USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10310.07
Episode 12

Where have all the people gone…?

The Vesuvius is now in orbit around Sarius III. There has been no response to hails from the settlement below.

An emergency call in Shuttle Bay 2 was handled by the FCO, delaying her arrival to Shuttle Bay 1 where she met the XO for an away team assignment.  They are currently investigating the silence, which befalls the planet below.

After landing near a lake, close to the settlement and near some caves, they discovered some metal debris along the lakeshore.  The debris was contaminated with the aphasia virus and identified as being from the Bajoran ship encountered a while back.

The FCO and OPS are now ready to enter a set of cave systems in hopes of finding the people of the settlement while the Vesuvius orbits above, her captain and crew awaiting a report…

=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  Begin Mission  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

Host CO Kelson says:
:: At command ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks down at her panel monitoring the movements of the away team and making sure she has a solid lock on them ::   CO: I have a solid lock on the away team sir.

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Keep it as long as you can.  Who knows how long it will last when they enter the caves.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Yes sir.

FCO Lorehani says:
@ :: Having finally reached the caves she steps just inside keeping to the walls of the caves.  She begins to scan the inside. ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: At the cave mouth looking around ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: What is the makeup of the cave walls, Ms. Lane?

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Anything on the scans?

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  Checking now...

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Continues to look around ready for anything ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  I'm getting various metals in the rock sediment here....

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Is it interfering with scans?

CSO Lane says:
CO: Scans show a composite of several elements sir. Many metals, carbon, and some elements the sensors can't identify.

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Sitting near the fire, looking around at the rest of the group... ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Shakes head ::   XO:  But the bio signs...hmmm still not registering...for all I know right now what I'm seeing is a tree.   :: Slowly nods her head ::   Yes that metal would interfere with the scans...my tricorder even drops power at times.

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Okay...so is there anyway we can tie into the shuttle's computer to get a better lock on the Away Team while they are in the caves?

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Begins to mover further into the cave. ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Guess there is nothing to do but go in and get a better scan

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Gets some water for a delirious miner ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: I can try to link the two sir, but I'm not sure that the shuttle's sensors will be of any more use.

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO: In we go into the pit.  Hmmm did you bring a light by chance?

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Notices that it is getting darker and pulls out her portable lighting device and shines the light forward ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Very good.  Just trying to keep the odds in our favor.  I don't have a good feeling about this cave system.

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Returns with the water and administers it to the delirious miner ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Ask and you shall receive

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Hears another miner moan and goes to give some water to him as well ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Smiles ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Taps the console to link the two together ::   CO: Trust your feelings Captain. They will serve you well.   :: Smiles ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Wipes the sweat from his brow ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: That's what I'm afraid of...   :: Grimaces ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Turns and flashes her a grin. ::   XO:  I thank ya Ma'am.  You know if the miners must be far down...it's getting darker...there is no indication of life or a source of light no matter how faint.

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Can you determine if the caves are man-made or natural?

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Stokes the fire with some remaining wood and wonders if he'll have to go topside and get more... ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  Hmmm could be either way...the miners could be digging her for the ore…with more light I could examine the surface and see how it's cut...but....

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Continues to visually scan the area ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The FCO and XO see a trail that gently slops into the bowels of the cave

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, the lock on the away team is starting to degrade. Intermittent now! :: Looks down and up excitedly ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Nods ::

Host CO Kelson says:
*XO*: Commander...we are losing your signal.  Mark the area you are at for an emergency beamout point if necessary.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Trying to compensate!   :: Taps furiously on the console ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The signal from the Vesuvius comes into the Away Team in broken bits...

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: We can examine the surface latter and a more leisure time. Lets move on down further

Host CO Kelson says:
*XO*: You are on your own if you venture further into the cave system.

Host XO Horn says:
*CO*: Understood Captain

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO: Aye Ma'am...Careful of your footing…we don't have much light and it will be too easy to miss a hole or something...don't want to drop of the face of the planet or anything.   :: Continues down. ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Apparently the Ves can't keep a constant lock on us. Have you mark this point on the tricorder?

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The XO looses her footing and slips causing a rock slide...

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO: ahhhhh...I have now...

