Star Trek: A Call To Duty – USS Huron
Season Eight, Episode Four (Mission #313)
“A Helping Hand, Part Four”
Stardate 10702.03

Starring: 
Linda Baus as SM 
Topper Loghry as Commanding Officer Captain Q’tor
Steve Weller as Chief Tactical Officer Lieutenant Commander Ec'Thel’Ion
Pam Bruyere as Chief Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Holly Sparks
Lynda Anderson as Flight Control Officer Ensign T’Lar Bishara 
Gilles Leger as Operations Officer Lieutenant Jara Esso

Absent:
Isabelle Carreau as Executive Officer Commander Anya Odan

NPC’s:
Steve Weller as Drei, Angeltra
Pam Bruyere as TC, Martin

Mission Prologue:  

Last week on the USS Huron …

The USS Huron has managed to catch up to the Catalina, which appears to have stopped for no apparent reason.  Three crew members appeared on sensors, one was unconscious.  In an effort to contain the situation and find out what happened, the Captain had the three crew members of the freighter beamed to sickbay.

Also, to the crew's surprise, they have managed to pick up a fourth life sign; the feline bio-signature from the mother cat that they thought was dead.  We all know that cats have nine lives, but isn't this a bit odd?  To be sure there were no surprises, the cat was beamed into a force field.

The Captain has ordered an away team to board the freighter and find out what happened.  Question is, are they walking into a trap set by Exxo, or will this be a walk in the park?

Star Trek, A Call To Duty, is proud to present the USS Huron in … “A Helping Hand”, Chapter Four, “The Plot Thickens,” Stardate 10702.03

<<<<<<<<<<<< Resume Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Still on the bridge waiting for the Captain to decide if he needs her on that freighter.::

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
::In Transporter Room.::  Scoo/ Bee: You know the drill, we go in and sweep the ship real quick, then the rest come over.  Once over, Angeltra hits the ship's systems to make sure nothing is left to make our lives difficult.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Tries to remove the thought of killing Exxo but fails so sits at OPS waiting.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CEO:  Once Commander Ec'Thel'Ion makes sure it is safe to do so, I want that freighter back up and running.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: Understood, Captain. I already have the specs with me so it shouldn't take long.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS:  Any ideas yet on just what it is that's missing from the Catalina's cargo?

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Nods.::  CO:  Aye, Sir.... medical supplies and smaller equipment... some lab equipment.  Nothing more.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
*CO*: Ready for wave 1 to beam over on your order.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS:  Sounds like maybe he's going to try and continue his research.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CTO: You have a go, Commander.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
Chief: Beam us over.  ::Stands ready as the Tech beams Alpha team over.::

ACTION:  The CTO and his team are beamed to the freighter.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: Permission to head down and get my gear together, Sir?

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@::Materializes, then moves about the ship, looking for any signs of sabotage or traps.::

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Shrugs.::  CO:  He left the cat... no experimentation........... ummmm... or did he?

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CEO:  Permission granted.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@::Motions Angeltra to the freighter computer, moving forward and scanning all within range.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS:  You mean the cat that returned from the dead.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Nods.::

ACTION:  An unknown ship drops out of warp and is hailing the Huron.  Its shields are raised, but weapons are not armed.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@Scoo/ Bee: By the books, and no unneeded risks.
*CO*: First impression, the ship is safe.  Making certain now.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Nods and steps into the turbolift.:: Computer: Engineering deck, section 2A.

Drei says: 
CO: Captain, incoming ship just dropped from Warp with shields raised.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
CO: Sir? Medical has the cat... and we have company.... and they are hailing us.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@::Moves forward, sweeping the ship and ensuring it's safe.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
Drei: Raise shields.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS: On screen.

