get some samples?
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
@XO: Understood, should we open it or attempt to?
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@FCO: Can you find the door?
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
:: Gets his gear:: Transporter guy: Beam me to the same place ya did the others
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@CMO: Check in with the ship please.

ACTION: The Transporter Chief gives the CEO a "you are late" look and presses a button.

FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
@XO: I'll find one. ::goes off to round the ship and try to find some sort of entrance::
MO_LtCmdr_Lynch says:
::looking away slightly::  SO: Well maybe not create... but realize a truer one.  I'm beginning to think all my apprehensions about Starfleet and doing the right thing.  This creating the thinking about leaving and then having the death of that life-vessel on my hands....
CMO_Cmdr_McDonald says:
@XO: Understood *CO* We're down safely and proceeding through the jungle for the ship.

@ACTION: The CEO materializes right next to the Away Team

FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
@::jumps as the CEO materializes right in front of her::
Host CO_Captain_Savar says:
::Wonders why they didn't beam down closer::  *XO*: Understood.
CEO_Lt_McGregor says:
@FCO: Hello there... Surprise
XO_Cmdr_Singh says:
@CTO: First, we have to find the door.
FCO_Cmdr_Shania says:
@CEO: Yeah, my heart thought so, too. ::shakes head slightly::
CTO_Lt_Augustus says:
@XO: true so true::As Gladius starts his intensive scan of the vessel::

@ACTION: Much to the Away Teams dismay the ship also appears to be missing another key feature... a door.

=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=    End Mission   =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

TIME LAPSE to next mission: None