Host SM_Selan says:
RECAP: Al-Jihj has been the victim of a vicious assault by the "New Federation," otherwise known as the infamous Starfleet foes ... the Storm. Millions, if not billions, have been thought dead. The Quirinus is en route to assist in rescue operations and to find out why this happened ...

Host SM_Selan says:
U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10305.26 "Escalation" Episode One

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Begin Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is sitting grimly at the helm::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: Morgan ETA to Al-Jihj.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::jumps slightly:: CO: ETA five minutes, Sir.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::arrives on the bridge and walks to tactical wondering if the boss slept in again today::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Scans reports?

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Monitors systems in ME::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::taps her panel lightly as she adjusts the course slightly::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: at Science One on bridge, scanning for cloaked ships, subspace distortions... and a non-corporeal entity of recent acquaintance ::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus is five minutes out of Al-Jihj. Medical vessel chatter fills the broad-band channels.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Stand by, sir... completing first scans now...

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::listens to the chatter trying to find any useful information::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::logs in at her station and watches as the panel springs to life:: Self: Ok so far.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Checks the display anticipating the drop from warp::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Enters the bridge, looking as grim as everyone else::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Morgan: Drop to .5 impulse as we enter system.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::feels the tension on the bridge heighten::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: No unusual energy signatures or subspace distortions detected, sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::listens to the casualty reports::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Stands in sickbay trying to organize the medical teams::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::nods slightly:: CO: Aye, Sir.  Approaching the system now.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
::turns to see Raythan:: Raythan: Please sit.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks around the bridge as she checks the tactical status:: CO: Tactical operating within normal specifications sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::feels angry as the death toll reaches the millions::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Brings up display of transporter power  and brings emergency transporters to standby::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::prepares to drop out of warp::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Smiles grimly at the Captain, and sits in the XO's chair:: CO: It's been a while since I've been on this bridge.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: Are you sure you are up to this?

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Takes a breath:: CO: Maybe. Maybe not. I'm more than willing to help out with the medical stuff on this ... but confronting the Storm? I'm not sure.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
CO: Dropping to .5, Sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::overhears the conversation.  Eyes widen::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus drops out of warp in the system. Dozens of Federation medical vessels have gathered around the smoke encased, fiery world which is no longer the beauty that it once was. It looks gray.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
Thinks to self:  Confronting the Storm?

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Morgan: Understood.  Kraight: continue full spectrum scans.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks sadly at the view screen::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Morgan: High orbit.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Takes a breath at the sight before them:: My god.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  It was so beautiful.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::adjusts the orbit accordingly::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::nods sadly at OPS::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: I understand, but I know that you will come through for us.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, a suggestion, if I may. If we are expecting a second attack by cloaked ships, we may be able to set up a tachyon net to detect them, much as was used to detect the Romulan convoy during the Klingon Civil War.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Finishes the work on her pad and looks it over::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks at the view screen and sighs::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::takes a deep breath and blinks back a tear::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*OPS*: Emergency transporters are at standby

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Contact one of the medical vessels and find out who is in charge here.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Do so.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Right away Sir!  ::is glad to have something to do::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Contact the coordinating vessel and relay all medical needs to medical.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::hails the nearest medical ship and asks to be transferred to whoever is in charge::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: I have a report on the vessels in the sector. No signs of any threat vessels. I count 35 Federation and Cardassian medical ships in the area.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Begins collecting supplies for the beam down::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::runs a shaky hand through her hair::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.  :: turns to his LCARS panel and begins sending specifications to Engineering for modified Type Two probes ::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Taps the display as his console beeps::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Phaser: Can you determine the point of the incursion by Storm and the direction they took when they left.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::relays the medical inventory to sickbay::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: From what I understand from the records, the Cardassians are experts in this kind of thing, seeing that they've dealt with similar stuff on Cardassia.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Remains silent and stares at the screen::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Silently:: OPS: How many were down there?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  A Captain Evelyn Jones is in charge of the relief effort, Sir.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Notices the inventory on her screen and rushes over in order to download it::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, Engineering is making modifications to about thirty Type Two probes, to emit and detect tachyon pulses. We'll set them in geosynchronous orbits around Al-Jihj and tie their readings into the planetary defense grid.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checks planetary scan readings ::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks at Raythan sadly::  Raythan:  Millions dead.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: No warp signatures detected sir. As there isn't a high survival rate on the planet, it may be hard to determine just how they arrived.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Phaser: Contact the Cardassian med ships and see if they've gained anything from their scans about the attack.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::adjusts their speed slightly::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Aye sir.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CSO*: Data received, Teams are being assigned now

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
OPS: Open channel to the lead Cardassian medical vessel please.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::After download continues to grab medical supplies::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Phaser: Earlier we detected a subspace distortion from a period of three weeks ago.  See if you can detect any new distortions.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Gives orders to Engineering teams::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: On it sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks over at the TO whom she has never seen before and nods::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::checks for any new distortions::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
*EO*: Thank you, Ensign.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Hail Jones.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: I know it is difficult for you, but do recall anything that Storm questioned you about?