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Well, that's it then.  We just have to sit and wait for their report.
:: Shakes head ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Good. It might come in handy if we have to run out of here

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Continues to walk shoulder to shoulder with the FCO, going deeper into the cave system ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Nods and continues to make her way further into the cave. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Let me try and boost the signal again Captain. We might just get lucky.

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: You are doing a fine job, Ms. Lane.  Just keep them as long as you can.  Alex can take care of the team just fine...

Host CO Kelson says:
Self: I hope...

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: As the Away Team ventures further into the cave, they find the trail littered with more pebble-sized rocks...

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Anything yet on the scans?

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Brings the tricorder closer to her face. ::   XO:  Hmmm some clearer readings, possibly bio signs.

CSO Lane says:
:: Tries to get a better lock on the team but just can't quite seem to hold them ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The XO again looses her footing on the trail, sliding precariously close to the edge of the trail...

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Shall we take the direct approach on contacting the people?

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Yells ::  ALL: Hello, anybody here?

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO: Should double check the condition first though...We still don't know what drove them into the caves.  We don't know if they inoculated themselves with the antidote…we don't know if the virus mutated...I'm just suggesting the worst case scenarios of course.

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Listens to the echoes. ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: A small rock slide starts as a result from the XO calling out and rocks start to fall from above...

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Thinks he hears something and pauses listening carefully... ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Your concerns are noted. That is one reason why we are here, and no way of finding out until we contact these people

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  Just saying that we don't have to jump into the fray at the first sign.

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: More rocks fall upon the FCO and XO...

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Of course, on hindsight, we should of brought pattern enhancers with us

CSO Lane says:
:: Glances over at the Captain and tries to read the expression on his face ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  I suspect we should have brought a lot of things with us.   :: Continues onward. ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: A large boulder comes careening down the face cliff...

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Continues to walk, keeping a sharp eye out ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Starts to pace in front of command chair ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, you are worried aren't you?

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Can't help it, Hope.  We don't know what's down there.

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The boulder missed the FCO and XO and the rock slide stops

CSO Lane says:
:: Steps over to the Captain and looks around before rubbing his arm ::
CO: Sam, as you said, Alex can handle things down there just fine.

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Pulls the XO from the boulder's path. ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Hears a rock slide beginning and wonders if it's more delirious miners or a rescue team ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Looks over to his companions...then leaves the encampment with a light headed in the direction of the rock slide ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: You alright?

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Brushes off some of the dirt. ::   XO:  I'm fine, you?

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Walks tentatively forward, keeping his ears open to ANY sounds ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Smiles at CSO ::   CSO: Of course...you are right.  Thank you.
:: Squeezes her hand on his arm ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Dusts herself off ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  Are you ready to move on?

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Calls out timidly... ::   Dark: Hello-o-o-o-o???

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Lets move forward, quietly this time

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Is scared to death... ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Did you hear that?

FCO Lorehani says:
XO: I guess that means yodeling is out...   :: Smirks and begins to move
again. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles ::   CO: Well back to work I guess.   :: Turns and gives the Captain a wink before walking back to science one ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Continues to move forward coming around a large bend in the
trail... ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Smiles and thanks the Lord she is in his life ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Continues forward carefully ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION:  The XO and FCO see the light from Digger in the distance...

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  Ma'am you see that?   :: Points towards the light. ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Steps in front of the FCO when she sees the light ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Sees a light in the distance ahead of him and stops... ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Nods her head towards the FCO ::

Host XO Horn says:
@ALL: Anybody there?

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Calls out again... ::   Dark:  Identify yourself!

Host XO Horn says:
@All: We are Starfleet Officers from the Vesuvius

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Says quietly to self... ::   Self: Thank you!   Dark: There are about 20 of us remaining!   :: Moves quickly toward the away team ::

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Whispers :: FCO: Anything on the tricorder?

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Sees the person coming closer ::

Host XO Horn says:
@Miner: Hold it right there for a moment

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Slows as he approaches, then stops as he hears the XO ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Checks on the scans hoping something will show up ::   CO: Captain, that does it! I'm not getting any signal from the away team now.

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Shakes her head ::   XO:  I see the miner with my eyes, but the bio signs are messed up because of the metals…

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Breathing deeply the climb being a bit arduous ::

Host XO Horn says:
@FCO: Could he be still infected?

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Alright...keep auto scanning the area so we can pick them up as soon as they come back that way.

Host XO Horn says:
@Miner: Where is everybody else?

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Hears the XO ::   XO:  No...I don't think so.  I was one of the first to be inoculated...

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Slowly approaches the miner ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@XO:  In a small area not far from here.  Did you see anyone else from the settlement?

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods ::   CO: Aye sir.

FCO Lorehani says:
@XO:  I'll need some close up scans to be sure.. I've got a full medical kit with me…so it's just a matter of some tests.

Host XO Horn says:
@Miner: You are the first we saw

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Nods to the FCO ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Shakes his head sadly... ::   XO: We came down here to escape the madness from the others above

FCO Lorehani says:
@Miner:  Would you mind if I took a thorough scan of you?  It would only take a moment.

Host XO Horn says:
@Miner: What madness? What happened?

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches the Captain still pacing in front of his chair ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@XO: I don't know.  All I know is that some of the other miners started acting crazy...attacking people.  As far as I know we are the only ones that got out of there.  We've a few injuries...one with a broken leg, I think...

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: I wonder if they have made contact yet.  I wouldn't think the settlers needed to go that deep.

Host Driller-Digger says:
@XO: Another with maybe a fractured rib or two...   :: Leads them to the others ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Thinks to herself ::   Self: I sure hope he doesn't wear a hole in the carpeting.

FCO Lorehani says:
@Miner: Would you please answer my question before you lead us any further?

Host XO Horn says:
@Miner: We do have a med kit with us. For the more severely injured have to be transported to the ship

CSO Lane says:
CO: I don't know Captain. Perhaps they have.

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Stops ::   FCO: I'm sorry...I'm just so glad to see normal people!

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Nods ::   CSO: Perhaps...

Host Driller-Digger says:
@XO: I understand

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Smiles ::   Miner:  It's no problem.. I just need to make sure you are who you say you are.  It's nothing personal.   :: Puts down the med kit and opens it…Pulls out a medical tricorder ::   I promise it won't hurt a bit.

Host XO Horn says:
@:: Stands aside and lets the FCO do the examine ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@:: Looks at the blue lady ::   FCO: I'm happy to do this...if it means we can leave here

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Continues to smile ::   FCO:  In time Mr...I'm sorry I didn't get your name?

FCO Lorehani says:
@:: Runs the med tricorder of him. ::

Host Driller-Digger says:
@FCO: Digger ma'am...Roger Digger

FCO Lorehani says:
@Miner: Well Mr. Digger, I promise this won't hurt a bit.

CSO Lane says:
:: Leans on the console looking for anything that might help spot the Away
Team ::

FCO Lorehani says:
@::Grins:: XO/Miner:  Well Mr. Digger, everything here seems ok.

Host Driller-Digger says:
ACTION: The FCO and XO find the other miners and assist them to the surface.  All eventually arrive safely on the Vesuvius.  The FCO and XO are now headed to the bridge as the miners report to sickbay for checkups...

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, all are safely aboard.   :: Smiles ::

Host OPS-Reader says:
ACTION:  A message flashes on OPS' console for the XO, her eyes only...

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: As usual, nothing to worry about, right Ms. Lane???   :: Smiles ::

Host OPS-Reader says:
CO: There's a message for the XO, her eyes only, sir....

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Well Ma'am that wasn't too bad...   :: In the Turbo lift. waiting for it to
stop. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles ::   CO: You said it sir.

Host XO Horn says:
FCO: No. It could of been worse.

Host CO Kelson says:
OPS: Okay.  Send it to her chair.

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  I'm still fuzzy what drove them down there though.... Those infected shouldn't been able to scare the more healthy ones that badly.

Host OPS-Reader says:
CO: Sir, I think it's a very private message...it's from Admiral Royce

CSO Lane says:
:: Hears Xen's name and looks over at Reader ::

Host CO Kelson says:
OPS: She is on her way to the bridge now.

Host XO Horn says:
FCO: I guess they felt saver in the caves then being on the surface

Host OPS-Reader says:
CO: Yes sir.

Host OPS-Reader says:
ACTION:  The message is re-directed for the CO...

Host OPS-Reader says:
CO: Sir, she is now asking for you...

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Hmmm possibly...maybe is my naturally distrusting nature of other beings...but...I keep thinking there is more to it.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Feels the turbolift finally stop and the doors open. ::

Host CO Kelson says:
OPS: Very good...I'll take it in my Ready Room.

