U.S.S. Vesuvius – November 30, 1999

Kris:
When last we left the valiant crew of the U.S.S. Vesuvius, the starship was at yellow alert status and had been sucked into a black hole in the Yolian cluster.  Various anomalies had been forming certain patterns with smaller black holes....

Kris:
...when the Vesuvius hailed the general area in an attempt to determine if intelligent life existed within the cluster.  Suddenly, the crew found themselves being sucked into a powerful black hole....

Kris:
<<<<<<<<<<RESUME MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>

Kris:
ACTION: THE USS VESUVIUS IS INSIDE THE BLACK HOLE AND AT AN ALL STOP, APPARENTLY DEAD IN SPACE.

OPS_Vigil:
:: monitoring power on shields and sensors::

CTO_Crazi:
::increases shield power momentarily::

CSOLorenzo:
::Continues scanning sensors...and creating an algorithm to decipher any attempts at communication::

TOKelson:
::quicky runs through systems check::

CO_Alar:
::leaning over the Ops officer's shoulder:: Bridge: All stations report.

CMOTigs:
::In sickbay monitoring the bridge::

FCODoole:
CO: I suggest we try reversing engines to try to pull away from this black hole.

CO_Alar:
Doole: Stand by.

XOBishop:
::sitting in his seat mulling over the situation, listening to the reports::

CO_Alar:
::waits for the reports::

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Captain I am working on deciphering any communication....but no luck yet

FCODoole:
CO: FCO is ready and waiting.

CMOTigs:
*CO:: Sickbay stands ready, all systems functioning::

CTO_Crazi:
CO: tactical systems appear un-affected

OPS_Vigil:
CO:Structural Integrety fields are shakend Ma'am

TOKelson:
CTO:  all systems functioning normally

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Communication and all systems ok

CTO_Crazi:
CO: Ma`am, I suggest modifing a torpedo to emmit a warp flare and light up the surrounding space, perhaps we could see something that could tell us what is going on

CO_Alar:
Crazi: We're in a black hole. It would be irrelevant.

CO_Alar:
Perdrix: As hailing it brought us here, let's see what hailing it again will do.

TOKelson:
::maintaining systems check::

CO_Alar:
Perdrix: Open a channel.

CTO_Crazi:
TO: check the shield grid, also the phase variance

OPS_Vigil:
::Open hailing frequenties:: Frequencies opens Ma'am

CSOLorenzo:
::begins to record CO hails::

TOKelson:
CTO: Aye.

TOKelson:
::checking shields, phase variance::

FCODoole:
CO: the CTO's suggestion is unadvisable. If this "black hole" turns out to be a life form, then firing a torpedo at it might be considered an unevoked attack, and it or they may respond in a way that we are not prepared to deal with.

CTO_Crazi:
::turns to CSO::  CSO: have you discovered any patterns to the swirls we saw earlier, is it a form of communication?

TOKelson:
Crazi: no changes to report.

CO_Alar:
::gets silence on the channel::

CTO_Crazi:
::hears the FCO's comment, thinks that if these beings are intelligent they'd understand it was a form of study::

OPS_Vigil:
:: changing hailing frequenties::

CTO_Crazi:
::wonders what the CSO is up to, begins to cross-reference the swirl patterns with all known forms of communication::

TOKelson:
CTO:  why don't we try matching the patterns that the "entity" used to lure us here.

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Did your scans earlier reveal anything unusual in the construction of this black hole?

CTO_Crazi:
TO: elaborate

TOKelson:
CTO: see if we can communicate on it's level.

CSOLorenzo:
CTO:So far my studies have found nothing....patterns yes.....anything we can understand....no.

CMOTigs:
*CO*:: Permission to come to the bridge for examination of the crew.::

CTO_Crazi:
TO: I doubt we could create black holes our selves

CO_Alar:
*Tigs* By all means, Doctor.

CSOLorenzo:
CO: No Captain, its your typical black hole....except for its amazing growth

TOKelson:
CTO: I can run the patterns through the universal translator.  See if anything comes up?

CTO_Crazi:
::wonders what the TO is getting at, or if it is even plausable::

FCODoole:
:: closes eyes and reaches out with mind towards the black hole, receiving nothing from it yet.::

CO_Alar:
Kelson: I agree with your suggestion. Lorenzo, coordinate with Crazi to try to recreate the pattern.

