USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10408.03
ACTD-wide storyline, Part 2
Episode 2

Debt of Honor…

The Vesuvius arrived at Utopia Planetia and awaited further orders regarding the task force fleets travel to Nacandarian space.

Taking advantage of this "slow" time, the new CO talked with her XO, outlining specific duties when both were on the bridge. Afterwards, she met with the Vesuvius' new Counselor.

Admiral Hanwright addressed the fleet, then sent data regarding the fleet's assigned coordinates. The fleet set off to the coordinates and held position while the Scimitar opened the rift which would allow the fleet access to Nacandarian space.

Each wing group went in one at a time, the Nighthawk and her wing escorts going in first, followed by the Vesuvius and her wing escorts. The Dublin entered third along with her wing escorts; and lastly the Scimitar entered with her wing escorts.

Suddenly the fleet hears a voice which said, "A gift from a friend". Clicking noises could be heard and suddenly the rift collapsed.

The Vesuvius and her escorts, the Akira-class USS Shuriken, the USS Rapier, and the USS Javelin, found themselves alone in Nacandarian space. The fate of the rest of the fleet unknown....

Now, they must find and initiate “first contact” with the V'Rax, supposed enemies of the Nacandarian's….

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

FCO Lorehani says:
:: At flight control plotting their next course. ::   XO:  Cmdr Should I try contacting the fleet?

CO Horn says:
:: On the bridge ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Sits in her chair at science one making sure that the scanners are on a continuous wide scan ::   XO: Sensors on wide scan Commander. Nothing to report as of now.

CTO Varn says:
:: Checks to make sure that the other ships in the wing are at Yellow Alert ::   CO: Capt, all other ships report being at Yellow Alert as well

XO Stricker says:
:: Standing over the FCO at helm ::   FCO: If you can yes. Let's see what we can do.   :: Sighs ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Heading towards the bridge as ordered by the Captain.  He had to help Commander Lane with any environmental problems that may arise on the ship. ::

CEO Tyret says:
:: Sits at his console, rerouting power to the sensors ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: With OPS slaved she begins tapping her console. ::   *Fleet*:  This is the USS Vesuvius, please come in....

CO Horn says:
CTO: Weapons and shields still at 100%?

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Can you at all compare this area to any known star charts?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO only receives static...

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks over the sensor scans again ::   XO: Commander! I've just picked up a planet .5 light years away.

CTO Varn says:
CO: Aye Ma'am, we're up and ready to go on your order

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Life signs?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Enters the bridge and walks over to the Science Station where Hope is. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Adjusts her power output and tries to clear up the static.  Tries once again. :: *Fleet*:  This is the USS Vesuvius…please come in...anyone...

CSO Lane says:
XO: Picking up V'Rax and one Nacandarian bio readings.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: There is no answer to the FCO's hails...

CTO Varn says:
:: Quickly checks his scans and makes sure the other ships are maintaining their spacing and positions ::

CO Horn says:
:: Looks around seeing everybody working ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Looks and see the FCO's panel ::   FCO: Keep trying on all Federation lines…you never know...

CO Horn says:
CTO: Any ships on your sensors?

CTO Varn says:
CO: Nothing right now, it's clear Captain

CMO Bannister says:
:: Doesn't know how Hope will react to him but he stands beside her and looks over some of the readings that are appearing on her console. ::

CEO Tyret says:
XO: I think we are out of range for communications. We don't have any subspace relays.

CO Horn says:
CEO: Everything in working order?

XO Stricker says:
CO: There is a planet half a light year away. Sensors are picking up V'Rax and Nacandarian life signs.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Grumbles a bit under her breath. ::   XO:  I'm rotating frequencies... but all I'm getting so far is static or dead air.  Hmmm, can I use the deflector dish...with that I can probably contact 20 galaxies.   :: Knows she would never get permission for that. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
CEO:  We wouldn't need subspace relays if were all exited the rift within communication range.

CO Horn says:
XO: It seems that our trip through the rift was no worse for wear on the ship. Let's move forward and see if we can't contact the V'Rax, shall we.

CNS Martin says:
:: Glances around the near panicking crew on the bridge, and wonders how the rest of the ship is handling the situation... ::

CEO Tyret says:
CO: There is some damage to the deflector dish...and minor circuits burnt out around the ship. Repairs are under way.

