Host SM_Pam says:
Chaos, destruction, all the unmistakable earmarks of the Storm. More than 25 of Starfleet's best destroyed or damaged, their crews dead or left to die in the cold darkness of space. Only one small light is left to light the black and still vacuum of space, the USS Quirinus.
Host SM_Pam says:
Then there was Eden, another deception by the Storm, a ploy perhaps to lure the Federation to their fateful destiny. Now came the Jihejians or their clones. So where are the real inhabitants of Al-Jihj?
Host SM_Pam says:
As the Quirinus stood by sabotaged by an imposter who the crew knew as Mathar Raythan, the Storm's Trebor told the Quirinus the entire story......or did he?
Host SM_Pam says:
As our story continues, the crew of the Quirinus is picking up the pieces in the aftermath. The injured are being seen too and the questions that have been asked will hopefully be answered soon.
Host SM_Pam says:
ACTD is pleased and proud to present the USS Quirinus in..."Escalation".....Episode four....Stardate 10306.16 
Host SM_Pam says:
= /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\= Begin  = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge in the chair:: Kraight: Scans of the device?
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: At his station monitoring::
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Begins preparing more places for the wounded while she tries to finish reports::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Scanning now, sir.   :: turns back to the LCARS panel at Science One ::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::on the bridge at the operations console::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::arrives on the bridge and slips into her seat::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
*CMO*:  Do you have everything you need, Doctor?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to Pangborn:: Pangborn: Commander, assuming the device is big enough to send a team to investigate, have you given any thought as to you AT?
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*OPS*: I believe so sir, I will get back to you if I do.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::taps the panel as she inputs the newly laid out coordinates.::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
*CMO*:  Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan: ETA to the device at the edge of the nebula?
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'll need Kraight and Morgan. I'd like someone from medical, but they're got there hands full
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::sorts through requisitions from various departments::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: straightens, turns to Sulek :: CO: Sir, the facility is enormous. If it is meant as a habitat, its population could easily top several million. It does not appear to be of Storm manufacture.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::looks up briefly:: CO: five minutes, Sir. ::said in a strained voice::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Life signs?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Prepare your team...we will transport as soon as in range.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::leans over towards the FCO and whispers::  FCO:  Sounds like your going on the AT.  Let me know if there are any shops over there.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Kraight/Morgan: Prepare for away team duty when we are in range
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Helps Take care of a patient::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Atmospheric conditions?
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::looks at Cherry incredulously for a brief second and just shakes her head slightly::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  What?
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
XO: Aye, Sir.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
XO: Aye, sir.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::doesn't get it at all::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::thinks Cherry wouldn't get it if she explained it, so figures why bother?::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'm going to treat this as a fact finding only mission. I'd rather not risk an encounter over there
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stands, looking around the bridge:: Pangborn: Agreed.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Revising volumetric measurements... The facility could house many billions. Life sign readings show.... at least two billion inhabitants at present. Great Maker...
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::smiles at the FCO and goes back to looking over the requisitions::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Atmosphere reads as roughly Class M.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Inform the transporter room to have regular side arms ready for three in the transporter room, and have security send two men to the transporter room also
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
XO:  Yes Sir!
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::notifies the transporter room to prepare equipment for three::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::notifies security to send two to the transporter room::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: See if you can find coordinates that will set you away from the mainstream of the populace.  Out of anyone's view would be advisable.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::grimaces slightly at the order but continues what she is doing::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Thank you Ensign Cheery. I mean Cherry :;smiles::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Energy signature scan complete. No sign of shields or powered weaponry.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks at the XO questioningly::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::eyes the XO wonderingly::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: See to your relief, looks like were headed over there.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::has a vague but unsettling feeling he was trying to be funny::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Staying out of sight shouldn't be a problem, sir. There are several unpopulated areas near the life sign readings.... some of them may be storage areas.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Since we do not necessarily know who the inhabitants are, we will treat this as a first contact situation.  It is your call as to whether or not the inhabitants should know that your team is there.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
XO: Aye, Sir. ::orders her relief to report to the bridge as she wonders if the XO forgot to take his medications or something::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Understood
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO/XO:  Keep an open comm. link with the AT, Sirs?
