Star Trek: A Call To Duty
U.S.S. Elara

Pandora’s Box
FIVE

Arc Title: Pandora’s Box
Episode: Five
Mission Number: 174
Creator: Chris Tucker
Ship Manager: Michael Jones
Stardate: 10208.25
Note: The following fonts are needed for portions of this transcript – “Slider”, “Astron Boy Video”, and “Unsteady Oversteer.”

Previously …

With the unleashing of the long-lost Diangornk fleet led by the infamous Ma’ver, the Elara crew has found themselves in a peculiar situation. Explaining what they’ve learned to the Diangornks seemingly helped things along, or so they thought. Ma’ver returned to his command ship somewhat frustrated, and the warning from Shane Zaris about the Diangornks attacking has not helped any.

The mystery around the diary of Gabrielle Haller grows as it seems it does predict the future … only if you’re able to translate it. Could it hold the key to stopping the Diangornks if they attack? 

Meanwhile, the quest for the shadowed being continues. Marshall, Maor and Jakob have joined forces with PRISM in their quest to hunt down the mysterious entity. They have now decided that in order to find it, they have to find the Aegis first. Shinar, Morosea Da and their master as well continue their search for the Aegis.

Who will find them first?

   Dramatis Personae 

Chris Tucker is Captain David Harison - Commanding Officer of the Elara, David Harison is the human leader of this batch of Starfleet officers. Headstrong and sometimes over confident, he has hardly ever failed any of the missions he has led his crew into. Having recently suffered a bout of suicidal tendencies as a result of his death and resurrection, Harison has been helped “back” to his normal life by those who he considers family … his crew.

Bernie Wallowitch is Commander Bernie Wall – Executive Officer of the Elara, Wall is the right hand man of the ship’s CO. Levelheaded and always one to look out for those who serve under him, Wall has endeared enough tragedy in his life to understand that every moment should be enjoyed … because you never know when it might be gone.

Terry Imrie is Commander Joseph Timrok – Both Chief Tactical Officer and Second Officer, Timrok has come a long way from being a “wet behind the ears” Ensign who was kidnapped by the D’vor on his first mission. Unlike many Vulcans, he has a taste for alcohol, but knows to control his urges … and is often one for friendly gatherings amongst crew. He charges himself with the safety of the crew, and has always succeeded in performing this act.

Lilia Perfeito is Commander Alexandra Gomes – Called the “soul of the crew” by entities within the Nexus, the Elara’s Chief Science Officer could hardly be told otherwise. With the heart of an explorer, she is always one to drive the crew to consider every possibility, no matter how improbable [or impossible] with each mission. 

Bruce Oriani is Ensign T’pucnamushi – Yet another new addition to the Elara crew, Ensign T’pucnamushi has joined the rapidly growing ranks of recent graduates from Starfleet Academy. Skilled in various things, he will make an interesting addition.

Zachary Lassiter is Ensign Ruvick – Also a newcomer to the Elara, Operations Officer Ruvick is a logic-based Vulcan who has come to realize that out of the ordinary happenings on the Elara are common. 

Ma’ver – Ma’ver is of the Diangornks, a long deceased race that remain amongst the mysteries of the ancient universe. The Elara crew has now come to learn that he led an armada of his species’ best vessels in an attack on the Nicodemians. However, what happened to him 45,000 years ago to bring him and his people here?

Commander Maor – Former Starfleet Intelligence attaché to the Elara, Maor has since set off on a personal quest of his … to find out the truth behind the crew’s supposed “resurrection.” Not trusted by his superiors because of his “absurd” loyalties, Maor also intends to protect his son Shane from SFI who have shown interest in the young boy’s abilities. 

Sarah – Once, this mysterious young woman was a “navigator” of humanity for an ancient reality-warping device known as Algernon. Yet when her “mentor” refused to warn Starfleet of the coming Omega Crisis and its repercussions, she chose to break away from the ignorant omnipotent and has since joined the ranks of those she considers herself closest to … the Elara crew. 