XO Stricker says:
CO: Aye Captain. FCO: Lay in a course to the planet at full impulse power.

CO Horn says:
CEO: Very good. Inform me when repairs have been completed please.

CTO Varn says:
:: Focuses scans forward toward the planet but doesn't forget to sweep all around ::

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Hmmm, of course Sir...   :: Does some quick calculations ::   You know Sir, at Warp 9 we can reach the planet in 2.89 hours.

CEO Tyret says:
:: Nods at the CO ::

CEO Tyret says:
XO: The engines can handle it.

XO Stricker says:
CO: Are there any warp restriction in this area sir?

CO Horn says:
CTO: Please inform the other ships that I want delta formation. Also inform them not to fire unless it is to protect themselves or unless I say other wise.

XO Stricker says:
FCO: Keep trying on regular lines Lieutenant.   :: Smiles ::

CO Horn says:
XO: Lets go for the gusto shall we. Lets make it max warp.

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Aye Sir...warp or impulse?

CSO Lane says:
:: Continues to scan for any signs of ships or other lifeforms ::

CEO Tyret says:
:: Increases Structural Integrity Field on the deflector dish ::

CTO Varn says:
CO: Yes Ma'am   :: Quickly sends the signal to the others ::   CO: They're in position and understand the firing orders Captain

XO Stricker says:
FCO: Alright, lay in the course at maximum warp speed.

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Aye Sir, course laid in...   :: Taps her console. ::   Going to Warp 9....   :: Hits the preverbal go button. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Vesuvius with her wing, in formation, head enroute the planet....

CO Horn says:
:: Nods her head in comprehension to the CTO's statement ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Sits down in the station next to the CSO and begins to monitor any radiation levels or anything else that might be toxic to the ship and crew. ::

CO Horn says:
XO: What do you know about the V'Rax?

CTO Varn says:
:: Watches as the Rapier lags a little bit and sends a terse "close up" to her CTO ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: Not much ma’am. I briefly glanced at the Starfleet Intel reports sir.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Does some minor course corrections and continues to monitor the airwaves.  Still nothing from the fleet. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Runs the data from the Nighthawk's logs through her console and correlates it with the Vesuvius' present course and the position of the planet ::

CEO Tyret says:
CO: I was Starfleet Intelligence at a time. Perhaps I could see what I have in my old files.

CTO Varn says:
:: Can get used to standing up here, the view is great ::

CO Horn says:
CEO: Make it so

CSO Lane says:
XO: Commander, according to the Nighthawk's logs, this planet should be the V'Rax's home world.

CEO Tyret says:
:: Uploads his files on the V'Rax to the XO's PADD ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Brings up information about the V'Rax Homeworld. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  Two hours have passed and the Vesuvius is approaching the planet....

XO Stricker says:
:: Turns from the Con to face science ::   CSO: But you did read Nacandarian too right?

CTO Varn says:
:: Checks and sees the Rapier has closed up to where she should be and grins ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Makes sure Commander Stricker has the details on the planet's bio readings ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Takes the PADD from the CEO ::   CEO: Thank but remember the new chain of command please Ensign. Engineering reports to the CO.   :: Hands the PADD to the CO ::

CO Horn says:
CTO: Anything on sensors yet?

CSO Lane says:
XO: Yes Commander, Nacandarian too.

CEO Tyret says:
XO: The CO told me to give this to you. But I like to keep you in the loop anyway.

CO Horn says:
:: Whispers ::   XO: Thank you

CO Horn says:
:: Takes the PADD and reads over it ::

CTO Varn says:
CO: Finishing my sweep now Ma'am.  We're still clear and all ships are maintaining their positions

CMO Bannister says:
:: Continues to monitor anything that might be harmful for the crew. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: By the way sir, the planet's resources seem minimal according to our readings, but it is enough to sustain a bare minimum existence.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Thank you.   CO: This appears to be the V'Rax homeworld but there are readings of Nacandarian too ma'am.

CO Horn says:
XO/CTO: This close to their homeworld and there is nothing on tactical sensors. Don't you think it is a little strange?

CNS Martin says:
:: Takes note that the bridge crew seems to have been adjusting well to the current situation, and gets up ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Sees Trial get up and he smiles at her softly. ::

CTO Varn says:
CO: I think this whole thing is strange Captain...I'm scanning for anything that looks like it may be a cloak's signature.  Something doesn't feel right

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Sir, we are coming up to the planet now.  We are .89 hrs away…drop out of warp?

