"Captain's Log. Supplemental" 

"Afterr assuming command of the USS Victoria and completion of herr R&R at Utopia Planitia, Mars, we have departed to ourr new homeport, Atlantis Station" 

"This travel will serrve forr the seniorr crew get acquainted with each otherr into a working group. I can't even imagine what will be waiting forr us at the Tholian borderr. But surely I'm eagerr to find out. End Log" 

Captain Cyndjahl K'anis 
Commanding Officer

[Near the Warp Core]

They were just 2 days off Sol system and things seemed to be already slowing down to a routine. Captain Cyndjahl K'anis was taking his time to roam the entire ship to get acquainted with her and the crew.

Current prey...the CEO.

"And we've been running simulations of engine performance all the way from Utopia and she seems to be handling it very well and within fleet parametes, sir" - said the Engineer.

"That's good to hearrr. I was worried that having to launch so quickly, we might be caught unprepared. Please have yourr reports sent to the XO daily till we arrive at Atlantis" - the captain replied.

"Will do sir" - the CEO said with a nod, walking away to whatever business he might have.

K'anis decided to get off from M.E. as well.

[At tactical station.]

Schols just entered the bridge and releived the officer that replaced him for the night and started to review the latest sensor readings. "Captain, all tactical systems functioning perfectly, nothing to report. Wait a second, these are strange readings." Schols said. "Sir, I picked up a warp signaure about 1 lightyear from here. It appears to be Romulan. I would suggest we go to yellow alert untill we know more about this."

{Expecting the captain agrees with the change of alert status}

"Sir, if you don't mind, I go down to the Tactical Department. From there, I can analise these readings more precisly." He said after the captain addressed the commander. {at least, I expect the captain does}

{If allowed}

"Sir, I'll maintain a commlink to the bridge, so I can reach you any time I need." Schols said to captain K'anis.

{If disallowed}

"Sir, If you allow, I'll go to the opperations station and try to analise these readings." Schols asked his superior.

{After changing his position}

"Mister Bindels, could you please help me analise this signature?" He asks to Rob.

[Entering the Bridge]

Captain K'anis just stepped out of the turbolift, coming from Main Engineering, and took a look around. A few junior officers working on their stations, plus the CTO and CSO.

The Antican greeted both and took his chair, going over the duty logs filled the last couple days. His reading was interrupted by the CTO informing he might have intercepted a Romulan warp signature.

"Rrromulans? This deep within Federation territorrry?" - the captain replied in surprise. "Mrr. Bindels, work with Tactical in order to confirm his contact. Also try to identify the orrigin of the signal."

He addressed the OPS officer then. "Operations, contact Command requesting inforrmation if therre was to be any Romulan presence in the sector, forr whatever reason that might be"

"Mrr. Kramerr, take us to sublight. It may be necessarry to investigate furtherr" - K'anis ordered the FCO.

[20 minutes later]

The Operations officer swirled in his chair to address the Captain. "Sir, Starfleet Command has no information of any scheduled Romulan presence here."

"Thank you, ensign" - the CO said to OPS, growing worried by the minute. The CTO suggested Yellow alert status for the time being. "Good suggestion, Mrr. Schols. Execute. Also, do whateverr you deem necessary to positively confirm this contact"

[Stepping out of the turbolift on to the Bridge]

Kramer stepped out of the turbolift just in time to hear the night watch officer tell Ensign Schols that he recomended going to yellow alert upon the detection of a Romulan warp signature. This comment caused Kramer's senses to awaken fully, as if the holodeck-simulated run through the Colorado Rockies early this morning hadn't already done the trick. 

Sitting down at his station, Kramer made all his routine adjustments and checks, then studied the rapidly fading warp signature. Using the signature and the equipment at his station, Kramer was able to calculate the coarse of the ship, and potential destinations based upon that information. Kramer did this in much the same way he would plot a flight plan for his own ship.

Satisified with his findings, Kramer spun around in his chair to face the Captain.

"Sir, I may have something here..."

[Arriving on the Bridge]

Jornas exited the turbolift and strode around the bridge until he had arrived at his seat. On the way he nodded good day to those officers present. Easing himself into the somewhat comfortable chair, he turned to the Captain, "What's our status, sir?"

Jornas patiently awaited an answer.

[At tactical station two]

"Good suggestion, Mrr. Schols. Execute. Also, do whateverr you deem necessary to positively confirm this contact" the captain said.

"Aye sir, I'll be heading down to Astrometrics. And I'll go by the Tactical office on my way. Ensign Bindels, if you could please join me?" Schols responded.

"Oh, one more thing. Please route all sensor readings to both the Astrometrics Lab and the Tactical Office." He said.

[Schols leaves his station and walks to the turbolift, waiting for ensign Bindels]

'Some way to start the day' Schols thinks .

[Schols enters his office]

"Ah, mister Truman, looks like we have a problem here. I would suggest you join me in going to Astrometrics. It seems like we have some Romulans closeby." Schols said.

"Yes sir, do we know what ship class it is?" Truman replied.

"Not yet mister Truman, not yet. All sensor readings will be routed to both astrometrics and this office. please assign some security personel to review these readings. As we are going to Astrometrics." Schols said.

[He left, together with Truman.]

[On the Bridge at the helm]

"Mrr. Kramerr, take us to sublight. It may be necessarry to investigate furtherr" - K'anis ordered the FCO.

"Aye, sir, slowing to sublight," Kramer replied robotically, pressing the proper controls on his console.

[At the command chair]

"Grretings, Cmdrr." - Captain K'anis replied to his First Officer as Mazer took his seat by the Antican's side. "Ship status is fully functional. As for other things, it seems we've just spotted a warp trail that could be Romulan, tho that's not confirmed yet."

The FCO announced the Victoria slowing to sublight for further investigation of the readings. "Acknowledged, Mrr. Kramerr." - K'anis said to the ensign, while observing the CTO leave the bridge to continue his search.

"Mrr. Mazerr, I'd like you to overrsee this investigation. Schols and Bindels could make good use of your experrtise as a formerr Tactical and Science officer in their work."

[Walking into the Astrometrics Lab] 

As soon as they entered the lab, Schols walked over to the right wall consoles and started to run analisis of the warp signature. After a few minutes the results appeared on the screen. The warptrail had a good chance of being Romulan, but that was unconfirmed yet. 

"Okay, let's see what class of ship it could be and why it didn't show up on sensors earlier." Schols said with a soft voice, almost as if he was talking to himself. He started pressing some buttons and the said: "Computer, please run analisis of this warp signature and identifie vessel class. Assume it being Romulan". The computer confirmed with a chirp. A few more minutes later, the computer said: "Analisis complete. Closest match is Romulan Warbird." 

Schols stood in chock for a splitsecond, then quickly tapped his combadge and said "Schols to the Bridge, captain, I have some more results from the tests. The astrometrics computer confirmed we could be dealing with a Romulan Warbird. I will remain down here to see if I can find out more, perhaps the registration of the vessel. I will maintain this commlink at all time, so you can reach me when you need me." 

Then Schols turns to commander Mazer and asks him "Sir, what would be the following we could do to find out the registration? I guess we can't ask the Romulans, because they didn't tell us about this mission." 

[After Mr. Mazer was finished and Schols replied] 

Schols turned to crewman Truman and said "Mister Truman, if you like, you may return to the security department. If I need you again, I'll contact you." 

"Aye sir." Truman replied

[On the Bridge]

Mazer's eye quirks at the mention of a possible Romulan presence. "Fascinating. I'll move to help them right away, sir," states Jornas as he stands up, moving for the nearby turbolift.

[In the Science Labs / Astrometrics]

Mazer stands behind the CTO, his arms crossed, listening intently as he begins running through all usual procedures to determine a ship's identity. After a few minutes, it does not seem to be working. It is at this point that the CTO turns and inquires him if he has any ideas.

"Other than what you have tried, I can only think that contacting Starfleet Command and having them go through the usual diplomatic channels to find something might be the best course of action, Ensign. What do you think?" he replies.

[In Astrometrics Lab]

"Other than what you have tried, I can only think that contacting Starfleet Command and having them go through the usual diplomatic channels to find something might be the best course of action, Ensign. What do you think?" Commander Mazer replied to Schols' earlier question.

"Well sir, I'm not sure. I think we have two options. The first one is the option you mentioned, sending a message to Starfleet Command, the other posibility is going to the place where we picked up the warp trail and try to folow it as far as we can.
I think it would be best to do both, so inform Starfleet Command and follow the warp trail. In the mean time we will keep trying to find out who we are dealing with." Schols said to the commander.

{Expecting the commander agrees}

"Ensign Bindels, are there any ways to discover a cloaked ship? If so, please try to modify the sensors to find traces of cloake or a cloaked vessel." Schols said, while turning towards him.

[In the Science Labs]

The Trill Commander nods, "Good, Ensign. Let's get on that right away." He taps his comm. badge, "Bridge, this is Cmdr. Mazer in Astrometrics. Could you please get in contact with Starfleet Command and have them attempt to 'speak' with the Romulan Government in the regard to any vessels in the area? Also perhaps it might be fruitful to have them look through any recent reports of possible Romulan activity in the region. Ensign Schols has also recommended pursuing whatever warp trail we might have data on."

Mazer looks at Schols and Bindels, and waits to see how they proceed further with their investigation.

[Over the comm.]

"Bridge, this is Cmdr. Mazer in Astrometrics. Could you please get in contact with Starfleet Command and have them attempt to 'speak' with the Romulan Government in the regard to any vessels in the area? Also perhaps it might be fruitful to have them look through any recent reports of possible Romulan activity in the region. Ensign Schols has also recommended pursuing whatever warp trail we might have data on."

[At the command chair]

Captain K'anis hears the suggestions of his first officer over the comm system.

"Acknowledged, Cmdrr. Keep trying to get morre info on this trail while at that", the CO said over the comm.

"Mrr. Kramerr, Mrr. Bindels" - the Antican addressed the FCO and CSO. "Gentlemen, let's find out werre this warp trail leads us. Ensign Bindels, you find our way to it. Ensign Kramerr, once we get a heading, set a course and engage maximum warp"

Turning to the Operations officer on duty, K'anis continued. "Ensign, get me Starfleet Command now. Priority One"

K'anis sat back on his chair as he waited for his officers to carry on the orders and take them to the heart of this growing mystery.

[On the bridge at the helm]

Kramer rubs his forehead as he looks at the readout on the console in front of him. As Ensign Bindles seemed occupied, Kramer had taken the initiative to trace the warp trail himself. 'That's odd...' Kramer thought to himself, 'why would anyone even take a ship into that section? It's so full of radiation and debris that one couldn't even send an old-style radio wave, let alone a subspace message. Sensors and shields would be useless there, as well, as if the ship was flying through a nebula. Why would they take a ship there?' Kramer asked himself again.

"Captain, I have traced this warp signature to its destination. It seems the ship was headed to Wolf 359, Section 001. The coarse is laid in, and I am ready to engage with your permission, Sir."

[At Bridge, just after discovering the warp signature.]

"Mister Bindels, could you please help me analise this signature?" Schols asks Bindels.

"Sertainly Tim, I'll be going down to Astrometrics then." Rob replies and walks to the turbolift.