CSOLorenzo:
TO:That was my first try....i got nothing

CTO_Crazi:
TO: ah, good idea, but the CSO has already tried that, as have I

CTO_Crazi:
::hears CO's remark::

CMOTigs:
:: headsto her office and straps her Taj to her ankle, grabs her med kit and tricorder and heads for the bridge::

CO_Alar:
Bridge: I can't believe that we were drawn in by accident. I believe there is an intelligence at work here.

CMOTigs:
:: enters the turbo lift:: Deck I::

FCODoole:
CO: I am sensing curiosity from this "black hole".

CO_Alar:
Doole: Can you sense anything else?

CTO_Crazi:
::scans hull integrity::

XOBishop:
CO: And keeping us intact, had this been a true blackhole as sensors suggest we would be ripped apart by the gravitational forces by now

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Agreed Captain...but how do you communicate with it?....simulate a black hole of our own?

FCODoole:
CO: Not yet, but I have a feeling this is not a black hole.

CMOTigs:
:: enters the bridge::

CTO_Crazi:
CSO: perhaps.....if we.....

CO_Alar:
Bishop: Precisely.

TOKelson:
CTO: how can we recreate the gas patterns?  Plasma ejections?

FCODoole:
::recloses eyes, trying to communicate telepathically with mind::

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Hypothesize on that, if you would.

CTO_Crazi:
CSO: what if we were able to get the beings to communicate even more, perhaps after a while we could construct a basic database for their language, then program it into the UT and let the computer work from there

Kris:
ACTION: STARS BECOME VISIBLE AGAIN ON THE VIEWSCREEN AS THE BLACK HOLE SEEMS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE U.S.S. VESUVIUS OF ITS OWN ACCORD.  AS IF THE SHIP STAYED IN ONE PLACE AND THE BLACKHOLE MOVED AWAY.

CMOTigs:
CO:: CMOTigs reporting, may I procede?::

OPS_Vigil:
CO: We are free.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Well Captain, I have tried to decipher the patterns...but its obvious we cannot communicate with them on our level

CO_Alar:
Tigs: By all means, Doctor.

FCODoole:
CO: The black hole has move away from us.

TOKelson:
::checking effects of phenomena on systems::

CTO_Crazi:
CO: I suggest moving the ship away to a safe distance!

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Can we create a black hole?

CO_Alar:
Crazi: No. We weren't harmed, and there's nothing that leads me to believe that we are going to be.

TOKelson:
CTO:  all stations report secure.

CTO_Crazi:
TO: phasers, releasing drive plasma, and out cargo of gases

FCODoole:
CTO: I don't have to move, it already moved away from us.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Just as the other black holes dissipated....so has ours

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Not that I know of...but I'm also not a scientist by nature. ::smiles::

CMOTigs:
:: scans the CO, and checks the readings::

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Captain....there are no astral phenomena in the system....at all

CTO_Crazi:
FCO: I meant moving farther away from the anamoly, but nevermind

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Explain.

CSOLorenzo:
CO: this has not happened in over 200 years

Kris:
ACTION: A WORMHOLE FORMS 100 KILOMETERS IN FRONT OF THE U.S.S. VESUVIUS' POSITION.

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Then it looks like we got someone's attention.

CTO_Crazi:
CO: a wormhole off the bow!

TOKelson:
::scans wormhole::

Kris:
ACTION: TWO DOZEN JEM'HADAR FIGHTERS EXIT THE WORMHOLE, HEADING FOR THE U.S.S. VESUVIUS.

CO_Alar:
Tac: Shields up!

CMOTigs:
:: scans the XO and checks the readings::

TOKelson:
CTO: shields up!

CTO_Crazi:
::red alert::

CTO_Crazi (Sound - Alert.wav):

TOKelson:
<CTO>

CTO_Crazi:
::tries to establish a lock::

OPS_Vigil:
::monitoring shields power efficienty::

TOKelson:
CTO: weapons?

CMOTigs:
*CO* :: You and the XO check out clean shall I return to Sickbay?::

CO_Alar:
Crazi: Be ready with the phasers.

CSOLorenzo:
::runs scans on the wormhole::

CO_Alar:
Tigs: You are welcome to. I'd be prepared for casualties...::gesturing to the Jem'Hadar ships::

XOBishop:
Computer: Red alert, all hands to battle stations

FCODoole:
CO: standing by to initiate attack patterns, at your command

CTO_Crazi:
CO: aye, weapons ready

CO_Alar:
Ops: Hail them.

Kris:
ACTION: THE JEM'HADAR SHIPS DISAPPEAR.

CMOTigs:
:: hurriedly leaves the bridge and heads for the TL>::

CTO_Crazi:
CO: they're gone!

