CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

CO_AQilla_Horn: Sandy Prestidge
FCO Heath: Susan Brinkman
OPS Raash: Janaye Hinsley	
XO Garta-Nmbarri: Rob Harold
CIV Serok: Julie Lucas 
Jenise: Janaye Hinsley
CTO Horn: Russell Hinsley
Nurse Curtis: Janaye Hinsley

Hosted by: SM Gerry Brinkman

USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 - 10503.05

"Rock and a Hard Place"

Episode 3:  No stops in between...

Previously on the USS Scorpius:

The USS Scorpius had been charged with the restocking of a Medical Research Facility after a bout of the Rigosian Blight that resulted in a few casualties and fatalities, including the former Ambassador to the Federation.

K’Valt, a generally likable and kind man, had been chosen as the new ambassador, and was eager to take over his new assignment.

As the Scorpius pulled into view and began preparing to re-supply the base, the ambassador prepared to beam down and assume his position...Except for one thing...

The Ambassador was found dead in his quarters, the door locked from the inside, and not an apparent mark on him.

An autopsy has revealed a device with a concentration of Einsteinium was found at the base of his brain, a small puncture in his leg at the femoral artery, and that the former ambassador was in perfect health...except of course for his present dead state.

It is now the morning after the discovery and the autopsy, and the crew is looking at the evidence with fresh eyes...

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CO_AQilla_Horn says:
:: in her ready room looking at the autopsy results::

FCO_Heath says:
::studies scans of the research facility::

OPS_Raash says:
::On the bridge, going through the requests of the night before::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::On the bridge, in the center chair::

CIV_Serok says:
:: In sickbay ::

Jenise says:
::waddling to sickbay, wondering if she will EVER see her feet again::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::decides it's time for action:: *XO/CTO*:  Please meet me in my ready room.

ACTION:  Medical teams are reporting in from the planet that the toll of the blight is worse than anyone thought...

CTO_Horn says:
::In his office pouring over all the evidence, trying to stay awake::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Gets up and heads for the ready room:: FCO: Lt, you have the bridge till either I or the Captain returns.

FCO_Heath says:
::checks the orbit, nods slightly::

FCO_Heath says:
XO:  Yes, Sir.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Rings the doorbell for the ready room, and waits::

CTO_Horn says:
*CO*: On my way.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::Hears the chime:: XO:  Enter.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Enters the ready room, and takes a seat:: CO: Captain. ::nods his head::

OPS_Raash says:
::reads the planetary medical reports one at the time then sends them on to sickbay:: Self: Wow...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  So what do you make of all of this?

FCO_Heath says:
OPS: What's up?

CTO_Horn says:
::Stands and stretches::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::picks up the padd::

CTO_Horn says:
::Takes a drink of his water and heads for the captains ready room::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CP: It sounds like one heck of a conspiracy to me.  Either that, or one person simply doesn't want an ambassador in that medical facility.

OPS_Raash says:
FCO: Medical reports.  They lost almost three times the number of people than what they first estimated.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
<Edit CP = CO>

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  That is how it appears.  The question is who?  When Cmdr Horn gets here I have a job for the two of you.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Aye, Ma'am.

CTO_Horn says:
::Arrives on the bridge::

FCO_Heath says:
Self: Ouch  OPS: I'm glad we're up here.  Hopefully there is no threat to the teams that go down.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  In the meantime, we have another problem ... the blight.  Reports I've read do not look encouraging ...

CTO_Horn says:
::Approaches the captain’s ready room and rings her bell::.

Jenise says:
::enters sickbay and looks around::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Sir?  I was under the impression that the blight was under control.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Enter.

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters the ready room::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Ah Commander ... glad to see you could make it.

CTO_Horn says:
::Looks tired:: CO: You rang?

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods at Jenise ::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Turns to greet the CTO:: CTO: Welcome, Commander.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Morning Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  I did, Ryan.  ::looks at him:: CTO:  You look worse than I feel right now ... ::hasn't had much sleep herself::

OPS_Raash says:
::sees the CTO enter the bridge and head to the Ready Room, briefly wonders what is going on in there::

Jenise says:
CIV: Morning Captain.  You get any sleep last night?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO/XO:  I have a job for the two of you.  I want a complete background check done on the Ambassador.  I want to know who he has seen and where he has been for the last two weeks.