[In Astrometrics] 

As soon as Rob entered the Astrometrics Lab, he walked on to the center console and started plotting the various courses the warptrail might have followed. After a while, he thinks 'This is amazing. almost every course I plot seems to be going directly to Wolf 359.' 

"Tim, come and have a look at this" Rob sais to Tim. 
"It seems the vessel we are hunting was going directly to Wolf 359."

[In Astrometrics] 

"Tim, come and have a look at this" Bindels said.Schols walked over to the center console and listens to what Bindels sais. 

"It seems the vessel we are hunting was going directly to Wolf 359" Bindels said after Schols arrived at the console. 

Schols emidiatly walked back to his station and checked if the sensors were still in allignment. They were. And there were no malfunctions whatsoever after launch. 

Not knowing what happened on the bridge, Schols taps his commbadge and sais "Schols to the bridge. Captain, the computer indicates the warp trail is on a direct coarse to Wolf 359. Would you like me to come to the bridge or to stay here?" Schols said. 

'If this is a Romulan signature, what would they want to do at Wolf 359. And what if this isn't a Romulan signature. That would change the whole situation we are in. What if this is a Borg vessel that thinks there still is a war going on there.' 

"Mister Bindels, please check for any anomalus readings. This might be a Borg vessel that came to our time period, just before the battle at Wolf 359 began." 

In the mean time, Schols started reviewing data about the battle at Wolf 359. After some 30 minutes, went over a few lines: 
'The USS October and the USS Mangrove encountered a Borg warp trail, but before they could engage the vessel, the signal disappeared. They did have a very faint reading of a temporal anomaly, but they considered it too faint to be of influence to the Borg. Cloak has been discarded as being technology the Borg didn't have. There for, there has been no further investigation.' 

"Sir, I might have some thing here. This goes about something that happened a day before the battle at Wolf 359. A Borg warp trail disappeared and never returned. This also states the there ware some very faint readings of a temporal anomaly. Cloak was considered inpossible, as only Romulans and Klingons were known to have them. Maybe we are dealing with the vessel responsible for this trail. It might have had enhanced technology to create a temporal rift so small that sensors would discard it as 'insignificant'. I'll check the starfleet database if they still have this signature. In the mean time, I would suggest Red Alert, as we don't know who we are dealing with and were they are." Schols said to Commander Mazer. 

After this, he turned to ensign Bindels and said: "Mister Bindels, could you please look at the starfleet database if they still have the signature of the 'disappeared trail'? If so, please compare the signature in the database with the one we found."

[At Astrometrics] 

"Mister Bindels, could you please look at the starfleet database if they still have the signature of the Borg cubes? If so, please compare the signature in the database with the one we found." Schols sais. 

"Okay, I will" Rob replies. 

He immediatly started to review the starfleet database and after a while, he found something. He then told to computer to compare the two signatures and they were a perfect match. 

"Tim, bad news, I think. The signatures are a too close match. We are talking about the same vessel here." Rob sais after having proceced what he just found out.

[In Astrometrics] 

"Tim, bad news, I think. The signatures are identical. We are talking about the same vessel here." Bindels said to Schols. 

"Okay, very well then." Schols replied. Again, several things went through his mind. 'I have to go back to the bridge now. I might be needed up there when we encounter this vessel.' Schols thinks. 

"Schols to the bridge. Captain, it's me again. We've checked the warp signature with signatures from the starfleet database, and there was one signature it matched with. The one from a Borg transwarp trail that disappeared just before the Battle at Worf 359. I'm coming up to the bridge. In the mean time it would be best to set a course to Wolf 359 and see what we can do there. I will fully brief all bridge personel when I'm back on the bridge. Schols out." Schols said while tapping his comm badge. 

"Mister Bindels, perhaps it would be better to get back to the bridge. Please transfer all information to your console on the bridge." Schols sais to Bindels, while turning around towards the doors. 

Schols walks out of the Astrometrics Lab and right, towards the Turbolift.

[At the command chair]

"Captain, I have traced this warp signature to its destination. It seems the ship was headed to Wolf 359, Section 001. The coarse is laid in, and I am ready to engage with your permission, Sir" - said Kramer from the Flight console.

K'anis rose from the command chair and paced the distance to the Terran's station. "Wolf 359? That's odd. It's not a very visited sector after ... the Borg incident" - the Antican mused. "What would one be doing there right now?"

Memories of horror stories come to K'anis mind of that great tragedy to Starfleet. All but one of the 40 starships in the armada survived and only the ingenious intervention of the USS Enterprise saved Earth from assimilation.

The COMM system crackled to life, taking the captain out of his reverie. "Schols to the bridge. Captain, the computer indicates the warp trail is on a direct coarse to Wolf 359. Would you like me to come to the bridge or to stay here?" - his Chief Tactical officer, Ens. Schols said.

"Seems that Mrr. Kramerr here on the bridge came to the same conclusion, Ensign Schols. I'm about to contact Starfleet Command regarding this whole situation" - the CO replied. "Report to the bridge as soon as you can as I anticipate what ourr next move might be"

"Captain" - said the Operations officer. "I have Admiral Crenshaw on the line, sir"

"Put him through" - the Antican ordered, turning to face the viewscreen

[Over the COMM]

"Seems your travel to Atlantis Station will take far longer than we anticipated, isn't it Captain" - said Admiral Crenshaw when his image appeared in the main viewer replacing the Starfleet logo.

"Greetings, Admiral. Indeed it seems..." - replied the Antican, then proceeding into filling the Admiral in their findings.

"Very intriguing indeed, Captain. Specially with the Klingon and Romulan governments vehemently denying any of their ships in the area." - mused the officer. "Well...speculations will do us not good at all. Captain, you are hereby ordered to proceed with this investigation as your main priority. I'll advise Atlantis Station of your delay. Crenshaw out."

The Starfleet logo was in place again, soon replaced by the starfield around the Victoria. Timely, the COMM system came live again.

"Schols to the bridge. Captain, it's me again. We've checked the warps ignature with signatures from the Starfleet database, and there was one signature it matched with some acuracy. The one from the Borg. I'm coming up to the bridge. In the mean time it would be best to set a course to Wolf 359 and see what we can do there. I will fully brief all bridge personel when I'm back on the bridge. Schols out." 

"Wonderful, simply wonderful" - K'anis said under his breath upon the 'news'. "Kramerr, lay down a course and engage. Warp factor 7. Attention all decks, Yellow Alert" - the Antican said, taking his seat once more.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

"Kramerr, lay down a course and engage. Warp factor 7. Attention all decks, Yellow Alert" - the Antican said, taking his seat once more.

"Aye, Captain, course lasid in and engaging," Kramer said as he brought the sleek ship about and completed a 180 degree turn towards another part of the system, albeit much closer.

"Estimated arrival time, Sir, 56 minutes," Kramer added without looking up from his console, at the same time postulating what kind of situation he may be flying the Victoria into. 'Perhaps its nothing,' Kramer's logical mind told him, though his instinct said somthing else entirely.

[At Astrometrics

"Seems that Mrr. Kramerr here on the bridge came to the same conclusion, Ensign Schols. I'm about to contact Starfleet Command regarding this whole situation" the captain said. "Report to the bridge as soon as you can as I anticipate what ourr next move might be"

"Aye sir, I'm on my way." Schols replied, and started to walk out of the Astrometrics Lab.

[In the turbolift]

"Deck One, Bridge" Schols said and the computer confirmed with the familiar chirp. While going up in the turbolift, Schols started thinking how it was possible that a vessel leaving this kind of warp trail hasn't been detected. 'They should have some very good cloak then' he thought.

[In the Turbolift] 

The turbolift comes to a stop and the doors open. Schols wakls out and goes to his station, relieving duty officer. 

"Sir, Ensign Schols reporting to the Bridge." Schols said when he walked behind the console. 

{After the captain's reply} 

Schols started to review this new data the sensors provided. But so far he couldn't make anything out of it. It was all to mixed up.

[Arriving on the Bridge]

After having heard the theories of Romulans, Borg, etc., Mazer returned to the bridge with the CTO & CSO. Moving to his chair, Mazer turns to the Captain, "I'm not sure if I'm ready to believe that the Borg are involved sir ... what with the destruction of that Transwarp Hub to the Alpha Quadrant, it doesn't seem likely that the Collective would manage to get a vessel this deep into Federation territory without us noticing ... could a ship perhaps mimic their signature?" 

He voices the question loud enough so perhaps the CTO, CSO or others can answer.

[At Tactical Station]

"I'm not sure if I'm ready to believe that the Borg are involved sir ... what with the destruction of that Transwarp Hub to the Alpha Quadrant, it doesn't seem likely that the Collective would manage to get a vessel this deep into Federation territory without us noticing ... could a ship perhaps mimic their signature?" Commander Mazer said to the captain, but Schols could heard it too.

"Well sir, it wouldn't be the first time a warp signature has been mimiced. But it would be the first time a Borg signature has been mimiced. We have seen it wit the Cardassians, who wanted their ship to appear to be Klingon, and there was one case of a Klingon vessel appearing Romulan. We should not rule out the posibility you just offered, but if this vessel has one so, it's technology must be very advanced, but I'd better leave this part to mister Bindels" Schols said, grining at the end.

[At the command chair]

Captain K'anis observed as the bridge crew went about thier business. If estimates were correct they'd reach Wolf 359 in under 30 minutes now. The XO, CTO and CSO have returned to the bridge.

Cmdr. Mazer and Ens. Schols discussed over the possibility of the warp trail the Victoria has detected being of an unknown organization/species attempting to mimic a Borg signature.

"A most interesting possibility, Cmdrrr." - the Antican replies. "Considering that this trail has at one point looked like to be Romulan then Klingon and now Borrg, it's a quite fair assumption. Question now is: who and why would someone be 'mimic' other species warp trails and why would one be doing so deep inside Sector 001. Moreover: what if there's no mimic involved and we find out a real vessel of one of these species, what are they doing here?"

He left the questions pending in the air for the bridge crew go over them in the remaining minutes till their destination.

"Tactical, once we arrive begin a throughout sensor sweep of the area. Also be prepared for upgrading readiness status to Red if necessary. Sciences, coorrdinate with Tactical in gathering information to clarify this mystery. Cmdrr. Mazer, any suggestions on how to proceed will be welcome. Helm, have evasive maneuvers loaded and on stand by if necessary"

With everyone knowning what to do, K'anis sits back in his chair and waits as the 20-some minutes remaining seem to elongate infinitely.
[At Tactical Station]

"Tactical, once we arrive begin a throughout sensor sweep of the area. Also be prepared for upgrading readiness status to Red if necessary." The captain said.

After pressing a few buttons on his console, he replied "Aye sir, Security Department reports they are ready for anything. Status upgrade to Red Alert is on standby. Shields are at 100 percent, as is hull integrity." Schols answered to the captains orders.

'Hope we find out more in 30 minutes. It would sure be usefull knowing who has been here and how they got here without being detected.' Schols thinks.