Kris:
ACTION: THE WORMHOLE IS REPLACED WITH SWIRLING GASES OF BLUE AND GREEN.

OPS_Vigil:
CO Hailing frequencies opens

CO_Alar:
::bites her lip:: Crazi: Stand down red alert.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:Should we assume they are just as confused as we are?

CO_Alar:
Crazi: Drop shields, and power down phasers.

TOKelson:
::shuts off red alert::

CTO_Crazi:
CO: aye sir

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Should I open a hailling frequentie.

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Perhaps we're the first ship in 200 years that's tried to communicate with them.

CTO_Crazi:
::de-activates shields and weapons::

FCODoole:
::wonders what that was all about::

CMOTigs:
:: enters sickbay. prepares several biobeds::

TOKelson:
CTO:  Let's try your idea with the gases...

CO_Alar:
Vigil: No, keep the frequencies closed.

TOKelson:
CTO:  Try to match the swirling effect...

CSOLorenzo:
CO: Captain I would agree seeing as how this has never been reported

XOBishop:
CO:Suggest that we keep a standing yellow alert and the sheilds up, for safety if anything

OPS_Vigil:
CO: there was no lifesigns inside those ships.

CO_Alar:
Bishop: I don't want to appear provocative.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:My scans of the vessel are peculiar

CSOLorenzo:
CO:they were incomplete

TOKelson:
::monitoring scans of gases::

CO_Alar:
Vigil: That seems unusual...perhaps they didn't have all the information to make the illusion complete.

FCODoole:
CO: Those Jem'Hadar ships were just an optical illusion. There was nothing actually there.

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Might be

CEO_Davis:
::enters main engineering and heads for office::

CO_Alar:
Bridge: Suggestions.

CSOLorenzo:
::hhhhmmmmmm....and entity that can creat black holes, worm holes, and fake ships::

OPS_Vigil:
CO: I think it is definetally trying to contact us.

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Look in the Federation Database for any instances similar to this.

CTO_Crazi:
::continues recording gases::

CSOLorenzo:
CO: the first hailes sucked us into a black hole

CSOLorenzo:
CO: your 2nd attempt has created a wormhole

CEO_Davis:
::sits down at console and immediately runs a level four diagnostic on the SIF::

TOKelson:
CO:  Maybe Doole can try contacting the entity telepathicly...It seems to be getting it's ideas from our subconscieous.

CTO_Crazi:
CO: I still recommend trying to extrapolate a basic form of communication by the gas swirls, if possible

CO_Alar:
Crazi: That could take months.

CSOLorenzo:
CTO:I have been trying that...and nothing

FCODoole:
CO: I'll try it if you want, but I won't guarrentee any results

CO_Alar:
Doole: Try to scan it again telepathically.

CEO_Davis:
::see's the results of his scan coming up within the norm, but isn't in the mood to trust anything::

CSOLorenzo:
CO: there is nothing similar to this in star fleet data banks..except..for

CTO_Crazi:
CO: not exactly, if we could only find a way of knowing what they are saying, such as if we immitate them, I suppose a passing thought

FCODoole:
:: closes eyes, reaching far out towards the entity with mind::

TOKelson:
CO: If it knew about Jem'Hadar, it can either scan our computer banks or read our thoughts.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:the Dryson's Spheres....that suck you in after you hail...

CMOTigs:
:: double checks the data collected on the CO and XO::

FCODoole:
::eyes still closed:: CO: I am sensing gleefullness. It's happy.

CEO_Davis:
::quickily sets secondary power to transporters and main power of replication systems to divert to the SIF in the event of a 10% failure or more::

CO_Alar:
Lorenzo: Restrict your search to astral phenomena.

CEO_Davis:
::works away at console swiftly, entering routine after routine::

FCODoole:
CO: It's more of a gleeful curiosity

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Maybee we could also look at how often it appears.

CSOLorenzo:
CO:yes Captain

CO_Alar:
Bridge: It sounds like a child.

CMOTigs:
:: downloads the data into the medical pattern buffers to establish normalcy::

CTO_Crazi:
::frowns, does not like being used a thing of amusement::

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Meaning the lap of time between appearance.

CEO_Davis:
::finishes routines and keeps them on the top window of the console, then "swivels" to his right to another console::

FCODoole:
CO: It's just playing with us as if we were a toy, just to see what we'll do. It's like we are dealing with a child. So I suggest we treat it as such.

CO_Alar:
Vigil: What have been the intervals between appearances?

CTO_Crazi:
CO: what are you wishing to do, do you want to try to break away from the "child" or open communication and study it?