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::stands and nods as Lt. Earhart arrives to take her place.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Morgan/Kraight/Pangborn:  Safe journey.  We are in transport range.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: As always.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
FCO:  Have fun!
Host SM_Pam says:
ACTION: Two security officers arrive in the transporter room and await the away team.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.   :: turns over the science station to Ens. Sheridan, heads for turbolift ::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Kraight/Morgan: You're with me ::heads for the turbolift::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::nods to the CO and gives cheery Cherry a dirty look as she follows the CSO to the TL.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TL: Transporter room one
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::wonders what the dirty look was for::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: hands a PADD to Pangborn :: XO: Here are several possible beam-in points, sir. All are at least 500 meters from any detectable life signs.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::tries to recall if she forgot to pick her underwear from the shower stall again::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::thinks the turbolift is rather slow tonight::
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Continues to help the injured::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters transporter room one and gathers his equipment:: Kraight: Excellent, give them to the transporter room chief
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::hands him back the padd::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: hands PADD to Chief DeSantos ::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: selects a tricorder and phaser II from equipment locker ::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::quietly collects her equipment and straps on her phaser::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Can I ask you a question Captain?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
:: steps onto the transporter pad ::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
::does a quick check and steps onto the nearest pad.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::steps up on the transporter pad in front of the two security guards:: ALL: This is an information only excursion. If there are any sentient life signs in the vicinity, I want to know about it Before running into them. First Contact protocol applies
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::crosses to the screen and stares at the nebula:: Cherry: Always.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Your a Vulcan right?  And Vulcan's don't feel anything right?
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
DeSantos: Energize
Host SM_Pam says:
ACTION: The away team is transported successfully to the structure out of sight of the inhabitants.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: opens tricorder :: XO: Scanning for life signs and energy signatures...
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::materializes at the coordinates.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::activates his tricorder:: I'm scanning as well
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::glances around the structure curiously.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Strictly speaking, I am half Vulcan, but I was raised as a Vulcan.  It is not that we do not feel emotions...we suppress them.  We do not acknowledge there presence and try to prevent their influence upon us.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks puzzled::  CO:  Why is these Storm people are so obsessed with you?  Why do they want to get a rise out of you?
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO/FCO: Lets find out as much as we can about them, stay out of sight. ::motions to security:: SEC: Just follow us, and keep you're eyes open
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::nods tightly::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Kraight: I'm picking up humanoids, do you concur?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: That as they say on earth, I believe, is the 52 dollar question.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: Aye, sir. Still correlating life signs with species databank.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Starts reports:
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  It seems a bit extremely for simple Vulcan baiting.  The AT has successfully transported.  ::monitors the open comm. channel::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Gather as much data as you can about the infrastructure of this place - I want to know as much about it as possible, auto map it so we don't end up too lost ::hint of a grin::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: Sir... I believe we have found the missing inhabitants of Al-Jihj.  :: shows tricorder to Pangborn ::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::smiles slightly at the XO and begins to do as he asked, glad to keep her mind on other things.::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@XO: Aye, Sir.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::looks:: It would seem so....*Sulek*: Captain, we've confirmed that these are the missing inhabitants of Al-Jihj
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::realizes he needs to give her more detail:: Cherry: I was onboard the Griffon which was destroyed in the first Storm attack.  Many died that day.  Until years later, it was the only time I had seen the Storm leader, Thorn.  Since that time, it has been something of a game between the Storm and I, particularly Trebor and...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* Understood.  See if you can make contact with FifthWheel.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::smiles when she hears they found the Jihejians
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: There's no need for secrecy any longer, sir. The Jihejians -- some of them, anyway -- know us.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Will do, I'll keep you apprised
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
<@>
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::looks at the CSO questioningly::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Agreed. We've been instructed to find FifthWheel.
