U.S.S. Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10509.13
Sarona III, Planetary Investigation … An Unseen Threat
Episode 29, Transcript #253

A Leap of Faith, Part 3…

It started out as a simple planetary investigation of Sarona III and has now become a more complex and insidious situation. Ion trails in the Sarona system led the Vesuvius crew to discover death, stolen organs, and human abductions.

An unexplained anomaly has brought the Vesuvius and her crew into the past … Earth's past … and now a little gray alien named Axion is their only hope to return home.  But the crew must tolerate his riddles.

On the way to Earth, the gems the Vesuvius had in their possession were taken. Axion stated 'all will be revealed', but that answer is wearing thin on the crew.

They are now in route to another location on Earth to find the gems.  They can only hope Axion will hold true to his word….

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

CO McGrady says:
:: Sitting beside Axion as he steers the saucer, trying hard not to expose his aggravation. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches out the window of the saucer, as they move silently over the Earth's surface. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Onboard the alien ship, arms folded across her chest. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Looks across in the ship at Lane. ::

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: Silent, sitting. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Axion gets a reading from his console.  He steers the saucer accordingly....

CO McGrady says:
:: Notices the adjustment in course. ::   Axion: So....   :: Breathes in. ::    How far to the first gem?

XO Darvo says:
:: Wonders what's going on onboard the Vesuvius. ::

Host Axion says:
CO: Very soon ... less than 7 minutes of your time

CO McGrady says:
Axion:  Tell me ... will those humans ... will they remember anything, even from before their abduction?

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks towards the CO talking to Axion. ::

Host Axion says:
CO: They will remember times before their abduction, but from the moment they were taken to the moment they returned, they will not.

CO McGrady says:
Axion:  You know, Axion ... your race is far advanced to our Federation in technology, but you have much to learn from our philosophy...

XO Darvo says:
Axion: How is it that the group did not see us among them? What technology did you use to shield us from them?

CSO Lane says:
:: Turns to look towards the Captain and Axion's chairs. ::

Host Axion says:
CO: Philosophy?  What is that?   :: Turns to the XO. ::   XO: It is something we do with all our abductions.  We find it easier for them to re-assimilate if they don't remember anything

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Any particular food preferences?

CO McGrady says:
Axion: For example, the first general order of the United Federation of Planets is the Prime Directive ... a directive of non-interference with primitive cultures...

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks over at Thomas. ::   CEO: Huh?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The saucer comes to an area where there are a few temples.  There is a thick undergrowth of jungle around them

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: For dinner

XO Darvo says:
:: Does not feel Axion answered her question fully. ::

Host Axion says:
CO: How can the primitive culture know we interfered if they do not remember anything?

CSO Lane says:
CEO: What dinner?   :: Thinks he lost it. ::

CO McGrady says:
Axion:  The Prime Directive forbids any effort to improve or change in any way the natural course of such a society, even if that change is well-intentioned and kept totally secret

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: The one you're having with me when we get back to the ship

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks out a window, and the flora and fauna surrounding the temple. :: CSO: What do you make of this landscape outside?

Host Axion says:
:: Senses the XO. ::   XO: We have the capacity to exist in many dimensions. I was able to transfer that ability to us when they arrived

CSO Lane says:
CEO: I said maybe, nothing definite.   :: Shakes her head. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: I can at least maybe plan the menu

XO Darvo says:
:: Raises an eyebrow at Axion's statement. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Unfamiliar with the saucer's displays, checks his tricorder for their location. ::

Host Axion says:
All: For now, we are solid in this dimension.  There will be no other's returning to Earth at this time

CEO Quchant says:
:: Ears tweak at Axion's statement. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Looks like a fairly humid environment, but lacking in water to some degree.

CSO Lane says:
CEO: Thomas, not now please.

CO McGrady says:
Crew:  Mexico ... near ancient Mayan ruins.  I'm not even sure these ruins exist in our time.   :: Betrays a look of fascination. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: There is a clearing near one of the temples.  The saucer lands....

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks at the CO. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CO: Hmm ... there have been some interesting legends about these places

XO Darvo says:
CO: Sure isn't Egypt, as I suspected it might be

CO McGrady says:
CEO: Indeed ... for example?