Then, all of a sudden, a report from the Tactical Station came in, stating that they lost all power to the Brig part of it. Luckily, thee were no prisoners at this time, but Schols called Engineering anyway. "Schols to Engineering, we have a problem at the Brig, please send someone down there to fix it immediatly." He said while tapping his commbadge.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

"Tactical, once we arrive begin a throughout sensor sweep of the area. Also be prepared for upgrading readiness status to Red if necessary. Sciences, coorrdinate with Tactical in gathering information to clarify this mystery. Cmdrr. Mazer, any suggestions on how to proceed will be welcome. Helm, have evasive maneuvers loaded and on stand by if necessary" Kramer heard his Captain order the crew.

"Aye, Sir. Helm stands ready to thread the Victoria through a needle, if necessary, Captain." Kramer replied to his Captain, wishing for nothing too dangerous would be encountered but at the same time wanting to give his piloting skills a real test.

[On the bridge, at the command chair]

The cmdr. read over the last reports with the new orders from Command. Rendezvous and crew transfer for the USS Victoria. Also, the Heisenberg would be assisting in their investigation of some anomalous readings at Wolf 359.

"Cmdr, we're in communications range now" - said the OPS officer.

"Good." - replied the Bolian. "Get me a channel to the Victoria"

After the briefest lapse, the link was open.

"USS Victoria, this is Commander Mathayus in command of the Heisenberg. We have orders to rendezvous with you at Wolf 359 for assitance in your search and crew transfer"

[On the Bridge at the helm]

Kramer sat at his console, looking off into the vast space ahead of him, thinking mainly of his late wife. Kramer's tendancies toward Vulcan culture had kept him from the typical human grieving process, but the thoughts remained nonetheless. 'All things must end...' he thought as he accessed sensor control to his console. 

His thoughts shifting back to his duty, Kramer thought to himself, 'with all the subspace distrubance at Wolf, we'll need as many crew as possible on the sensors, looking for threats. This will be just like a hike in bear country back home, every part of the body must be alert...'

Kramer's thoughts were interrupted by a blip on his sensor readout...a Federation vessell, the USS Heisenberg, scheduled to link up with the Victroria at Wolf 359. Almost simetanious with Kramer noticing the presence of the ship, the Victoria was hailed by the Heisenberg.

"Sir, we are being hailed by the USS Heisenberg, Commander Mathayus standing by." Kramer told Captain K'anis.

[on the command chair]

The FCO informed Captain K'anis of the arrival of the science vessel Heisenberg. "Thank your, Mrr. Kramerr. Put him through"

Expeditiously Ensign Kramer complied and the blue face of a Bolian replaced the striking-by starfield on the main viewer. "Greetings, Captain..." said the Bolian commander, informing the Antican of their orders to team up with the Victoria on her investigation and the new crew.

"Excellent, Cmdrr. Mathayus. We'll rendezvous in ..." - K'anis glanced in the FCO's direction, and got their ETA. "...5 minutes. We shall begin crew transferr immediately"

"5 minutes then, Captain. See you there. Mathayus out" - the Bolian said.

Adressing the Helmsman, K'anis gave new intructions. "Mrr. Kramerr, take us to impulse at the edge of the system and once we link with the Heisenberg, take us to 2,000 Km"

"Mrr. Mazerr" - he adress his XO. "Could you supervise the new crew coming onboard?"

"Tactical, Sciences" - the Antican adress Ens. Bindels and Schols. "Begin sensor sweeps immediately as soon as we reach the system."

[On the Bridge]

Mazer nods at the Captain after his request for Jornas to proceed to meet the new crew coming onboard, "Aye, sir. The Transporter room, right?" he asks rhetorically. Standing up, he lightly brushes off his right pant leg while walking around the side of the bridge to the turbolift. He muses how far he's come in the last few months ... going from being a Chief of the Tactical Department on an Intrepid Class Starship to being the CTO of an Akira, and now the XO of another Intrepid. 

"My how the times have changed," he chuckles silently to himself as he enters the TL. "Transporter room one."

[At tactical station]

"Tactical, Sciences" the captain said to Bindels and Schols. "Begin sensor sweeps immediately as soon as we reach the system."

"Aye sir, sensors at standby, ready to engage." Schols roplied.

Then he takes out his PADD and starts reviewing the data on the new TO he would be getting of the USS Heisenberg. 'At least it's a vulcan. Now we can realy see how fit my men realy are' Schols thinks.

"Mrr. Kramerr, take us to impulse at the edge of the system and once we link with the Heisenberg, take us to 2,000 Km" was the order given to Kramer from his Captain approximately four minutes ago.

"Sir, we have reached the edge of the system, slowing to impulse. Rendezvous in sixty seconds." Kramer said to Captain K'anis while switching from warp to impulse engines. 

With that task complete, Kramer then turned his attention to the engineering information he had re-routed to his station earlier, noting that engines had performed well during their first brief cruise. 

Letting his thoughts wander as he digested the engineering information, Kramer thought of the Vulcan coming on board very shortly. 'Perhaps he will have trouble adjusting to a human who follows the teachings of Surak?' Kramer thought, quickly dismissing the thought as his human tendancies, always the dominant side of him, took back over. 'Probably not...T'Salle adjusted to me soon enough, though she got me started on Vulcan culture...' Kramer closed the thought, returning to ship's matters.

Turning his chair around as to face the Captain, Kramer reported, "Sir, reporting in the absence of a Chief Engineer, I can tell you that warp engines performed at 92% efficency during our 'shakedown' cruise...which is excellent considering there is not a head of department in Engineering. If you like, Sir, I can volunteer my services down there during the rendezvous to see if anything can be done to get us closer to 100% efficency." Adding with a half smile that proved Kramer didnt totally follow the teachings of Surak, "I was pretty good with engines back on the farm, Sir."

[Enroute to transporter room #3]

Travik wandered down the hallways of the Heisenberg as his thoughts drifted to the sudden nature of his current ship assignment. He had realised that all of his personal belongings were still at Starfleet Academy and that they would have to be transfered to Atlantis Station. He had hoped that they would arrive by the time his current mission to Wolf 359 had ended but it was of little matter to him because of the urgent nature of his mission assignment and he did not want to clutter his mind with materialistic needs.

Travik did not so much as glance at the transporter operator as he entered the dimly lit room with it's transporter pads glowing in front of him. He stepped up onto the platform while flipping his Starfleet issue shoulder bag around to his back. He turned around with a look that appeared to go right through the transporter operator, he stopped, and signaled that he was ready with a nod as he tapped his communicator badge...

"Travik to Cmdr. Mathayus. I am ready for transport to the Victoria"

He raised his hand, which had a PADD in a firm grip, as he quickly noted the time of his transfer to the USS Victoria. He placed his hand back down to his side as he inqusitively observed the young operator tap at the transporter controls while they waited for confirmation from the Bridge to proceed with the beam-out.

[At Tactical Station]

"Sir, we have reached the edge of the system, slowing to impulse. Rendezvous in sixty seconds." Kramer said to Captain K'anis.

After the captain responded to Mr. Kramer, Schols said: "Sir, Sensor scans have been enitiated. We could receive our first data any minute now. In the mean time, I'll be going down with commander Mazer to receive Mr. T'kav and the rest of the crew reinforcements."

{Assuming the captain agrees}

"Aye sir, I'll be back in about 5 minutes, when Mr. T'kav is at the Security Department." Schols said and then stepped away from his tation and into the turbolift.
[ Enroute to transporter room ]

With a fresh resolve, the Bynar set out from his temporary quarters with his belongings firmly packed in a duffel bag. His assignment to the the Victoria had been very hasty so he hadn't really had time to unpack.

In his duffel bag, beneath layers of Starfleet standard issue clothing, was his only memento of his mate, 1101010: her buffer. All Bynars carry a small buffer around their waists so that they can communicate with the computers more efficiently.

Even though he had his emotions under control, there were still times when he lapsed in to memories -- memories right beofre 1101010's death.

The door's to the transporter room swished open as he walked quietly up to them. As he entered, he paused momentarily, then dug out his PADD confirming his transfer to the USS Victoria.

The Ensign at the transporter controls took a half glance at it, then nodded, handing it back. David tucked it back in to his duffel bag and stepped onto the transport pad. He nodded slightly, signalling he was ready.

Energize. As his molecules were broken down and buffered, he only thought, time for a fresh start.

[At Science Station, Brigde]

The Alpha-Centaurian Lieutenant was intent in the readings they're getting from deep inside the system of Wolf 359. He could not avoid the memories of what had transpired here several years ago.

A lone Borg cube invaded Federation space in their first attempt to assimilate Earth. An armada was setup to deflect their attack here, at Wolf 359. It was a massacre. Thirty-nine of the 40 vessels were destroyed without scratching the cube, which proceeded to Earth, being stopped at the last minute by the USS Enterprise-D.

Focusing, Alexander compiled a brief review for Cmdr. Mathayus. "Cmdr., these readings are odd to say the least. I'm picking up several 'black-out' areas where the sensors can't read from this distance. Plus, I'm getting spotting readings of several warp trails, ranging from 4 to 32 at times, but can't lock and identify them. They come and go and seem to be related with the 'black-out areas' "

The CO swirled his chair around to face his SO. "Seems this mystery won't allow us into its secrets easily, eh. Good job. Lex. Send the data over to the Victoria, they are leading this search and might have some insight into this data"

"Immediately sir" - replied Lex and worked out the necessary commands to set the datastream to the Intrepid-class starship hovering just out of their port bow.

[Over the Intecomm]

"Travik to Cmdr. Mathayus. I am ready for transport to the Victoria"

The Bolian slaped his commbadge for a quick reply. "Very well, Ensign. You may proceed immediately. I think your new XO will be welcoming you two over there. Good luck on your new assignment and I hope you've enjoyed your run with us. Mathayus out"

Done with that, the CO signalled to his OPS officer to advise the Victoria.
[Talking with the Heisenberg CO over the COMM]

"...mainly there's a Bynar specialist and a new TO in the group just about to beam over. Once that's done, we'll train our sensors deep into the system for an initial scan if you agree, Captain" - said the Bolian commander from the Heisenberg's bridge.

"That's perfect to me, Cmdr." - replied K'anis, at the command chair. "I just want to go slow here. Our previous readings came out quite confusing and we could not identify whoever was behind the warp trail. Let's collect some data from our position before we proceed. K'anis out."

As the blue-faced CO's image was replaced by the starfield leading to Wolf 359, K'anis got a report from Ensign Kramer, the FCO.

"Sir, reporting in the absence of a Chief Engineer, I can tell you that warp engines performed at 92% efficency during our 'shakedown' cruise...which is excellent considering there is not a head of department in Engineering. If you like, Sir, I can volunteer my services down there during the rendezvous to see if anything can be done to get us closer to 100% efficency." Adding with a half smile that proved Kramer didnt totally follow the teachings of Surak, "I was pretty good with engines back on the farm, Sir."

The Human's sense of humor, tho at time odd for K'anis standards, was getting a liking in the Antican. "Acknowledge, Mrr. Kramerr. Good to know that even tho we have not properrly tested the systems, we can count on them if needed. And if such a need arise, please feel free to help out there if that not conflicts with your bridge duties. Cmdrr. Mazerr can provide extra shift schedulings"

After the captain responded to Mr. Kramer, CTO Schols said: "Sir, Sensor scans have been initiated. We could receive our first data any minute now. In the mean time, I'll be going down with commander Mazer to receive Mr. T'kav and the rest of the crew reinforcements."

"You may proceed, Ensign. Forward the new arrivals my welcome aboard." - K'anis said, looking back as the CTO and XO got into the turbolift.

And the reading remainded inconclusive. K'anis addressed the CSO. "Mrr. Bindels, coordinate with the Heisenberg in sharing our data thus farr with them. Do you have anything new on ourr analysis of the readings?"

[Tactical Station]

"You may proceed, Ensign. Forward the new arrivals my welcome aboard." captain K'anis said in reply to his request to go to the transporterroom.

"Aye sir, I'm on my way, and will welcome the two new crewmembers aboard, as I think Mr Mazer will too." Schols said.

Now he got permission to leave the bridge, he started to feel a little nervous, like something was going to happen shortly. He couldn't realy identify it, but somehow he didn't feel right about it. 'Well, we'll find out soon enough' he thought, while walking into the turbolift. Once inside, he waited for the commander. As he finaly arrived, schols said "Deck 4, Transporter Room", and the turbolift started moving.

[In the hall way in front of the Transporter Room]

As Schols and commander Mazer exited the Turbolift, they headed straight to the Transporter Room. When they arrived there, they entered and Schols stopped a few feet from the door. 'Now all we have to do is wait untill the Heisenberg is ready for Transport' Schols thought.

[Materialising on the transporter]

[OOC: Assuming Schols and Mazer are waiting in the transporter room]

The phase transition coils slowly began to brighten as the air and space was replaced with biomolecular and quantum mechanical lighting effects as Travik materialised in the transporter chamber. The sound of the transporter systems and light from the pad he materialised on faded back to normal as the new Tactical Officer looked around at his new surroundings.

In front of the transporter console stood an two offiicers. Judging from the pips and the color of the uniforms, Travik assumed that the men in front of him was there to greet him. Travik began to move out of the transport chamber toward the ships commanding officer. Stopping just before him, Travik's poise and attention never waivered as he proceeded to lift his hand, carrying a PADD, towards his new crewmate.

With a mildly monotone and obvious Vulcan tone he spoke, "Greetings Commander, I am Ensign T'kav. Requesting permission to come aboard. Here you will find my ship transfer and ship assignment information as ordered by Starfleet." said the dutifull Ensign as he placed the PADD into Schols hand.

Looking straight into Cmdr Mazer's eyes, without so much as a hint of what the Vulcan may have been thinking, Travik continued to speak with hardly a pause. "Please forgive my lack of fomallities Commander." as he signaled with his hand in a polite gesture to let the Officer lead the way. " I do not wish to take the Victoria and it's crew into any further delay. Perhaps I can be briefed on the current situation while I am escorted to my quarters or to where ever you may see fit." Just then, Travik gave an acknowleding nod towards Ensign Schols, trying not to forget his manners.

Travik relaxed his gesturing arm back to his side while adjusting the strap to his shoulder bag with the opposite hand. He removed his gaze from the Ensign and resumed to his straight posture with an inquisitive look towards Mazer that could have been taken as arrogant, although that was not his intention. He tried not appear so rigid, but it was in the Vulcans nature and at times it was hard to be around humans.

[ materializing ]

The little Bynar materialized on the transport pad, and almost instantly whipped out his PADD. He handed his documents to Commander Mazer, and smartly saluted both him and Ensign Schols. He looked almost comical giving the salute to the much taller officers.

He rocked slightly back and forth on his feet as Commander Mazer looked over his PADD. The Commander nodded, and without a word, handed the PADD back. This is what Cdt. David liked: efficiency. Talking directly to a computer was much more efficient than inputting commands, and pressing buttons. Its not that he was stoic -- no he was far from being Vulcan -- its was that the fact that normal speech was very inaccurate, and at best cumbersome.

With another smart salute, Cdt. David walked out the doors of the transporter room. Reaching a turbolift, his petite duffel bag over his shoulder, he said his first words since boarding the Victoria.

"Computer, Deck 1."

He didn't want to keep the captain waiting.

[In the Transporter Room]

While facing the two officers beamed aboard, Schols thinks ´Well, any help we can get would be great.´ The bynar walked straight out of the door, after having greeted the commander and Schols. Schols then turned to the commander. "Sir, if you don´t mind, Im going to take Mister Travik T´kav here to his new station." He said.

{Asuming there won't be a problem with this}

"Mister Travik, if you would please follow me?" Schols said, after he turned to Travik. He then walked out of the door and towards the security department, also located on Deck 4. In front of the door he waited for Mr Travik and asked him to follow him inside.

[Inside Tactical Department]

The few security personel inside watched as the doors opened and closed again. Schols couldn't see Mr Truman yet, so he walked to the nearest crewman he could see and asked: 
"Excuse me, where can I find Crewman Truman?"

"He's right there, in his office" The crewman answered.

"Okay, thenk you crewman, carry on." Schols replied.

Schols walked over to the office door and walked inside, in the mean time watching back to see if Mr Travik was following him. When he saw he still did, he said to him "Mr Travik, this will be your new station. I have asked Mr Truman, our previous Tactical Officer, to make a scedule of things you have to do, like crew training and security checks. You can find the PADD on the desk." He then turned to crewman Truman and said to him: "Mr Truman, this is our new Tactical Officer. He will be your direct superior from now on. You will be assigned as leader of one of the security teams, and as a strategicaly expert." 

When Mr Travik sat down in the chair, he continued.

"I have to get to the bridge now. Are there any questions, Ensign?"

{If no questions}

Schols walks out of the Tactical department and into the Turbolift. When he arrived there, he commands the computer to go to "Deck One, Bridge".

[On the Bridge at the helm]

Although it was not his duty, Kramer looked over the information provided to him by the ship's computer regarding his new shipmates. 'A Bynar? Intresting...' Even more intresting to Kramer was the fact that he had someting in common with the new cadet, a recently lost loved one. 

'Not that we'll spend much time conversing on the subject, Bynars spend more time conversing with computers than they do humans...at any rate, a person's pain is his or her own, not to be burdened on others,' Kramer's Vulcan training told him, though his human psyche still longed to hold T'Salle's hand as they walked through the mountains back home in Montana.

Kramer turned to face his Captain once again. "Sir, transporter room reports that the new personnel are aboard. Ensign T'Kav has reported for duty at the Tactical Department while Cadet David is in route to the Bridge. Course for Wolf 359 is laid in and all departments report ready for deployment. We can get under way as soon as you give the word, Sir." Kramer reported to Captain K'anis from his station at the helm.

[on turbolift heading to bridge]

"...while Cadet David is enroute to the Bridge. Course for Wolf 359 is laid in and all departments report ready for deployment. We can get
under way as soon as you give the word, Sir." Kramer reported to Captain K'anis from his station at the helm.

Cadet David stepped out of the turbolift , which swished shut softly behind him. As Ensign Kramer returned to the helm, Cadet David stepped up beside the Antican Captain.

"Cadet David, reporting for duty, sir," the bynar said, handing him the PADD that was ready in his hand.

Captain K'anis nodded, as he looked over the Cadet's PADD.

{Assuming nothing else needs to be done}

Cadet David turned back to K'anis, "Since we do not have any problem directly computer related, may I report to engineering? I do have skills in warp mechanics and other aspects of starship function because of my industrial background..."

[Arriving back on the Bridge]

Jornas exited after the slightly anxious Cadet, no doubt quite eager to prove himself to his superiors ... as Jornas was many years ago, when he was an Ensign. "I sort of miss those days ..." thoughts of his relationship at the time with the conn. officer, Michelle White, come up as well ... but he shakes them off. "Best to leave those wounds 'un-salted'." 

"Captain, may I present Cadet David ... an interesting addition to our crew," says Mazer as he takes his seat beside the Captain.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

Kramer turned and looked over his shoulder to the sound of the turbolift doors opening, seeing Commander Mazer and a being that could only be Cadet David step out. 

As the Cadet introduced himself to Captain K'anis, Kramer turned back to his station, concentrating mainly on keeping the Victoria's course and rate of travel exactly parallel to that of the Heisenberg, only a single Kilometer to port. That Kramer did this manualy said much for his piloting skills, not to mention his nerves...most officers of Kramer's limited experience would let theeir ship's computer do the driving at this distance, but not Kramer. Billy saw manual piloting as an art, someting to be left in the hands of men, not machines. An FCO who let the computer do all the work, Kramer thought, was not a pilot at all but rather a computer technician.

At any rate, Kramer listened to the conversation going on behind him between Cadet David and the Captain. Kramer heard the Bynar ask the Captain if he could report to engineering, this piqued Kramer's intrest.

Kramer turned around in his chair to face the Captain once again. "Sir, as I have been monitoring engineering functions, I can download the information I have gathered of late to Cadet David's station, and again offer any assistance needed."

[Inside the tranporter room, before heading to Security with Schols]

Travik stood fast as he watched the eager Bynar step off of the tranporter pad and stop to salute the officers in front of him. The steady Vulcan almost weaved where he stood as he raised a curious eyebrow at the odd behaviour of the scurrying Bynar passing him by and exiting the Transporter room.

Schols then turned to the commander. "Sir, if you don´t mind, I'm going to take Mister Travik T´kav here to his new station." He said. Travik, averting his attention from the Bynar to Schols, resumed back to his always intensive look as Schols turned from the commander and continued speaking to Travik. "Mister Travik, if you would please follow me?" Schols said, after he turned to Travik. 

Travik turned towards the commander and gave a respectfull salute of acknowledgment, "Commander" he asserted. Travik then observed Schols waiting at the door and assumed to follow him to his new station. Catching up to him, Travik stayed one pace behind as they proceeded down the corridor silently, towards the security department.

Travik observed the section number on the door plate as they reached Security, making a mental note of his location in the new and unfamiliar surroundings of the Victoria. Although he had gone over many ship specifications before his posting, the Intrepid class ship was still largely unfamiliar to him. He would adjust, eventually.

As he followed Schols lead into the Tactical department many of the crewmen looked up towards Schols as they proceeded to walk through the section. Travik stopped in his tracks as Schols walked over to a crewman working at his station "Excuse me, where can I find Crewman Truman?" Schols asked.

"He's right there, in his office" The crewman answered.

"Okay, thenk you crewman, carry on." Schols replied.

Schols continued towards Trumans office looking back at Travik as he strode through the office entrance. Travik had resumed following Schols after he had asked the crewman for Mr. Truman's where abouts. Just as Schols had turned around to look for Travik, he stopped to speak towards him in the office. "Mr Travik, this will be your new station. I have asked Mr Truman, our previous Tactical Officer, to make a schedule of things you have to do, like crew training and security checks. You can find the PADD on the desk." 

Travik observed the PADD on the desk and as he proceeded to pick it up, Schols continued on, this time speaking to Truman. "Mr Truman, this is our new Tactical Officer. He will be your direct superior from now on. You will be assigned as leader of one of the security teams, and as a strategic expert." Travik sat down on the edge of the chair, with his his forarm hanging over the corner of the desk gripping the PADD in his hand as he turned his brief glance from it up towards Truman giving the crewman an acknowleding nod.

"Greetings Mr. Truman" said the Vulcan respectfully as he returned his focus back to Schols, "I have to get to the bridge now," the CTO continued, "Are there any questions Ensign?" Travik hesitated as he looked back down at the PADD, then glanced his eyes over the Security console with the UFP logo glowing in the center of it. He had thought to ask his CO where his quarters would be located as he began to take his shoulder bag off and place it behind the chair behind him, Travik began to stand back up, looking over at Schols.