Host SM_Pam says:
ACTION: The sensors on the Quirinus pick up several  small spatial anomalies in the area.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: turns slowly, scanning 360 degrees :: XO: The nearest large gathering of inhabitants is.... bearing 145, distance five hundred twenty meters.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::attends to an alarm on her console::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Captain, sensors detect several small anomalies nearby.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees the panel on his chair blink and crosses to it::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@ ::holsters his phaser:: SEC: Stand down, these people are harmless - mostly. CSO: Lead on ::motions for the others to follow::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: I see them on my console.  SO_Sheridan: Scans?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: begins walking purposefully in the direction indicated::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::follows::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::attempts to identify the anomalies but has no luck::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::wonders just what these guys consider harmless but hopes for the best and follows along::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Munro* Just checking in.  How are the survivors?
Host SM_Pam says:
<SO_Sheridan> CO: Small, almost non detectable sir, trying to identify.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*Sulek*: They are doing fine, sir. I do not believe tht we will need anything.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: Keep trying.  We don't need anymore surprises.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::approaches the inhabitants::
Host SM_Pam says:
ACTION: Several of the Jihejians see the strangers and pull back and begin whispering to each other.
Host SM_Pam says:
<SO_Sheridan> CO: Aye sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Keep a lock on the AT. We do not know how the Al-Jihejians will react to the return of the Federation.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::takes a deep breath and schools her expression not to show her nervously.::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye Captain.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::attempts to establish a transporter lock on the AT::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
<nervously = nervousness>
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::Looks around for the Fifth, apprehensive:: Inhabitants: Do you know the whereabouts of the one named FifthWheel? We have come to find what has happened since we left you
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Captain, you said it was a game between you and the Storm.  How will you tell when it's over?  How do you win?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: stands to one side, quietly scanning the assembled Jihejians ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Logic would seem to indicate that one or the other dies.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::establishes a transporter lock on the AT::
Host Sayhra says:
@::nods negatively:: XO: We know nothing of our leaders. ::eyes narrow as she looks at the Commander::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  To what purpose?  This makes no sense.  ::shakes her head in frustration::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Sayhra: We come in peace. You know nothing of the one called FifthWheel?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: puts away tricorder, steps next to Pangborn ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Thorne once sought to enlist me to his cause.  I do not know why.  I am one of the few if not the only Starfleet officer to have been inside the Storm asteroid.  For some reason, I have become Thorne's pet project.
Host Sayhra says:
@XO: We were taken and our leaders were separated from the populace. The only leader here is the machine that provides all our needs.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::thinks about what the Captain said while monitoring the AT::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Sayhra: Can you show us the machines?
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Sensors detect movement of the anomalies.
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::stands and listens quietly::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: His needs are driven by his unreasoning ego, a sort of madness, I would guess.  Like many of his kind throughout history, he has become obsessed. He is both charming and intelligent, and unfortunately completely maniacal.
Host Sayhra says:
@XO: Show you? No one sees the machines, they just provide for us.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  He's insane?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ Sayhra: How do they provide for you?
Host Sayhra says:
<SO_Sheridan>CO: Captain, something is happening.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::looks over at the SO::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: Specify.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Sayhra: You have no means of accessing them? Surly you can tell us where you receive what they provide.
Host Sayhra says:
@CSO: They provide the food, the clothing the need of the people.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ Sayhra: Where and when do these items appear?
Host Sayhra says:
<SO_Sheridan>CO: Those anomalies are heading for the ship Captain. Many of them now....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Not in the raving sense or possibly in the legal sense.  He has a concept of honor and right and wrong, but they are so screwed by his own ego and sense of what is right, that there is a madness to it.
Host Sayhra says:
@XO/CSO: They just come when they know we need them.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: On screen.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Sayhra: Who or what comes when and where?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tactical: Shields.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::ponders how such rational seeming people can be fundamentally mad... then the SO's words sink in::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ Sayhra: Could you take us to the last place where the items appeared, please?