Host Axion says:
:: Powers down the saucer. ::   All: We must scale one of these....

CO McGrady says:
Axion:  Are we alone here?   :: Checking his tricorder for human lifeforms. ::

XO Darvo says:
Axion: Climb up to the top, is that what you mean by scaling?

Host Axion says:
XO: Yes

CSO Lane says:
:: Remembers something about ancients making human sacrifices, and wonders if Thomas would be willing to be a vic ... er volunteer if need be. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CO: Various legends about them being spaceships from another world ... the ancient Inca gods really being higher beings of some sort ... the sort of thing we have the prime directive to prevent

Host Axion says:
:: Exits his seat and moves to the closed door.  Presses a place on the wall next to the invisible seam and the door begins to open. ::

CO McGrady says:
CEO: It would appear those legends are not unfounded.   :: Follows the CTO out of the saucer. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Commander Lane...

CSO Lane says:
:: Gets out of her chair and follows the rest out, being last of course. ::   CO: Yes Captain?

XO Darvo says:
:: Stands and follows the rest of the crew, watching the CSO and CEO walking side by side. ::

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: Stands slowly, feeling the blood returning to his legs and steps out of the craft slowly, following the alien. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Hands Lane the tricorder. ::   CSO: Take some detailed scans of this site ... for archeological records....

CSO Lane says:
:: Takes the tricorder. ::   CO: Of course Captain.

CO McGrady says:
LCO: Been staying in shape, Captain?

CSO Lane says:
:: Begins scanning and recording the area. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Looks up at the Mayan temple. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Walks towards the side of the group, eyes scanning the area for any threat. ::

Luna Capt. Savar says:
CO: Physical activity should be a regular occurrence in a Starfleet officer's routine.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The party begins to climb the many, many stairs heaven-ward

CO McGrady says:
LCO: Indeed!?   :: Gets on with the climb. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CO: There are some similarities between the legends of the Inca’s and the Mayan’s with those of the Egyptians and their pyramids

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: With barely making an effort, he climbs. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Starts the climb trying to scan at the same time. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Climbs behind the group, eyes still roaming the distant jungle. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Stops every few steps to record the surrounding stones and other terrain. ::

CO McGrady says:
CEO: Let me guess ... aliens, similar to our friend here, behind the legend of gods, tribal chiefs, and pharaohs.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The group hears the loud roar of a nearby animal as well as the screams of others....

CEO Quchant says:
CO: And abductions of ... what the....

CO McGrady says:
:: Turns around, eyes darting here and there looking for the source of the commotion. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Stops and turns towards the sound, drawing her phaser to the ready. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: What is that ... where is it coming from?

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: Holds his hand from grabbing his weapon, but glances around curiously. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Jumps slightly at the sound of animals then smiles. ::   Self: Must be some of Thomas' relatives.

XO Darvo says:
:: Smiles at Hope comment. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: From the jungle area sir. Must be some of the local wildlife.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: And the screams ... are they human?

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Nice...

XO Darvo says:
:: Keeps her weapon at the ready, just in case and continues to climb. ::

Host Axion says:
All: There is nothing to fear....   :: Continues to climb. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Nothing to fear, but fear itself, Ayla thinks. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: No sir, just very human-like animals sounds according to the readings.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Very well....   :: Looks around warily for a moment, and follows Axion back up the pyramid. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Peeks at the CSO's tricorder. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Presently the group arrives at the very top of the ruins....

CSO Lane says:
:: Pulls the tricorder away. ::   CEO: Recognize the family Thomas?   :: Grins. ::

Host Axion says:
:: Stops and looks sky ward. ::

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: Follows the little alien's glance. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Raises an eyebrow at the CSO. ::

XO Darvo says:
Axion: Are we here to locate the other two gems or are we going to have another special delivery of humans?

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at Axion and looks up as well. ::

Host Axion says:
:: Without looking at the XO. ::   XO: There are no more to return....

Host Axion says:
:: Closes eyes as if in telepathic communication. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Taps foot against the ancient stone. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Records what Axion is doing. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks towards the CO. ::

Host Axion says:
All: It will be a few more minutes....   :: Looks around to the group. ::     One of my brethren has crashed.   :: Voice is sad. ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: I'd like to feel some sympathy ... really I would...

CSO Lane says:
:: Sits on the edge of the top step and watches everyone. ::

XO Darvo says:
Axion: My condolences, I think.

CEO Quchant says:
:: Looks around at the scenery ... seeing if he can spot any landmarks. ::

Host Axion says:
:: Looks at the XO. ::   XO: My thanks.  For one who is so skeptical, you do understand loss....

CTO Liu says:
:: Looks around. ::

XO Darvo says:
Axion: Of course we understand loss, we're not heartless.  We have compassion also, but little patience for what is going on now.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Axion looks skyward again and this time he raises his arms....

CO McGrady says:
:: Looks up to where Axion is gazing. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Raises only her eyes. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Is wary of the unexpected. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Hears the XO and smiles to herself and thinks "you tell him Ayla". ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A light suddenly engulfs the top of the ruins.  Warmth is experienced by all!  Suddenly, the two gems appear ... the blue and the purple ones from the Vesuvius...

XO Darvo says:
:: Shields eyes from the light. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: So much for having them secure

CSO Lane says:
:: Sees the gems in the light but wonders why they aren't in the lead boxes since they create such an energy wave. ::

CSO Lane says:
CEO: They are too dangerous to be out in the open like that!

CO McGrady says:
XO: Those are our gems...

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The gems hover together over an area and a secret passage opens.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Yes, I believe they are....   :: Watches. ::

XO Darvo says:
All: Interesting.

CO McGrady says:
:: Is a bit amazed by the mysterious passage way. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Gets down and whispers to the CSO. ::   CSO: Can you locate a frequency they are on and send out some sort of blocking carrier wave?

CSO Lane says:
:: Stands up and moves towards the opening. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Grabs Hope's arm. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Don't you start wandering off

CO McGrady says:
CSO: One moment, Commander Lane.

CO McGrady says:
Axion: What is through that passageway?

CSO Lane says:
CEO: I can't locate the frequency....   :: Hears the Captain. ::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Scan that

Host Axion says:
All: It is being brought to the surface...

CSO Lane says:
XO: Scanning the passageway.

XO Darvo says:
Axion: What is being brought to the surface?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Earth begins to tremble slightly....

XO Darvo says:
:: Catches her balance. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Tries to keep his footing. ::

Host Axion says:
XO: One of the other gems....

CSO Lane says:
:: Almost loses her balance and she scans. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Kneels down a bit and uses a hand to brace himself. ::

CEO Quchant says:
All: Oh great

CEO Quchant says:
:: Grabs Hope and steadies her. ::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Are you picking up any radiation from the new gem?

Host Axion says:
ALL: There is no danger....

CTO Liu says:
:: Goes into a martial arts stance to keep his balance. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: No signs of radiation but there is some kind of signal from the passageway. It's off the tricorder's scale!

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles at Thomas as he steadies her. ::   CEO: Thanks Thomas.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Suddenly, the trembling stops and a beautiful pink crystal hovers at the entrance to the passageway.  The door to the passageway begins to close and the crystal moves upwards to join the other two....

XO Darvo says:
Axion: You say there is no danger, the signal the CSO is pickup up on her tricorder is off the scale; that doesn't sound like it's very safe.

XO Darvo says:
:: Shuts mouth as the crystal appears. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: My pleasure ... are you getting all of this?

Host Axion says:
All: Legend states that these three will find the last crystal

XO Darvo says:
Axion: Then we are free to leave?

CSO Lane says:
CEO: Of course I am … it's my job.   :: Sounds indignant. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Just making sure you're still you....

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Mind if I hold on....

Host Axion says:
XO: No ... there is one more....   Please be patient

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The three crystals burst into a light that shines directly to the other nearby ruin.  The Earth begins to tremble slightly again.....

CSO Lane says:
CEO: Feeling faint?

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: I'm fine ... just making sure you stay upright to do your job.   :: Winks. ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: There is our next destination, it would seem...

