U.S.S. Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10501.11
Episode 2

Interesting Twists….

The Vesuvius is four hours out from arriving at the Sarona System and its third planet. They were sent to investigate if that planet is suitable for colonization.

However, just before departing Oberon Station, the Captain received disturbing news. Strange warp signatures have been reported in the Sarona System and Admiral Royce wants confirmation … are the signatures Borg or, the Vesuvius' nemesis, the Knosis.

On top of this startling revelation, while in a staff meeting, the CTO announced the discovery of a dead Caitian found stuffed in a torpedo tube. The launch door had been left unsecured and this activated an amber light on the CTO's console.

The CMO has rejoined the Vesuvius after a leave of absence which took him off-ship for a while.  He has beamed over, settled in and is ready to report to duty.

Now it seems the Vesuvius' original mission has some interesting twists….

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XO Darvo says:
::Sitting on the bridge going over reports::

CO McGrady says:
::Sitting on the bridge on the Command Chair::

CO McGrady says:
FCO: ETA to the Sarona system, Lieutenant?

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks over the data on the Sarona System ::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Sitting at her console listening to Phantom in Andorian.  The Phantom is about to make his entrance.::  CO:  Sir…approximately 4 hours.

CTO Liu says:
::On deck 35 aft Torpedo Launcher::

CMO Bannister says:
::In the turbolift, straightening his uniform.  It stops and he exits it, stepping onto the Bridge for the first time in a long time.::

TO Thursson says:
::At the tactical station::

XO Darvo says:
::Looks up from the report she is just about to sign off on and notices that the Doctor::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Hums under her breath.::

OPS Martin says:
::Making her way from the bridge to deck 35, via Turbo Lift, to meet the CTO and assist with the murder investigation::

CMO Bannister says:
::Looks around to see if the Captain is on the Bridge.::

XO Darvo says:
::Signs off on the report and places it with several others that still need her attention::

CO McGrady says:
::Notices the Doctor, and stands from his chair::

XO Darvo says:
::Stands::  CMO: Welcome back to the Vesuvius.

CO McGrady says:
CMO: Doctor, welcome back.

CMO Bannister says:
::Moves over to beside the Captain and sees both he and Commander Darvo.  He offers them a slight nod and smile.::   CO/XO:  It is certainly...better to be back.

CO McGrady says:
CMO:  I assume you have read the most recent mission briefing?

CMO Bannister says:
CO:  Yes.  I am aware of the incident that transpired down in the lower levels of the ship.

XO Darvo says:
::Both arms automatically go to parade rest as she stands easy::

CO McGrady says:
CMO: A disturbing discovery indeed.  Ensign Liu will have the cadaver delivered to sickbay.

FCO Lorehani says:
::Double checks her coordinates for the umpteenth time.::  *Moira*:  Hey Moira...  ::Checks to make sure nobody is listening.::  Have you gotten the buffalo wings made yet...oh what about that onion dip?

XO Darvo says:
::Glances over at the TO standing at the tactical console, looking a little nervous::

CMO Bannister says:
CO:  Before I begin the autopsy sir, are there any requests that the immediately family has asked for?

FCO Lorehani says:
<Moira> FCO:  Almost there Lore...even got some Andorian Fare on the menu...K'Tagnar even made me make Gagh...can you imagine...live bugs. Yuck!

CSO Lane says:
:: Puts the data into a PADD and finishes up her scans ::

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO, then at the CMO::

OPS Martin says:
::Steps off the turbo lift and makes her way through the corridors to the torpedo room::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Laughs::  *Moira*:  Don't knock it ‘til you tried it hon...I'll catch you the flip side of the ship.  Don't start the party without me!!

FCO Lorehani says:
::Laughs::  *FCO*:  I won't...  See ya in a bit!!

CO McGrady says:
CO: I have yet to receive receipt of the death notification.  If I recall, the Catian's have a rather elaborate burial ceremony, so do your best to keep the body...presentable.

XO Darvo says:
::Backs away from the CO's conversation with the CMO and wanders over to the TO::

CSO Lane says:
:: Walks over to the Captain and hands him the data PADD. ::   CO: Sir, the data on Sarona III.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods at the Captain.::  CO:  Also, before I begin, I would like to analyze the area where the victim was found.  Perhaps there are skin cells that have fallen from the person who committed this crime.

OPS Martin says:
::Peeks in the room, and makes her way to the launchers where the CTO is::  CTO: I believe I'm supposed to be aiding in the investigation? Have anything of interest so far?

