SUMMARY:  When things look bad, it usually means it worse.  The Cardassian ship exploded necessitating the Tal War to beam as many of the crew aboard.  When doing so they were also hit by a plasma flare propelling it towards the gateway.

Having no engines to speak of the Tal War drifted through the gate.  The  science department noted that it was not an ordinary Iconian gateway.  It was much larger and it would seem portable as the gateway was not here before.

On the other side, the Tal War ended up in a different universe or possible another part of space.  Here however, the skies were red and full of color.  Nearby is a planet.  All water.

Time has passed and it has been two days.  The ship is now functional.  Engines for the most part have been restored.  Now attention turns to how to get home.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin - Through Door Number 1 – Part >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Is sitting on the Big Chair tm::  OPS: Any luck on triangulating our position?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::sitting at flight control checking on engine status::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: sitting at the ops console, monitoring ships systems ::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: shakes her head :: CO:  Not yet Captain, but, I'm working on it.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::sat at SCI 1 running scans of the gateway::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: We have propulsion back... at least as much as we can do without returning to dry dock for repairs.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
FCO: I want you to do sensor scans for areas that might provide fuel if we need it.  I don't want us to be caught short
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::nods:: CO: Aye Captain. ::runs scans for possible fuel sources::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
CSO: Keep working on the Gateway, I want to you to try and chart the gateway, see if you can use it to return home
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
CO: Aye Sir, I'm running the gate images through the computer system, try and determine any locations familiar to us
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: looks up from her console in frustration ::  CO:  Sir, we aren't in any part of the alpha, beta, delta or gamma quadrant.

ACTION:  As the gate scrolls through various scenarios, every so often something pops up.  Earth during the time when the Pyramids were being belt.  One entry way smack dab in the middle of the Dominion War...Civil War on Qu'Nos...

OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: taps the console a few times :: CO:  And from all these readings, I am almost certain we aren't anywhere in our universe.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Raises an eyebrow at Telgar, partly to try and control her facial expression from dropping in worry::  OPS: Well, that gives us a challenge then.  What i want you to do is do a scan for life forms, as far as we can reach.  Check for a Cardassian life sign.  And also record all planetary systems you find.  Starfleet will want the information.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::stops his console on one particular picture:: CO: Captain maybe you should see this!
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::continues his scans::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Stands up and moves next to Wuer:: CSO: What did you want me to see?
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
Computer: Can you date the image in front of me and all the other recorded from the gateway...
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: shakes her head and looks up at the view screen ::  CO:  Other than what is on this ship, I can find no other Cardassian life signs at our sensor range.  Although there is life on that water planet.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::points to the image:: CO: This image seems to be from a battle during the Dominion War, this gateway travels through more than just space if I'm right
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Collect what information you can.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO: Aye Captain.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::turns to OPS:: OPS: You seeing this? ::points to his scans::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: looks at the readings coming in and nods :: FCO:  Yes, I see it.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
CSO: Keep correlating the information, hopefully the computer will be able to figure out some kind of system for the routes.  Even a random pattern needs a randomizing system
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
CO: Yep hopefully we catalogue the cycling images and maybe one will be helpful to us, unless you fancy a trip somewhere else ::smiles::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: Captain, I'm picking up several inhabited planets on the outskirts of the system.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: nods :; CO:  Confirmed.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
FCO: What kind of inhabitation?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: Civilization Captain... I'm trying to determine their rate of advancement.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
FCO: Are you able to tell if they are humanoid? I don't want to be surprised.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::looks round to the Captain:: CO: I'm reading warp signatures on the planets so I'm going to assume they're at least warp capable.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: nods :: CO:  Confirmed.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::smiles to Sharra:: CO: Maybe we should take a look... they might know something about this gateway.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Send them a communication, informing them that we have experienced some location troubles, and whether they would be able to assist us with star charts.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: smiles back :; CO:  Trying to discern any communications.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::leaves the computer to compile date and location information on the gateway images and looks over scans of the gateways construction::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::plots courses to the planets at the outskirts of the system::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Captain, until we can get the translator to discern the dialect, there is no way for us to communicate with them.  Although, I can pick up some communications from the water planet.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  We've been close enough to them for the last 2 days for the translator to have been able to adjust.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Run them through the computer, see if we can get an idea of what's being said
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::taps on his console a bit::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Working on it now Sir.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::accesses engineering readouts and monitors engine status::
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::looks at the schematic of the gateway:: Self: Looks like the corners of the gateway have independent propulsion..... uhmm and they can move in and out to generate a gateway for vessels of different size, interesting
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::frowns:: CSO: An adjustable Iconian gateway???
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
OPS: I heard those things were a myth.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: runs her fingers across the console :: CO:  I'm picking up several different typs of communication from the water planet.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: The gateways in space, so it needs to kept aligned by small propulsion units
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: My guess is the edges of the gate could be moved in and out, I'm guessing the Iconians ships weren't the same size as ours
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CSO: Yeah but I always thought they could only be maintained if they were a fixed size and shape.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: Maybe that is the case, I'm just theorizing Lt.... that’s what I do I'm a scientist
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CSO: Very true Commander... but when you spend three extra years in the academy you hear a lot of different theories.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: Tell me about it I spent several years working in research on Earth for Starfleet, even did a little lecturing for a while
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: run her hands across the console :;

ACTION:  Sensor Alarms go off as it detects a large object heading towards the Tal War.

FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::smiles:: CSO: Don't get me wrong Commander... Theories are great but they're nothing compared to experience.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::looks back to the compiling catalogue of images from the gateway:: Computer: Inform as soon as an image is found which is indicative of a location in Federation Space during the current year....
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::looks at his console:: Self: Uh oh.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
FCO: What is it Lt?
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::checks sensors::
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: Uh, Captain... you might want to see this.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::puts the image of the large object on the main view screen::
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Looks at the screen::  FCO: Move us out of it's projected path
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: Aye captain... initiating evasive maneuvers. ::moves the ship::
Unknown Water Planet Resident says:
COM: Other Person: Send Ltal home, it is time for his lessons.

ACTION:  The other ship moves with the Tal War.

FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: I think it's following us.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: taps at the console again and shakes her head, adjusting the communications to pick up the incoming ship ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::looks at information on the ship from sensor:: FCO: Looks like it could be fully loaded....
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::taps into Tactical and scans the ship for weapons::

ACTION:  The computer beeps as it comes up with an image just outside of Betazed.  As soon as it appears, it's gone.

CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Can you get any idea on it's firepower, and defenses?
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: I already did Captain... they're armed and extremely dangerous.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
CSO: It looks like we really need a route home right now Toby
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::turns his attention to the console and the image from Betazed:: Self: Okay well that’s good at least
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Do you know which planet the ship came from? Are we likely to be able to communicate with them?
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: scans for an Cardassian life signs on the incoming ship ::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Unknown at this time Captain.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
CO: I've found a suitable window, just trying to determine its cycle pattern, maybe we should try communication with the vessel...
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::tries to fly round in tight circles to shake the war ship off::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  It came from one of the outer planets.  Attempting to find the frequency now.  Even then, it will take the translator a little while to discern the dialect.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Waits a second, and then makes a decision:: OPS: Try and send the ship a communication.  Say we are not here for anything except peace.  We are trying to find our way home.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::tries to keep the ship out of weapons range:: CSO: Commander.... we're running out of time here... we'll be in that ship's weapons range shortly.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Aye Captain, once I find the frequency.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
Outloud:  Got it!
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  I have to run it through the translator now.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: It isn't easy setting up a pattern to what is effectively a random sequence
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::tries to out run the other ship in the direction of the gateway:: CSO: Nothing in life is easy commander... but if this ship opens fire we're as good as dead.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Send it, we need to neutralize this threat, so we can concentrate on the gateway

ACTION:  The unknown ship enters weapons range.

CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
FCO: Anyway I need to wait for the image to pass a second time before I can even determine any kind of frequncy, its not like we can just jump through
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
Redcoat TO: Raise Shields!
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Aye Captain, sending peace message.

ACTION:  Shields are raised.

OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  No response yet Sir.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::keeps trying to shake the ship off::
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
CO: We do have another option Sir, we could fly through and worry about it later, not a great plan but.....
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
FCO: Make sure we stay near the gateway.  I think we can assume that the vessel doesn't want to destroy the gateway
Unknown Ship says:
@COM:Tal War:  I am Admiral Srian, of the Legion warship Archan. Stand down your ship and prepare to be boarded.  Have all your papers in order.  The Captain and First Officer will meet us in the docking ring.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
CO: I'm trying Captain but this thing keeps getting in the way.
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
CO:  Captain, we have contact.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::gets up from his console and turns to the viewscreen:: Self: Better then being blown out of the sky at least

ACTION:  The same message repeats.

CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
OPS: Open communications to the ship
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::looks to the Captain::
OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: taps at the console :: CO:  On screen now Captain.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
COMM:Srian: Admiral, This is Captain Jameson of the USS Tal-War.  Respectfully, We have been stranded by the Iconian Gate and are trying to attempt to make our way back through.  We are no threat to you.

ACTION:  On the viewscreen a bridge appears with many people milling around.  Looking at between 50-100 people. The size are large..the smallest seemingly 6'5".  They are all clad in black.  The admiral has a hint of red in his sash to goes across his chest.

CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
::walks round to the Captain Chair::  CO: Maybe we should agree to their claims...
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
OPS: We're clearly outnumbered here.
CO_Cmdr_Jameson says:
::Talks very quietly::  CSO: We have no papers. I do not want this crew arrested or the ship impounded.  I want to stay by the gateway.

ACTION:  Alert rings through the Tal- War as several of the Cardassians are taken off the ship...

OPS_Lt_Telgar says:
:: whispers :; FCO:  We are clearly dwarfed here.
CSO_LtCmdr_Wuer says:
:: keeps quite too:: CO: I realize that Sir, but if we don't meet them the alternative could be worse.
FCO_Lt_Foster says:
::hears the alert:: Self: Oh crud!

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