Drei says: 
::Raises shields.::

Angeltra says: 
@::Checks the freighter's computer for signs of traps.::

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Nods and puts the hail on screen.::

Captain Exxo says:
$::Exxo is seen on the other side of the hail.::   COM: Huron: Captain, do not shoot me.  Listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you because it is the truth.  I know right about now you want to hurt me, but the person you are after is not me.  I'm sending you a picture of a man by the name of Duros.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Sir, scans reveal that the technology on that ship is unknown and unspecified, but does bear the identification of a Starfleet Vessel.  It matches nothing in the Registry.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Steps out onto the engineering deck and finds the appropriate gear in one of the lockers.::

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
::Is rabid as the voice and picture is shown.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
Drei: Lock phasers, arm torpedoes.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  He is the man you are looking for.  This man altered his appearance to look like me so that he could set the plot for something horrible that is about to happen.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  I am from the future, and it is important that you get to Saltok immediately.  I have been given orders by Starfleet Intelligence to give you specific information to prevent this tragedy from happening.

Drei says:
CO: Aye, Sir, but not likely to penetrate their systems.  Shields are beyond our ability to punch through, and can't even get a good look at what's powering them, sensors aren't able to look inside.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Stuffs a bag and closes the locker.:: Self: I think that's all.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Logic dictates that maybe he is telling the truth.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
COM: Exxo:  The future you say?  What proof do you have to offer that will prevent me from blowing you to space dust?

Drei says:
CO: Looks like they can cloak as well, for what it's worth.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Shakes head.::  Self:  Time travel.... this is one of those effects before cause thingies... right?

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  If you scan my vessel, you will know that it is equipped with technology that you are not familiar with.  And I am not at liberty to give you any of this technology.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Consults the service records of Duros.::

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  In this timeline, what Starfleet Intelligence does not know yet is that Duros was also sent back in time by a group of rebels known as the Breen Rebel Resistance.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Sir, the vessel does resemble a Federation Registry.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@Angeltra: Looks clear from this end, signal that we're ready for the main team.  Meanwhile, see if you can get the ship flight ready until Commander Sparks gets here.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
COM: Exxo:  If what you say is true, then what is it that is about to happen at Saltok?

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Heads for the transporter room to wait.::

@ACTION:  A small unopened canister is beamed to a console on the other side of the room where the CTO is, and the lid pops open.  A gas is being released from the container.

@ACTION:  Shields on the Catalina go up.

Angeltra says:
@*Huron*: Ship is secure and ready for the engineering teams.  We're...never mind, some kind of gas just opened up, beam us out of here!

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Sir, the shields on the Catalina just went up.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
Self: Oh hell......

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@All: Down to the floor!  ::Drops down, crawling towards Angeltra.::

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  His goal in this timeline is to assist his other self with setting up certain events to change the future.  Exxo is hoping you will take your time and examine the freighter, so that he can set his trap and plant biological weapons.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  There are booby-traps set on that freighter, Captain.  I know you have crew over there.  I can tell you exactly where those booby traps are.  In fact, I'm willing to beam directly to your ship to prove I am who I say I am.  But you are going to need to trust me.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
FCO:  What?  COM: Exxo:  What have you done?  If any of my people are hurt....

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:   I am telling you, Captain.  It is not me.

Drei says:
*Angeltra*: Your shields are up, bring them down and we can get you out!

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Sir, I am not sure if it was from Captain Exxo's ship.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  Your people are in danger.  You must get them off that freighter.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
Drei: Lower shields.  OPS: Beam him to the bridge.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@Angeltra: If they brought our shields up, we need plan B.  Can you access Transporters from this crate?

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
COM: Exxo: I accept your offer.  If you are from the future then get my people off of that ship!

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Arrives in the transporter room and sees the chief looking worried :: TC: What's up chief?

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  I am detecting a biological canister near your people.  I am beaming it out of there.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Nods.:: CO: Attempting transport, Sir, after their shields go down.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
::Thinks, what if he is telling the truth.::

$ACTION:  Exxo drops shields on his ship, and modulates the frequency to that of the freighter, dropping shields to the freighter.  The canister is beamed into space.

Angeltra says:
@CTO: Let me see...er, never mind.  ::Works to gain control of the ship.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
COM: CTO: Commander, return to the Huron immediately.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  My shields are lowered, Captain, and I took care of the canister that was on that freighter.

TC says: 
CEO: Not sure, Commander. Something is going on over on the Catalina.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@Angeltra: I was going to suggest beam it out of the hull, even inside the shields we'd be safe.  But let's go, get the shields down and let's go home.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  There are other electronic booby traps set.  I suggest you get your people off the freighter until I can tell you where they are.

Angeltra says:
@CTO: They're down.

Captain Exxo says:
$COM: Huron:  I am ready to beam to your ship, Captain.  Please send me your coordinates.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
@*TC*: Beam the team back, seems we're not ready to be here just yet.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Hears Icky requesting a beam out and waits impatiently.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS:  Oblige Mister Exxo.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Nods again and initiates transport bringing him directly to the bridge.:: 

ACTION:  Exxo is beamed to the bridge.

Captain Exxo says:
::Stands waiting to be ambushed, not sure if they'll trust him just yet.::

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::REALLY resists the urge to kill this Exxo.::

Captain Exxo says:
::Notices the Captain, and the bridge crew staring at him.::  CO:  Captain Q'tor.  It is nice to finally meet the legend.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
::Reappears on the Huron.::  CEO: What happened?  One second ship looks clear, then some kinda gas canister appeared, and we couldn't beam out?

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
::Pulls his daq'taH and opens the retractable blades.:: Exxo: Speak.... quickly.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  First, here is a list of the areas that are booby trapped on the freighter.  Before you beam anyone there, be prepared to have an engineering team at your disposal.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Hugs Icky for a moment.:: CTO: I don't know. I was waiting to head to the Catalina and all heck seemed to break out.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  I am needed in this timeline as well, and if you do not allow me to do what I need to do, this mission will fail, a lot of people will die, and a horrible war will be started.  The fate of your future and everyone else's rests in your hands.  What you do today, will be recorded in history as the turning point to this war.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CTO:  Maybe we both better get to the bridge and see what's up.

Captain Exxo says:
::Notices OPS looking at him like he wants to take his head off.::  CO:  I know what this looks like.  You need to trust me on this.  I would not have willingly beamed over here just for kicks.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
::Nods and steps down, heading for the Bridge.::  CEO: I'm starting to not like this guy we're hunting.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Leaves her bag in the transporter room.:: TC: I'll be back for that.

Captain Exxo says:
ALL:  Duros was surgically altered to look like me, and I've been chasing him for months now to clear my name.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Walks with Icky.:: CTO: You sure you're alright?

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Your ship plays an integral part of this war.  You must survive, or there is no future that we know, and Duros wins.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
CEO: Yeah, didn't even get close.  I just want to know what triggered it beaming in.  I know I'm not an engineer, but I know enough to see most "trip wires."

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Please have an engineering team take care of those things on the freighter right away.  We need to get to Saltok immediately.  Time is passing by all too quickly.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Smiles.:: CTO: You're good, but I'm better dear when it comes that stuff.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
*CEO*:  Have an engineering team sent to the Catalina.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Um, Captain?  Don't forget that padd I gave you.  They're going to need it.  ::Points to the padd.::

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
CEO: I know... ::steps on the bridge and notices "Exxo".::  Okay, not what I expected to see here.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
Exxo:  Now what?  What is happening at Saltok that is so important.

Captain Exxo says:
::Notices the CTO.::  CTO:  Before you shoot me, please know that I am not here to hurt you or anyone here.  There is someone that looks like me that is impersonating me.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
::Hands the PADD to Commander Sparks.::

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Steps onto the bridge as the Captain hands her a padd :: CO: Yes, Sir.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Duros is in the process of planting a biological weapon there to destroy all living forms on the planet.  The planet will then be used as a base for the resistance.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Sees Exxo.:: CO: That man.....

Captain Exxo says:
::Notices the CEO now staring at him, and thinks he sees steam coming out her ears.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CTO/CEO: Stand down.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Squeezes the padd tightly, her nails digging into the material.::

Captain Exxo says:
CEO:  The padd contains information of where Duros's booby traps are on the freighter.  Commander Sparks, it is nice to meet you again.