FCO Lorehani says:
::Sighs...decides to play a little Magnetic Pulse on her console...things are just a little slow.::

TO Thursson says:
::Looks up at the XO and straightens, then nods::   XO: Sir.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Anything on long range sensors yet? Any traces of warp signatures that we are looking for?

CO McGrady says:
::Receives the PADD.::   CSO: Thank you, Commander   ::Starts reviewing the information::  CMO: Very well, Doctor.  I believe you'll find Ensign Liu and Commander Martin conducting their investigation in that area.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Relax, son. No need to be so formal.

CMO Bannister says:
CO:  As soon as I'm done down there I will return to Sickbay and perform the autopsy.

CO McGrady says:
CMO: Good luck, Doctor.

TO Thursson says:
XO: Scanning now, sir.  ::Taps the console a few times then pauses::   Sensors detect nothing, sir.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Good, keep you eyes peeled. As soon as you detect something, please bring it to our attention.

CSO Lane says:
CO: As you can see, it is class-M, similar to Earth, with various temperate climate zones, oxygen-hydrogen atmosphere with a varied plant life. We don't have any data on the animal life though.  :: Smiles and waits. ::

CMO Bannister says:
::He nods and turns, noticing Lorehani at the helm.  He smiles softly, knowing she didn't know he was even looking at her, knowing that he had missed her greatly for the last few months.::

TO Thursson says:
::Nods::   XO: Aye, sir.

CO McGrady says:
::Walks over to the CSO's station, and nods::   CSO: I can see Starfleet's interest in this planet.  The planet appears quite hospitable.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Of course we haven't completed the mineral survey yet, so there may be more interest.

CMO Bannister says:
::He shakes his head and wanders a bit towards her, wanting to just let her know that he was alright.::

XO Darvo says:
TO: You might want to bring several other sensor pallets to standby, Ensign. I not only want the warp signature analyzed, but I want to see if we can back track it to its origin.

CSO Lane says:
CO: It is located near the outer edge of Federation space, which might be interesting to some people.

CO McGrady says:
::Raises his eyebrow at the prospect::  CSO:  Indeed...

CTO Liu says:
::Nods his head at OPS::  OPS: Other than T'Sess' blood stains? No. We can't really make anything solid from this until the autopsy report and forensic analysis has been completed Commander.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> *CMO*:  Doctor Bannister, we have received the Caitian.

TO Thursson says:
::Nods::   XO: Yes, sir.  ::Enters the commands to engage extra sensor pallets on his console::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Hears someone call Jay and turns.  Seeing her friend she flashes her brightest smile.::

XO Darvo says:
::Nods::

OPS Martin says:
::Nods quietly, biting her lip after a moment::   CTO: Have you asked anyone on duty if they saw anything?

CO McGrady says:
::Draws up a Star map on a nearby console::   CSO: I also noticed this fills a gap in our presence in this sector quite efficiently.  A surprise this planet has not yet been surveyed.

FCO Lorehani says:
CMO:  Jay!  Welcome back!  And it's about time.  You never wrote you beast!  ::Grins at him again.::

XO Darvo says:
::Walks up behind the CO, looking over his shoulder while he and Commander Lane confer::

CMO Bannister says:
::Takes a deep breath.::   *Ibsen*:  Acknowledged.  ::Blushes red at Lorehani's comment.::  Uh...uhm...have Crewman Saltoun report to Deck 35 with the medical equipment I asked for.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> *CMO*:  Right away, Doctor.

FCO Lorehani says:
::Chuckles as Jay turns red.::

CMO Bannister says:
FCO:  Can we talk later Lorey?

FCO Lorehani says:
CMO:  Of course.  I'm throwing a party in my quarters.  You are of course invited.  We can find somewhere private to talk there.

CSO Lane says:
CO: It may have been overlooked by the scientists, but I am surprised that at least a survey team wasn't sent long ago.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: An amber light begins to flash on tactical's console...

XO Darvo says:
::Moseys back towards her seat::

TO Thursson says:
::Checks his console::  XO: Sir, there's a warp signature on scanners...very faint, hard to track.

CTO Liu says:
OPS: Negative Commander.  Internal sensors were tampered. I suspect it could be an inside job. Someone must have known how to operate and tamper with Ship equipment.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: I suppose we cannot discount the possibility that Starfleet has not informed us of all there is to know.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Alright, send the coordinates to the FCO and let’s see if we can't bring this ship in a little closer.