CEO Tyret says:
CO/CTO: We can run a Tachyon scan

XO Stricker says:
FCO: Aye drop out of warp and hail the planet.

CTO Varn says:
CEO: It could work; I've run every other scan I can think of

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Dropping out of warp.   :: Taps her console once again.  Opens up a com channel. ::  COM: Planet: This is the USS Vesuvius, please stand by for Capt Horn...  Please come in.

CEO Tyret says:
:: Runs the tachyon scan ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Wonders what the Counselor is up to. ::

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Is in his administration room when he hears a vessel's hail.  Looks up in alarm, his antenna twitching... ::

CTO Varn says:
:: Sends a message to the other ships and has them all run tachyon scans at the same time :: CEO/CO: I've got the other ships running them as well

XO Stricker says:
CO: We are out of warp and hailing ma'am.

CTO Varn says:
CEO: Did you get anything?  Mine came up clear?

CO Horn says:
XO: Thank you

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Moves to his communications station and activates audio only ::   COM: Vesuvius: This is U'Tahn.  Identify yourself again!

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Turns and looks at the Captain ::   CO:  Ma'am, I've contacted U'Tahn...would you like to reply?

CTO Varn says:
:: Hears an answer come in and scans closer to the planet again...they've got to have something up and around the area ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Achieves orbit. ::   XO:  We are in orbit Sir.

CNS Martin says:
:: Feeling rather useless ::   XO: I'm finding it apparent that the bridge crew are handling this relatively well.  May I go check on the crew elsewhere on the ship to see how they're doing?

CO Horn says:
Comm: Planet: This is Captain Horn on the ship USS Vesuvius

CEO Tyret says:
CTO: Nope.  A cloaked ship is not here. We would be able to detect it if it was.

XO Stricker says:
FCO: Come about to a standard level orbit. Inform our wing and tell them to follow us into orbit too.

CTO Varn says:
CTO: Agreed.  I guess we keep looking

CMO Bannister says:
:: Notices that he is staring at the Counselor. ::   Self:  Remain focused Doctor.  You can't be staring at the ladies you know.

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches the sensors closely now, looking for anything unusual ::

FCO Lorehani says:
XO:  Aye Sir...   :: Adjusts her orbit and contacts the other ship’s ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Whispers ::   FCO: I’m just heading to Science, keep me informed please.
:: Walks over the CSO ::

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Antenna twitch again ::  COM: CO: I do not recognize your vessel!  State your purpose here!

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Nods at the XO. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
Self: Testy fellow he is.

CTO Varn says:
:: Hears something in the voice that causes his neck fur to rise a little ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Approaches the CSO ::   CSO: Anything to report unusual?

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: We are here on an information gathering mission. We are new to this area.

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: May I ask what planet this is?

CSO Lane says:
:: Turns to look at the XO ::   XO: Well sir, just so you know, the voice on the comm channel belongs to the lone Nacandarian.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Looks up at Commander Stricker. ::

CEO Tyret says:
:: Stares at the beautiful Lorehani ::

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Antenna twitch...then he remembers ::   COM: CO: This is Varnaxia.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: They're not V'Rax?

CSO Lane says:
XO: This U’Tahn is Nacandarian.

CSO Lane says:
XO: There are V'Rax on the planet as well.

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: Is this your home planet?

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Did he intercept the communication?   :: Whispers ::   Do you think the CO knows?

CTO Varn says:
:: Notices that the Shuriken isn't maintaining orbit and is about to run into the Javelin.  Growling now, he let's both ships know they need to pay attention to their spacing ::

Host U’Tahn says:
COM: CO: No...this is not.  I am the administrator here

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks up at Stricker ::   XO: I don't know sir, but he is the only Nacandarian bio sign.

CNS Martin says:
:: Considers the XO's lack of response, shrugs, and turns her attention to the conversation going on between the CO and the planet, feeling that if the bridge crew is handling the situation well, the rest will be as well ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Returns to watching the sensor reports as they come in ::

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: We are interested in learning more about you and the inhabitants of the planet. Would it be possible to meet and have an exchange of information?

CEO Tyret says:
:: Looks over the new CNS ::

XO Stricker says:
CSO: The only one eh?

