Star Trek A Call to Duty presents...

USS Elara

“Know Thy Enemy – Part 6”

Starring

Peter Saunders as Lieutenant Commander Peter Pazoski
Gordon Cindriæ as Lieutenant John McKnight
Michael Taylor as Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael Taylor
Cosma Mihai as Lieutenant Junior Grade Cosmo Starbuck
Rob Lemmens as Ensign Nathaniel Horatio Nelson
Scott Knight as Ensign Iain Hans Sollo

  And

Lília Perfeito as Minister Anderson, Ensign Lost and Vulcan Commander

Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\= U.S.S. Elara Stardate 10509.11 - "Know thy Enemy, part VI"=/\=
Host SM_Lilia says:
The USS Elara remains in orbit of Nova Pax colony, in the middle of the Romulan Neutral Zone. Their purpose was simple, aid a brand new Romulan-Federation colony. However matters have become slightly more complicated...
Host SM_Lilia says:
Two Officers never returned from the colony. The CEO now appears to have a good lead on Sollo and Pazoski but will they arrive in time?
Host SM_Lilia says:
Meanwhile, The first officer and science officer have a little adventure of their own as they investigate something about a huge cube and a small sphere which can not be scanned. Are they just imagining them?
Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= Begin Mission =/\= =/\= =/\=
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::approaches the pool::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#:: on the surface of the planet ::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Waits for the XO to signal them being ready to enter the cube again, holding the sphere closely and safely.::
Host M_Anderson says:
@TO: My my my you surprised me. Either you can bluff the Machine or you are a pirate. Tell me, why did you join Starfleet?
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::walks out of the shuttle with his hand-held scanner:: CTO: Any sign of life around here Mr. Starbuck?
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::secures his EV suits helmet and takes in a breath:: CSO: Well then, lets get this over and done with.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@Anderson: you want an honest answer or the answer I gave the recruiting office?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Well I found a few slugs and some microscopic life forms... but I don’t think they are any of our crew
Host M_Anderson says:
#ACTION: Outside there are only rocks
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Nods:: XO: After you sir. ::Still smiling nervously.::
Host M_Anderson says:
@TO: Both
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: And... erm... it seems all the readings are passing through the mountain... like its hollow… but I cant get any readings from the inside..
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::moves over to the runabouts airlock and opens the door and steps out into the cube once again:: CSO: Keep your eyes open.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@M: well, I told them I wanted to explore space and follow in the family tradition of space going Sollos...
Host M_Anderson says:
$ACTION: The familiar multicoloured interior of the cube is again revealed to the 2 officers
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$XO: Don't you worry sir. ::Struggling to get out of the runabout with the sphere clutched in his hands.::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@M: The real reason is that I joined up for the combat, I heard there were a lot of conflicts that needed good soldiers.
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::walks over some rocks setting up the scanner:: CTO: Ok Mr. Starbuck give me have few minutes to set this up.
Host M_Anderson says:
@::sits back:: TO: I thought Starfleet's mission was one of peace. You should have joined the Klingons, they are better at war
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Well if you think you got a better chance of getting a reading on the inside of this mountain... knock yourself out
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::shakes his head:: M: The only reason I didn't was that a Klingon killed my brother... I've never trusted them since.
Host M_Anderson says:
$ACTION: In the middle of  the twisting lights the CSO gets lost from the XO but finds the pedestal
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Very well then, lets get over there, lead the way Lieutenant. ::nods at the CTO::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::moves::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::As he found the pedestal he turns around.:: XO: Sir, we're ba... Sir? ::Looks around trying to get a bearing on where is or the XO is. He didn't remember any other corridors or passageways to get lost in.::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::follows the CTO trying not to trip on any of the bigger rocks on the way::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@M: Besides, I'd never have survived in a Klingon boot camp.
Host M_Anderson says:
@TO: Very well, it does seem you have what it takes. Or you are a darn good liar. Its odd that the telepaths thought you were lying in the beginning ... what do you have to say to that?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
::keeps moving trying to find an entrance in the mountain::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::looks around and mumbles something about Scientists always wondering off:: CSO: Mr. Nelson?!
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@M: What can I say, I am half human, and to be honest I was harboring quite a lot of resentment towards you for the way you saw fit to "recruit" me.
Host M_Anderson says:
#ACTION: There is no entrance but the hollow appears wide enough for someone to be inside standing
Host M_Anderson says:
@TO :By giving you no choice? See we must ... if we want a real army we need the best of the best ::his eyes glow:: TO: And we will succeed ... we will succeed
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::scans the mountain:: CTO: Well it doesn't look like we're getting in the easy way, although there might be something inside. Any ideas Mr. Starbuck?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: The shuttle has transporters right? Plus the ion storm should keep any scans detecting this.. we can beam in some test objects until we got  confirmation one of them is clearly in the hallow.... then we beam in and program the transporter to beam us out automatically after some time
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@M: I understand that now, and I apologise for my outbursts earlier.
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::sighs and takes out his Tricorder, takes a few seconds and locates the CSO, heads off in his direction::
Host M_Anderson says:
@::looks to the side, as if talking to no one:: Side: What? No! Evacuate!!
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::For a little while he waits, but does not get any sign of the XO and decides to complete the task alone. He walks over to the pedestal and looks down to the sphere he keeps clutched in his hands. He has to be careful not to drop it now.::
Host M_Anderson says:
@ACTION: Anderson disappears in a shimmer
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: The TO is alone in the palace like house, near the pool
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Good idea, I can reconfigure them to a narrow beam, to be more precise. If that doesn’t work we can ask the Elara to beam us down some plasma explosives to crack a few holes. ::turns back and starts walking to the shuttle::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::finds himself alone and looks around:: Anyone: Hello?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Crack a few holes? Don’t get me wrong... I like blowing stuff up, but I do not want to injure our crewmates even before we find them… plus we might cause a collapse of the mountain.
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: On the surface, the CEO and CTO detect a high neutrino surge just on the edge of he mountains
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::walks up behind the CSO:: CSO: Go ahead Mr. Nelson ::takes out his Tricorder and starts scanning::
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: Then their Tricorders go blank
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::kneels down on the ground:: CTO: What was that?! ::looks at his Tricorder::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@:: gets no answer and goes looking for a drink::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: ::last glimpse of the Tricorder showed a neutrino surge:: Neutrino surge.... engine power up?
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: Just where Anderson was, is a stand with all sorts of drinks.
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::The tension was so high, he jiggled with the sphere for a moment, nearly dropping it as he hears the XO behind him. His helmet very briefly fogged up.:: XO: SIR!! ::catches his breath:: Please don't do that anymore.
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Quick, back to the shuttle! ::picks up the pace::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::thinks this is better than a holodeck and takes a drink from the stand, starting to enjoy the hospitality::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::chuckles slightly to himself:: CSO: Just take it easy Ensign, just put it in the slot and lets see what happens.
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: The drink tastes to absolutely nothing
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
::notices the Tricorder act up again:: #CEO: Sir wait... its clearing up.. I can detect some computers and around 9 life forms inside the mountain... 2 matching Elara crew... getting a lock on it... Done... lets move to the shuttle and beam in
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::thinks hmmm and takes another drink::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::jumps over a few rocks:: CTO: I bet it was some kind of cloaking technology they used to mask themselves, who ever it was. ::arrives at the shuttle and gets inside straight to the transporter control panel::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Nods and looks at the pedestal again. Carefully extending his arms in front of him, still holding the sphere, but trembling enormously. Still, he manages to slowly drop the sphere into the slot. A perfect fit. He steps back a few paces and waits.:: XO: Alright, now what will we do?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::his Tricorder burns out again... it was just a phase when it worked:: Self: Federation merchandise..
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: The colours around them fade and twist, getting darker and darker
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::enters the transporter with a phaser rifle and his trusty Bat’leth, then puts on his transporter band and hands the CEO one, then picks 2 in his belt:: All ready..
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: Now we wait and see what happens ::checks his Tricorder readings as the colours change::
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: Suddenly they are inside what looks like a shuttle with black walls. The interior is otherwise standard Starfleet. The consoles however appear to work very differently
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: As if only the style was copied
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: The shuttle is now perfectly "scan able" by the Tricorder
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Locking co-ordinates ::pushes a few buttons on the console:: CTO: Stand by.
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: You are not coming?
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Starts to look around him as he recognises the room as being onboard a shuttle.::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::receives a flood of information through his Tricorder:: CSO: Well then Mr. Nelson, lets see what we have here... ::moves over to a console and sees if he can figure out what it does::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::the computer gives a "beep" sound:: CTO: Of course I am, not only Klingons get to see action you know ::grins and steps on the pad:: Computer: Energize!
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Walks over to where he remembers to be the science console and starts to punch in a few commands.::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@;; still can't taste his drink:: out loud: Who do I have to shoot to get a decent drink round here???
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::dematerialises into the building blocks of life then slowly is being reformed piece by piece into the original match once transported inside the mountain::
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The CTO and CEO find themselves in a small room with a circular table and lots of machinery on top. 4 chairs around it, 3 occupied by unconscious Klingons and one occupied by Sollo, also unconscious
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: Thee is something attached to their heads and the machine is working
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: There is an extra head set left on the floor
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Sir... try and turn that thing off.. I’ll stand guard...
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::aims his weapon around:: CTO: I'll go see what that machine is all about, you check the TO and your...friends.
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Just my plan.. ::winks::
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: It takes a while but the CSO finally manages to work with the shuttle computer. It seems fully operational. And the only piece of memory in it are coordinates
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::having got no luck from the console turns to Nelson:: CSO: Now if we are following a distress call, where are the people who sent it?
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::throws his empty glass in the pool and heads into the palace building::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::puts his rifle away and runs to the machine looking for a control panel::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::sees that they are alive... :: CEO: They live.. but their brainwaves are irregular
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: As Sollo enters the building he arrives back in the city with the ragged people. This doesn't make sense
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::As he believes he got everything out of the console, that was available to them, he turns his attention to the XO.:: XO: That's a good question sir. The only thing I found thus far are a set of coordinates. The computer is plotting a course as we speak. Can we somehow get in touch with FCO Lost on the runabout?
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::stops dead in his tracks and turns back to look the way he just came::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: The machine is controlled from another source, we will have to find where it is. We don't want to violently disconnect them and risk brain damage. ::pulls out his Tricorder and starts scanning around:::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: Lets find out.
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Right.. I’ll take point you find out where this source is.. ::moves through the only exit available::
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The CTO enters a large corridor with plenty of closed doors
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$FCO: Pazoski to Lost, can you read me Ensign
Host SM_Lilia says:
<Ens Lost>*XO*: Standing by sir
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Take your pick... ::opens one of the first doors::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$FCO: Mr Lost we are about to be taken to a set of co-ordinates, we will send them to you, follow us.
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::walks over to the CTO:: CTO: Anything?
Host SM_Lilia says:
<Ens Lost>*XO*: Very well
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: If you want to return to the Runabout and follow with Ensign Lost I will understand, but I intend to stay onboard this vessel for time being
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::walks back through the doorway he just walked through::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::As the results on the course get back on the screen, he scratches the back of his head.:: XO: Sir... there is absolutely no way we're going to get there with this thing. Perhaps we should transfer the coordinates to the runabout and return to the ship.
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The room is virtually empty except for a bunch of stairs and a table with left over food
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: This will take too long... any lock on that source? ::moves towards the stairs::
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: The door is gone, all is left is the city. The little crying girl is there sitting in a bench, sobbing
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::takes his rifle again, standing by to enter:: CTO: So far nothing on scanners, this place must be artificially engineered ::nods to the CTO::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$XO: Besides that sir... it would take at least a decade to get to these coordinates at warp. And this vessels seems to have some kind of propulsion system, but most certainly nothing that resembles ours. I don't think it is capable of warp even. ::Checks something on his console.::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::hears the familiar sobbing and cringes, maybe he was back where he came ashore::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
@::looks around for the car again::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::moves on the stairs to wherever they might lead::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::follows the CTO close behind::
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: CTO finds no signs of a computer but he does see the CIV unconscious on the floor. Around her are 2 betazoid and 2 Vulcans. Kezia is unconscious, the others are dead
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: Throughout the cave system a count down begins "60, 59,...
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::raises the CIV's head and checks for life signs.. then attaches the transporter armband on her arm:: CEO: Beam her out.. she's ok
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: It would make sense that this ship could actually reach the co-ordinates.
Host SM_Lilia says:
@ACTION: The city fades away. Sollo is sitting with the Klingons. He also listens to the countdown "50, 49.."
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Oh now, I don't like countdowns. ::uses a remote device to signal the shuttle:: CTO: Energizing....
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Nods:: XO: Perhaps so, but what happens once we get there? If this will be a one way trip, we might never return here. ::Looks worried::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: That countdown cannot be good.. lets go back to the TO.. We’ll take him in any condition he is..
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::looks around and hears the countdown:: Self: Now what?
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: 40, 39, 38...
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::moves to the room where the TO is::
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::tries to get up out of the chair::
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The CIV is safely beamed to the shuttle
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#CTO: Agreed... let's move ::runs via the stairs heading back to the TO’s last known location::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#TO: No time to answer.. ::puts on the armband on him:: CEO: Energize us all
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: That is very true, but we are here responding to a distress call and I intend to go all the way.
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO:... and them...
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::spots the CTO:: CTO: Nice to see you too chief......
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#:: points to the Klingons::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::activates the beam out:: CTO: Here we go, energizing...
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: 14, 13...
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTIO: A whole ten seconds before 0, the AT beams to the shuttle
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The shuttle warms up as the rock warms as well beneath it
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::For a moment there he thinks of all the heroic tales which might come from this and remembers the protocol.:: XO: Then I will stay with you sir. There is no chance I will let you go alone. ::Pauses as if he was reconsidering what he said.:: I am ready whenever you are sir.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::Appears on the transporter pad and wobbles slightly::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::nods to the CSO:: CSO: Then I think it's time to get to the bottom of this mystery, fire up the engines and take us to those co-ordinates.
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::jumps to the navigation console:: CTO: We're not staying around to see what's about to happen. ::activates landing thrusters and gets the shuttle into the air:::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::taps his badge:: *Lost*: Pazoski to Lost, change of plans Ensign, we are going to take a little trip, I suggest you return to the Elara.
Host SM_Lilia says:
#ACTION: The shuttle lifts just as the rocks start exploding
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#CEO: Agreed ::move to take care of the guests::
Host SM_Lilia says:
<Ens Lost>::slightly annoyed:: *XO*: As you wish sir, shall I send them any message?
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Nods and responds bravely:: XO: Aye aye sir. ::Enters some commands and let's his finger hover above the 'go' button.:: XO: Here we go, let's see what this thing can do. ::And presses the button.::
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: The shuttle shimmers and ...
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: And nothing. They are right where they started. Except Lost isn’t there
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: What happened?
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::initiates full impulse:: CTO: Hold on, we're breaking orbit. I'm talking us back to the Elara. ::navigates::
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Checks the sensor readings:: XO: As far as I can say nothing. Although I can't find the runabout and Lost anywhere in our vicinity.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::Looks around at his new surroundings, is this still part of the test or is it real this time?::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#TO: You're safe... as safe as just escaping an exploding mountain could be
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::moves away from the TO and checks the situation on the CIV and the Klingons::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::checks his Tricorder:: CSO: Then we have defiantly arrived somewhere, its just a case of finding out where here is.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::Shakes his head again:: CTO: Exploding? who blew it up?
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#COM: USS ELARA: USS Elara command, this is shuttle Wave rider reporting back from away mission and requesting permission to dock in the shuttle bay.
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$XO: That would be most obvious, but everything looks the same as before. Just that the runabout is missing from this picture. You wouldn't believe this vessel took us to another dimension, would you?
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#::turns to the TO:: TO: You are asking me? I was just rescuing you people and then a timer started... you were more on that mountain then we were..
Host SM_Lilia says:
<Unknown Voice>COM: Wave rider: Permission granted. Report to the Captain's ready room
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#COM: USS ELARA: Acknowledged, Wave rider out. ::manoeuvres the shuttle so it smoothly enters the shuttle bay of the Elara::
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: I wouldn't jump to any sort of conclusions right now, but I certainly wouldn't rule anything out, see if you can find anything worth investigating out there.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::Thinks back to his experience:: CTO: I was? Didn't look like it from my point of view.
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
#*Sickbay*: Sickbay we have a medical necessity in shuttle bay... also bring a security team with you
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
#::turns back to look at the TO:: TO: Are you feeling alright Mr. Sollo?
Host SM_Lilia says:
ACTION: Sickbay acknowledges
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::His console lights up as he turns to check it.:: XO: Sir, we got incoming ships. There is a ship about half the size of the Elara, with a much larger ship in pursuit of it. They're both travelling at high speed!
Host SM_Lilia says:
ACTION: Next to the Wave Rider, the Tagus B lands
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$CSO: Hail both vessels.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
#::shakes his head again:: CEO: Just a little wobbly sir, I think they were using some sort of Mental imagery on me.
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::After further sensor readings have been analysed.:: XO: Both ships are of an unknown design, but they don't show any indication that they're aware of us here.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
::tries to stand up but can't seem to find his feet::
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
TO: Yes I've done some scans on that machine back there, I'm hoping to analyse the results later. We didn't want to disconnect you so violently in order not to risk damage on your nervous system.
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$XO: Not to question your intentions, but would you still think it is wise to hail them sir?
CEO_Lt_McKnight says:
::helps the TO get up:: TO: I can't wait to read your report on what you saw while plugged into that device.
TO_Ens_Sollo says:
CEO: It wouldn't be so bad if I could use my legs properly. ::smiles weakly::
CTO_LtJG_Starbuck says:
CEO/TO: The medical team should be here shortly.. lets get everyone out of the shuttle
XO_LtCmdr_Pazoski says:
$::if he had a table and was not wearing gloves he would drum his fingers on it:: CSO: Well we are here to find someone Mr Nelson, I don't think we are going to do that by standing here and letting everyone float by.  Hail them.
Host SM_Lilia says:
ACTION: After a few minutes later CEO, TO and CTO arrive in the RR where they find a Vulcan with the rank of Commander
CSO_Ens_Nelson says:
$::Nods:: XO: Aye sir. ::Turns to face the console and hails the ships.::
Host SM_Lilia says:
$ACTION: The first answer comes from the smaller ship. It says "Who are you?", the XO recognizes it as the voice of a former female CSO he served with
Host SM_Lilia says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= Pause Mission =/\= =/\= =/\=
Copyright (c) 2005 by Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.