CMO Bannister says:
FCO:  Thank you.  ::Gives her a sincere smile and then heads off for the Turbolift.::

OPS Martin says:
::Nods::  CTO: Then we just have to wait for the Doctor, I guess, to complete his autopsy

FCO Lorehani says:
::Turns back to her console.::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Sir, we've picked up traces of the warp signature.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Do you think there's something going on here that Starfleet wants to hide?

CO McGrady says:
XO: Understood, Commander.

CMO Bannister says:
::Enters the turbolift.::  Computer:  Deck thirty five.

OPS Martin says:
CTO: At least, before we can do anything else, that is.

CO McGrady says:
::Breathes in deep, then breathes out slowly, with a slight smile::  CSO:  No, I suppose I do not.

TO Thursson says:
XO: Yes, sir. ::Sends the coordinates the FCO::

XO Darvo says:
::Walks over to the FCO::  FCO: follow the TO's lead, I want us a bit closer to the warp signature he's picking up on his sensors.

CTO Liu says:
OPS: What has me puzzled is what can possibly be the motive behind a murder of a Caitian Ambassador's Aide de Camp while the Ship was still docked at Oberon.

CMO Bannister says:
::As the turbolift goes down the many decks, it finally comes to a stop and the doors in front of Jay open.  He walks out of the small enclosed space and heads out in search of the Chief Tactical Officer and Operations Officer.::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Looks up.::   XO:  Aye Ma'am...do you want them to see us or not?

XO Darvo says:
CO: I've ordered a slight change of course sir, to bring us within range of the faint warp signature.

CSO Lane says:
:: Adjusts her sensors. ::   FCO: Lore, send me the coordinates please.

OPS Martin says:
CTO: Indeed. Where was the Ambassador? Is he, or she, alright? No attacks on their life?

XO Darvo says:
TO: Are you picking up any ships?

CMO Bannister says:
::He finds Crewman Saltoun who gives him the medical equipment and then follows him to where the two other officers were located.  He arrives to Commander Martin and Ensign Liu's position.::

CO McGrady says:
::Looks up::  XO: Is the warp signature within the Sarona system?

CTO Liu says:
OPS: Not to my knowledge.

XO Darvo says:
CO: The signatures are very faint, sir...we're bring the ship closer to get a better reading

CTO Liu says:
:: Nods at approaching CMO::   CMO: Doctor.

CO McGrady says:
XO: Very well, Number One.

OPS Martin says:
::Nods and turns hearing someone behind them::  CMO: Ah, Jay, have a good shore leave?

CSO Lane says:
:: Studies the scans hoping to identify the signature ::

CMO Bannister says:
::Returns the nod, almost coldly.  Jay had a difficult time showing any kind of emotion these days.::   CTO:  Ensign.   OPS:  It was...different.

CO McGrady says:
::Returns to the Command Chair::

TO Thursson says:
XO: No, sir. None detectable

XO Darvo says:
::Nods to the TO::

CO McGrady says:
TO: Ensign, place a visual of the area of the warp signatures on the main viewscreen.

OPS Martin says:
::Raises her eyebrows at the answer::  CMO: I...see.  Ah, well, are you down here for some scans before conducting the autopsy?

CSO Lane says:
CO/XO: The signatures appear to be at least a few weeks old from these readings.

TO Thursson says:
::Taps console to display the image on screen::   CO: On screen, sir.

CMO Bannister says:
OPS:  Yes.  Perhaps there will be some evidence that another person was here.   ::Pulls out his tricorder and begins to scan the area carefully.::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Continues to slightly adjust to the new course.::

OPS Martin says:
::Steps back to let the Doctor scan, wondering if he'll find out more than the CTO has::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Do the signatures indicate any type of course?

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Can you determine the owner?

XO Darvo says:
TO: As the scan clears, see if you can back track the signature.

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks up ::  CO: Sir, the decay rate indicates that they enter and leave the Sarona system.

XO Darvo says:
::Doesn't like the sound of that::

CO McGrady says:
::Looks from the CSO to the XO::   CSO/XO: Indeed...

CMO Bannister says:
::Hums a song to himself as he does the scan.::

TO Thursson says:
::Nods::  XO: Aye, sir.

CO McGrady says:
FCO:  Return to our original course.

CSO Lane says:
CO: As to who created them...that is indeterminate at this time.

CO McGrady says:
CSO/XO:  The signatures will be fresher in the Sarona system.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Aye, sir.