FCO_Heath says:
OPS: Have you informed the Captain of those new reports?

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I have been pouring over all the evidence sensor logs, security recordings......

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I have been up all night, I did not even realize what time it was until about an hour ago.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  What about logs from before he came aboard?

OPS_Raash says:
FCO: Sending them to her now.  I just sent them down to sickbay as well.

OPS_Raash says:
::sends the messages in to the Captain::

FCO_Heath says:
::nods:: OPS: Good thinking, just in case we wind up evacuating the place.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::hears a beep as the message comes in ... access it and quickly reads it ...

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I am still reading over duty logs for the last month. I haven’t started on anyone’s personal logs yet.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO/XO:  I know I'm asking a lot, gentlemen, but we need answers ...

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  Of course I slept.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO/XO:  And now I find out the blight is far worse than we knew ... ::turns the screen so they can see the report::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I will contact Star Fleet central archives and request the Ambassadors personal and duty logs.

FCO_Heath says:
::keys in a few adjustments to the sensors and rescans the planet, concentrating on the research facility::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Leans over and looks at the screen, flabbergasted at what he is seeing::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Good.  I want the two of you to work together and piece this together ...I feel I'm going to be a little busy with something else ...

CTO_Horn says:
XO: What is it?

Jenise says:
::looks at the CIV and grins...thinks how typically Vulcan she is sometimes:: CIV: Well good, I was afraid you'd spend all your time meditating. ::turns to the nurse's console and checks what Brandon came up with during the night::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: The blight is, indeed, far worse than we were led to believe.  I don't envy the science and medical departments at this point.  They are going to have their hands full.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Indeed they are.  If there's nothing else, gentlemen, then you are dismissed.

CTO_Horn says:
::Turns to leave::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::gets up::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Aye, Captain. ::Gets up and leaves the ready room, goes to the center chair of the bridge, relieves the FCO of that chair, sits down and begins the message to Star Fleet Central Archives::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: I have the bridge now, Lt.  You may return to your station.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::follows them out heading for the TL:: XO:  I'll be in sickbay.  You have the bridge.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Understood, Ma'am.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Aye, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::enters the TL:: Computer:  Sickbay.

CIV_Serok says:
:: looking over the data on the Ambassador's autopsy ::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: With your permission I will go get a little sleep before we continue on with the investigation.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*Jenise*:  Horn to Dr Garta-Nmbarri.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Understood, Commander.  But, try to get as much sleep as you can in as little time as you can.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I thought that is what we always did here. ::Grins::

Jenise says:
*CO* Yes Captain, how can I help you? ::rubs her stomach as she reads the reports::

CIV_Serok says:
:: turns and retrieves the implant to try and analyze it ::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Seems that way, most of the time.  See you when you wake up.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*Jenise*:  I just got a disturbing report from the surface.  Looks like we have a big problem with the blight ...

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Thank you. ::Turns to leave::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Sends the message to central archives, and hopes for an answer quickly::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
OPS: I will be expecting a message from Star Fleet Central Archives.  Inform me the instant it arrives.

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters the turbolift::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::arrives on Deck 10 and heads down the corridor::

CTO_Horn says:
::Arrives at his deck and heads for his quarters::

OPS_Raash says:
::receives a report:: XO: Sir, I'm sending a message to you now from the planet.  It's the data from the reported illness cases.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::enters Sickbay:: Jenise:  Doctor?  Are you in here?

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters his quarters and heads straight to his bed::

FCO_Heath says:
::looks over the scans again and compares them to the ones from earlier:: 

Jenise says:
::rubs her belly as a contraction slows:: CO: I'm right here Captain, my apologies for not answering you.  These two have decided to start some false labor on me.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
OPS: Thank you.  ::Reads over the reports, and cringes::

CTO_Horn says:
::Hits a button next to his bed and lies down::

CTO_Horn says:
::Drifts off to sleep::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Jenise:  Talk about timing .... Anyway I wanted to discuss with you the blight .. I need recommendations on the next course of action ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Continues reading the reports::

FCO_Heath says:
::pulls up the flight department rosters and begins rescheduling the shifts::

CIV_Serok says:
:: Looks up from the console :: Jenise:  Doctor, has a toxicological screen been run on the Ambassador?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  We need to put this ship's full medical resources to finding a solution ... use whatever personnel you need to ... If you need to bring samples back for testing here then I give the ok to do so, but take all necessary precautions ...

