U.S.S. Vesuvius – September 19, 2000

Host Kris says:
Seven days ago, the Federation science station at Yorin IV detected an odd phenomenon associated with the red giant 229 Athens.

Host Kris says:
It was an unusual source of particle emissions, in very close orbit, blinking a series of what the science staff believes to be mathematically coded messages.

Host Kris says:
The U.S.S. Vesuvius is ordered to proceed to 229 Athens as soon as possible and to investigate this phenomenon.

Host Kris says:
<<<<<<<<<<RESUME MISSION>>>>>>>>>>

CTO_Kelson says:
::leaves security office::

SO_Lane says:
::making her way down the corridor smiling for no apparent reason::

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: in her office finishing up some reports ::

CTO_Kelson says:
::enters turbolift::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: exits Turbolift onto the bridge and walks to science station I ::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: in Main Engineering do some tests ::

CTO_Kelson says:
Computer: Bridge, please.

XO_Lorenzo says:
::Sitting in her seat, on the bridge::

FCO-LtDoole says:
CO: ETA to 229 Athens is ten minutes

Host CO_Alar says:
::giving her cat a pet and making certain that Miranda has enough water before heading to the bridge::

CTO_Kelson says:
::enters bridge::

SO_Lane says:
::nodding to several crewmembers as she arrives at the turbolift::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: pulls up data concerning 229 Athens and Yorin IV ::

CTO_Kelson says:
::relieves current duty shift at tactical::

XO_Lorenzo says:
::nods to the FCO, acknowledging the ETA::

Host CO_Alar says:
::grins as Miranda taps at the water with her paws before taking a drink::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: Looks at the power of the ship ::

SO_Lane says:
::enters the TL:: Bridge, please, Mr. Computer.

CSO_Trelan says:
Self: :: quietly :: This is interesting. No civilizations, relatively new.

CTO_Kelson says:
XO: What scientific fun are we off to this week, sir? ::wry smile on face::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CTO: Stars Kelson.  ::smiling::

SO_Lane says:
::steps out onto the bridge and heads over to the Chief Science Officer:: Good morning sir.

Host CO_Alar says:
::finally heads up to the bridge, a pleasant expression on her face::

CTO_Kelson says:
XO: That's why I joined Starfleet, Sir...to see the stars. ::smiles::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: looks up :: Morning, Lane.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CTO: Then you'll not be disappointed today.

SO_Lane says:
CSO: So what are we looking for this fine morning sir?

CTO_Kelson says:
::nods::

FCO-LtDoole says:
XO: 4 minutes to 229 Athens

XO_Lorenzo says:
::notices the Captain::  CO: You look happy this morning Ma'am.

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: Long range sensors are picking up Yorin IV about 4 minutes away.

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: completes her reports, goes into sick bay to check on mom and baby ::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: all power looks right in Main Engineering ::

CTO_Kelson says:
::checking protocols for yellow alert status::

Host CO_Alar says:
Lorenzo: It's amazing what will happen when you actually sleep for a change. ::grins as she takes her seat::

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::in a turbolift heading up to the bridge::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CSO: Keep monitoring the system on long range sensors.  Get your sensors on that star as soon as you can.

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: Aye, sir.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: I know exactly what you mean.  ::smiles::

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: running medical scans on mom and child...all looks good ::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Orders sir?

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
*CO*: ship is ready Ma'am!

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: We're approaching 229 Athens in a few minutes Ma'am.

Host CO_Alar says:
Booker: Thank you.

Host CO_Alar says:
Lorenzo: You know, you have this so in hand that I might just leave the bridge to you.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
*CO*:no problem,  Ma'am!

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::steps out of the turbolift and surveys the bridge with his typical look of moderate disproval... he walks over and takes his normal position at the tactical console::

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Scan the database for anything that would confirm our theory about mathematical communication.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: Thank you Ma'am.  However, who would I chit chat with?

XO_Lorenzo says:
::grinning::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
<OPS> :: sits at operations station and looks at the Executive Officer::

CTO_Kelson says:
::smiles at Colonel's disposition::

Host CO_Alar says:
::grins:: Lorenzo: Granted....

Host CO_Alar says:
Trelan: Are you still detecting those particle emissions?

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::notices the smirk on the Chief Tactical Officer's face but decides to let it pass for now::

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: scans are positive, Ensign Oops and child are released ::

SO_Lane says:
::moves over to science station 2 and begins to coordinate with Trelan's station::

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: No, ma'am. They seem to have stopped.