FCO Lorehani says:
::Nods:: CO:  Aye Sir...returning to our original course.  ::Deftly steers the ship.::

TO Thursson says:
::Scans::   CO: Confirming the CSO's readings, sir.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Possible sir.

XO Darvo says:
TO: Run what you have through the star charts, but keep an eye forward towards the Sarona system

CTO Liu says:
::Continues to look around the area::

CMO Bannister says:
Aloud:  Hmmm...Interesting.   ::He reaches into his med kit and pulls out a short little medical device that is like a small vacuum.  He places it near an area and sucks in some cells that are obviously not Caitian and have been around for a short period of time.::

TO Thursson says:
XO: Yes, sir.  ::Begins the work on his console::

OPS Martin says:
CMO: What's interesting?

OPS Martin says:
::Steps forward to look over his shoulder::

XO Darvo says:
::Takes her seat and picks up another report::

CTO Liu says:
::Looks over at CMO::

CMO Bannister says:
OPS/CTO:  I have found non-Caitian DNA.

CTO Liu says:
CMO/OPS: Bingo, someone’s getting busted.

OPS Martin says:
::Blinks::  CMO: We work on a ship that has many different races - unless it is of a race that should not have been here...

CO McGrady says:
*CTO* Mr. Liu, report your preliminary findings.

CMO Bannister says:
::Prepares a few more samples of the DNA after he's collected enough of the cells.::   OPS:  All cells on and in our body have a life span.  With this information, and the information at the information I shall collect from the victim I should be able to better triangulate a suspect.

CSO Lane says:
XO: Ma'am, sensors are showing a stronger warp signature now...  TO: Can you confirm?

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Can you determine whom they belong to?

TO Thursson says:
::Checks console:: XO: Confirmed, sir.

CMO Bannister says:
OPS:  But you are right, the samples I am collecting may not be the samples we are looking for.  But for now, it is a start.

CSO Lane says:
XO: Running it through the database now ma'am.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Shall I bring the ship to yellow alert, sir?

CMO Bannister says:
::Gives the samples to his medical technician.::  OPS/CTO:  Make certain nobody goes in this area.  In case I need to come back.

OPS Martin says:
::Nods::  CMO: True, let's hope the samples belong to someone who shouldn't have been here. I'll find out who was on duty in this part of the ship and we can find out after you've finished

CTO Liu says:
*CO*: Captain, Doctor Bannister has found some non-Caitian DNA at the murder site. But a suspect has yet to be named.

CO McGrady says:
::Thinks a moment::   XO: Negative, commander.  I don't want the crew's nerves raised any higher than they are already...at least for the moment.

CSO Lane says:
XO: Commander, there is a signature but it's not in the Starbase database.

CTO Liu says:
OPS/CMO: I will blockade passage into this area until the analysis of the evidence has been completed.

CMO Bannister says:
CTO/OPS:  I'll be heading back to Sickbay now to conduct the autopsy.  I will notify Security of any findings, of course.

CO McGrady says:
*CTO*: Excellent progress, Ensign.  Carry on.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Aye

CTO Liu says:
*CO*: It's a start Captain.

OPS Martin says:
::Nods at the CTO::  CTO: I'd better go find out who was on duty at that time as well. I'll be on the bridge or in my office if you need me.

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Does the Starbase have examples of the Knosis warp signatures?

CTO Liu says:
CMO: Of course Doctor, thanks for your assistance in this matter.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods and smiles softly at the Ensign and then to Commander Martin.  He takes their leave and returns to the turbolift where he instructs it to take him to Deck Twelve.::

CTO Liu says:
OPS: Very good Commander, We'll both discuss this matter in a while.

OPS Martin says:
::Nods and turns to leave, letting the CTO seal up the room till later::

CSO Lane says:
XO: I'll try and run comparisons with obscure files. The Knosis are inter-dimensional ma'am…but their signature should be in there.  :: Looks ::   It's not there, Commander.

CO McGrady says:
CSO:  Can we discount the signatures being of Borg origin?

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Thank you, Commander Lane, anything you can find out will be very helpful.

CMO Bannister says:
::Arrives on Deck Twelve and heads for Sickbay.::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, I can't rule out anything at this point.

OPS Martin says:
::Heads back to the turbo lift, and orders it to the bridge...then changes her mind, opting instead to work in her office::

CMO Bannister says:
::When he arrives in Sickbay, there is a flurry of activity as the staff gets ready for the autopsy.::

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  We've readied the Caitian for the autopsy.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Understood, Commander.

