=/\= A Call to Duty =/\=
USS Luna NCC-65828
SD 10511.06

Staring:
Christopher Dickinson as CO Savar
Karriaunna Scotti as CSO Harmony Singh
Sherilynne Floyhar as OPS Kehari Qui
Scott Smith as CIV Ewan MacPherson-Quest

Ship Manager Peter Saunders

Also Staring:
Lília Perfeito as Engineering Officer T’Lok
Peter Saunders as Flight Control Officer Rawlings
Peter Saunders as Tactical Officer Jenkins
Sherilynne Floyhar as Engineering Officer Crane
Sherilynne Floyhar as Operations Officer Sanchez

Absent:
Richard Pickett as CEO Rickal Jarek

Episode 181 “A Nice Place to Bring the Family, Part 1”:  The USS Luna is en route to a set of co-ordinates deep within the region of space known as the "Briar Patch".  Apparently there is some sort of nebula cluster there which is of specific scientific interest to Starfleet Command.  The Luna is also testing out some of the more recent modifications developed by the Engineers of SB 917 which, if successful will hopefully make Federation vessels more adaptable to the area.
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CSO_Singh says:
:: At her station, going over the new specs.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Down in Engineering working with an EO there on the communications network ... a bunch of probes all laid out and open ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan finishes up sending another report to SFI in his quarters::
CSO_Singh says:
*OPS*:  Have you gone over the new specs yet?

ACTION: The Luna is making good progress through the Briar Patch, although sensor readings are slightly distorted in this region they are apparently nearing the co-ordiantes given to them by SFC

OPS_Qui says:
:: She's been working side by side with another Lieutenant ... one Sebastian Crane. ::
EO_Crane says:
OPS: This one's ready to go.   :: Closes up the probe and hits a few buttons sending it to the launch tube.
CO_Savar says:
::On the Bridge in the center chair.  He leans over and asks the tactical officer on duty for a status report on the communications network::
OPS_Qui says:
Crane: I'm almost done with this one.
OPS_Qui says:
:: OPS Sanchez is manning bridge OPS  and monitors the probes ::
TO_Jenkins says:
CO: The network appears to be holding up sir, although we are still getting a lot of interference
CSO_Singh says:
:: Reviewing the distorted data coming in after sending it through a couple of filters.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Looks over to Jenkins ::   Jenkins: Make sure the gain is boosted for those probes
EO_T’Lok says:
::in main engineering, supervising the modifications that were done so the Luna can safely travel through the patch::
TO_Jenkins says:
OPS: Aye sir.  ::goes about making the necessary modifications::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Finishes closing the probe ::  *CSO*: New specs?  I've been honestly getting the probes ready for the network
CO_Savar says:
::Glances over at the science areas, noting their hard work::
CSO_Singh says:
* OPS*:  I am going over them now.  The main one seems to be dealing with sensor modifications.  When you have a breather, I will talk with you later on them.
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan after drinking a tall glass of iced tea, leaves for the Bridge::
OPS_Qui says:
*CSO*: We're finishing up here. I can see you now
EO_T’Lok says:
::adjusts the power input till its exactly as she wants it::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks around.::  CO:  Sir, the area is clear.  Ummm... I need to check something in your  ready room, might I do so?

ACTION: The engineers at Starbase 917 have apparently done wonders with the Luna's intake manifolds.  Currently her rated cruising velocity in the Patch has been increased to 1/2 inpulse, although they do recommend they don't try that speed while going through some of the denser areas...

CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan arrives on the Bridge and keeps to the back::
CO_Savar says:
CSO: Is there a problem with my Ready Room?  ::Raises an eyebrow curiously::
EO_T’Lok says:
::gets a pad where she downloaded the necessary information and makes her way to use the engineering console from there. Makes it easier to coordinate with the sensor readings from the patch::
CSO_Singh says:
CO:  Nooo... but I want to make certain of that.
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan observes the goings on of the Bridge crew for a moment::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Wonders what is keeping Harm's response as she presses another button and sends this probe to be sent out. ::
OPS_Qui says:
*OPS Sanchez*: The last few should be out soon.  How's the relay holding up?
CO_Savar says:
::Wonders silently why the internal sensors couldn't check just as easily::  CSO: Very well, Commander.  Carry on.