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: returns to office to file another report ::

FCO-LtDoole says:
XO: Entering orbit with 229 Athens

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: starts to the turbolift:: Turbolift: Bridge!

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: We should communicate with Yorin IV, they should have records of the particle emissions.

Host CO_Alar says:
Trelan: Have you had any success analyzing the emissions which were sent?

CTO_Kelson says:
::setting security protocols for orbit::

Host CO_Alar says:
Booker: Hail the station at Yorin IV.

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::taps a few controls and brings up the daily security reports and response times::

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: Checking for a correlation with the federation database now, captain.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
<OPS> CO: yes ma'am :: starts to hail the station::

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: activates computer to monitor bridge activity, goes back to report ::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: looks over to Lane's console ::

SO_Lane says:
::looks over at Trelan:: CSO: Traces of the particle emissions indicate the use of prime numbers...

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
<OPS> CO: hail open Ma'am!

Host CO_Alar says:
*Yorin IV* This is the USS Vesuvius. Please respond.

Host Yorin_SCI says:
@::receiving hail from the U.S.S. Vesuvius::  COM: *Vesuvius*  Yorin Science Station here.

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: Scans indicate several planets in the system. They match the last survey done of this system, minus a planet or two.

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Maybe we should launch a probe to investigate?

Host CO_Alar says:
*Yorin IV* We have arrived in the system to investigate the particle emissions being sent from the red giant. Any data that you have on the star would be useful.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: Turbolift stops and the door opens to the bridge and the CEO walks out on to the bridge:: computer: Main Engineering to bridge

Host Yorin_SCI says:
@*Vesuvius*: We analyzed the data and all we could determine is that it is a series of prime numbers.  We're hoping you will be able to determine more, on location.

Host CO_Alar says:
*Yorin IV* What can you tell us about the system? Have there ever been any civilizations here?

CSO_Trelan says:
XO/CO: SO Lane thinks a probe would help in the analysis of the particle emissions. They definitely show as prime numbers.

Host CO_Alar says:
::musing to self:: I wonder if anyone has responded....

Host Yorin_SCI says:
@*Vesuvius*:  No recorded civilizations, but the Federation data on this system is sketchy at best.  This system was slated for survey later this year in fact, because the red giant is an interesting thing after all.

Host Yorin_SCI says:
@::pushing old-fashioned glasses up on nose::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CSO: Perhaps complying the prime numbers and trying to extrapolate any messages will reveal something?

Host CO_Alar says:
*Yorin IV* All right. Thank you for your assistance. Vesuvius out.

Host Yorin_SCI says:
@::relieved to be able to return to foosball practice::

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: I'll get right on it. :: begins to compile the numbers ::

CTO_Kelson says:
::thanks heaven he was not stationed here as tac officer out of Starfleet Academy::

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Any idea on how prime numbers would correlate with the alphabet to form a message?

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: A probe could shed answers to why the Star is suddenly transmitting numbers.  Lane may be right, if she can get a probe to withstand the heat.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: runs some More power to the weapons::

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: So far the giant has swallowed Pellan I through III. It could over take IV when we least expect it.

CTO_Kelson says:
::notices increase in power to weapons array on console::

SO_Lane says:
::monitors the sensors and tries to figure out which direction the emissions are being sent from. CSO: The Prime Numbers could be a binary language form, but I'm afraid that's beyond my scope of understanding sir.

Host CO_Alar says:
Lorenzo: Then we need to evacuate the station.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: softly :: Binary...:: more loudly :: Of course! SO: Get to work on that.

CTO_Kelson says:
*Booker* Is there an immediate threat that I am unaware of?  Why the added power to weapons?

Host CO_Alar says:
Trelan: Are you and Lane tracking that trace residue?

Host CO_Alar says:
::turns to see what Kelson is on about::

CTO_Kelson says:
CO: Shall we go to yellow alert, Ma'am?  If we are going to evacuate the station?

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
CTO: no I had some power to give to something and weapons are under power!

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::taps his part of the console seemingly randomly but is actually doing something very interesting.. all secret and cryptic of course::

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Any luck on tracking the emissions?

CTO_Kelson says:
Booker: Very good.  I'll always take more power. ::smiles::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: I suggest boosting the gain to the long range sensors. We need to scan every parsec around and beyond the red giant.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: I can have the station on stand by... if evacuation is needed they can begin when contacted.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: works on the numbers, but they are not looking like any binary code he knows ::

Host CO_Alar says:
::thinks it over:: Lorenzo: Let's keep an eye on it.

SO_Lane says:
CSO: The data I have shows the emissions coming from the red giant..