CSOLorenzo:
::continues to scan....and ponder::

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Yes

TOKelson:
Doole:  Spare the rod, spoil the child?

FCODoole:
TO: sort of.

CSOLorenzo:
Bridge:A very powerful child?

CEO_Davis:
::runs another scan on the warp engines and warp field::

XOBishop:
CO:if this is a child i would suggest playing along the best we can, it could and can kill us if it creates a true black hole

CO_Alar:
Bridge; I suggest we hail it a third time. As malice is not being detected, I don't think we have much to fear.

TOKelson:
CO:  I suggest we send basic info from our data banks for it to "chew" on.

CMOTigs:
:: pattern buffers comfirm there are no cellular changes in the CO or XO's  scans.::

CO_Alar:
Bishop: My thoughts exactly.

CO_Alar:
Vigil: Open a channel.

FCODoole:
CO: We must not harm it, but rather teach it.

CSOLorenzo:
::prepares sensors for another phenomena::

OPS_Vigil:
CO: Channel open Ma'am

TOKelson:
::finds Doole's suggestion intriguing::

CEO_Davis:
::specifies scan to the reaction of the low power warp field with the area of space around them, carefully documenting the information for later studies::

XOBishop:
CO:I just had a thought, our communicatiosn are based upon subspace radio, perhpas the creature reacts to changes in subspace

CO_Alar:
Bishop: It's possible.

CTO_Crazi:
::begins to wonder if the only thing it'll understand is sign language::

Kris:
ACTION: THE SWIRLING GASES CHANGE COLOR.

CO_Alar:
*Entity* We are unable to understand your form of communication, but would like to learn.

CMOTigs:
*CSO*:: May I examine some of your samples from this phenomena?::

Kris:
ACTION: THE CAPTAIN'S VOICE IS HEARD THROUGHOUT THE SHIP.  "wE WOULD LIKE TO LEARN."

TOKelson:
::monitors the changes in gases::

CEO_Davis:
::eyebrow shoots up as the readings on his scans twist and turn in ways he never would have guessed::

TOKelson:
ALL:  That must have gotten through!

FCODoole:
CTO: Not sign language, but how about morse code?

CTO_Crazi:
::watches as we take shots in the dark::

CSOLorenzo:
*CMO*Of course....we could use all the knowledge we can get.....I'll send an Ens. with several samples>

CEO_Davis:
::decides this is worth a look on the bridge::

CSOLorenzo:
CO:It seems he is learning from us....

CEO_Davis:
::ducks out of office and into TL::

CMOTigs:
*CSO*:: Very good thank you.::

CO_Alar:
*Entity* What are you?

TOKelson:
::is this a repeating game::

CTO_Crazi:
FCO: we could try, and also-It may not be regulation here but please do not read my thought without my consent, just for the future

XOBishop:
OPS:Can you tell if what we're hearing is being passed through a universal translator or if the creature is actually using english in the captains voice?

CEO_Davis:
TL: Bridge.

Kris:
ACTION: THE CAPTAIN'S VOICE IS HEARD AGAIN, THROUGHOUT THE SHIP... "We want to learn. What are you?"

TOKelson:
::looks all around::

CTO_Crazi:
::checks the comm system::

CO_Alar:
::smiles- she thinks she's starting to understand:: *Entity* We are humanoids, on board a starship.

CEO_Davis:
::watches the doors to the TL snap open, and realizing he has never been on the bridge of this ship before::

CMOTigs:
:: receives the samples and carefully places them in medical containment level 5::

CEO_Davis:
::walks out slowly and heads for aft engineering console::

OPS_Vigil:
XO: Look like it come from the child itself.

FCODoole:
CO: As a baby would learn to speak from hs/her parents by repeating what he/she hears, so is the enitity with you.

CO_Alar:
::nods to Doole and waits for a response::

CTO_Crazi:
::cracks a slight smile::  TO: let's hope it's learning OUR language

TOKelson:
::laughs::

CEO_Davis:
::overrides console and activates it, bringing his SIF readings and power diversions to the front::

Kris:
<Entity> We want to learn.

TOKelson:
CTO: Klingon, no thank you!

CMOTigs:
Computer:: analyze samples for life form cellular atomic subatomic.::

CTO_Crazi:
::chuckles::  TO: not exactly what I meant

CO_Alar:
*Entity* What do you want to learn?

XOBishop:
::on a hunch::CO: perhaps if we sent out our full language database to the entity, it may be able to communicate properly

CMOTigs:
Computer:: no life forms found::

Kris:
<Entity>  We want to....play.