Host Sayhra says:
<SO_Sheridan>::brings up the screen:: CO : On screen sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Inform the AT what is happening.  We may have to cut their visit short.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
<TO_Joe>::raises shields::
Host Sayhra says:
@::cowers slightly:: XO: No more questions! ::turns and runs down the corridor::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::wonders if Sayhra is as crazy as she appears::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: I believe we frightened her, sir.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
COMM:  XO:  Several spatial anomalies are moving toward the ship.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Magnify to the tenth.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@:;turns to look at Kraight:: CSO: Was it something I said?
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::rechecks the transporter lock and sees it is still holding::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@ COMM: OPS: Does the captain want us to return?
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: shrugs -- a human gesture he has only recently picked up ::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
COMM:  XO:  Standby for now.
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: The magnification shows small metallic objects heading for the Quirinus at a fast pace.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COMM: OPS: Keep us informed Pangborn out
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: Weapons scan.  Cherry: Try hailing the objects.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@ CSO/FCO: Lets looks for these machines ourselves. Scan the structure for anywhere they might be
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::nods and begins to scan the area::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  Hailing them?  ::pauses::  I'll try Captain.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: Aye.   :: begins scanning for anything that resembles the trace energy left by the operation of a replicator array ::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Before the Quirinus can get her shields up one hits the port nacelle shearing it clean off and sending the crew flying.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::goes flying from her chair::
Host Sayhra says:
<SO_Sheridan>CO: Mines sir........they are mines!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::finds himself on the floor:: Tactical: Weapons. Phaser Full Spread.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::tries to refrain from screaming in fear::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
<TO_Joe>::fires full phaser spread at the oncoming mines::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Another smashes into the hull just below the bridge area.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::falls down just as she was getting up::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::crawls her way back towards her console::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Ens. Cherry is cut by flying debris as several consoles explode.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::wipes some blood off her face as she pulls herself up into her chair::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::struggling back to the chair:: Tactical: set out photons.  Give the mines a different target.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ XO: No luck locating a replicator signature, sir. I'll try a different tack...
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Engineering is struck by two more mines, tearing a hold clean through 2 decks.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
<TO_Joe>::does as ordered::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::looks bemused:: Kraight: Nothing here either
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
COMM:  XO:  We are under attack by mines and taking damage.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::begins treating the wounded that started flowing into sickbay::
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: adjusts tricorder, begins scanning for energy signatures typical of manufacturing equipment ::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@ COMM: OPS: We’d best stay put unless the captain wants us back. Let me know
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::is getting a whole lot of nothing.::
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::looks up at the word damage.::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Cherry's injuries are more severe than she first thought as she notices a large shard of metal piercing her side.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::runs her hand down her side then nearly faints::
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::weakly::  *CMO*:  Help
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Hard about back us away from the nebula.  Use thrusters if you must but get us clear.  ::looks over and sees Cherry:: *Medical* to the bridge.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
*OPS* I am on my way.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Gathers her things in a hurry and runs out the door leaving an ensign in charg::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: As the ship attempts to flee the onslaught another mine impacts directly on the bridge dome.
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
CO:  More Storm games?  ::faints::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: The debris falls everywhere and life support fails.
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::gets to the bridge and immediately sees Cheery and runs over to her::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches:: COMM All hands prepare to abandon ship.
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@ COMM: CO: Captain, what is your status?
FCO_Ens_Morgan says:
@::looks up at the sky and tries to imagine just what they are doing up there.::
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
OPS: Cheery? Are you ok? Can you here me?
OPS_Ens_Cherry says:
::eyelids flutter dramatically::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: As the Captain sounds the abandon ship, his chair is ripped from its place and sends him flying.
CSO_Lt_Kraight says:
@ :: looks worriedly at Pangborn, as his last transmission to Quirinus goes unanswered ::
Host XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Rips the tricorder from her coat and begins scanning the injuries::
Host Sayhra says:
ACTION: Sulek is thrown again a bulkhead and lies unconscious.
Host Sayhra says:
= /\ = /\= /\ = /\ = /\ =  End Mission  = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =