Host Gerry says:
USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 - 10410.02

Host Gerry says:
"Dangerous Liaisons"

Host Gerry says:
Episode 4:  "Questions"

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Previously on the USS Scorpius:

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The Crew has engaged a Vulcan vessel that is equipped with some form of cloaking device.

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After a pitched battle, the Vulcan vessel with the cloak lost all power and suffered some hull breaches and total loss of life support.

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The Vulcan ship is adrift, and Scorpius has only minor damage to two shield generators.

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An away team consisting of the CIV, CSO, CEO, and some EOs have boarded the Vulcan vessel in EVA suits which had no life signs.

Host Gerry says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Resume Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OPS-Watson says:
:: On the bridge at main OPS checking her console as well as ensuring navigation is at station keeping :: ::

CSO_Elbran says:
@::Is under the broken communications console aboard the damaged Vulcan ship, trying to get it operational for when the power comes back on::

CO_VanSickle says:
::enters bridge::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::on the bridge:: OPS:  Keep an open comm link and a transporter lock on the AT at all times.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Captain.  ::moves out of the centre chair::

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks her console and the bio signs of the AT ::   XO: The lock on them is strong, ma'am

CIV_Serok says:
@ CSO:  How are you doing over there Mr Elbran?

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  The AT are on the Vulcan vessel.  We are keeping an open comm link and transporter lock on them just in case.

CSO_Elbran says:
@CIV: It's these damn microprocessors. I think I’ve got them all in working order, but there’s no way to tell until the power comes back on. Then if it works we might be able to hack into their communications logs. That is, assuming they didn’t delete them all.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Did you find out anything interesting from the Vulcan High Command?

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: They didn't know much, neither did Starfleet.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Well, hopefully, that ship will tell us more, that is if we can get it operational.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Plus our "guest" will be informative if he recovers.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: on her way to the ship's engineering room to restore power ::

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Just one?  I read there were four.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  We did get four.  However they were very badly injured.  We are waiting until we can talk to them.

CIV_Serok says:
@ CSO:  When the power comes back up, we will definitely be able to "hack" as you say into it.  It is logical to assume that they did not have the time to delete the data.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: works her way into engineering and begins checking out the ship's systems, begin repairing power relays and replacing damaged circuits ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Sir, I do have another idea.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: So, what would you suggest we do once the doctor clears him for questioning?

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: What is it?

CSO_Elbran says:
@ ::Places the last chip in place on the Communications Console:: CIV: Ok Captain, i think that’s got it.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Listens carefully to the earpiece for any communications while checking the Scorpius' location in relationship to the ship ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  We can use that ship.  I'd like to try to infiltrate the pirates.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Well, we would have to make sure it's operational first.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: works with the engineering team to complete the urgent repairs ::  

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  That's why I sent a team of engineers with the AT, Sir.

CIV_Serok says:
@ *CEO*  Mister Heath, how are you doing down there.

Host Gerry says:
ACTION:  With the combined efforts of the Away team, the consoles come to life, though treacherous open relays spark and threaten to short out or harm careless personnel...

CSO_Elbran says:
@ ::Covers face from nearby console::

CIV_Serok says:
@ :: averts her face from the sparks ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  The other thing, Sir ... Serok and I would have to be the ones to go.  We are the only ones who would blend into a Vulcan ring ....

CEO_Heath says:
@ *CIV* You should have some controls now, but it will be a while before everything is completely good to go.

CSO_Elbran says:
@ CIV: Ok Captain. The console is active. I'm going to try and get into the system.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sees a request come in from sciences for the use of the lateral sensor array ::

CIV_Serok says:
@ CSO:  Proceed with caution Mister Elbran.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: That would be, if I may, logical.  ::smirks:: You are Romulan and she is Vulcan.

CSO_Elbran says:
@ :: Begins trying to hack into the Communications logs:: Self: Maybe now we can find out who is behind all this.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks on the status of the mission and allows access to the lower portion of the lateral array ::

Host Gerry says:
ACTION:  The CSO encounters Data under Fractal Encryption protocols

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: continues the urgent repairs to stabilize what access that they have ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Maybe we should see how the AT is doing first?  ::grins::

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Of course.  *Away team*: Captain to away team, report.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: looks up at the sound of the Captain's voice, and continues the repair she's working on ::

CIV_Serok says:
@ *CO* This is Captain Serok, Captain, we have power back up and are attempting to access their computer.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks on the status of the engineering crews working on the two shield generators ::   *EO*: Watson to Phixum

CSO_Elbran says:
@ :: Pulls out his tricorder:: CIV: Captain I’m downloading the data to my tricorder. It's encrypted, and the labs on board the Scorpius are better equipped to reveal the contents. ::looks at the console which is sparking:: CIV: Plus i don’t want to spend any more time than I need to near these consoles.

OPS-Watson says:
<Phixum> *OPS*: Phixum here.  Go ahead

CIV_Serok says:
@ :: nods :: CSO:  Understood.

CSO_Elbran says:
@:: Downloads the encrypted logs then walks away from the sparking console::

CO_VanSickle says:
*CIV*: Update me if you find something or repair that ship.

OPS-Watson says:
*Phixum*: Just checking on the status of repairs to the shield generators

CIV_Serok says:
@*CO* Aye Captain.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: finishes locking down the new conduit and activates it :: Engineering Team: This should be enough to get it back to Vulcan, though it does need a lot of work...especially clean up.

OPS-Watson says:
<Phixum> *OPS*: ETA to completion is one hour

OPS-Watson says:
*Phixum*: Thank you.  Watson out.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Horn to Heath.  How does it look over there?

CEO_Heath says:
@ ::taps her commbadge:: *CIV* Captain, it looks like the ship should have propulsion and navigation control.  There is still plenty of work to do to get the thing ship shape.

CSO_Elbran says:
@*CO*: Sir, I’ve downloaded the communications logs. They're encrypted but with a little work i believe i can de-crypt them and possibly give us some much needed answers.

CEO_Heath says:
@ *CIV* Terrible waste of life.  It's like working in a tomb.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Crosses her legs and starts to bounce the free foot up and down ::

CIV_Serok says:
@ *CEO* Understood Mister Heath, do you have a time frame for completions of repairs that will allow us to take this vessel back to Vulcan under it's own power?

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Sir, our priority is to find out information.  Perhaps Mr Elbran can return and work on those logs?

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: If he's done with the computer download.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks and sees the Scorpius is holding her position nicely ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Scorpius to Away Team.

CIV_Serok says:
@*XO* Serok, go ahead Commander.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  As soon as Ens Elbran has finished downloading what he can from their computers, have him return to the Scorpius to begin decryption.

CEO_Heath says:
@ *CIV* Correction, the engines are shot, destroyed.  They ejected the warp core, the cloak is destroyed, and even if we could get the ship moving, there would be no life supports, those systems are destroyed.

CIV_Serok says:
@ *XO* Acknowledged Commander.

CIV_Serok says:
@ CSO:  If you are finished Mister Elbran, head back to the Scorpius.

CSO_Elbran says:
@ CIV: Aye sir, i don’t think there’s anything more i can do here.

CEO_Heath says:
@ *CIV* Basically we are on battery power down here.  We'll keep making the most urgent repairs, to keep access to what systems are working.

CIV_Serok says:
@*XO/CO*  The engines are destroyed.  The warp core was ejected and the cloak destroyed.  There is no life support available.

CSO_Elbran says:
@ *Scorpius*: Scorpius, one to beam back to the ship.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::Hears the CIV:: CO:  Well, so much for using that ship ...

OPS-Watson says:
*CSO*: Received.  Stand by for transport

OPS-Watson says:
:: Locks on to the CSO's bio sign and activates the transporter beam ::

Host Gerry says:
ACTION:  the CSO beams back to the Scorpius

CO_VanSickle says:
*CIV*: So we can't salvage it?

CSO_Elbran says:
:: Looks around the transporter room:: Self: it's good to be back. ::walks towards the nearest turbolift, gets in and directs it to Science lab 1::

CIV_Serok says:
*CO* On the contrary Captain, we could salvage the vessel if we were equipped to do so, but we are not.  She will remain as space debris for now.

CSO_Elbran says:
*CO/XO*: Sirs, I’m back on board and on my way to the science lab. I’ll let you know if i turn something up.

CO_VanSickle says:
*CIV*: Acknowledged.  XO: There goes your plan.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Can we recover the cloaking system?  If we study that we should be able to find a way to counteract it.

CO_VanSickle says:
*CSO*: Let us know if you have something.

CEO_Heath says:
@ ::nods to her team:: Team:  Let's get what we have to done.  Once they're done on the bridge, we should be able to head back.  For now, just keep the computer functioning.

CIV_Serok says:
@ *XO*  No, it was destroyed.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Enters Science Lab 1 and downloads the Communications logs to the Computer::

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: watches as the team continues their work and helps where she can :: 

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::sighs:: CO:  Sir, I recommend recovering the AT and towing the ship back to Vulcan.

CSO_Elbran says:
Computer: Computer, analyze the information received.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Recall them.  OPS: Ready a tractor beam and set course for Vulcan.

Host Computer says:
CSO:  The data received is fractually encrypted.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Presses several buttons and inputs course for Vulcan ::   CO: Aye sir

CSO_Elbran says:
Computer: Can you de-crypt?

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Captain, have the AT return to the Scorpius.  We will take the ship back to Vulcan for study.

Host Computer says:
CSO:  Unknown.  

CIV_Serok says:
@*XO*  Understood Commander.    *CEO*  I believe we have done all we can here Mister Heath, get your team back to the Scorpius.

CEO_Heath says:
@ :: shakes her head ::  *CIV* Understood, Captain.  

CSO_Elbran says:
:: Decides to let the computer attempt to decrypt one copy of the files whilst he manually de-crypts another::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
OPS:  Perhaps someone in your Department could assist Ensign Elbran with the logs from that ship.

CEO_Heath says:
@ *Scorpius* Heath to Scorpius, 4 to beam back.

OPS-Watson says:
*CEO*: Stand by for transport.   :: Activates transporter beam ::

Host Computer says:
ACTION:  The Away team returns to the Scorpius

OPS-Watson says:
XO: I'll see who's available

Host Computer says:
CSO:  Working... working... working...

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks off the padd and heads for the bridge ::

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks her department roster ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  We still have the transport ... perhaps there's still a way ...

CSO_Elbran says:
Computer: Run a level 6 fractal decryption algorithm and report if you manage to crack the code. I'm going to work on the decryption myself so duplicate the information and transfer it to science station 1 on the bridge. Report your findings there if any.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: But how can that transport infiltrate the rogue group unless we know more about them?

Host Computer says:
CSO:  Level 6 fractal decryption running.  Working...

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Indeed.  We need that information Mr Elbran is working on ...

CIV_Serok says:
:: steps into the turbo lift :: Computer:  Bridge.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sees an amber light begin to flash on her console.  Access the system... ::   XO: Ma'am...the computer core is showing signs of increased activity.  It's increasing exponentially

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  If we can find out how they operate ... OPS:  What?

OPS-Watson says:
:: Double checks her information ::   XO: Aye ma'am...it's increasing exponentially

CO_VanSickle says:
*CSO*: Bridge to Elbran, what is going on down there?  Computer activity is increasing exponentially!

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checking on the cause ::

CEO_Heath says:
:: enters engineering and checks on the status there ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks out onto the bridge when the lift doors open ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
OPS:  Can you counteract it?

CSO_Elbran says:
*CO*: i set the computer to de-crypt the Vulcans data logs.

OPS-Watson says:
XO: I'm checking into some of that.   :: Sees the activity is leveling off ::

CO_VanSickle says:
*CSO*: There could be, especially if you had it decode a possible virus.

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks to a vacant console ::

OPS-Watson says:
XO: Ma'am the activity is leveling off at about 78%.  I need to cut some systems in order to keep the core up and running

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
OPS: Do it, and protect critical areas of the core.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Enters the bridge:: OPS: what’s the computers status?

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sends out information, shipwide that all non-essential systems will be shut down immediately ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Welcome back, Captain.

OPS-Watson says:
XO: Aye ma'am    :: Begins to shut down non-essential systems ::    CSO: It's activity has leveled off.  I'm shutting down all non-essential systems now to keep the core up and running

CO_VanSickle says:
CIV: Captain, is everyone off that ship?

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sees a message coming in from the science department stating the lower lateral array is desperately needed ::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Thank you Commander.  CO:  None were alive Captain.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sends a message back stating the power is needed and sciences will disengage usage of the later array ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Find out anything useful about our Vulcan friends over there?

CO_VanSickle says:
OPS: Engage tractor and take us back to Vulcan.

CEO_Heath says:
:: sees the message from the bridge and notifies her crew ::

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks power allotment ::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Only that they did not want to be caught, if they couldn't escape, they wanted to be destroyed.  It is not logical.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Indeed.  Illogical Vulcans ... what an interesting concept.

OPS-Watson says:
CO: Aye sir    :: Activates the tractor beam and heads the Scorpius back to Vulcan at warp 1 ::

CSO_Elbran says:
::Thinks to self:: OPS: It's leveled off?  CO: Captain this overload may be a part of the program I’m decrypting. The information was encrypted with a fractal algorithm. It may be that it was designed to max out a computer unless the correct fractal sequencing was used to decode it.

CO_VanSickle says:
CIV: We haven't heard from sickbay if the Vulcans we brought aboard are ready for questioning yet.  XO/CIV: Maybe they aren't really Vulcans.  Maybe they're Romulans impersonating Vulcans.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks her readings on the core ::   CSO: Aye.  Levels have returned to normal

Host Computer says:
CSO:  Decryption complete.  File ready for display.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Smiles as he runs over to the science station and views the files::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  That thought had crossed my mind.  It would certainly fit ... the cloaking device ... the desperation to escape.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Would you like me to be available for interrogation.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  There's only one hole in that theory.  Medical said they were in a healing trance ... Romulans cannot do that to my knowledge.

CO_VanSickle says:
CIV: Yes, whether it'd be me or AQilla questioning, I need a Vulcan to analyze the responses.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Accesses the decrypted Vulcan Data::

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  As you wish Captain.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Maybe they learned some Vulcan rituals.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Watches power levels and makes a slight course correction ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  There is another way to find out ... ::looks at her::

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks on the tractor beam ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts her eyebrow ::

CO_VanSickle says:
::looks at XO, then CIV with her raised eyebrow:: XO/CIV: OK, what are you ladies cooking up?

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sees all is at the green across the boards ::

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: Sir, the Vulcan ships data contains a Captains log.

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: What does it say?

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  A mind meld perhaps ...

CIV_Serok says:
XO: If I perceive what you are suggesting, the compulsion would have to be great.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Accesses the Captains logs::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Let's see what the logs say first.  If they are no help we may have to resort to something a little more invasive ...

CO_VanSickle says:
XO/CIV: Just don't hurt them... too much.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks innocently at the CO:: CO:  Now would I do that?

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  That would be advisable Commander.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  I would not harm someone without just cause.

CO_VanSickle says:
XO/CIV: As I thought.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  And I think that attacking innocent civilian shipping qualifies as just cause ...

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  It is not for me to pass judgment on them Commander.  If it becomes necessary, I will perform a mind meld.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  I would start with a DNA trace ... let's see what race they really are ... If they are Vulcan they we have a real mystery on our hands ...

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Any luck on that log?

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: Sir, the first half hours readings in the log is basically a list of all their various attacks on ships. ::Checks console:: CO: and they match the list of ships we're looking for. As for what happened to these ships.... it would appear they’ve all been stripped of useful parts, crew killed and then all evidence hurtled into nearby stars.

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Indeed we do Commander.  If they are Vulcan, they have behaved illogically and it would be prudent to find out why.

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: All cargo stolen was sold for a profit.

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Profit?  CIV: Serok, do Vulcans usually go after profit?

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  No Captain.  They do not.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Would a Vulcan be susceptible to mind-altering technology?

CSO_Elbran says:
::Checks the log to see if there’s any clue as to who the goods were sold to.... ::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  It is possible Commander, but unlikely.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Well, let's find out.  Shall we?

CIV_Serok says:
:: nods :: XO:  Of course Commander.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CO:  Sir, with your permission, we will be in sickbay.

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Any idea where those rogues hang out?

CO_VanSickle says:
XO: Granted.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::motions for the CIV to accompany her as she heads for the TL::

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: Sir, I’ve managed to trace down the buyers of the stolen goods. They are known black-market sources, primarily Ferengi, a few Klingons and even a few Yridians.

CIV_Serok says:
:: follows the XO to sickbay ::

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Prepare that list in a report to the VHC and SFC.

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: Aye sir

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks at the CIV:: CIV:  I know I'm asking a lot but it may be necessary.  I hope you understand.

CSO_Elbran says:
::Sends relevant information to the VHC and SFC on encoded frequencies::

CSO_Elbran says:
:: Searches logs for any indication of where the "pirates" may be operating from::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  I understand Commander.  If it is absolutely necessary.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sees a message being routed to her console for immediate dispatch to the VHC and SFC ::

OPS-Watson says:
:: Sends them off under encryption ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::exits the TL and heads down the corridor towards sickbay.::

MO_St`ch says:
::mumbles and shakes head::

CIV_Serok says:
:: follows the XO ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::enters and looks around for the MO:: MO:  Doc?

MO_St`ch says:
::looks up:: XO: Yes Ma'am?

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
MO:  I want you to run a few tests on your Vulcan patients here.  I want to know what race they are, and if there's any evidence of tampering with their minds.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Checks the tractor beam and sees it is holding ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks around to one of the beds and looks at the patient laying there ::

MO_St`ch says:
XO: They are in a healing trance Ma'am... and from the DNA scan that I have run... we have 100% Vulcans here.

OPS-Watson says:
:: Makes a slight course adjustment ::

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
MO:  You are certain?

MO_St`ch says:
XO: Is a Bolian blue?

CIV_Serok says:
MO:  Bolian's are in fact blue Doctor.

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: Sir I’ve searched the logs for a location of operations for these "pirates". I cant find any specific locations. But there are a lot of references being made to an organization known as the... ::Checks console:: CO: wuh'sha'.   According to the computer this translates roughly as "ourselves alone".

MO_St`ch says:
XO: Then I am certain.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
MO:  What about their minds?  Is there any evidence of some form of mind control?

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Ourselves alone?

CO_VanSickle says:
CSO: Can you dig deeper?

MO_St`ch says:
XO: I dunno... they are in a healing trance. Their brains are busy right now healing their bodies. They are critical but stable.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
MO:  How long until  you can run the relevant tests?

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: yes sir, from the data in the logs, the ship we disabled was clearly a cell of that group.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks around at Serok coming to the opinion that the meld will be necessary::

MO_St`ch says:
::shrugs:: XO: Healing trances are tricky... I can never tell. It is a waiting game.

CSO_Elbran says:
CO: I'll continue my efforts, but i think we've obtained all we can from this log.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  What do you think?

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  I do not think it would be advisable until they come out of the healing trance.

CSO_Elbran says:
:: Begins to research the wuh'sha'.::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  It could be lethal

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
::nods:: CIV: I tend to agree ... so what now?

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  We must wait until they are conscious.

XO_AQilla_Horn says:
MO:  I want to know the moment they begin to come out of the trance.

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  The Doctor would be able to tell us if anything was in their blood streams.

MO_St`ch says:
XO: I'll tell you what... you clear out of my sickbay and let me treat my patients. No one pokes or questions them unless I am certain of their safety.

Host Gerry says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>