CIV_Serok says:
:: Sees the Captain :: CO:  Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Captain.  I take it  you have found something interesting ...

OPS_Raash says:
CIV: I believe it was done last night by Doctor Pearce. ::turns back to her screen::

Jenise says:
CO: Excuse me just a moment Captain.  Sickbay has been so grateful to have captain Serok's help I don't want to leave her waiting.  She may have ideas on what to do next as well.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  I have been studying the device found in the Ambassadors body.  It would appear to be a remote device that the Einsteinium charged.  I believe it released something into the Ambassadors blood stream.

FCO_Heath says:
::begins running a check for crew that has flight certification to make sure that all are up to date::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  I agree.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Any idea what?  ::has a feeling these two incidents are going to be connected ... ::

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Not until the toxicology report is in.

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  If it was done, I would like to see it please.

Jenise says:
CO: I believe Serok may have ideas on the planet  I was pulled in from my leave to help.  She's been in here longer than I have. ::smiles::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Lt, I am forwarding this report to you.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Curious ... I have a feeling this blight and what happened to the Ambassador is no coincidence ...

FCO_Heath says:
::Begins comparing all the information in the reports and then looks to the scans:: XO: Got them.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  I am certain of that Captain.  I just wish to find out what the connection is.

Jenise says:
::sends the report to the CIV:: CIV/CO: I do have something in that report that doesn't look right to me.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  I don't suppose we can find out from this who did this ...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  What is it?

CIV_Serok says:
:: looks down at the report ::

Jenise says:
CO/CIV: Tabun...that's a Terran nerve agent.  But it was in the Ambassador. ::turns and pulls up the information on Tabun::

FCO_Heath says:
XO:  Look at this...the reported cases of the blight seems to be concentrated at the facility and radiates out to the rest of colony.  The further from the facility the fewer the number of reported cases.  

Jenise says:
CO/CIV: Tabun is from Earth's late 20th century.  It was used in terrorist attacks.  The most noted case was in Tokyo's subway system.  That was on the device in the Ambassador's brain and in his body.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Well, the facility did notify us that the blight started when one of their containment fields failed.  Is there any way of evacuating people to a place farther away from the facility?

Jenise says:
CIV: Captain, have you seen it used like this before? ::taps her finger tips on her belly::

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  Traditionally, it was developed as an insecticide.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  I hope there is an antidote ...

Jenise says:
CIV/CO: It's could have been administered as a clear fluid or a tasteless, odorless gas.  Either way, it dissipates within 2 hours.  It's a wonder we found it at all.

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  Then later it was used in chemical warfare.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  If this "blight" is in fact a chemical attack on the planet ...

FCO_Heath says:
XO: True, Sir, and these reports confirm that.  As for evacuating people, camps could be set up on the outskirts of the colony, but the exposure to the blight has already occurred.

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  Actually, it has a faintly fruity odor.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV/Jenise:  Nice stuff ...

Jenise says:
::nods to the CIV:: CO: She may be right Captain.  This may be a chemical attack...::checks her records:: An odor in its liquid form perhaps?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  Perhaps introduced through the water supply ...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  Is there an antidote?

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  In the air it dissipates quickly, but injected as it was into the Ambassador, it is slow to breakdown.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: That's true.  We need to confine any sort of travel on the planet.

Jenise says:
CO: But something...taps the console and brings up the picture of the device from the Ambassador's brain::

Jenise says:
CIV: What if that device delivered it slowly?  Most of the traces were there anyway.

CIV_Serok says:
Jenise:  It would cause a build up in his system.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV/Jenise:  That would make sense ... if you weren't looking for it, it could very well look like some kind of disease ...

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Isn't there a lock down already?  If not, we can have security deploy teams to the surface and enforce a lockdown.

CIV_Serok says:
CO/Jenise:  There were antidotes when it was widely used.  I will have to search the archives to find those antidotes.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV/Jenise:  Can we test for this substance, perhaps in one of those suffering this "blight"?

Nurse_Curtis says:
::steps up to the group after listening for some time from a distance::

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Yes, we could test them as it causes a build up in the persons affected.