Shane Zaris – Shane is the genetically engineered child created from the DNA of former Elara crewmembers, Maor and Jan Zaris. “Made” by the Aegis in the hopes the boy would become a savior for a harrowed Universe in the future, it is unclear what amazing powers Shane could hold [despite his occasional awkward “spurts” in age]. Shane has recently come under the guardianship of CSO Gomes in light of Maor & Jan leaving the Elara. 

Host FM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Resume Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=
 
Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Elara closes in on the free drifting Merida.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::returns to her post on the bridge after having read the diary. She looks extremely concerned and puzzled::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::Sits at the ops console checking power allocations::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Closing on Merida sir

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::enters bridge and goes to his station::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::still at TAC scanning the Alien Fleet::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Very good Ensign.  Are we close enough to beam down an away team>

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::notes the CSO’s furrowed brow::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: There’s random chatter on the Diangornk comm channels

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::looks down at scans of the planet surface with its immense towers and remembers something ...::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::arrives on the bridge:: CEO: Ensign T'pucnamushi reporting for duty. ::hands CEO Starfleet Orders assigning him to USS Elara::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::notices the CTO looking at her and shakes her head::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::takes the EO's orders and looks them over::  EO:  Welcome abourd ensign.

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Sir, 3 minutes until were in transporter range, this is going to be pretty hard to get an orbit around

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
EO:  What do you think of your new ship?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::she remembers what she read about "spires" being a key .... spires like the towers on the planet. Or is it just her imagination?::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CEO: Interesting.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::takes the CSO aside for a moment:: CSO: is there a problem Alex?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Ignore the orbit then, just keep alongside the planet

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CEO: What things are the Away Team looking for anyway?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::is startled by the CTO:: CTO: I've been reading Gabrielle's diary. The book that Shane says predicts that the Diangornks will attack

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Aye sir

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
EO:  When they get down anything that might help us with our situation.  Information etc...  Knowledge is power after all

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: it is not scientific enough to present to the captain. But there is something very wrong here. ::She takes the book from her uniform jacket::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::gives a reassuring smile:: CSO: it didn’t happen to mention how & when did it?

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Within transporter range sir.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: No, actually there was no mention of a battle like this. But there was something ....

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: I’ve been monitoring the fleet, & we have been listening to their comm`s, there has been no evidence to suggest they will attack

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Good.  What are the weather conditions down there

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Scanning

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::notices a change in the tactical readings::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Sir, its in the winter months

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods:: CTO: I am hoping that if we go down to planet we can get more information. "The spires are the key". That’s a passage from the book

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Any severe storms which would endanger the away team?

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: this may be nothing Sir! but you wanted to be kept informed, the Diangornk fleet has begun re-organizing

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO_Capt_Harison: Negative, the facility is underground

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::blinks:: CO: Captain, I suggest we get ourselves in a safe distance from the fleet

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
Self: I only wish I knew why

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
Self: C'mon Away Team. send me something I can use or something.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Reorganizing?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Concerned Commander?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Very good.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: yes sir, simply repositioning into groups

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: It may be nothing but ... well, Shane said they would attack

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Shane?  How does he know that?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: What’s their position?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: He says he read it here :: shows him Gabrielle's diary:: CO: It was the book that strange Vulcan Shinar left on the Elara

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: they haven’t moved location Captain

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: I normally wouldn't listen to such non scientific data but Shane is ... different

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO/CTO: I just think we should keep our eyes opened

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: I tend to agree Commander.  ::examines the diary::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: also, if you remember, it was when I activated the computer on the planet that the fleet appeared. Perhaps deactivating it will make them go to where they came from

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: they might not like that, we dont need to provoke them

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: I wish I could tell you I'm entirely confident that this is false, but I'm not.  ::looks through the diary, a passage catching his eye.  "renewal comes through shattering of bone and nerve".::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: I know sir but we have no real foundation to take any real action

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: but could we survive an attack from them? I don't think so ...

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: i believe we could - survive

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO/CTO: Regardless, the ruins hold the key to all of this.  The Diangornks seem to have a rather special connection with Merida...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: I agree

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::sighs:: CSO: Very well then.  Take a limited away team to the surface and get as much out of their computer as possible.  And Commander, take a security team with you.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: We'll keep an open comm link with you. And this time I won't be pushing any buttons without you knowing first ::smiles::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO / CSO: Going down to the planet might be just the trigger they need to attack

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: We need to do something ...

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO / CSO: The AT would be in a lot of danger

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: Is there any security officer you can spare? one will be enough

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO:  Maybe so Commander, but sitting around won't get us any answers.  We'll keep a constant transporter lock, the Diangornks, if they do becomes hostile, won't get near them.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CEO: I'd like you to join me on the away team

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: i can provide as many personnel as you require, but they wont offer any protection against an orbital bombardment

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
CSO:  Gladly

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: Inside those towers we won't need that kind of protection

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: i wish i could feel so sure

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CTO: Just have someone meet me in Transporter room one

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS: Keep us between the Diangornk fleet and the away team's position.  Just in case.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CEO: ::matter-of-factly tone of voice:: I can take care of things here.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Good luck Commander.  Come back safely.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods to the CEO and motions Heller and SO Ix to follow her::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
EO:  I believe you can.

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::follows the CSO::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
*Security* Timrok here - have a team meet Commander Gomes in the TR, they will be going to the surface

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::doesn’t look happy::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: With a bit of a time warp, the CSO, CEO, SO Ix and a requested security team arrive in Transporter Room One.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
*Bridge*We are ready to beam out

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::nods to OPS to begin transport::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Relax Commander.  Alex knows what she's doing

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The AT is beamed back down to the Nicodemian control center. The entire network seems to be operational, and no longer are the words "The future is now" displayed everywhere. Instead an ancient alien language is.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::aside::  CO: have you considered the consequences if this does turn ugly

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@::pulls out his tricorder and begins scanning the area::

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::he enters the bridge::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ CEO: Try to figure out as much as you can as to what this computer does exactly

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@CEO: Ensign Ix can help you

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The CSO's boot crunches something.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ ::looks down as she hears something under her foot::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@::moves up to the computer and scans it and looks carefully over the displays and controls::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Believe me I have.  However, I see no other alternative at this point.  Something here goes much deeper than is on the surface.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: the Diangornks appear to be the last of there race - to destroy tem would be murder on a global scale, we are talking genocide - extinction

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: Under her foot are the remains of a putrid jum-jah stick. An alien variation of the ancient Earth "cigarette."

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::leaning on console, arms folded:: CO: In a strange place like this, shouldn't there be a lock on the Away Team. Just a suggestion.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ ::picks up the jum-jah stick and gulps remembering something::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::grins:: EO: Mr. Timrok has one I'm sure.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
:a bleep takes his attention back to the TAC console:; CO: some of he fleet have broken off and are moving this way... i read 15 of them

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: OPS calls out that a hail is coming in from Ma'ver's ship.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ COM: USS Elara: Has any one been here after we left?

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::console beeps, Reading data::

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::walks over to the CO the ships crew is reorganized and back on track::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
OPS:  On screen.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@AT: Everyone be careful, we may not be alone ::picks up her tricorder and looks specifically for a Vulcan signature::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Stand by to beam the away team back.  Some thing tells me this may get ugly.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: CSO: Commander, prepare to return to the ship.  This looks like it might get ugly.

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@::goes to press a few of the controls to see what happens then remembers what happened last time someone pushed a button down here::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ COM: CO: I think we can do more from down here sir

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: CSO: No.  I can't leave you down there.  Stand by.