CTO Varn says:
:: Can't help feeling like they're being set up with this absence of any warships anywhere ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Looks away from Commander Stricker and back towards Trial, wondering what she was thinking. ::

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Thinks a moment as his antenna twitch ::   CO: A small party would be permissible...   :: Reluctance in his voice ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Approaches the CO's position but does not interrupt him ::

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: I was more of thinking you coming to my ship. You could consider it a dinner invitation.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Wonders if these are the bugs Nita was talking about.  Hopes the Captain serves Bug
juice. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Studies the panel and seems to be surprised ::   XO: Commander, care to take a look at this?

CTO Varn says:
:: Hears the Captain and notifies Security to prepare for welcoming a visitor if they accept ::

XO Stricker says:
CNS: My apologies...I think I may need you on the bridge.

Host U’Tahn says:
COM: CO: I'm afraid that I must remain planetside.  I have charges to care for
here ::

CEO Tyret says:
:: Shakes his head thinking this is a bad idea ::

CNS Martin says:
:: Nods at the XO ::   XO: Alright

XO Stricker says:
:: Pauses and looks back ::   CSO: What now?   :: Walks back ::   What is it?

CSO Lane says:
XO: See here?   :: Points ::   We have a quantum flux.

CNS Martin says:
:: Wonders what is keeping the speaker from sending another representative to the
Vesuvius ::

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: Can you please hold on for a sec?

XO Stricker says:
CSO: A quantum flux? I thought those were only theoretical.

CO Horn says:
FCO: Mute

CTO Varn says:
:: Keeps his sweeps going, sure that he's going to find something sometime ::

CO Horn says:
CNS: What do you think?

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Mutes the com channel. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: No sir, they do exist. We just don't run into one every day.   :: Smiles ::

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Goes to his station and calls up information and reads it quickly ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Wonders if he's even really needed on the Bridge. ::

XO Stricker says:
CSO: What is your analysis Commander?

XO Stricker says:
CO: Sir, U'Tahn happens to be a Nacandarian and not only that, the only one on this planet. Plus we got a quantum flux too.

CNS Martin says:
CO: He, or she, seems fairly nervous, perhaps he's afraid because he knows who we are...

CTO Varn says:
:: A beep on his console grabs his attention ::   CO: Captain? Ma'am I'm picking up warp signatures in the system now, but they're old...about five days

CO Horn says:
XO: Any danger to the ship?

CO Horn says:
CTO: Coming or leaving the area?

XO Stricker says:
CO: We are analyzing the data as we speak Captain. Stand by for further information.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: So, any danger to the ship?

CTO Varn says:
CO: Checking to make sure Captain, it will be just a moment

CTO Varn says:
CO: Captain, it's difficult to tell as old as they are, could very well be both

CMO Bannister says:
:: Stands up from the science station and heads for the turbolift. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: It is believed to be a wormhole connecting different universes. Hmmm, I'm getting something coming from that location, but I can't quite pin down what it is.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Could it be a ship?

CO Horn says:
:: Continues to listen to the XO and CSO conversation ::

CEO Tyret says:
:: Shakes his head, bored at all this talk, they need a lot more action ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Unknown sir.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Enters the turbolift. ::   Computer:  Deck Twelve, Sickbay.

XO Stricker says:
CO: Well sir it's a wormhole and we are uncertain what's coming out of it.

CNS Martin says:
:: Considers some ideas as to what is making everyone feel uneasy with the situation ::

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Keep analyzing...   :: Walks down toward the CO ::

CO Horn says:
FCO: Put the audio back on please

FCO Lorehani says:
::Taps her com panel. ::   CO:  You are on.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Waits as the turbolift takes him down a few decks. ::

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: We would like to come down, but the quantum flux near the planet might cause problems for us.

Host U’Tahn says:
:: Returns to his communications station ::   COM: CO: I understand. A small party is permissible.  Here are coordinates...   :: Sends the information to the ship ::

CO Horn says:
:: Whispers ::   XO: What do you think?

CSO Lane says:
:: Works on trying to analysis the reading ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Leaves the turbolift and leaves for sickbay. ::

CTO Varn says:
FCO: Did you get those coordinates?

XO Stricker says:
CO: Well sir. I can go with security. Keep sensors on the flux and we can beam back before anything happens.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Looks at her station. ::   CTO:  Got ‘em...