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: The Giant? :: looks to the data ::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: taps console ::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: Aye Ma'am.

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: Sir, I think you should see this, because you wouldn't believe it.

Host CO_Alar says:
Lane: Is there something in there? ::brow wrinkles::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: There is something unusual about this red giant...

XO_Lorenzo says:
::gets up and walks over to science station 1::

XO_Lorenzo says:
::looks at the console over Trelan and Lane's shoulders::

SO_Lane says:
CO: Ma'am, I'm getting some unusual readings...seems to be something within the outer corona.

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: I need to configure the main deflector, but I think I could get a better look inside that thing.

Host CO_Alar says:
Lane: Don't leave us hanging, Lane....

XO_Lorenzo says:
CSO: Try and get it on the viewscreen.

Host CO_Alar says:
Trelan: Send that probe.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: puts it on the main viewer ::

Host CO_Alar says:
Kelson: Yellow alert.

SO_Lane says:
CO: Captain I suggest we send a probe..

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Launch the probe.

CTO_Kelson says:
CO: Aye, Ma'am...

XO_Lorenzo says:
::straightens up and looks at the main viewer::

CTO_Kelson (Yellow Alert.wav)

SO_Lane says:
::prepares a probe with maximum sensors::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: taps his console a few times to get a clearer picture ::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: start to look and all the power and the ship::

SO_Lane says:
::Launches the probe:: CSO: Probe away sir.

SO_Lane says:
::checks for incoming data::

XO_Lorenzo says:
::takes her seat... trying to remember the details of the metaphysic shields::

Host CO_Alar says:
*Royce* Are you prepared for any casualties we may encounter?

CMO-LtRoyce says:
*CO*:  yes Ma'am, we are

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
<OPS> :: looks at what the ship is doing ::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Probe data being relayed to your console.

CSO_Trelan says:
XO/CO: Detailed scan coming in now.

Host CO_Alar says:
::listening to the talk flying around the bridge::

CSO_Trelan says:
XO/CO: No life signs, lots of molten rock...

SO_Lane says:
::sees that there are no signs of life, but spots something::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: anxiously taps console ::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

Host CO_Alar says:
Lane: And what are you seeing?

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Yes. Prepare a probe that can stand the heat of that thing. We need to get a better look.

Host CO_Alar says:
::is tempted to say "want to share with the rest of the class?" but refrains::

CTO_Kelson says:
::waiting to see what everyone else is seeing::

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: Look at the viewer sir. :: tries to get a clear picture ::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CSO: Try a metaphysic shield on the probe Chief.

CSO_Trelan says:
It seems to be some sort of...signal tower.

Host CO_Alar says:
::eyes the eye:: Trelan: Have you scanned it?

SO_Lane says:
CO: Captain, data reveals a crater like depression..some kind of reflective material..with what appears to be an emitter.

CTO_Kelson says:
::looks at the main viewer::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: start to work on giving the ship more speed to warp 9.9::

CSO_Trelan says:
CO: Preparing to send a heat shielded probe now.

SO_Lane says:
::prepares another probe:: CSO: Probe ready sir.

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Launch.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CO: Well we know what is sending the prime numbers.

SO_Lane says:
:;launches the second probe:: CSO: Probe away..

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::looks up at the viewer for the first time and looks at the antennae. He instantly wonders if it could also be a weapon of some sort::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: watches as the probe enters the Red Giant ::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Boosting the probe's gain.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: waits for the telemetry to come in ::

CTO_Kelson says:
::doesn't like the look of the antennae::

Host Kris says:
ACTION: As the probe begins a direct scan on the Eye, a burst is triggered from it, hitting the ship.

CTO_Kelson says:
CO: We're hit, Captain!

XO_Lorenzo says:
::holds onto the arm rests::

CSO_Trelan says:
:: catches himself on the console :: Maybe that wasn't such a good idea...

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::is strangely dissatisfied to know that his fears were well founded::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
CO: I can give you warp 9.89 Ma'am!

CTO_Kelson says:
CO: Secondary damage to the hull and critical damage to the main warp chamber!

Host CO_Alar says:
::hangs on to the arm rests:: Doole: Back us off a little bit.

CTO_Kelson says:
CEO: Is warp power off line?

XO_Lorenzo says:
CTO: Shields up Kelson.

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: getting reports of injuries from around the ship ::

FCO-LtDoole says:
CO: Right. ::backs ship off::

SO_Lane says:
::notes that the probe is activating something from the eye:: CO: The probe has activated some kind of automatic defense system.

CTO_Kelson says:
XO: Aye, sir.