Host XO Horn says:
FCO: I am sure the miners will get a full debriefing and everything will be answered

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Moves to door ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Exits the lift as the doors open ::

Host OPS-Reader says:
CO: Aye sir...   :: Re-directs the message to the CO's Ready Room ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Sees Alex ::   XO: Number 1...come with me please.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Shrugs ::   XO:  I'm sure you are right.  :: Enters the bridge and heads for her station and takes a seat. ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Heads towards her chair ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Enters ready room waiting for XO ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Before she has a chance to sit down, follows the CO into the Ready Room ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Sees Lorey and calls across the bridge ::   FCO: I see you stayed in one piece this time huh?   :: Giggles ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Sits and brings up message on screen ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Enters the Ready Room ::

Host CO Kelson says:
XO: This message was originally for you, Alex...

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Refers to screen ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Turns in her seat and grins. ::   CSO:  Sorry to disappoint you there Ma'am... Can I ask what the bet was?   :: Winks ::

Host XO Horn says:
CO: Message? What message? Looks over to the screen.

Host Admiral Royce says:
CO: Sam!   :: Looks over to Alex ::   XO:  Alex!   CO/XO: I'm sorry to have to do this, Sam...

Host XO Horn says:
:: Smiles at seeing the Admirals face ::

Host CO Kelson says:
ADM: What...another "shore leave"???

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Hey do you really think we'd make bets on what body part you might be missing? ::sticks out her tongue::

Host XO Horn says:
Admiral: I think you owe us one already

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Laughs lightly... ::  CO: I wish I could say that...but...   :: Looks over to the XO ::  XO: Alex...

Host XO Horn says:
Admiral: Yes Ma'am

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Gets serious ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Antennas twitch. ::   CSO:  So what was it?  A leg?  An arm?  You know if you said head you'd be close...we almost got splattered by a boulder.

Host Admiral Royce says:
XO: You're the best tactical officer I know.  The Academy is looking for a strategic tactical instructor.  I submitted your name.  You're being transferred effective immediately

Host XO Horn says:
Admiral: Me going to the Academy. You must be joking

Host CO Kelson says:
Admiral: You are taking my XO for a teaching position???

Host Admiral Royce says:
XO: I'm not.  With that beautiful baby of yours and with your background...I couldn't think of a more qualified candidate.  Congratulations, Alex

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Adds hastily::   Admiral: Ma'am?

Host Admiral Royce says:
:: Looks over to Sam ::   CO: It's more than just a teaching position, Sam...it's hands on training as well

CSO Lane says:
FCO: You know me better than that Lorey. We figured a busted toe at the very least.

Host XO Horn says:
Admiral: I guess thank you.

Host CO Kelson says:
XO: It's not on this ship, Alex.  I need you here.   :: Shakes head ::

Host XO Horn says:
:: Looks at the CO in disbelief ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Chuckles ::   CSO:  Maybe next time.

Host CO Kelson says:
Admiral: Well, what's done is done.

Host Admiral Royce says:
CO:  I'm sorry, Sam.  Starfleet intelligence feels we need to be ready for an invasion. I can't go into details...but Alex best fits the bill to train here.

Host CO Kelson says:
XO: Congratulations, Alex.  The Admiral is right.  You are the best for the job.

Host XO Horn says:
Admiral/CO: Since it is written in stone, then I guess there is only one thing left for me to do

CSO Lane says:
:: Winks ::   FCO: Just happy to have you to back Lorey.
.
FCO Lorehani says:
:: Smiles ::   CSO:  I'm glad to see you are you're old self now too.

Host Admiral Royce says:
XO: Congratulations, again Alex.  CO: Sorry to spring this on you, Sam.

Host XO Horn says:
:: Holds out her hand for the CO to shake ::   CO: It has been a pleasure serving with you, Sir

Host CO Kelson says:
ADM: It won't be the last surprise you have for me, Ma'am.  I'm sure of that...   :: Smiles ::

Host Admiral Royce says:
CO: We'll have to talk soon.  For now, I have a meeting to attend.
:: Smiles weakly at the CO and XO ::  All: Royce out.

Host Admiral Royce says:
ACTION: The screen goes black

Host Admiral Royce says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>