CSO Lane says:
:: Motions to Commander Stricker ::   XO: Sir, a moment please.

CTO Varn says:
FCO: Would you transfer them to me, please?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Enters Sickbay and then arrives at his office.  He sits down in his chair just as Doctor Ibsen arrives. ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: Captain, excuse me, the CSO needs me.   :: Walks over to science ::
CSO: Yes...

CEO Tyret says:
CO: I would like permission to go as well.  My intelligence gathering skills can be useful here.

CO Horn says:
:: Looks back to the screen ::   Comm: Planet: I am unable to come down, but my XO will be beaming down to the planet with a small party.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  Already back, sir?

FCO Lorehani says:
CTO:  I suppose I could...do you want a tummy rub to?   :: Grumbles ::   I got control of the transport devices you know...   :: Transfers the coordinates ::

Host U’Tahn says:
ACTION: The CEO's console lights up...

CSO Lane says:
XO: Take a look. It seems to be an extra dimensional energy reading. I don't know if or how it would affect the Vesuvius.

CTO Varn says:
FCO: Thank you and maybe later   :: Tries to grin ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Nods at Ibsen. ::   Ibsen:  Yeah, they didn't really need me up on the bridge after all.  It's pretty much a waiting game for us now.  Like the calm before the storm.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Suppresses a giggle. ::

CTO Varn says:
:: Scans the area around the coordinates for anything unusual ::

CEO Tyret says:
CO: I am getting a buildup of energy. Type unknown.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Can you guess if it will hit the area or effect the Ves in anyways. I want to beam down and beam up safely, do you know this ETA?

CO Horn says:
CEO: From where?

XO Stricker says:
CO: Captain, stand by. Commander Lane is reading an unknown energy reading.

CEO Tyret says:
CO: Unknown.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen>  :: Sits down in a chair across from the CMO. ::   CMO:  I agree Doctor.  We'll be ready though.

CO Horn says:
XO: Seems the CEO is reading one also

Host U’Tahn says:
COM: CO: That is acceptable.  I will meet your party.  U'Tahn out

CMO Bannister says:
Ibsen:  That we will.  The Captain can count on us.

CEO Tyret says:
XO: May I accompany your away team?

XO Stricker says:
CO: Well I can beam down right now and get back up with my away team before anything happens to the ship. Is that ok ma'am?

CO Horn says:
COM: Planet: Very good. Horn out

CO Horn says:
XO: Make is so. Make sure that the whole Away Team is armed

CO Horn says:
XO: And don't go wondering to far away   :: Smiles ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: Aye sir.   CNS/CTO: You are with me.

CSO Lane says:
XO: I can't be sure about any effects on the ship sir.

CTO Varn says:
XO: Aye Sir

CEO Tyret says:
XO: May I accompany your away team Sir?

XO Stricker says:
*CMO:*: Please meet me in transporter room one. We're beaming down to the planet.  Make sure you are armed.

CTO Varn says:
:: Turns his console over to the tactical officer and moves next to the XO ::

CNS Martin says:
XO: Yes sir   :: Turns from the screen, and heads to the turbolift ::

XO Stricker says:
CTO: Grabs us some phaser’s please.   CNS/CTO: Let's go.   :: Walks into the turbolift. ::

CTO Varn says:
XO: Aye Sir I'll get them immediately

CNS Martin says:
:: Steps into the turbolift behind the XO ::

CTO Varn says:
:: Steps into the turbolift with the CNS and XO ::   XO: I'll get them from the weapons locker in the transporter room Sir

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches the others step into the lift ::

CO Horn says:
CEO: It would be best if you stay here. I want you to work with the CSO and see if you can pinpoint that energy source

XO Stricker says:
CTO: Aye...   Turbolift: Transporter room one please.

CTO Varn says:
:: Wonders how he'll do on his first away team assignment ::

CEO Tyret says:
CO: I gotta shut down the ship's engines. I gotta build in our wings engines I can't identify.

CNS Martin says:
:: Hopes, as the turbolift goes down through the decks, that everything goes well ::

CO Horn says:
CEO: There is a danger to the ship?

CEO Tyret says:
CO: Possible. If I don't find out what it is

CO Horn says:
CEO: How long will it take?

CEO Tyret says:
CO: Unknown at this time.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Away Team assembles in the transporter room awaiting beam down to the planet....

Host Sheri says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>