Host Ma`ver says:
# ::The short Diangornk has a calm, collected AND determined look:: COM: Elara: Captain Harison ...

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: Ma'ver: Ma'ver.  What can we do for you?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@ COM: USS Elara: Captain, someone has been here ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@CEO: Any luck?

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: If someone doesn't stay down there and finish the download, I won't be able to determine anything. I need a FULL download of the Nicodemian Computer Network.

Host Ma`ver says:
# COM: Elara: Your revelations seem to have some truth to them. We have not been able to establish any contact with our homeworld. Everything that we once knew seems to be gone. And so are the Nicodemians.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
EO: Can we just leave a tricorder down there set to auto-download?

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@CSO:  Not yet, we still can't translate the Nicodemian language.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::watches as Ma'ver talks to the Captain::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: Ma'ver: Some?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@CEO: Keep trying and send whatever information you find to the ship

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: We could....but there's no guarantee that something wouldn't happen to it disrupting the download feed.

Host Ma`ver says:
# COM: Elara: Your vessel is powerful. That indicates your species ... your empire holds the same strength. The fact you were here to ... release us is suspect. Some of your technology is similar to ours. I refuse to believe that is coincidence.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: So I would recommend against it.

Host Ma`ver says:
# COM: Elara: As such, I believe YOU are responsible for the annihilation of both my species and the Nicodemians. We will not let this crime go unpunished. You will surrender and take us to your homeworld.

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@::Keeps scanning over the computer::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::puts his head in his hands::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
Self: Surrender? Not in the Captain's vocabulary I think.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: Ma'ver: Ma'ver, I can assure you that our presence in this system is purely scientific.  As far as the similarities in technology, many races in the galaxy have similar technology.  It's a different galaxy.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::motions for the CTO to beam the away teams up::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
@CSO:  The translator is starting to piece the language together.  It's starting to put together how to use it

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
Comm CSO: Alex, get ready to return

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::thinks this is not what I wanted to here::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@::looks over the CEO's shoulder to his tricorder::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
Self: I don't have a homeworld, but these people do, and I'm not going to let someone take it be force.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::fixes the lock on the AT & energizes::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
COM: Ma'ver: I do not surrender Ma'ver.  It would be in the best interests of both of us if we were to discuss this civilly.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
@COM: USS Elara: We are making...::she never finishes her sentence as she is caught in the transporter beam::

Host Ma`ver says:
# COM: Elara: Have it your way, Harison. See you soon. ::The comm. is cut::

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: we could share some of the data in our library of the other race, perhaps that will help him understand

Host Ma`ver says:
ACTION: The AT is beamed back up to the Elara.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::appears in transporter room one:: CEO: What did you find?

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::finds himself back on the Elara and curses::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::growls:: XO: Somehow I don't think he's listening to reason.  Red alert.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: i believe it would be in everybody’s interest if we were to leave now

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::begins walking towards the bridge::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::moves the ship to red alert::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: For the first time since the fight with the Bellicose, the Elara goes to red alert.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: i have data referring to the planet as a "booby-trap" to anyone who went planet side.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: I tend to agree.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
Helm: All about, get us out of here.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::enters the TL and orders it to the bridge::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
EO: Lovely, and we were the boobs that fell into it.  Anything useful on the Diangornks?

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: The towers [spires] located all over the planet would emit a sort of transporter effect, capturing anything in the energy's path in a "buffer" of some sort. It appears that the entire alien fleet [and a planet in the star system] were caught in the original buffer effect.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::enters the bridge just as the EO speaks:: CO: And the system may have been tampered with recently

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::follows the CSO::  CSO:  I'm not sure if I got enough we'll have to check what all they received on the ship and if the computer could decipher it all::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods to the CEO::CEO: Correlate both data as soon as possible

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Explain Commander.

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Diangornks come in firing. All fifteen vessels open fire with bursts of a pure orange energy that batters the Elara's shields. Moments later, the ship jumps to warp. Twenty Diangornks follow.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CEO: diverted some extra power to the aft shields

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
:: frowns.  Somehow, it always turns out like this:: CTO: Damage report,

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: I found a jum-jah stick down there. it was used just a week before we arrived. I remember that our temporary Vulcan passenger smoked them

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: we have no damage, shields holding

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: some of the ships are still trying to pursue

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Shinar.....remind you of something?

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Diangornks, while not powerful in weaponry, have apparently quite advanced in warp technology. They easily keep up with the Elara. Projectile missiles are launched from all sides.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
EO/CEO: Is there any way you found that we could revert the process and put the fleet back in the buffer?

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::fires phasers at the missiles::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Destroy those incoming warheads.  I see they do not give up easily.

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The ship rocks hard with the missile attacks. Explosions light up the shields. Onboard, the lights flicker, but nothing else seems to be damaged. 1/4th of the missiles were destroyed by phaser fire.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: Standby... ::runs simulations::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: Yes, the diary ... but it still doesn't make sense, there is a piece missing on the puzzle

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::moves next to the EO and begins working on the problem::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Lock phasers on the lead vessel and target to disable.  Let's show them what they are dealing with.

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: Twelve more missiles are launched at the Elara.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::sails over the top of the CO from the impact, cutting arm on CO's chair::

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::looks over his panel as the crisis evolves::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::stands up, lowers arm, and looks at cut::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::fires phasers across the bow of the lead vessel - missing it though::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::begins to feel some guilt over this .... if she hadn't activated the computer on the planet ...::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::focusing energy, watches as cut disappears::

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::returns to CEO's side::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
Helm: All stop and zero the Y axis.  Send those missiles over the top of us.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
EO: Are you alright Ensign?  ::turns to him::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The helm follows the orders, pulling a maneuver that had not been possible previously. The Elara comes to a complete stop without hurling anyone anywhere. The missiles lose their targets and pass by quickly. All explode.

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The 20 Diangornk vessels come out of warp and at the Elara, firing their energy weapons.

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CO: Yes sir, no problem

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO:  I'm getting rather sick of this.  All about.  Attack pattern Delta.  Fire Phasers.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CSO: try and jam the guidance systems of those missiles - use what we learned from there comm system earlier as a baseline

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::while looking up at the screen this is not good and there energy weapons hurl toward the Elara::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: We can't take them by force ... there's got to be another way

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: i believe a direct attack will only inflame the situation

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::finishes simulations:: CSO: Yes, we can. But we would have to be BACK at Merida, and would have to lure the fleet there to do so.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: I'm open to suggestions.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: we have to try to talk to them again, whatever it takes

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
EO: Would we have to beam down to the surface?

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CSO: No. I don't believe so.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: I agree.  But first, they need to know they cannot push us around.  Disable the attacking vessels.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: If talking won't help we could try and put them again on the transporter buffer where they came from

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
XO: Jam their communications.  I want the rest of their fleet to be in the dark.

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Diangornks fly all around the Elara, firing their energy bursts from all sides. They're growing frustrated, as their energy weapons have little to no effect on the Elara.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: And then maybe only later and with our own fleet of ships we could bring them back again

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
CSO: Correction. Yes, you would. There isn't enough know about the system to do it from here.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods to the EO::EO: That makes it all too difficult ...

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Good idea.  Can we get back to Merida without bringing their entire fleet on us?

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: aye sir, ::walks over and punches up the commands at communications station and activates jamming frequencies::

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::Locks phasers on the nearest vessel & waits:

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The 20 ship attack squad is effectively cut off from the rest of their fleet.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: We would have to drop shields briefly too, someone must beam down to Merida to activate the system

EO_Ens_Tpucnamushi says:
::busies self to console and running more simulations::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Will we be trapped with them when the system is activated?

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: I can go down!