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Captain, I have the medical teams organized and ready for transport.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
COMM: Evelyn Jones:  This is the Quirinus.  Please respond.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: This is the Nightingale, Quirinus. Captain Jones commanding. Thank you for such a rapid response. It is a pleasure to meet you ... I just wish it weren't under these circumstances.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
TO:  A channel is open to the Cardassian vessel for you.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Thinks:: CO: No ... it's still all a blank.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
COM:CardassianMedShip: This is the USS Quirinus. Requesting any data on source and direction of attack on the planet. Please send to us as soon as possible.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Munro* Transport as needed.  We may need to leave them behind for our rendezvous with the Devonshire.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<CMS> # COM: TO: Transmitting theoretical attack vectors.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, initial readings indicate massive quantities of dust have been blown into the Jihejian atmosphere by the nuclear attacks. The planet's climate is going to be severely effected; global temperatures can be expected to drop dramatically in a matter of months. I believe it used to be called "nuclear winter", sir.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Yes, sir.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::juggles keeping all the channels open::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::is feeling slightly ill::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks over at Morgan and notices she looks a bit pale::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
COM Jones: This is Sulek.  We will help as we can.  Please be advised that we are to rendezvous with the USS Devonshire to see if we can trace down the attackers.  But we are at your disposal until then.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::listens to the CSO and sighs::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Can we counter act?  Burn off the dust without damaging the atmosphere?

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: We understand. Any assistance would be helpful.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: No distortions detected in the area Captain, and receiving theoretical attack vectors from the Cardassians now.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Begins communicating with the medical teams and orders them to go to the surface after explaining to them the situation::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Possibly... researching now, sir...    :: turns back to LCARS panel to run simulations ::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Phaser: Transmit the theoretical vectors to Devonshire and Starfleet for analysis.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: Amazingly, the main city was just raided ... not nuked. We've set up a medical center to help those who lived there, and to try and determine the tally of those killed around the planet.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Transmitting now sir. ::sends the data to the Devonshire and Starfleet.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  You okay?

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::swallows:: OPS: I...guess so.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CSO*: First of the probes are available for launch

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  It's awful isn't it?

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
COM Jones: Understood.  Our doctor has already begun to send teams and supplies.  We will leave them with you until the medical crisis is complete.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
*EO*: Thank you, Ensign. Launch probes as ready.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::leans on her console for a moment and wonders about these vectors::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Is there a pattern to the nuclear attack?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::thinks about what sort of future the survivors will have::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CSO*: Understood, Launching first group now

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Taps the display as the tubes show loaded, and fires three probes::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
COM Jones: Did the attackers take anything that you have been informed of?

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: Will your CMO be proceeding down to the surface?

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: There's been so much chaos down there, we haven't thought to ask.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Only insofar as the attacks were targeted to wipe out all major cities, sir.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: What about the aerie?

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::tries not to listen::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: shakes head::   CO: Gone, sir. Completely obliterated.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::listens to Kraight:: Self: Of course, wipe out the government and the economic centers first.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
COM Jones: It is likely that she will continue to coordinate from here.  When we leave for our meet, I will need her aboard.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: Understood.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Were there any survivors of the transformed Jihejians?

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: None that we know of at this time, sir. Most of them were probably in the Aerie when it was hit.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: If possible Captain, we're attempting to tally the dead ... we have remains collected, and will send you the sensor data on it, if you could provide orbital probes to help detect?

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Cannot believe all of this::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::watches her threat board just in case she missed something::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: Thinking from a social scientist's point of view, could this attack have been to cover their work on forcing evolution?

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::looks down at her panel with a frown::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
COM Jones: We will see to it.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Prepare the necessary probes for medical and place into orbit.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CO: Possibly. But while I'm not that familiar with what happened here, it wouldn't make that sense. The Storm has always operated to help themselves. How does forcing the evolution of these people help themselves? They've never been ones to slaughter innocents whole-sale either. Why do this much damage just to cover that up?

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.   :: begins programming a couple more Type Two probes ::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::can't possibly conceive of any reason for anyone to do this::

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::wonders what kind of heartless animals these people are::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: Just before your return to us, they tried much the same tactic on another planet.  Perhaps they needed to find out the effects on some one else before trying it out on...::lets the thought drop as too terrible to contemplate::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, I've been giving some thought to the Storm, and their possible connection to the entity we've encountered several times in the past months.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: If this entity is like other that have been encountered, entities that derive sustenance from emotion, it is possible that the entity is using the Storm to create conditions conducive to the emotions it needs.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
::Listens:: CSO: What entity is this?

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: So two enemies become one?

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks over the scans for traces of the weapons residue:: Self: Hmm, old style nuclear weaponry.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Or one enemy falls under the control of a greater enemy.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: That would explain the use of old style weapons.  More terror and devastation.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::wonders what this entity thing they are talking about is::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CNS: We've had several encounters with a non-corporeal being that seems to delight in engendering terror and despair.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CSO: Aha.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Exactly, sir. It doesn't want to completely wipe out the population -- there'd be no one left to generate the emotions it needs.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: It would also explain the sudden shift by Storm back to aggressive tactics.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Begins looking over the reports from the surface::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
::Changing subject:: Kraight: Have you been able to formulate a plan to stop the nuclear winter?

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::hopes so::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Continues to monitor the data coming in::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: A similar situation was encountered a few years ago on Penthara IV, sir. The Enterprise-D was able to generate an planet-wide electrostatic discharge to vaporize particulates from a volcanic eruption. We should be able to do something similar here.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::looks over at Kraight and listens::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks over at the CSO and brightens up a bit::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: If Kraight is right, then I am the common enemy in all this. It would explain Trebor's violent obsession with the Q and me.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::studies their flight plan carefully, trying to avoid any incoming ships::

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CO: Trebor's violence in the past was merely per his orders. He didn't really seem to have a personal vendetta ...

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::notices Cherry's face and frowns slightly::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Relay necessary information to tactical.  Phaser: Set up for the discharge.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: steps back up to Science One as his LCARS console beeps ::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Yes Captain.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Notify Captain Jones of our intent to stop the atmospheric devastation.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  If we can clean it up, some will survive.  ::looks happy::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: checks data stream from medical probes, gets an expression of intense confusion on his face ::

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::works on the setup for the discharge into the atmosphere below::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, this is very odd...  the medical probes are reporting that the DNA profiles from the casualties on the planet are all identical.

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
OPS: But what kind of life will they lead? All that they know is now gone.........

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Notices power sequence for phasers from bridge::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Raythan: He did not.  Always before, he had a clear mission, but now with his personal challenge on the news channel...

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: It's as if the millions of dead down there were all clones...

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
COM:  Jones:  We are preparing a plan to clean up the atmosphere.  Will transmit when complete.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
<Captain Jones> @ COM: Quirinus: Understood.

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  But at least something will survive.  The culture can continue....

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
CSO: Clones?

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::raises an eyebrow at the CSO:: Self: What!

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::looks shocked::

OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::the CSO's words sink in::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Changes display to distribution network and phaser emitter relays::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Clones? Could they have taken the original inhabitants first and then left copies?

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::wonders if that is really possible::

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: It's possible, I suppose. The nuclear detonations on the surface have left such an electromagnetic soup down there that I don't know how far we can trust the probes.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Tnecsed: Are emitters ready for energy discharge.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: I would suggest that we ask the planet side teams to start running DNA comparisons on a representative sample of the bodies.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Munro* Have teams on surface scan the remains of those killed and send report.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Eye sir.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Emitter are ready sir, But I recommend adjusting shield frequency to protect our systems from the static dissipation

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Calls the teams and asks them to scan the bodies and then make a report::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Tnesced* See to it.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Understood

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Sir, I have a theory, however Ido not see how it could be implemented to a vast number of people.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*TO*: Adjust shield polarity to 46.1 Ghz and monitor for static feedback

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Tnesced* / Phaser: Fire discharge when ready.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Munro* Continue

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Stand by Captain, adjusting shields now

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::smiles to herself and works on the shield frequencies: *EO*: Anticipated your call. Adjusting to 46.1 Ghz.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*TO*: Acknowledged

FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::tries not to get her hopes up::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Firing Phasers in 3,2, 1......Mark

EO_Ens_Tnecsed  (Phasrif.wav)

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
*EO*: Monitoring static feedback readings.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Well sir, when you take a few strands of DNA and place it in another strand it will begin to copy itself over the original DNA.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus emits a vicious electrical phaser surge toward the planet. Almost immediately some of the dust and debris sent into the atmosphere begins to dissipate.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*TO*: Looks good so far, Wait for atmosphere to react

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: But as I said sir, I do not see how it could be done in a wide mass.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Munro* Could the same method as the evolutionary bug be used?

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::watches the atmospheric readings closely::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Ionic particles are dissipating

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Thinks for a second:: *CO*: I am not sure sir, It may be possible but I would have to research it a bit more.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Adjusts static wave guides as levels drop::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Tnecsed*/Phaser/Kraight:  Well done.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
CO: Tactical confirms that.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, we have to ask ourselves, to what end? Why would the Storm want to alter the DNA of corpses? It seems far more likely that the inhabitants have been abducted, and that the attack and these identical corpses are meant to cover the abduction.

CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Thank you, sir.

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
*Munro* More to the point, could that be the actual intent of the bug and the evolutionary impact was a side effect? Check your data and let me know.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
::smiles at the Captain and nods::

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
*CO*: Thank you Captain, should only be a few moments longer

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*CO*: Yes, sir.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Sits down and begins to cram::

Host CO_Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: True that is most logical, but Storm would realize the such a ruse would be short lived.

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
*EO*:Static feedback within limits.

EO_Ens_Tnecsed says:
::Adjusts the final beam and deactivates the emitters:: *TO*: Deionization complete, the atmosphere should continue to improve

TO_Ens_Phaser says:
*EO*: Conditions improving.

Host Mathar_Raythan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Pause Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=