CO_Alar:
Bishop: Hold that thought.

CTO_Crazi:
CO: if this fails we could try what the FCO was touching upon earlier, using telepathy to communicate with the entity ::knows something has to work::

TOKelson:
CTO:  Is that coming through the comm?

CEO_Davis:
::listens in to the overlapping conversations, trying to ascertain what exactly is going on::

CO_Alar:
*Entity* We don't know how to play with you.

CMOTigs:
Computer:: Analyze cellular configuration, and display::

Kris:
<Entity>  We will learn you.

FCODoole:
XO: That would be too much information at one time, as I said before, we are dealing with a baby-like entity.

TOKelson:
::nice grammar::

Q:
::suddenly appearing on the bridge of the U.S.S. Vesuvius::

CO_Alar:
Q: Hello there.

CTO_Crazi:
::shocked, grabs phaser and points at Q::

Q:
Mmm.

TOKelson:
::draws phaser::

CEO_Davis:
::see's a flash on the bridge, and a being form from the envelope of the light::

OPS_Vigil:
:: stuneed::

Q:
::glaring out the viewscreen::  So, there you are.

CSOLorenzo:
::feels deep disappointment::

CO_Alar:
Crazi, Kelson: Stand down.

Q:
::snapping fingers::  Come along.  And this time don't get lost.

CO_Alar:
Q: I assume this is one of yours?

OPS_Vigil:
::to herself: trouble coming on::

CTO_Crazi:
::puts phaser away::  TO: stand down

TOKelson:
CO: aye.

Q:
::sweeping hand gesture::  Yes.  Pesky thing, really.  But now that I've created it, I'm stuck with it.  ::sigh::

TOKelson:
CTO:  aye.

Q:
ACTION: THE ANOMALY DISAPPEARS.

CO_Alar:
Q: What is it?

CTO_Crazi:
::is very cautious around all Q::

Q:
::glancing over at Alar::  Oh yes.  You're the one old Hazbin goes on about.

CEO_Davis:
Self: Hmm...

Q:
Alar:  It's a....pet.

CTO_Crazi:
::a pet?::

CO_Alar:
::curious, almost amused:: Q: A pet? Looks like you need a better leash.

Q:
::eyes narrow in annoyance::  Alar:  Hazbin too.

OPS_Vigil:
CO: All the anomaly had disseapeard

TOKelson:
::feels strange to see Q in person::

CO_Alar:
::not the slightest bit ruffled::

CTO_Crazi:
::dis-likes Q's insults::

TOKelson:
::fido, this is not::

Q:
Alar:  Well, carry on.  Or whatever it is you do.  ::sweeping hand gesture::

CEO_Davis:
::rubs chin and grins at the exchange between the captain and this being::

CO_Alar:
Q: Anything is possible.

Q:
ACTION: Q DISAPPEARS.

CSOLorenzo:
::using a near by tricorder to scan the Q from a distance::

TOKelson:
::scans area Q appeared::

CTO_Crazi:
::glad::  TO: if there is one thing I can not stand, it's Q!!

OPS_Vigil:
:: monitoring sensors for Q::

FCODoole:
CO: Q and her pet have both gone.

CO_Alar:
::turns to Bishop:: Bishop: I have a feeling that we're going to be in for a few visits.

CMOTigs:
:: all samples of the anomoly are suddenly gone from the containers and the computer::

TOKelson:
CTO: can't say my first experience was wonderful...

CEO_Davis:
::approaches the arch where the tactical console is::

XO_Bishop:
CO:aye, at least this one is a fair sight prettier than the other one ::grins::

OPS_Vigil:
CSO: Take a look at your sensors.

CEO_Davis:
::shrugs::

TOKelson:
::goes back to checking sysems::

CO_Alar:
Doole: Lay in a course for Yolia Prime. We have some explaining to do.

CEO_Davis:
CO,XO: I don't know...when they're not tossing you around the galaxy, these 'Q' are fairly amusing...

CMOTigs:
*CSO*:: your samples have disappeared from Sickbay::

CEO_Davis:
::grins::

CSOLorenzo:
OPS:What am I looking for?

CTO_Crazi:
CO: permission to have security teams secure the ship...in case Q or his pet didn't completely leave, a precaution

OPS_Vigil:
:: make a diagnostic on the systems, just in case::

CSOLorenzo:
*CMO* All of them?

FCODoole:
::punches buttons on console:: CO: Course laid in.

CO_Alar:
Doole: Warp 3. Engage.

Kris:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<END MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>>