ACTION: In engineering a red light starts blinking on the engine status panel.

CSO_Singh says:
CO:  Thank you sir.
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Runs his fingers over his console as the data comes in ::   *OPS*: It's coming along.  As long as the gain is boosted, we're holding steady
CSO_Singh says:
*OPS*:  Kehari, I need to check something out real quick.  Did you want me to come down there or you back up here?
EO_T’Lok says:
::looks slightly surprised but then regains her posture as she sits at the engineering console. She was not expecting problems so soon::
OPS_Qui says:
*CSO*: I am on my way up there.
CO_Savar says:
::Turns to see the CIV sulking quietly in the rear of the Bridge::  CIV: Captain.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Heads for the ready room door feeling a bit silly as she gets a few odd looks, but lets it slide off.  Better safe then sorry.::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Hears an alarm and looks over to the EO manning the engineering station ::
CSO_Singh says:
* OPS*:  Gotcha.
EO_T’Lok says:
Self: The bridge will have to wait ::taps the console::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Enters the captain’s ready room doors and waits till they are closed before heading for the painting behind his desk.::

ACTION: As corrupt as the readings may be Sanchez begins detecting an energy signature on the limit of sensor range

CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan looks up from the PADD he was taking notes on for his update on the Luna crew for SFI:: CO: Yes?
CO_Savar says:
CIV: I was acknowledging your presence.  How have your reports regarding the Nezi and Knosis turned out?
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Sees an amber light flashing ... it's the communication grid.  Presses a few buttons to get a reading on what is exactly happening... ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CO: Let's just say SFI found it.... interesting
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CO: Interesting indeed.
EO_T’Lok says:
*Bridge*: Main Engineering to the bridge
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Eyes widen ::   CO: Sir!  I'm detecting an energy signature along the communications net
CSO_Singh says:
:: Checks the force field on the painting while noticing the picture’s view has shifted slightly.  Frowns.::
CO_Savar says:
::Nods::  *EO*: Engineering, this is the Captain.
CO_Savar says:
Sanchez: What kind of energy signature?
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan moves over to the Operations station::
EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: This is Ensign T’Lok, I am responsible for the modifications made on the engines to navigate this area. We have a small set back ...
OPS_Qui says:
CO: I'm trying to get a reading on it....   :: Continues to press several buttons in order to get the data to come in ::
CO_Savar says:
*EO*: And what is that set back, Ensign?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Noting everything appears to be fine, heads back to the Bridge.::
EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: The port intake manifold is malfunctioning. I believe it’s due to the excess ionization. It needs to be shut down within the hour or it won't hold
OPS_Qui says:
:: Looks over to Crane. ::   Crane: Can you finish up the last few?
EO_Crane says:
OPS: Sure can!  Thank for your help

ACTION: The energy reading Sanchez was detecting disappears... along with all other readings from the probe net...

EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: This means no impulse engines until the problem is resolved
OPS_Qui says:
:: Exits engineering and heads back to the Bridge ::
CO_Savar says:
Helm: Helm, complete stop.  *EO*: What is your repair estimate?
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Does a double take. ::   Self: What the hey..?
OPS_Sanchez says:
CO: Sir, the readings are gone... vanished... kaput...
EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: Four hours sir, after we shut down impulse. We will, however, remain with thruster power
FCO_Rawlings says:
CO: Aye sir bringing the ship to a full stop... ::taps a few buttons on the console::
CO_Savar says:
OPS: Interesting.  Can you extrapolate any information from what readings we did get?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Returns to her station.::
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Still running his fingers over his console like a seasoned concert pianist. ::   CO: Trying to now sir.
CO_Savar says:
*EO*: Four hours is unacceptable.  ::Turns to the TO::  TO: Ensign Jenkins, contact Starbase 917 and inform them of our status.  Request a tug vessel.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Enters a turbolift and orders it to the Bridge ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::After taking a few more notes, Ewan looks up and sees Singh at her station and decides to observe her::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Wonders what she has missed, asks one of her officers.::
EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: So I can shut down the manifold immediately?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Still working, but has come to a hypothesis.. ::   CO: Sir, I have a theory...
TO_Jenkins says:
CO: Sir the probe link has been broken, I have no way of contacting SFC
OPS_Qui says:
:: Exits onto the bridge and walks down to the Operations console ::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Nods and pulls up her the sensor data the computer has filtered as well as the newest telemetry.::
CO_Savar says:
::Silently considers what he will say to the Starbase engineers::  TO: How far back is the break?  *EO*: Stand by, Ensign.
OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Fills in his boss with the latest happenings ::
EO_T’Lok says:
*CO*: Acknowledged.  I will await your order but remember, the manifold has less than an hour or we won't have engines at all.  Main engineering out!
OPS_Qui says:
:: Nods and relieves him. ::    Sanchez: Go help Jenkins.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Finding the power surge early noted, she begins to trace the network of probes.::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::After moving over to Science, he observes then begins to make notations::
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  I need you for a moment to look at these sensor readings.
TO_Jenkins says:
CO: It will take time to go over the sensor readings ::looks at the CSO::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Looks over to Sanchez as he hears the request and retakes his seat at the OPS console ::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Moves to where Harmony is ::   CSO: What's going on?
EO_T’Lok says:
:::monitors the malfunctioning manifold carefully::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Notes Jenkins look and turns to the Captain.:: CO:  I believe the 4th probe detected the surge, but where the break is after that... we can't tell.  What is odder :: Looks at Kehari::  is that none of the others transmitted that.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Looks over to Sanchez ::  Sanchez: They were working just moments ago, weren't they?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Shows Kehari the telemetry from the probes along with the map of them.::
OPS_Sanchez says:
OPS: Yep...we were getting great signals

ACTION: On the viewscreen the pretty red and oranges of the Briar Patch swirls majestically around the stranded ship.

CO_Savar says:
::Is beginning to reconsider the choices his senior staff makes for Bridge crew::  TO: Very well.  OPS: Lieutenant, prepare a communications probe and program it to exit the Patch and update the Starbase.  TO: Take us to yellow alert.  *EO*: Begin your repairs.  You have one hour.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Reads the information and looks at Sanchez ::   Sanchez: Send a ping to each probe.  Let's see what comes back
OPS_Sanchez says:
OPS: On it
OPS_Sanchez says:
CO: Aye sir
EO_T’Lok says:
::looks slightly frustrated even though she is a Vulcan:: *CO*: The problem will not be solved in less than four. I will get every engineer to work on it
OPS_Qui says:
:: Moves over to secondary OPS to monitor the pings.::  Sanchez: Send the data to my station....
OPS_Sanchez says:
OPS: You should be getting something by now
OPS_Sanchez says:
CO: The buoy is ready to launch on your command, sir
CO_Savar says:
Sanchez: Please do so.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Pulls up and narrows the telemetry taken around the fourth probe.::

ACTION: The "ping" that Sanchez sent returns only a single reply, although the normally simple transmission is corrupted beyond all reason