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
CO: No problem, Captain.  Let me know if you need that standing changed.  ::Motions Angeltra back to Tactical.::

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Frowns and almost growls at Exxo.::

Captain Exxo says:
CEO:  You are angry with me now because you don't know who I am.  I am not who you think I am.  I am Exxo, but I am not the imposter who looks like me.  He is an evil man.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
FCO:  Set a course Saltok, be ready to engage at warp 9.95.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Already on it, Sir.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
::Hastily sets the fastest course.::

CTO_Cmdr_Ec`Thel`Ion says:
*Scoo/ Bee*: You make sure that the Engineering team is secured.  One hair out of place and you know what will come of it.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Captain, my ship will need to receive orders to follow.  Can I inform them of the plan?  The freighter can arrive at Saltok at a later time.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
OPS: Give him a channel.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Sir, fastest course laid in, Sir.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Heads back to the transporter room at double time.::

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Grits teeth and opens a channel.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
*CEO*: Is your team ready to transport to the Catalina, Commander?

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
*CO*: Ready, Sir.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Captain, one small thing.  Commander Sparks needs to stay on Huron.  It is important she does.  The action is not here on the freighter, I'm afraid.  It's at Saltok.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Raises both eyebrows.::

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Makes sure Martin and the team are ready.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
::Growls.:: *CEO*: Commander Sparks, send your team, but you are to remain on board.

Captain Exxo says:
COM: Pegasus:  We are proceeding to Saltok at Warp 9.95.  You are to engage the cloaking device and follow.  No action should be taken unless you receive an order directly from me.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
Martin: Be careful.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
*CO*: Sir, I'd like to go with my team.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
*CEO*: Negative Commander, you are going to be needed on the Huron.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
*CO*: Aye, Sir.

Captain Exxo says:
CO:  Thank you, Captain, for believing me.  She is going to be needed here.  The Huron is going to need her.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
Exxo: The first suspicion that I get that this is some sort of trick I am going to cut your still beating heart from your chest!

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Hands Martin the padd.:: Martin: Well looks like you're in charge, Ensign. Keep Scoo and Bee close at all times.

Captain Exxo says:
CO: This is not a trick, Captain.  This is serious, and as I told you, if we do not get to Saltok and stop what Duros is planning, you won't need to cut my heart out.  There won't be a heart left to beat.

Martin says:
CEO: Sure thing, Holly, and don't worry. We'll all be fine.  ::Steps on the pad.::

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Nods to Martin and then to TC.:: TC: Okay chief, beam them over.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
FCO: As soon as the away team has left the ship head to Saltok.

ACTION:  The engineering team beams over to the Catalina.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Understood, Sir.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
Exxo: You are deliberately interfering in our time period, Sir.... What about the Temporal Prime Directive?

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO: Course plotted and laid in Sir, warp 9.95.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Heads back to the bridge wondering why she couldn't go.::

Captain Exxo says:
OPS:  The Temporal Prime Directive does not apply in this instance, Lieutenant.  Duros decided that when he came back in time.

FCO_Ltjg_Bishara says:
CO:  Executed, Sir.

ACTION:  The Huron jumps to Warp 9.95 and heads to Saltok.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
FCO: tIj

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Arrives on the bridge and sees Exxo, but ignores him.:: CO: Sir, a moment.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
::Steps aside.:: CEO: Commander?

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: Why wasn't I allowed to accompany my team?  I know that freighter's systems better than most of them.

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Points to Exxo.:: CEO: Seems he knows something we don't know, Commander.

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CEO: Because if what this future Exxo person is telling me is true, and for some reason my instincts are telling me it is, then I am going to need my best people here.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
OPS:  Who?

OPS_Lt_Jara says:
::Points.::

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: You trust this.........this......liar?

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CEO:  I don't know why, Commander, but yes.  My instincts tell me that he is telling the truth, and I learned a very long time ago to always trust my instincts.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: I hope you're right, Captain, but I'm not going to trust him for now.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
::Mumbles something about a leopard and his spots as she heads back to her station.::

Host CAPT_Q`tor says:
CEO: I'm not asking you to, Commander.  But do trust me.

CEO_Cmdr_Sparks says:
CO: You I trust sir.....him, I don't.

ACTION:  40 minutes have passed with the Huron at Warp 9.95, and the Huron is approaching Saltok.  As they drop out of warp, several Breen ships are seen escaping into the Hugora Nebula.

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