XO Darvo says:
CO: I don't like this sir.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods at the Doctor and grabs his surgical garment.::  Ibsen:  Very good.  I will go get changed and then we may begin with the procedure.

CO McGrady says:
XO: Nor do I, Number One.

XO Darvo says:
CO: We're to continue our mission to Sarona III then and not investigate the warp signatures further?

CMO Bannister says:
::Goes into another room and takes off his uniform jacket and places it on the side.  He places the full body surgical suit on and then heads out to one of the side rooms in Sickbay where the autopsies are performed.::

CTO Liu says:
::Summons Petty Officers Chaudhry, Chang, and Chief Everett to assist him in sealing of Torpedo Bay::

CO McGrady says:
XO: To the contrary, Commander.  Starfleet reported their readings emanating from the Sarona system, and their trace leads there.  I'm operating under the assumption that the signatures will be strongest within the system itself.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A Proximity detector sets off the red alert klaxons as a spatial anomaly is detected forming off the port side as the Vesuvius passes it...

OPS Martin says:
::Steps into her office and takes a seat, after stopping to talk to one of the other Operations Officers in the hall::

XO Darvo says:
TO: Shields!

TO Thursson says:
::Raises shields and scans the area::

CO McGrady says:
FCO: Bring us to a safe distance, then come to all stop.

TO Thursson says:
XO: Shields up, sir.

CSO Lane says:
XO: Sorry Commander, that came out of nowhere.

CMO Bannister says:
::Sees Doctor Ibsen.::  Ibsen:  Okay Doctor, let's begin.  ::Hears the red alert sound.::
Aloud:  Now what.

XO Darvo says:
CSO: No worries, Commander...it apparently wasn't there a moment ago.

FCO Lorehani says:
::Increases speed for a moment and after 500 kms comes to a full stop.:: CO: All Stop Aye Sir.

XO Darvo says:
::Stands::

CO McGrady says:
TO: Visual of the anomaly.

CO McGrady says:
FCO: Place us in optimal tactical position, Lieutenant.

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods ::  XO: But the sensors should have detected it.

TO Thursson says:
::Taps console::   CO: On screen, sir.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: What is the nature of that anomaly, Commander?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The TO brings the anomaly on-screen.  There is a small swirling if blue matter, which is slowly expanding...

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Aye, that they should have, try running a diagnosis on your console, see if there is any reason that we didn't see it before.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Analysing........

CSO Lane says:
CO: Sir, it appears to be a temporal vortex.

XO Darvo says:
::Walks down and places a hand on the FCO's shoulder::

CMO Bannister says:
Ibsen:  The Captain wants this done so let's get it started regardless.  Computer, begin autopsy record for Malosha T'Sess.

OPS Martin says:
::Brings up the duty roster for the week they were still in port::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Startled for a moment then looks up and sees the XO::

FCO Lorehani says:
::Has just finished putting her maneuvers into the computer.::

CO McGrady says:
::Watches as the anomaly continues to expand slowly::

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Keep us at a safe distance, Lorie, don't let that thing suck us in

CO McGrady says:
TO: Does the vortex pose a threat to the Vesuvius, Ensign?

XO Darvo says:
::Keeps her eye on the viewscreen::

FCO Lorehani says:
XO: I've got the proximity detectors on line...anything closer then 400 kms we are going to hear bells.

CMO Bannister says:
::He hears the computer beep in acknowledgement.::  Computer:  Gender, female.  Species, Caitian.  Height, five foot and four inches.  Weight, one hundred forty-five pounds.

XO Darvo says:
::Nods::  FCO: good

TO Thursson says:
CO: It does not appear to pose a threat at this time, Captain.

CMO Bannister says:
::Begins to look around at the body.::  Computer:  External Examination beginning.  ::Checks the patient's head.::

CO McGrady says:
TO: Very well.  Have torpedoes and phasers firing patterns ready at a moments notice.  We don't know what, if anything, will emerge.

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir. ::Checks to make sure all weapons are at the ready::

XO Darvo says:
::Looks at the CO::   CO: A Borg conduit, sir?

CSO Lane says:
:: Rests her hands on the side of her console and sighs ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: Or perhaps a Knosis portal of some sort.

CMO Bannister says:
Computer:  There are facial contusions on the right cheek bone and under the left eye.  ::Touches the rest of the Caitian's head.::  Some indication of a physical hit to the head.

XO Darvo says:
CO: I don't know which frightens me more, sir.....the known or the unknown.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The Vesuvius holds her position as the swirling blue anomaly expands...

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