XO Darvo says:
:: Can not figure out why they had to accompany Axion when he seems to be doing fine without their help ... are they to bear witness to some event? ::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Aye sir appears to be.

Host Axion says:
All: We remain here...

CSO Lane says:
:: Turns the tricorder towards the other ruin. ::   CO: Captain, the light is showing that ruin over there has something....

XO Darvo says:
:: Shrugs shoulders. ::   CO: Guess not.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The trembling grows stronger and from a distant, the group can see the sparkle of yet another gem ... though they cannot see its color....

XO Darvo says:
:: Watches the show. ::

CSO Lane says:
All: Looks like another gem.

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: Any idea how many there are?

CO McGrady says:
:: Peers out in the distance to see the gem sparkling. ::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: If I recall, this gem is crystal clear....   :: Looks for any acknowledgment. ::

CEO Quchant says:
CSO: ...or do they fit together some how?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Axion's saucer rises from its resting place and hovers over the group.  A ramp is extended so they can enter....

CSO Lane says:
XO: So the legend says Commander.

XO Darvo says:
:: Thankful they don't have climb back down to the ground, takes the ramp up to the saucer. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Nods her thanks to the CSO. ::

CSO Lane says:
CEO: I don't know exactly what their function is yet.

Host Axion says:
All: We must leave this place now.  Please reenter my saucer!

Host Axion says:
:: Is excited. ::

CO McGrady says:
Crew: Let’s load up!

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at the ramp and shrugs. ::

CTO Liu says:
:: Is beginning to enjoy the tour! ::

CTO Liu says:
:: Walks inside. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Starts towards the saucer. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Takes her seat on the saucer, hopefully now that they have found the last gem that they might be able to leave this time very soon. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Gets in the saucer with the rest of the crew. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Heads for the ramp but stops for a moment to look back at the other gems. ::

Luna Capt. Savar says:
:: Takes in a breath and re-boards the saucer.  This is mostly show, and rather uninteresting. ::

Host Axion says:
:: Moves quickly into his saucer and takes his place.  The console is alive with lights now, flashing and dancing in various patterns. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, shouldn't we take the gems for safekeeping?

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks up at the CSO. ::   CSO: How do you mean for us to gather them?

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Given Axion's sudden change in disposition, I think he has a plan...

CSO Lane says:
CO: Yes sir, he does seem to have all the answers.   :: Takes her seat. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The gems come together and move off towards the horizon.  The saucer closes up and follows after the gems....

CEO Quchant says:
:: Sits down quickly in an available space. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Watches the ground speed by. ::

Host Axion says:
All: It is just as our legend states....

Host Axion says:
:: Voice is quiet, in reverend awe. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Wants to say "Are we there yet" but holds her tongue. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Tries to follow the path of the gems with her eyes. ::

Host Axion says:
All: You have just witness the legend as foretold by our ancestors.  They stated the gems were placed in a safe location.  We all thought it was the pyramids....

Host Axion says:
All: What better location to hide something sought after by your enemy than amidst them?

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks at Axion as he speaks with such passion and awe. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Nods knowingly at the logic. ::

CO McGrady says:
Axion: Your enemy ... the Maya is your enemy???

Host Axion says:
CO: No ... the Knosis

CO McGrady says:
Axion: I do not understand ... are the Knosis here on Earth?

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at Axion and wonders why anyone would hide something on Earth. ::

Host Axion says:
CO: They were at one time ... about the same time as my ancestors who were living amongst the Egyptians.  The Knosis lived amongst the Mayan people

CEO Quchant says:
CO: Told you…

CO McGrady says:
:: Nods at the CEO. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Glares at Thomas and gives him the Shhh sign. ::

CEO Quchant says:
:: Glares back at the CSO and sticks out his tongue. ::

CO McGrady says:
Axion: Your enemy with this race spans millennia ... as I have told you, you have much to learn from the philosophy of the Federation....

Host Axion says:
CO: Perhaps an exchange of information will be beneficial for both our species, then....

CO McGrady says:
Axion: Indeed...

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The saucer continues on its path to another location.  For what reason, it is unknown.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>