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Target their weapons arrays.  Fire.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: Good question .... if we go to warp right after activating I don't think so.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: jamming frequencies activated

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::bites his lip apprehensively::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::nods to his XO::  There's no telling what will happen when we beam you down.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: But we'd need time to beam whoever we send down there and then warp out

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: 10 more Diangornk vessels are dispatched to investigate the loss of contact with the initial 20.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
CO: well if it saves the Elara I don't care, the Elara and her crew have been through enough

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Agreed.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
CO: captain - im reading another 10 vessels incoming - this situation is getting out of hand

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
:: nods quietly to the XO::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The initial squad gets tired of using up their energy sources, and unleashes five missiles.

XO_Cmdr_Wall says:
::prepares to beam down::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CTO: Can you project some sensor ghosts on the opposite side of the system.  We'll try to fool them into believing we have reinforcements coming.

CTO_Cmdr_Timrok says:
::fires at the missiles - widening the beam to improve the chances of hitting::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CEO: I'll need full instructions on what you found about that computer. I intend to volunteer to activate it

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The phaser fire detonates all five missiles.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
Helm: Set course for Merida and engage, make sure those Diangornk ships can follow us.

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
CSO:  Sending to your console now.  ::sends information to the science station::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The officer at helm nods and brings the Elara about. The ship leaps into warp, and the 20 Diangornks follow. Moments later, they pass the inbound 10 who come about and give chase. All 30 vessels are pursuing the Elara back toward Merida.

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
Self: Time to re-spring the trap.

Host FM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Pause Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

INTERLUDE FIVE

“This was quick getting on its feet,” Maor comments as he sits down in a chair off to the side of the Runabout Crystalis. Cmdr. VanArsdale sits next to Maor, looking over data pertaining to their mission. Lt. Cmdr. White sits at the helm, piloting the small vessel at warp five for their destination. 
	“I’ve met your superior in the past. When he wants things done, he means immediately,” VanArsdale comments as he briefly glances up from his PADD. Maor lets his annoyance at the statement show for a moment, “He’s not my superior. I’m only working on this assignment because of my interest.” “Fair enough,” responds the Cmdr., returning to his data. Maor lets a small bit of a smile creep onto his face. He likes PRISM personnel, they know their business, and know when to stop asking questions. Or so he thought.
	“What exactly is your interest?” inquires White from the helm.
	“I was a part of the Elara crew.”
	“Ah. So do you think you were ‘resurrected’?” comes the next question, this time laced with skepticism. “I’ve ‘died’ before. I believe its possible,” Maor responds curtly. “That was different,” VanArsdale interjects. The Klingon / Bajoran tilts his head, “What do you mean?” The PRISM Cmdr. looks up from his PADD for once, “I’ve read your profile. In the past the few times you actually were ‘dead,’ you had only been gone for a few minutes, to a max of an hour. The longest time you were gone, they resuscitated you with Borg nano-technology.” 
	“Don’t remind me,” Maor sneers. 
	“Yeah, this time you were all supposed to have been gone for three months. Three months! That’s well into the decomposition stage,” White adds. Maor lifts a finger; “There have been instances of aliens resurrecting dead for long over a week in the past. Even after decomposition. Why is it hard to believe that this isn’t possible?” “Well, frankly, in those instances, the people came back different. I mean, extremely different. I recall one case where a girl was now a member of the species that resurrected her. You all … you all came back ‘perfect,’” she finishes.
	An image flashes in Maor’s mind of the Elara crew in a catatonic state, staring into nothingness in the lounge on Rhengor. He hears the words of the Rhengorian Doctor Leios repeat in his mind, They seem to remain in their own Universe; they don’t respond to anything. They just eat, breath, sleep …
	“No, we didn’t,” Maor, says quietly, turning to stare out at space. White hears him, but chooses not to push further judging by the expression on his face. “Approaching target,” reports White. VanArsdale looks up, and a gray world barely lit by its own sun lies before them. “This is it?” Maor inquires. The Cmdr. nods, “Based upon the information from your earlier encounters with the Aegis, and your brief ‘jaunt’ here, this appears to be their former homeworld.”	
	“What’s it called?” White asks, staring at it with avid curiosity.
	“We don’t know. This system had not been charted until nine months ago, and only then was the connection made between what Mr. Maor here saw and what was there. Bring us into orbit over the largest city,” VanArsdale orders as he taps the quickly accumulating map on the console. His PRISM partner nods and drops the Runabout out of warp, moving the vessel quickly into a safe transporting orbit. 
	“All right, Maor, you and me are going down to the surface. I want to use the EVA suits, there’s no telling what the state of anything is down there, and I don’t want to take any chances. Perfect sensor scans or not—” It would be, of course, at that moment that the sensors on the Runabout would go crazy. “What’s going on?” asks Maor, going rigid at the constant bleeping. “Sensors are picking up a possible cloaked contact,” White reports. “Whatever it is, it’s coming at us.” 
	Maor doesn’t even have to be given the order; he deftly moves into the “tactical” seat and begins running scans. Even at that moment, its too late. Sensors go from bleeping to blaring as a familiar ripple is caught out of the corners of their eyes. “Orion Rigel Class Frigate decloaking!” White calls out, already initiating evasive maneuvers. “They’re firing!” Maor cries out as he tries to raise the shields in time. “HANG ON!” screams White. The Cmdr. is about to ask why when he is practically thrown back by the Runabout making a steep dive into the planet’s atmosphere. It’s a familiar, yet dangerous tactic. The last time he had seen it used was during the war. A vessel attempts to avoid inbound torpedoes by diving into the planet’s atmosphere, hoping that its properties would drive the weapons off. The maneuver could as well cause the destruction of the vessel making the dive. In either case, the maneuver comes little too late for the ship.
	An explosion is heard from the back compartment, and the familiar sounds of escaping air combine with computer alerts signaling a hull breach. Yet in a few seconds a force field is up in place to prevent total collapse. VanArsdale watches on as they break through a cloudbank with a giant ceiling. Moisture appears briefly on their windows before being evaporated by the building heat from the rapid descent. The sound of screaming air fills their minds as the mass of titanium alloys plummets at mach two. “You can pull up now! They’re not firing any more, and I don’t think they pursue!” cries out Maor. “No I can’t! The torpedo damaged the flight systems!” White responds frantically, trying to get something, anything, to respond. 
	VanArsdale remains silent as the Runabout clears the cloudbank, and then utters “My god.” White takes a moment to look up and see what he is talking about. A dead and rotting city lies before them. It is ironic that they are to perish in the city of death. “Anyone got any prayers, spit ‘em out! ‘Cuz we’re losing it! We’re losing I—”

	KRAKABOOM.

***

He stands amidst the darkness and the red; alone. 

For some reason, he has always felt this way. Ever since his birth, which remains a mystery to him to this day. Normal five year olds wouldn’t even have considered their births, but he does. Every single day, and he doesn’t know why. He doesn’t know why he’s here, or what his purpose in life is. There was a time, a very short time, when he felt some semblance of a real life. When his mother and father, Jan Zaris and Maor, had come back from being away for so long. But now both were gone. A part of him felt anger and sadness at it; he thought they were being selfish.
But those feelings would fade quickly. He knew they both left because they needed to. Because other people needed their help. That’s the truth; it has to be. For a moment he wonders if the Elara crew would be amongst the people who would need their help. He was here again, alone again, in the Lounge. The place had been shut down, but someone had forgotten to lock the doors in the rush to duty. Not that it mattered; barely twelve people had come to use the place since the ship was re-launched. The klaxons had stopped sounding, but the red lights continued to flash. There was a melody of searing shields to go with each flash of sanguine. Yet, even amongst the orange energy fire coming from the “knats” who were darting from place to place, Shane Zaris knew that they weren’t in danger. 
“You shouldn’t be here,” he says silently, yet loud enough for the person who just entered the Lounge to hear him. Sarah, almost as out of place as Shane, stops in her tracks, “Neither should you, Shane. That’s your name, right?” With a light, brightening smile, Shane turns and says, “That’s what my mother called me.” Sarah nods, clasping her hands behind her back as she walks up, “Why are you here, Shane? It’s not safe.” “Sure it is. The Elara isn’t going to be destroyed, or captured. No one is going to be hurt with this attack,” Shane explains. She furrows her brow before him, “How do you know that?” “It’s not that they’re not powerful enough,” he continues, gesturing out at the darting vessels which are still keeping up with the Elara, “It’s just they’re not smart enough. It isn’t like it was with the Bellicose.” 
“You remember that?” Sarah asks, somewhat surprised since she remembers being told he had been a baby at that time. Shane gives a pause, almost as if to ask himself how exactly he remembers that, and then answers, “Yes.” There is another pause, then, “Why are you here?” “Well, I thought I saw someone in here when I was walking by and the—” Shane interrupts her with the shake of his head, “No, I mean why are you here, on the Elara.” He punctuates this with a stomp of his right foot. 
Sarah is somewhat surprised by the question, moving a strand of brown hair from her face, “Well, I’m here to … help the crew. I guess you could say I’m sort of a morale officer, like Counselor Pazoski. I’m here to look after their well being.” She adds this with a smile. “You made those new uniforms for the ‘big’ crew,” Shane states. Sarah nods, stepping over to him, “Yes, I did. I thought they’d be helpful, and that it would help crew to discern who was of the comman- ‘big’ crew and the ‘little crew.’” “You did it because you feel you have no use here,” Shane responds in a matter of fact tone. “Just like me.” 
“No,” Sarah starts, and then adds almost as if to convince herself, “No. Its not like that. You do have a use here, Shane.” She kneels down beside him, “Right now, you’re the only kid onboard. You’re here to cheer up people by just being around.” Shane looks solemn, “I think I’m just a nuisance. Like Kris.” Sarah tilts her head, “Kris?” “Kris Hall. A little girl, she used to be here a long time ago. She was the adopted child of Commander Wall. He left. Her parents were killed by the D’vor,” Shane explains. Sarah nods her head, somewhat remembering that from the times she served with Algernon and monitored Starfleet, and more specifically, the Elara.
“Ah, did you read about Kris somewhere?” she inquires.
“No,” Shane shakes his head. “I saw her ‘ghost.’” 
Sarah looks a little startled, “Ghost? But Shane, she isn’t dead—”
“No, no,” Shane begins, shaking his head in frustration. “I’m explaining it all wrong. I feel, and sometimes see stuff … like, memories that were ‘left behind.’ I’ve see Kris at the back of my mind, playing, and being chased by Mr. Pazoski. And I’ve seen you; back a long time ago, when you were ‘different,’ talking with Ms. Kezia down below. Its really weird.” 
Sarah looks concerned, “Shane … why haven’t you told anyone about this?” 
“Because I’m afraid the bad men will take me away,” he answers simply. For a moment Sarah considers smiling and consoling Shane, and assuring him that whatever “monsters under the bed” he’s speaking of, there is no danger. But there is this nagging doubt at the back of his mind, that it’s more than that, “What bad men?” “The ones my daddy was afraid of. The ones he told Ms. Alex to watch for and protect me from. The ones he’s working for, and the ones who made me.” Sarah is only partially aware of what he is speaking of, somewhat recalling the background in regard to the Aegis. But she wasn’t aware that he knew about it. Maybe his mother told him. “Shane, you’re perfectly safe here. No one is going to take you away.” 
“No, but I’m going to be going away,” Shane begins.
“Hmmm? What do you mean?” Sarah asks.
“Nothin’, it’s just a feeling.”

To be continued …