"No sir, I believe this will be sufficient for now" Travik answered. He pulled up his arm to look at the PADD once again as it beeped from his thumb activating the small handheld unit. "I will be performing a full security evaluation," his gaze returning to Schols, "and shall have my report ready by the end of my shift with the help of Mr. Truman here" Traviks gaze turned to Crewman Truman as the crewman understood the orders and proceed to leave the office to tend to his duties.

"Thank you sir" Travik concluded as he watched Ensign Schols turn and leave the Office and continue out the doors of Security.

A look of calm rushed over the Vulcans face as the ships formalities subsided. He sat back down in his chair, leaned back, and began to read over the Security files on his PADD.

[In the office]

"No sir, I believe this will be sufficient for now. I will be performing a full security evaluation and shall have my report ready by the end of my shift with the help of Mr. Truman here" Travik answered Schols' previous question.

"Okay, very well. I'll be on the bridge now." Schols turned around and walked out of the office and into the nearest turbolift.

[Inside turbolift]

"Deck One, Bridge" Schols commanded the computer.

[Arriving at the bridge]

When Schols walked onto the Bridge, he saw cadet David reporting in, so Schols thought he had better not interupted and walked to his station (which is immediatly to the right of the Turbolift) and releived the officer working there at the moment. He started reviewing the latest data from sensors and noticed some strange 'blackspots'. In the mean time, he saw the captain was about to answer cadet David, and decided to report this before the captain addressed David.
"Sir, sorry I interrupt you, but I have someting on sensors. I can't identify it, but there are a lot of black spots, changing position in a patern, similar to the changing of position of the warp trails. I would recommend te remain at distance untill we know what caused these blackspots" Schols said to the captain.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

Kramer took note of the Tactical officer's report to the Captain, noting on his own sensor readout the same anomily. The black spots had just appeared from nowhere...seemingly materializing out of thin air.

Kramer gracefully brought the ship around, rotating the hull on its axis while as the same time turning it upside-down in a 180 degree turn to face the direction of the black spots. This was an unnecessary but efficient movement as the sensors on the Victoria worked just as well facing away from an anomily as towards it. At any rate, the movement of the ship gave Kramer a better sense of well being, as if he could see where he was going better.

Without facing the Captain, Kramer waited for Schols to finish his statement, then added, "Sir, based upon what I see here, I concur with Ensign Schols."

"Sir, sorry I interrupt you, but I have someting on sensors. I can't identify it, but there are a lot of black spots, changing position in a patern, similar to the changing of position of the warp trails. I would recommend te remain at distance untill we know what caused these blackspots" Schols said to the captain.

Without facing the Captain, Kramer waited for Schols to finish his statement, then added, "Sir, based upon what I see here, I concur with Ensign Schols."

Cadet David slipped away from the captain, taking position at the secondary science station. Indeed, on the sensors, there were literally 'black-spots' -- like the trail stopping, changing, then resuming. He remembered his one of his very first warp mechanics lessons: plasma decay.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The plasma decay rate was almost completely unique to an engine, so even when your trail might look like something else, its plasma decay rate will remain the same. The different species use different technology and 'ingredients' to make the engines work, so to mask or change a trail, you had to simply change the 'ingredients.' Now the plasma decay won't tell you which of the trails is the real trail, no, it will simply tell you if its one trail or many."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cadet David keyed the computer to start an analysis of the warp trail.

[On the Bridge]

Mazer stands up at the report of the CTO, and the concuring statement of the FCO, "All stop." He looks to the CSO, "Use the sensors to their best Mr. Bindels. What exactly is going on out there?"

[On the command chair]

"Sir, transporter room reports that the new personnel are aboard. Ensign T'Kav has reported for duty at the Tactical Department while Cadet David is in route to the Bridge. Course for Wolf 359 is laid in and all departments report ready for deployment. We can get under way as soon as you give the word, Sir." - said Ens. Kramer.

"Excellent, helm" - the Captain replied. "Keep us moving at 1/2 impulse into the system. Traffic here might be troubling, so watch out for ... debris" - the Antican finished, remembering of the combat junk that might still be floating around.

The turbolift doors opened to reveal Cmdr. Mazer and the Bynar cadet.

"Captain, may I present Cadet David ... an interesting addition to our crew," said Mazer as he took his seat beside the Captain.

"Cadet David, reporting for duty, sir," the bynar said, handing him the PADD that was ready in his hand.

Noticing the would tower over the Bynar, K'anis decided against standing up right now as not to intimate the newcomer. "Thank you, Mrr. Mazerr" - he first acknowledged his XO before taking the PADD offered by the Bynar. Reading over it, K'anis was quite impressed at the cadet's accomplishments thus far. "Mrr. David, I'm glad to welcome you aboarrd the USS Victoria. I hope yourr stay with us be long and productive, and may it be instructive for yourr training as well.

Cadet David turned back to K'anis, "Since we do not have any problem directly computer related, may I report to engineering? I do have skills in warp mechanics and other aspects of starship function because of my industrial background..."

"That would be very good, Cadet. Suit yourself" - the Antican said, motioning to the Engineering station on the bridge. "Also, I think yourr skills would be of use to Sciences as we continue to analyse the data we've been gathering"

Kramer turned around in his chair to face the Captain once again. "Sir, as I have been monitoring engineering functions, I can download the information I have gathered of late to Cadet David's station, and again offer any assistance needed."

K'anis was about to indicate Kramer to proceed when Schols addressed him from Tactical. "Sir, sorry I interrupt you, but I have someting on sensors. I can't identify it, but there are a lot of black spots, changing position in a patern, similar to the changing of position of the warp trails. I would recommend te remain at distance untill we know what caused these blackspots"

Without facing the Captain, Kramer waited for Schols to finish his statement, then added, "Sir, based upon what I see here, I concur with Ensign Schols."

Pondering the situation, K'anis took the only decision that could be taken. They were not getting any new information just sitting on the outskirts of the system. "Acknowledged the advices" - he said to both officers. "Helm, take us to the maximum safe distance to one of such blackspots. Tactical, signal to the Heisenberg to follow us at some distance as we investigate. Cmdr. Mazer, I think your skills at science might prove decisive until the time Ens. Bindels returns from Sickbay. Let's move on, crew"

At Tactical Station]

"Tactical, signal to the Heisenberg to follow us at some distance as we investigate." Captain K'anis said to Schols.

Schols immediatly starts tapping several buttons on his console and then looks up and towards the captain. "Sir, the Heisenberg has received and acknowledged our transmission. They are standing by at a distance of 2 kilometers." Schols answered the captains order.

[A few minutes pass]

"Sir, I managed to close down the area where these black spots appear to a field with a diameter of approximatly 150 kilometers. In this area all the black spots appeared, and since we discovered them, they never went outside this area. I don't think they will if we get closer. Safe distance would be about 10 kilometers. I'm transferring the exact coördinates to Flight Control right now." Schols said to K'anis.

[On the Bridge]

"Aye, sir," responds Mazer to the Captain's decision for the Executive Officer to put his science skills to work. Walking over to the main science console and dismissing the officer there, he begins to scan the "anomaly" before them ... trying to figure out what exactly is going on.

[On the Bridge at the helm] 

"Helm, take us to the maximum safe distance to one of such blackspots." was the order given to Kramer by his Antican Captain.

"Sir I have recieved coordiantes from Ens. Schols and am proceeding there at 1/4 impulse power." Kramer said as he keyed the commands into his console.

[A few minutes pass]

"Sir, we are now within 10 kilometers of the anomily. I am bringing the Victoria to all stop." as soon as Kramer finished the statement, a proximity alarm light activated on the helm console. Kramer turned his attention to it, noting that a mass of debris, mostly the remains of Starfleet vessels, was resting extremely close to the 'black spot' they were beginning to investigate.

"Sir, I may have somthing of intrest here...it seems a mass of battle degree has taken up residence next door to our anomily. We may want to watch it closely."

[Over the COMM system]

A static filled message crackles through the system.

"Move back. We ....eed to regrou.... Under attac.... The Kiu....is down, like the Mel..... Phasers are havin... no effec...."

[At Tactical Station]

"Move back. We ....eed to regrou.... Under attac.... The Kiu....is down, like the Mel..... Phasers are havin... no effec...." It sounded through the COMM system.

Somewhat startled by this sudden transmission, Schols starts checking sensors for any communication activity in this sector. And indeed sensors showed this signal was coming from inside the area of blackspots.

"Captain, this transmission we just received came from somewhere inside the blackspot area. I haven't got a precise location yet, but I'm working on that. Ah, there it is, the transmission's origin is approximatly 50 km from our current position. I'm trying to find out how it's posible this signal is still being transmitted." Schols said. "In the mean time, I recommend to switch to red alert untill we know what exactly is going on here." He continued, and without waiting for the captains responce, Schols switches to Red Alert.

[In the Tactical Room]

Travik sat at his desk going over his final security reports as Truman walked into the room. He passed Travik another PADD full of reports while the Vulcan took notice at the figure in front of him. "Thank you Crewman, " said Travik as he took the device, "that will be all" he finalised as he nodded towards him. With a final nod, the crewman turned and stepped out of the small room.

The Security officer's in the other room were all calm and efficient as they went about their business of taking care of their duties. For a first impression, Travik was satisfied with their performance. As a precaution, he was observant of how they carried about their funtions. This will suffice, he continued to think to himself.

Just as the calm seemed to comfort him, a static filled message crackles through the system.

"Move back. We ....eed to regrou.... Under attac.... The Kiu....is down, like the Mel..... Phasers are havin... no effec...."

"Sir, you better come take a look at this" mentioned one of the crewmen nervously as he looked over a tactical display. Travik was on his way out the office door as the request from the crewman reached his ears. Curious, he thought, as a steady brow began to rise in interest on his forhead.

"What is it Crewman?" Travik asked bluntly. Travik began to walk in the direction of the crewman. It was then that the crewman continued, more calm then his initial reaction to the screens output. "It's theses readings of the anomaly Sir, they seem to be... crazy." Travik interupted the crewmans hands and took over the console. Standing straight, Traviks voice almost seemed to have wounded the crewman. "They are numbers and charts Crewman, they can not be 'crazy' as you would imply." said the Vulcan cadet stiffly. "However, you have done well crewman. I will inform the Bridge of your findings in a moment." Travik turned his head towards the crewman and nodded as the crewman half smiled with more confidence and walked away to a secondary station.

Quickly, the Vulcans fingers raced over the console, only pausing when the readouts needed more consideration. After a few brief moments, Travik tapped his badge to signal the Bridge.

{{Travik to the Bridge}}

Travik stood silently in his position with his hands at his sides.

"Preliminary readings suggest" he began to report, "that we are dealing with intense pockets of gravitation that are emmiting increased levels of radiation that /could/ have a negative effect on our sheilds. I recommend, that we slow our approach or that we reverse course enough to observe and possibly evade these effects untill we have a better understanding of what we are dealing with."