CTO_Kelson says:
::raises shields::

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Shut it down!

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: goes to sick bay to coordinate med teams ::

Host CO_Alar says:
Bridge: Okay...maybe we should try hailing it. Probing doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere.

SO_Lane says:
::checks to see if any telemetry is coming in::

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: people reporting to sick bay with 1st and 2nd degree burns... ::

SO_Lane says:
CSO: Attempting it now sir.

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::begins to analyze the "weapons" signature:: 

FCO-LtDoole says:
OPS: You need to shut down the warp core.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
CO: I need to run a Propulsion Engineering test whist I will need to take the warp core offline ma'am!

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: doctors in sick bay begin dermal regeneration on burn victims ::

Host CO_Alar says:
Booker: Calm down, and take the core offline.

SO_Lane says:
::destroys the probe:: CSO: Probe deactivated..:;sighs::

XO_Lorenzo says:
FCO: Do you still have controls of our impulse engines?

CSO_Trelan says:
:: wipes forehead :: SO: That was a close one.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
CO: yes Ma'am! :: takes the core offline and starts to run a test::

SO_Lane says:
::smiles slightly:: CSO: A little too close for comfort.

FCO-LtDoole says:
XO: I still have impulse engine control. We can maneuver with that.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: begins to punch away at his console to get a reason as to why that happened ::

XO_Lorenzo says:
CSO: What did you get from the probe before it was shut off?  Anything?

CTO_Kelson says:
::sends security teams to affected areas of the ship::

CIV_MacFarlane says:
::eyebrows raise a bit at his discovery::

Host CO_Alar says:
Doole: Maneuver, but that's not going to be enough to save us if that thing goes on us. ::gestures to the red giant on the view screen.::

Host Kris says:
ACTION: The U.S.S. Vesuvius begins to be drawn irrevocably towards the red giant, slowly.

FCO-LtDoole says:
CO: Yes Ma'am, but without the warp engines, full impulse is the best I have.

XO_Lorenzo says:
::frowning::

CSO_Trelan says:
XO: Checking....

CMO-LtRoyce says:
:: medical teams are strained assisting the number of injured ::

CIV_MacFarlane says:
CO,XO:I don't think this was an accident... My analysis showed the beam operated at a very specific setting designed to fuse Dilithium.

XO_Lorenzo says:
CEO: How long before you get the warp core back on line?

Host CO_Alar says:
MacFarlane: Suggestions, Colonel?

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: see that the beam fused the ship's Dilithium crystals. They are useless:: *CO*: the beam is fused the ship's Dilithium crystals. They are useless.

Host CO_Alar says:
*Booker*: How long will it take to replicate new Dilithium?

CSO_Trelan says:
:: looks up :: XO/CO: Ummm, We seem to be having a slight problem.

SO_Lane says:
::tries to decipher the information from the probe before it was destroyed::

CIV_MacFarlane says:
CO:Use what maneuvering we have left to attempt a slingshot around the star

Host CO_Alar says:
Trelan: Another one?

FCO-LtDoole says:
::relooks over engine capability:: CO: Correction, the best I have is 1/4 impulse.

XO_Lorenzo says:
:: another sling shot::

CSO_Trelan says:
XO/CO: Sensors show us moving towards the giant, not away from it.

CSO_Trelan says:
:: checks panel ::

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
CO: ma'am the ship power dropping!

FCO-LtDoole says:
CIV: Impossible. I can't get enough speed for the breakaway

XO_Lorenzo says:
CTO: How are our shields holding up?

CTO_Kelson says:
::checks external hull temperature::

Host CO_Alar says:
Lorenzo: I think we're now having a bad day....

XO_Lorenzo says:
::nods in agreement::

CSO_Trelan says:
OPS: Can you confirm?

FCO-LtDoole says:
CIV: Another slingshot attempt would be futile.

CTO_Kelson says:
XO: Shields are holding, but the hull temperature is rising steadily.

SO_Lane says:
CSO: I'm afraid the telemetry is scrambled. trying to clear it up sir.

CIV_MacFarlane says:
FCO:We should be able to use the Stars gravity in the turn to give us the speed necessary... that's the fundamental idea behind a slingshot effect.

OPS\CEO_Booker says:
:: see that the beam fused the ship's Dilithium crystals are useless:: *CO*: the beam fused the ship's Dilithium crystals are useless

CTO_Kelson says:
XO: Affected areas of the hull from damage should be addressed first

CSO_Trelan says:
SO: Please keep trying....

Host Kris says:
<<<<<<<<<<PAUSE MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>>