Nurse_Curtis says:
CO: Excuse me for interrupting Captain but do we know where the first cases of the blight showed up on the planet?  That might tell us how the Tabun was distributed.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Then I suggest we bring one of the sufferers onboard.  With proper quarantine fields we should be able to do so safely.  Then we can conduct the testing.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Curtis:  Good thinking.  *XO*:  Horn to bridge.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Lt, I don't believe there was a lock down on the planet, only the facility itself.  And, I don't want to send anyone else to the surface right now.  Are there any security personnel on the planet already?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CO* Yes, Captain?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*XO*:  Commander, have we been able to map the progression of the disease?  Do we know where it started?

Jenise says:
CO: I do not believe going to the planet would be wise for me.  I am at my delivery date and the transport wouldn't be the safest thing at this time.  However, I can monitor and keep things running from here.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CO* Yes, It began in or very close to the medical facility.  From there, it spreads out and diminishes.  The farther from the facility, the lower the cases.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: I'll see what I can find out and make the suggestion to the planet authorities.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Thank you, Lt.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  I can go to the planet.  I believe that if I wear protective gear, I will be in no danger of contamination.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*XO*:  We have some sort of theory going down here.  We don't think it's a disease at all.  Stand by.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Go.  But be careful ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CO* Standing by.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*XO*:  Commander, Captain Serok is beaming down to the planet to test our theory.  If we're right ...

Jenise says:
CO/CIV: The antidote I find here is a pre-dose of Atropine.  There is a chance for the antidote to work after infection if they are treated fast enough.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*Jenise* Commander Garta-Nmbarri to Dr. Garta-Nmbarri.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  Get as much of it replicated as you can.

Jenise says:
CO: Captain, since the Ambassador obviously had the poison in him, I highly suggest doses given to everyone on board, especially those who were in contact with the Ambassador as a precautionary matter.

Jenise says:
*XO* Jenise here, go ahead.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  Agreed.  See to it, Doctor.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise/CIV:  Nice work.  Let's hope our theory is right ...

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods ::

OPS_Raash says:
::works steadily on the bridge, reading through the reports coming in::

FCO_Heath says:
::looks over the information on the colony and research facility, prepares a message and sends it to the security forces suggesting that a lock down be placed in effect, travel should be limited to limit exposure and spread of the blight::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*Jenise* I know your sense of being helpful, but please don't take any unnecessary precautions.  Dr Pierce and CIV Serok are very capable of handing the heavy stuff.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Message sent, Sir

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  We may have something.  This started in a research facility on the planet and spread outwards, diminishing with distance.  Sound right for Tabun?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Let me know as soon as they reply.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Aye Captain, it does.

Jenise says:
::mouths the word "men" to the CO and CIV before answering her husband:: *XO* I will be staying in sickbay Commander.  I have no plans on going to the planet.  Captain Serok is the best scientist for that job.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::chuckles::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*Jenise* Just take any and all precautions that you can, please.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  And, as it has a diminished effect further from the facility, it may very well be.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Response receive, they will be implementing the lockdown immediately.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Very good.  Now, hopefully that will slow the spread of the blight, if nothing else.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  I have the computer doing a search on all the ways to effectively decontaminate the Tabun agent.

Jenise says:
 *XO* I am fine Commander.  Garta-Nmbarri out.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Good.  I'll go back to the bridge and fill the XO in.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Self: That woman is going to give me gray hair.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Once I have been inoculated, I will proceed to the planet.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  Prepare the atropine and have it ready for delivery to the planet and the research facility as soon as we can.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::nods:: CIV:  Good luck, Captain.  And be careful.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::turns and heads to the exit::

FCO_Heath says:
XO: We can hope sir, this has really taken a toll on the population there.

Jenise says:
CO: I wonder how I ever lived through the Occupation with out being baby sat. ::rolls her eyes:: I will start on the inoculations here, with the Away Team first.  Then, we'll move onto the bridge and go from there,  if I may have your permission to enter the bridge that is. ::points to her civilian clothing::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: If this turns out to be a deliberate attack, then we really have a problem on our hands.

Jenise says:
CIV: Give me 5 minutes to get the first batch replicated, then we'll get you and the AT ready to go Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
Jenise:  You have it.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Naturally Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::exits sickbay and heads back to the bridge::

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods at Jenise :: Jenise:  Of course Doctor.

Jenise says:
::waddles to the lab to start the replication process, suddenly aware and nervous that she isn't sneezing::

FCO_Heath says:
XO: There have been too many coincidences...

CTO_Horn says:
::zzzzzzzzzzzz::

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