[After whatever response is given]

"Mr Schols, I am passing my findings to you. Sir, need I point out, that if our readings are correct, it is possible that we may be dealing with a Borg pressence. Until we have completed our scans, I am uncertain of what lays ahead. However, logic dictates that if we are in fact dealing with increased levels of gravitation, we could possibly be dealing with some sort of space-time phenomenon that /could/ have an adverse effect on our present with our past dealings of the Borg at this point in space." Travik ended his communique to the bridge and immediately turned to the personel in the Tactical room.

Looking over at one of the crewman he ordered "Truman, please ensure that all tactical systems are fully operational" Truman, looking shocked, held back his emotion but not enough for the Vulcan not to notice. "Sir, I just handed you my reports, everything is in order as I reported." A crease of seriousnous folded onto Traviks forehead. "Crewman, I do understand... but we need to make every precaution that sheilds, deflectors scanners and weapons are indeed fully operational in case of any unforseen circumstance due to the nature of our present situation." The crewman seemed to have shaken off his frustration and replied "Sir, sorry sir. I will double check everything." Travik observed the look on Trumans face and understood his reaction. Perhaps he had forgotten that he had handed Travik the reports just moments ago and he had not had time to go over them. "That would be wise, please carry on." Travik replied as Truman gathered a small team and left the tactical operations room. 

The crease that had formed between his brows had smoothed out as a steady look washed over his face. He turned and continued his duties at the console he had commandeered from the crewman who had stood there earlier. The Vulcan thought to himself as he carried about his tactical scans of the area and awaited possible action or orders from his commanding officers on the Bridge. A sullen silence washed over the Tactical room as what was left of the crew worked hard to anyalize the incoming telemetry from external scans.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

Hearing the location of the message from Ens. Schols, Kramer double-checked the source at his own console before plotting a course towards the enigmatc transmission. Confirming the information, Kramer's fingers flew over the helm console, preparing to steer the Victoria towards the area.

Looking up from his work towards the main viewer, Kramer addressed Captain K'anis in a cool, even tone. "Sir, helm stands ready to proceed towards the source..."

[At Tatcical Station]

The comm systems activates again, and this time it's ensign Travik calling: "Preliminary readings suggest" Travik began to report, "that we are dealing with intense pockets of gravitation that are emmiting increased levels of radiation that /could/ have a negative effect on our sheilds. I recommend, that we slow our approach or that we reverse course enough to observe and possibly evade these effects untill we have a better understanding of what we are dealing with."

"Mr Travik, I completely agree with you. We should maintain some distance. The signal we just received might be a warning of something dangerous." Schols replied.

"Mr Schols, I am passing my findings to you. Sir, need I point out, that if our readings are correct, it is possible that we may be dealing with a Borg pressence. Until we have completed our scans, I am uncertain of what lays ahead. However, logic dictates that if we are in fact dealing with increased levels of gravitation, we could possibly be dealing with some sort of space-time phenomenon that /could/ have an adverse effect on our present with our past dealings of the Borg at this point in space." Travik said in reply.

A brief moment, Schols stood shocked. If this is true, then his earlier suggested cause of this warptrail, being a Borg Cube that has travelled through time, seemed ever more likely. If this was realy true, that could mean a renewed borg invasion. However, if this space-time phenomenon is truely happening right now, the distress call they just received could be from the actual battle they held here.

"Understood. These readings aren't quite clear yet, but this could mean there is a space-time distortion. Thank you Mr Travik, carry on."

"Commander Mazer, we could realy use a sensor boost right now. Do you think you can squize out a little more? In the mean time, I'm trying to get some more power to the main deflector. And captain, given the circumstances, I would suggest to reverse course untill something shows up. I wouldn't want to waste this ship yet." Schols said to commander Mazer and captain K'anis.

[At the command chair] 

K'anis heard the various reports from his crew and was not slow in acting. 

"Helm, all stop. Maintain current position" - K'anis ordered Ens. Kramer, when the odd message came throught from nowhere. "Mr. Schols, upgrade alert status to Red. Initiate full sensor sweep on the area surrounding us. And inform the Heisemberg of this new development" 

The Antican brought up the reports from Tactical and from the new crewmember Travik. "Very Vulcan of him" - K'anis thought reading over the report, noting its clear seek for formality. "Altho very efficient" - the Captain remarked mentally. 

"Mrr. Kramerr, be prepared for reacting without my command. One would hope we only got this message from the blackspot and nothing more, but I have a feeling about it. Stay sharrp." 

"Cmdrr. Mazerr, I think a Stellar Encounter-type probe is in order. As Mrr. Schols pointed out, it would be unwise to enter this anomaly right now" - he asked his First Officer, whom had been working on the Science station. 

Tapping his communicator, K'anis linked with the Security Office. "Mrr. Trravik, report to the Bridge. I want you taking over Operations momentarily to try and identify this recent message"

"Cmdrr. Mazerr, I think a Stellar Encounter-type probe is in order. As Mrr. Schols pointed out, it would be unwise to enter this anomaly right now," he told his First Officer, whom had been working on the Science station.

[OOC: This is assuming we DO launch that probe]

From his console, the bynar watched the sensor feed from the probe, as it streaked away from the belly of the Victoria. He kneaded his fingers in anticipation as it neared the black spot. Contact in 5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

The probe's feed abruptly stopped and the bynar had to blink a few times before realizing that the probe had indeed ceased to exist. He was speechless. He pulled up the probe feed right before it disappeared.

He grunted quietly. Nothing; only faint EM readings, and some gamma rays. Nothing to suggest any sort of cloak, unless... he punched a few commands into the console. His eyes widened at the results.

"Sir, take a look at these readings I think you'll find them... interesting," he reported, wiring his findings over to the captain console.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

"Aye, Sir. All stop. I'm ready for anyhing the situation has to offer." Kramer assured his Captain while popping all the knuckles on both hands, readying himself for action. This was an exercise Kramer also practiced before sitting down to play the paino, somthing else at which he excelled.

Privately, Kramer wished to take a more cavalier approach towards the 'black nothing', as he had began to think of it. 
'I'd like to get closer...right next to if it we can. Our main ship's sensors are much more powerful and reliable than somthing a probe can offer. For all we know we could be looking at sensor ghosts.' Kramer shuddered at the thought of the word "ghosts."

'Is that not what we are dealing with here? Ghosts from a battle long past...Nonsense,' Kramer thought to himself, though he did remind himself that many cultures, incluging Vulcans and Humans, did recognize the idea of spirits. 'What is going on here?' Kramer thought as he looked again at the mass of debris just off the Victoria's bow.

Interrupted, though, his thoughts were by the readings Cadet David had gotten from the probe. Looking at the data, Kramer could think of only one response, a word that his late Vulcan wife would have understood..."Facinating..."

[On the Bridge at Science]

With the CO's order, the XO punches up a request to the torpedo bay for the launch of a stellar-classification probe into the anomaly. Once he gets the okay from the bay, Mazer presses the launch button and watches the probe's progress as it exits and moves into the anomaly.

[At Tactical Station]

"Mr. Schols, upgrade alert status to Red. Initiate full sensor sweep on the area surrounding us. And inform the Heisemberg of this new development" Captain K'anis said.

"Aye Sir, initiating Red Alert... Sir, all decks report Red Alert. Initiating sensor sweeps of the area." He said while tapping the reuired buttons on his console. Then, after a few seconds, he said "Sir, the Heisenberg reports they received and confirmed ourfindings."

Then, all of a sudden he receives the sensor readings from the probe, and stands stunned for a splitsecond. Then he resumes normal thinking, and thinks by himself 'Well, at least the Borg don't have cloaking devices.'

[Primary Station in the Tactical/Security Dept]

Travik continued working on his scans and deliberated the information as it came together on the consoles in front of him. Although he was getting closer to having a more clear picture of what was in front of the Victoria, he was unable to come up with a working theory that had any significant results. Meanwhile, the team he had sent out to double-check the ships systems had returned to the now pulsing red and dimly lit Tactical department.

"Sir, all systems are funtioning within established parameters." reported Truman. "The rest of Alpha team have remained in the torpedo bay to finalize some work they started earlier. Team Gama should be right behind me." Just then the rest of the team members had returned to the department as well. Travik, impressed with the quick results, responded. "Very well crewman, and with time to spare. Thank you Mr. Truman." Travik tapped into his console and relayed the ship status confirmation to his CO on the bridge. He saw no need to use the comm to disturb the bridge, so he sent the information about the tactical systems directly to Schols console. He would see the information eventually.

Immediately after the Vulcan Ensign had reported the ship status to the CTO, a message piped in from the Captain. 

"Mrr. Trravik, report to the Bridge. I want you taking over Operations momentarily to try and identify this recent message"

Irony is not without it's place onboard a starship he mused to himself as he tapped in response to the Captains orders. "Awknowledged" replied the Vulcan. Truman, who had seen and recognised the motions Travik made on the console prior to the Captains message, tried and half succeeded in keeping a sly smile to himself as Travik looked at him with an enquiring eye. "I am needed on the bridge" Smiling widely, Truman responded, "Understood sir." While a look that could have been mistaken as embarassment left Traviks face, he turned and proceeded to leave the Tactical Department. 'Perhaps I could have signaled the Bridge afterall' Travik thought to himself as he tried to justify his actions to himself.

The brighter atmosphere of the corridor and it's flashing red strip along it's center had brought Travik back to his senses as he came upon and entered a turbolift. The doors swiftly shut behind him as he turned to face them, and with a stiff face he ordered the computer to his destination.

"Deck One"

[Entering the Bridge]

Travik realized that this would be the first time that he had worked face to face with the Bridge crew as he stepped out of the turbolift and stopped momentarily. He looked over towards Schols on his right and nodded, signalling his presence on the bridge, before heading to his station directly across from the turbolift doors beside the Security station where the CTO was stationed. Travik acknowledged the CO as he walked behind him, "Captain." to let him know he was reporting for duty.

Logging into OPS to the left and slightly behind Captain K'anis, Travik transferred the information he had gathered from his department to the console in front of him. Standing straight, as Vulcan's seem to do, he tapped further on the console to bring up the static filled message on a visual display.

"Captain, with your permission, I would like to proceed further on a theory I have been developing concerning our current situation. For lack of a more suitable description, my continued analysis of the communication we received from the 'void' should prove to be more insightful into the phenomenon."

[After whatever response is given]

"Understood. Furthermore, based on the probes disapearance, evidence would suggest that we do not attempt to enter the 'void'. My preliminary analysis of the subspace temporal signature would suggest that we 'may' be dealing with a Warp Shadow, or a 'mirror' of past events. Further analysis of the garbled communication will allow me to complete my theory and report my findings to you."

"Mister T'kav, I think this might interest you too," Cadet David said, as the vulcan officer stepped onto the bridge. Nodding to himself, the bynar tapped the console, and it transmitted the probe's findings, along with his hypothesis.

He stepped over to OPS to better explain his reasoning, as Travik looked over the data. After a moment, the stoic vulcan nodded, and the bynar launched in to his explanation.

"I have reason to believe, with the evidence given, that we are not facing the Borg. As far as we know, the Borg do not have the technology to create a graviton mine or AQS of this magnitude. 

"We are dealing with a very primitive form of cloak," the bynar said, gesturing to the EM readings, "based on flooding sensors with low EM radiation, making it look like a blind spot. It still is physically there, but it is cloaked from all un-calibrated sensors because of it. 

"Now, in saying this, the Romulan Star Empire is the only intergalactic power with the technology to create AQS's, though many others DO posses graviton mines. Relating to the message, I believe that the only thing that could actually have 'held' that message would be a degrading AQS, because the graviton mine's field would not be strong enough.

"Though I'm not implying the Romulans, the majority of the evidence DOES imply them."

[Raises from the command chair]

Captain K'anis got up from his chair the same instant the probe vanished into...the shadow area's event horizon and his First Officer informed him the telemetry has been cut off.

"Any change we could boost ourr signal through the deflector dish and reach for the probe, Commander?" - the Antican asked Mazer, while pacing just behind the FCO's station.

Cadet David presented this theory regarding a primitive form of cloaking being involved, which would link this phenomenon somehow with the Romulans. In the sequel, TO T'kav proposed a potential space-time phenomenon as well.

"Borg, Klingon, Romulan, time distortions...this is getting crowded I guess" - he says more to himself. "Tactical, Mrr. David, please follow up whatever theories you might see possible in this scenario. I'd scan for tachyons and chronitron emissions for a start"

"Cmdrr. Mazerr, have another probe on stand-by in case we've actually lost the first one" - K'anis finished, still imerge in reasonings about what was going on here

[At Tactical]

"Aye sir, initiating scans." Schols replied to the captains orders.

[After a few minutes, when the data came in]

"Sir, I don't have any readings indicating tachyon or chronitron emisions." Schols said after reviewing the sensors data.

Then, all of a sudden, the sensors show a brief, but very fearce energy peak.

"Sir, sensors just showed a fearce energy peak inside the void. It doesn't seem to match any of the wave patterns we have in our database." He said, after having seen the readings and comparing them with the science database.

[On the Bridge at Science]

Listening to the comments and conversations going on around the bridge, Mazer realized there was a lot more supposition than actual fact-finding going on. Theories about the Borg and the Romulans were flying all over the place ... but the veteran Starfleet officer somewhat doubted either was involved. "Well, not directly anyway," he murmurs to himself. The Captain had inquired about him trying different ways and trajectories to get data from the probe back ... and then, suddenly, it reappears. 

"Captain! The probe's exited the anomaly ... it's on a return course. It is already sending us telemetry ... hmmm ..." Mazer stops as data begins to scroll across his screen. Apparently, while the Victoria had also lost contact with the probe, the probe had lost contact with the Victoria, and automatically ran its return program which would cause the probe to proceed to the last known point of the Victoria once it had gathered a certain amount of data. 

"Sir, there's nothing about the Romulans ..." he begins with a glance to others on the bridge "... but there seem to be 35+ warp trails, all of which are Federation, and one which does not seem to be of Fed. origin. The intermix of the trails suggests warp technology which has not been used in ten years ... I.E. they haven't been modified to not damage the sub-space plane." 

The best computer Mazer has at hand begins to get to work immediately ... his brain. It had helped him much when he was a science officer, and is doing so now. The feeling of being at the heart of a mystery makes Mazer excited. He hasn't felt this way in a long while. "Sir, I've got a theory ... perhaps we're looking at 'ghosts'?" He waits a moment for the question to hang in the air, then continues ...

"Not ghosts in the general sense ... but more like sensor phantoms, spacial 'recordings' of an event in the past. We are, after all, near the location of the Battle of Wolf 359, something that happened just over a decade ago. We are detecting nearly 40 Federation warp signatures, but no ships connecting to them. We are detecting an additional singular signature which does not match up with Federation knows ... and there has been suggestions of Borg detection. Perhaps this anomaly is acting as a 'looking glass' into the past ... but not essentially as a means of temporal transport? My theory, in conclusion, sir, is that the anomaly is a slight temporal anomaly, and should be treated with caution."

[standing in the command area of the bridge]

"Sir, sensors just showed a fearce energy peak inside the void. It doesn't seem to match any of the wave patterns we have in our database." the CTO said.

"An unknown wave pattern now...if we just could get data back from the probe..." - K'anis states back at his officer, wishfully.

'Be carefull with what you wish...' - one has once said.

"Captain! The probe's exited the anomaly ... it's on a return course. It is already sending us telemetry ... hmmm ..." - the XO announced, proposing the probe had reseted her course upon losting contact with the Victoria

Mazer gave his report of 35+ Federation starship's warp trail, dating back at least 10 years and then proposed his 'looking glass' theory. Inwardly, the Antican saw the logic in his first officer's arguments. K'anis was glad he had made the right choice picking Mazer as his XO.

"Windows into the past, Commander? Very thoughful. We can just hope if remains closed..."

K'anis did not have time complete his sentence. From nowhere inside the shadow zone, a brightly white beam of energy streaked out...and pulverized the probe before more data could be collected.

[on the Bridge]

Mathayus observed in disbelief the explosion of the probe. They've been monitoring the anomaly since they arrived at Wolf 359 and nothing suggested this could happen.

"Luther" - the commander yelled at his SO. "Analyze that beam, immediately"

"already on it, sir" - replied Luthor, playing furiously at his board.

[On the Bridge at the Helm]

Kramer, being physically in control of the Victoria's position, noticed it first.

As he watched the probe explode in a brilliant display of white light, out of the corner of his eye he saw the pitch/plane meter on the upper-right hand corner of his console show a shift in the Victoria's position .768 degrees to the aft. Reaching automaticlly to correct the movement, the meter showed another shift back foreward. 

In addition to being suppressed by the internal dampners, the movements were so slight that they could not have been felt by anyone aboard the Intrepid-class starship.

As he made the position adjustment manually, Kramer reported to his Captain. "Sir, we seem to be experiencing a position shi..." Before Kramer could finish, the deck plates began to rattle beneath the bridge crew's feet, and those in standing positions on the bridge stumbled to the floor. Crew around the service rail that surrounded the bridge grasped it to either keep from falling or to pull themselves back up. Seated crew shifted in their chairs, struggling to remain seated. 

The USS Victoria shuddered back and forth as she passed through the emmission coming from the void.

Kramer, meanwhile, his left hand firmly grasping the corner of his console so as to maintain his position, worked frantically with his right hand to stabilize the Victoria. Fighting to keep the ship relatively still, suddenly Kramer lost power to the impulse engines and manuvering thrusters, causing the Victoria to rock backwards severely.

Outside, the ship looked as if it had been hit by a tidal wave, being thrown back on its axis. Close by, the Heisenberg suffered a similar fate, being swept below and away from the Victoria.

Back on the Bridge, Kramer had been thrown from his seat, but was crawling back towards his chair, fighting the pressure being put on him and the rest of the crew by the movement the dampners could not supress. As he climbed back up into the cahir, he tapped his comm badge.

"Kramer to engineering. What just happened down there? I need power to keep us stable up here..." Kramer managed to say in an even tone, controlling his emotions in a very Vulcan way despite the situation.

The crewman he contacted was not as collected, screaming back to the bridge, "Sir...the engines! They seemed to...stall, for lack of a better term! We'll have them back online right about...NOW!" 

With that, the section of Kramer's console that registered engine output lit back up, showing full power was available. Fingers flying, Kramer engagef full impulse and turned into the wave, somehow managing to ignore the excited talking and commotion on the Bridge. Turning into the wave stabalized the Victoria, but the ship continued to shudder fore and aft. Compensating, Kramer made adjustments to pitch and plain, and the shudders turned back into an almost gentle vibration.

"Captain," Kramer began, not looking back at his Captain but fixing his gaze on the helm console, "Our position has been stabalized...I hope I have not scratched the hull, Sir," the FCO added, remembering his first meeting with Captain K'anis, only two days ago.

[At Science 1]

"Sir, we are having problems getting readings for the beam's origin inside the shadow zone. I looks like if it had come from nowhere" - said the SO from his console.

"Focus on the thing's event horizon, Lieutenant. See if you can get anything from the spot the beam exitted" - directed the Commander

"Aye, aye sir. Training all sensors to coordinates" - said Alex, pushing the proper keys in the console. "Radiation, under parameters. Gamma emissions likewise. Gravit...." - he suddenly stopped - "Sir! incoming shockw..."

There was no time. The ship rocked slowly at first like a cork in a bucked, but then the graviton front reached and sent the Heisenberg hard to port, away from the also rocking Victoria.

A plasma conduit blew off in the back of the bridge and red emergency lights kicked in after a moment of darkness as main power shut down

"Bridge...this is engineering. We lost main power. The core is off-line but stable for now. Howerver...we'd be as the proverbial duck...dead in the water for a while"

Cmdr. Mathayus retook his chair and acknowledged the Chief Engineer. "Great...all that for the investigation. Operations....inform the Victoria of our situation"

The bynars eyes were glued to the sensors, as he had resumed his station at the secondary science console. Almost immediately as it had appeared, the energy beam disapppeared, destroying the probe. Now they had a new problem on their hands: weapons.

[OOC: Are we at red alert?]

As the last traces of the energy beam died away, the ship's computer began analyzing the beam. Data streamed across the screen as the computer compared it to thousands of other known cases in the Federation database. Bingo, match.

But as the cadet inspected it further, he noticed it wasn't a direct match, but rather similar to particle weapons of the earlier decades. Seems the captain's theory of the 'looking glass' was much more than a glass - rather a portal. That, or it was something designed to emulate older weaponry.

If it was the latter, it would have had to have a damned good cloak - and extremely advanced levels of technology. So far, they'd seen evidence of both. 

The ship tilted slightly, before helm could correct it, first back, then foreward, until they had finally righted themselves. Intent on checking the data, Cadet David looked back to his science console, a split second before a massive shockwave slammed into the Victoria.

Due to the FCO's piloting skills the Victoria managed to ride out most of the wave, and escaped nearly unharmed, except for the engine floundering for a minute. The Heisenberg was not so lucky. The smaller ship was tossed around and ended up, dead in the 'water,' nearly a kilometer away from the Victoria.

The bynar stepped up over to the CTO, after reviewing the data on the weapon. Handing him a PADD, he said, "Sir, with these modifications to a few of our torpedos, I believe that we can disperse the graviton front, or, at the very least, weaken it."

The CTO nodded, and the bynar resumed his watch at the secondary science station. He heard the computer chirp as it signaled an incoming communiqué from the Heisenberg.

[On the bridge shortly after the shockwave]

"Sorry about that, people," Kramer said to the bridge crew in the semi-darkness that was augmented by the Victoria's red emergency lights.

"Sir, we are recieving a transmission from the Heisenberg. Commander Mathayus reports that their position is stabalized, though they are currently powerless as their warp-core, like ours, stalled momentarily. Our own engineering department reports that the cause of the stall is still unkonwn, though the core is presently stable. Sickbay reports that no major injuries have been suffered. I estimate that it will take approximately 20 minutes to bring all ship's systems back fully online." Kramer finished his report to the captain, looking around the bridge and seeing steam flow from a conduit above the number two turbolift. Several crewman were shaking their heads, trying to clear the cobwebs from the previous commotion.

[At Tactical]

Schols was still running some analysis on the data the probe transmitted before it was destroyed buy the energy surge.

Then, Cdt. David stepped up over to Scholsand gives him a PADD. David said, "Sir, with these modifications to a few of our torpedos, I believe that we can disperse the graviton front, or, at the very least, weaken it."

"Acknowlegded Mr. David. But when we are going to do this, there's a possibility that we open this window a little further, and that things from that time get through. Now we don't want that to happen, I suppose. Let's see what Mr. Travik thinks of this. It might be better to let a Vulcan do the reasoning." Schols said upon taking the PADD

"Mr. Travik, could you please have a look at this?" Schols said, turning to Travik. "What do you think. Would it be worth the risk?"

{If no problems with Mr. Travik}

"Very well, in that case, I'll get a team going to modify these torpedoes." Said, after Mr. Travik answered positively to the suggestion made by Mr. David.

"Schols to Tactical Department" Schols said, while tapping his COMM badge.

"Truman here, go ahead." Mr. Truman replied.

"Mr. Truman, I'll be sending some modifications for the Torpedoes. Get a team down to the Torpedo bay and modify 3 or 4 torpedoes. It might be usefull to cooperate with Engineering here. Good luck, Schols out." Schols said while transferring the data to the Tactical Department. After he closed the COMM-link, he turned to Mr. David.

"As you are the one with this briliant idea, I would like you to get to the Torpedo bay, if permitted by captain K'anis." Schols said to the cadet.

[At Ops]

As the wave subsided and the ship regained it's stability, Travik let loose his fingers from the front edge of the console in front of him and regained his composure along with the ship. After reallocating essential power to the main systems, he took a moment and looked over the readings at OPS

Travik was listening to the conversations in the background when the mention of his name perked his attention a little more. He looked over at Schols with a steady look as the conversation continued...

"...It might be better to let a Vulcan do the reasoning." Schols said upon taking the PADD. 

Travik observed Cdt. David pass the unit to Schols with a brow-raising curiosity. As he watched the Bynar return to his post, Schols turned to Travik.

"Mr. Travik, could you please have a look at this? What do you think, would it be worth the risk?"

Travik tapped at the console and let Ops run unattended and proceeded to walk over to Schols duty station. He looked down at the familiar Tactical terminal before turning his attention back to Schols and taking the PADD into the palm of his hand.

He read over the details quickly while tapping the faceplate. Holding his arm in a rested position so that he could glance down when he needed reference he answered with a sense of candour and frankness.

"Based on Mr.Davids data, I would have to surmise that whatever effect this course of action may have on our current timeline, however unlikely, I would have to say that the risk is minimal. If we are to assume that the anomaly is indeed some sort of temporal phenomenon, it would be prudent that we take proactive actions in order to increase our chance of preventing any further contamination of this timeline, if any has occured thus far"

Travik held the PADD up a little higher in the air to read over the preliminary information to better understand the torpedo modifications. His concern had focused over to the safety of the crew and what impact the modified torpedos would have on the ship upon impact.

"Captain," Travik said looking over the center of the bridge where he was sitting, "due to the nature of the modifications that are suggested by Cdt. David, readings pre-suppose that these modifications will yeild a higher explosion then we previously experienced moments ago. We still do not know the exact nature of this anomaly and therefore do not know what impact an explosion of this magnitude would have on it or the ship." He continued his analysis of the data at hand, "However, I beleive the risk to the ship and it's crew to be minimal. In the interest of ship safety I suggest that we back off to a distance of at least 50,000km before we proceed."

Travik looked back at Schols firmly stating in an attempt to complete his answer, "With proper precautions being observed, I believe these modifications" passing the PADD back to him,"will suffice in an attempt to end whatever it is we have been observing thus far."

"Very well, in that case, I'll get a team going to modify these torpedoes." said Schols.

With that, Travik walked back to his post at OPS. Looking up and appearing as though to speak to nobody in particular he stated in a mater-of-fact tone...

"Perhaps we should warn the Heisenberg of any uncertainties that may occur" as he raised an eyebrow observing the rest of the crews reaction at his dry attempt at humour. With a grimmace that could have been mistaken for a hidden smile he suggested that we be ready to take the Heisenberg in tow if it's propulsion systems were not completely operational.

[Getting himself off the deck]

The shockwave - as the attack on their probe - took the Victoria's crew by surprise. The shadow zone, previously believed to be placid spatial phenomenon, was now showing convultioning properties. The relation between that fact and the beam that destructed the probe had yet to be determined.

Captain K'anis stood up from the deck, having being caugh off guard by the intensity of the shockwave.

Ens. Kramer got the damage report, which was actually considerably light, and a status report on the Heisenberg. "Great" - K'anis cursed. "Now we've lost our only immediate support vessel"

Ensigns Schols and T'kav, plus Cadet David came up with modifications to the photon torpedoes that could be used to disperse upcoming graviton fronts. "Well done all" - he said to everyone. "Frrom yourr diagnostics, it can do no harrm to have some torrpedoes modified in any case." - K'anis nodded to the officers, meaning a 'go-ahead' so the arrangemens could be done. "Mrr. Kramerr, be preparred to back off on my command. Contact the Heisenberg to determine how long their repairs will take"

"Mrr. Mazerr" - the Antican addressed his XO. "Any furtherr insight on this situation?"

[On the Bridge] 

"No less than half-hour, Commander" - said the voice over the intercomm. 

Cmdr. Mathayus slammed his blue fist on the armrest of this command chair. "Dead in the water. Great help we providing here...pfff" - he muttered at his CEO's report regarding the engines repairs. They'd have to relay on the Victoria to take them off if further wave fronts were coming. 

Suddenly, a shaking crossed the vessel, bulkheads vibrating. 

"Sir...it's a tractor beam. It has locked on us" - informed Lt. Luthor from Sciences. 

"Ah...quick to react those Anticans, eh?..." - the Bolian replied, just to be cut dryly by the SO. 

"Hmmm...sir....it's not the Victoria. A tractor beam is emerging from the shadow zone." - Luthor retorted and suddenly grew more agitated. "Sir...we're being pulled in" 

"Operations...hail the Victoria NOW!" - ordered the CO 

"I can't sir" - replied the OPS officer. "Communications are being jammed"

[At Tactical Station]

While schols was procesing some data, he looked at the viewscreen for a second and noticed a tractorbeam locked onto the Heisenberg. He immediatly faced the Captain, and said "Sir, it seem there is some kind of tractorbeam that ocked on to the Heisenberg. It appears to be coming from inside the void. Also, we lost all communications to the Heisenberg."

Schols then waited for the Captain to reply to his report, and would probably give him a new order. 'I really don't like what's going on here' Schols thought.

[On the Bridge]

"Nothing right now, sir," Mazer replies in regard to the Captain's query about insight. But he immediately sits up as the CTO reports that the Heisenberg has been caught in a tractor beam from within the void. He turns to the CTO and CSO, "Is there any possible wait to disrupt the tractor beam and free the Heisenberg?"

[At Tactical Station]

After Commander Mazer replied to Schols' report, schols answered the question the XO asked. "Well sir, I think there would be several ways. We could use the deflector to send a small graviton burst, and this way nutralize the tractor beam. However, this graviton beam could make the voic unstable. Another option could be to launch a full spread of torpodoes in, hoping we will hit the 'thing' in there that keeps a tractor lock. And last, but not least, we could try to lock onto the Heisenberg ourselves, and hope we are stronger than the 'thing', but I think this would be unlikely, due to our warp-core being off-line." Schols explained.

[On the Bridge at the helm]

"Mrr. Kramerr, be preparred to back off on my command. Contact the Heisenberg to determine how long their repairs will take" was the command given by Captain K'anis.

"Aye, sir," replied Kramer, beginning to establish a comm link with the Heisenberg, though at the same time as the rest of the bridge crew, he saw on his console that the Heisenberg was caught in a tractor beam, and heard the report from his old Academy classmate, Ens. Schols, that communications had been severed.

Still facing his console, Kramer addressed the Captain, "I concur with Ens. Schols, Sir, we cannot hail the Heisenberg at this time."

Fingers again flying over his console, Kramer computed two courses. One to swing the ship around and back off 50,000 km, per Ens. T'Kav's suggestion and subsequsent orders gaiven by the Captain, and another to engage the anomily that was pulling the Heisenberg into the shadow zone. Although the order to engage the zone had not been given, Kramer wanted to stand ready, as the situation was progressing rapidly.

Turning this time to face his commanding officer and the XO, Kramer addressed them both. "Sirs, I satnd ready to put 500,00km between us and the shadow zone, but I also have laid in a course allowing us to engage whatever enemy has the Heisenberg. I stand ready on your command, Captain, to execute either option." 

As Kramer finished his statement, the overhead lights switched from emergency red to the normal white, prompting Kramer to look at his engineering readout on his console. Engineering had brought the mains back on line in record time, Kramer saw, seeing that they once again had warp-capability.

Turning again to face Captain K'anis, Kramer reports, "Sir, warp core is back online...the Engineering department seems to be making up for the efficency they lacked in out initial warp voyage."

[At the command chair]

"Sir, it seem there is some kind of tractor beam that ocked on to the Heisenberg. It appears to be coming from inside the void. Also, we lost all communications to the Heisenberg." - announced Ens. Schols.

Captain K'anis took notice of it almost before his CTO finished the sentence. From his vantage point in the center of the bridge, the Antican observed as a bluish-white beam enveloped the Nova-class starship.

Something immediately came to K'anis mind as he processed the new piece of data. "Whoever is responsible for this is doing it on purpose or this new development in purely casual?" - he thought. In the first case, it could indicate that whatever was inside the phantom zone could somehow 'see' what was outsite (ie, in normal space).

"Is there any possible wait to disrupt the tractor beam and free the Heisenberg?" - asked Cmdr. Mazer from Science 1. Again, his XO was on top of things and got to the bottom of the situation.

"Well sir, I think there would be several ways." - replied promptly the CTO. "We could use the deflector to send a small graviton burst, and this way neutralize the tractor beam. However, this graviton beam could make the void unstable. Another option could be to launch a full spread of torpodoes in, hoping we will hit the 'thing' in there that keeps a tractor lock. And last, but not least, we could try to lock onto the Heisenberg ourselves, and hope we are stronger than the 'thing', but I think this would be unlikely, due to our warp-core being off-line."

"Considering ourr current level of knowledge on the ... void ..." - said the Captain. "...ourr best option would be try and neutralize the beam. It seems that wheneverr something crosses the event horizon, a graviton front follows right behind as we've just experienced. I'm not willing at this point to test this theory out. Likewise, it would be unwise to engage in a tie-o-war with an unknown adversary"

On the screen, the Heisenberg got closer and closer to the fringes of the shadow zone by the minute. Time was afoot, so the Antican made good use of it.

"With Cadet David preparing the graviton-disrupting torpedoes, we shall concentrate on freeing the Heisenberg. Mazer, analyse the beam's harmonics and try coming up with an anti-wave. Tactical, coordinate with Cmdr. Mazer in implementing this" - decided the CO.

"Sirs" - said Kramer at helm to K'anis and Mazer. "I stand ready to put 500,00km between us and the shadow zone, but I also have laid in a course allowing us to engage whatever enemy has the Heisenberg. I stand ready on your command, Captain, to execute either option."

"Good, Mrr. Kramerr. As things are going we cannot be sure on what to expect next. Keep me posted and continue trying to raise the Heisenberg to learn theirr status" - retorted K'anis.