OPS_Sanchez says:
:: Presses the launch button and watches the probe's telemetry. ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan makes more notations into his PADD after making more observations::
EO_T’Lok says:
::proceeds to shut down the manifolds and sends a team to star repairs::
OPS_Qui says:
:: Sees a single ping return. ::   CSO: That's odd....
CSO_Singh says:
:: Sends the telemetry though a couple of filters to work out the normal distortions and then the color frequencies.::
CSO_Singh says:
:: Looks up::  OPS:  Something else?
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: Only one ping returned..there should be more than just the one.    :: Looks at the return time on the ping. ::   And it's the most recent probe sent out along the net
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  So that is where a break is... I did not read anything happening in that area, only near the 4th probe.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Looks at Harm ::   CSO: Do you think the distortions are disrupting the signal between the probes?  They were laid out fairly close together
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: That's my guess... but there could be other places along the net.  Won't know for sure unless we go back along the grid
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Would offer a question to the pair, but he's isn't the Science type, that is his brother, so he keeps quiet and watches the two solve the problem::
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  Since we were getting readings until that surge, my guess would be it was not the distortions.  What I cannot seem to figure out, was what caused the surge.  So far, telemetry says it was too far for anything I can work with.
CSO_Singh says:
:: Frowns for a second:: OPS:  I would also suggest that the surge broke all through the line, which is why the other probes did not record anything.
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: That would be most logical.  A surge could wipe out the entire network
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  So the question is, was the surge natural or did someone send us a 'telegram'?
OPS_Qui says:
CSO: If you say the surge couldn't be from the distortions from within the Briar Patch, then it would seem that the only other explanation would be that someone else is in here with us....
CSO_Singh says:
:: Turns to captain MacPherson:: CIV:  Sir... this might interest you if it was not natural.  Perhaps it is something you might recognize.
CSO_Singh says:
OPS:  The area is basically haywire.. that does not mean something happening within the patch could not have created something naturally.  However, I have no records of it in the data base.
CSO_Singh says:
CO:  Captain, would it be possible to retrieve the forth probe?
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::thinks to himself:: Self: Why would Ba`ku would try and send us a message?
CO_Savar says:
CSO: How far away is the probe?
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CSO: What is it Commander?
CSO_Singh says:
:: Shows him the current telemetry, knowing she need to fill him in on the rest.::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CSO: I overheard something about a "message?"
OPS_Qui says:
:: Thinks ::   CSO: Unless I am wrong, the Briar Patch is full of supernova remnants, false vacuum fluctuations, and low levels of metaphasic radiation from interstellar dust in the region....
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CSO: You don't think that the Ba`ku is trying to reach us do you? I didn't think that it was possible for them.
CSO_Singh says:
CO: The probe is the 4th in the series, back toward the edge of the Briar Patch.
CO_Savar says:
CSO: At this point, the Luna is stranded here, and unable to recover the probe.  A shuttle could be sent, but given that we do not know what happened, we may be sending a target into the hands of a dangerous situation.
CSO_Singh says:
CIV:  Well... I guess it is possible someone was trying to contact us, but I think it was a relatively poor job.  The energy surge destroyed the link; it did not appear to send a message.  If it did, we will not be getting it.
CSO_Singh says:
CO:  At the same time... we need to know if we are dealing with a potential threat, especially as we are stranded.
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
CSO: Then you would assume that we are not alone in this inhospitable patch of space?
OPS_Qui says:
:: Listens to the conversation between the CSO and CIV ::   CSO / CIV: It would be the perfect place to hide....
CSO_Singh says:
CIV:  Weeellll... I have no record of this happening before.  Does not mean it is not possible.  :: Looks at Kehari::  For all we know, the probes themselves were like a lightening rod, drawing power to it.  Unfortunately, without retrieving the struck probe, this is all speculation.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Shrugs ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
::turns to Qui:: OPS: Or perhaps try to get to the Ba`ku homeworld
CSO_Singh says:
All: Also what I do have recorded, fits nothing in the data base as noted earlier.
OPS_Qui says:
:: Nods ::
CIV_MacPherson-Quest says:
OPS/CSO: I would have to agree with the Captain, it would be possible suicide to send a shuttle out in this if someone is indeed out there

ACTION: We pan out to leave the Luna stationary within the Briar Patch.  Just a stones throw away from their mission objective but delayed by the sudden failure of their communication probe link...

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