USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10312.09
Episode 3

Where in the galaxy…

The Vesuvius was enroute Arigula IV for training when they suddenly came upon an ion storm.  After riding through the storm, the crew found themselves in uncharted space.

A planet was found, a course set and the Vesuvius found themselves in high orbit above this unknown planet.  The CSO was unable to obtain verifiable readings of the inhabitants below, and the crew set out to explore the earth-like planet below.

What they found threw them back into time.  Dinosaurs likened to those of ancient earth roamed and flew in the skies of the planet.  An active volcano brought an abrupt end to the crew's exploration as it began spewing molten lava and hot boulders setting the forest around the crew on fire.

Now, amidst the chaos, the Captain must make some quick decisions or else the crew may perish…

=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  Begin Mission  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

Host CO Kelson says:
All: Everyone!  Out of the jungle!

CSO Lane says:
:: Tries to cover her head from the falling hot rocks ::   CO: We need to find cover Sam and fast!

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Crashing to the ground, she wipes ash from her and for once doesn't argue and begins to run. ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Begins running away ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: If we don't get out of this foliage, we will burn alive.

Host CO Kelson says:
All: Back to the shuttle.

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: And I for one don't taste good as Bar-Be-Que!

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Taps her combadge. ::   *Computer*: Emergency beamout!  Four to beam out now!

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Moves toward the general direction of the shuttle ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: I'll try scanning for another open area.   :: Looks at Lore and frowns ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Is running towards the shuttle's location ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The shuttle responds and beams the crew immediately to the shuttle...

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Slams her knee into the nearest seat. ::   Out load: Ouch!

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Finds himself inside the shuttle ::

Host CO Kelson says:
All: Whoever made the call, good thinking.

CSO Lane says:
:: Plops into the nearest seat ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: What is the danger of waiting out the falling debris?

XO Stricker says:
All: Yes, whomever made the call, I thank you.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Looks at her feet. ::   CO: Well it was my fault we were where we were...I guess getting us out was my way of saying thank you.  And my apologies Captain for taking a temper tantrum.

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Forgiven Lt.  Just work on that temper control.   :: Smiles ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Since apologies don't come easy to her she turns quickly and takes her seat ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Looks over her shoulder ::   CO: Aye Sir...just easier said then done.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The forest begins to burn around the shuttle...

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Fires up the engines and waits for the order. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Well, I'm not sure we know just how long that volcano is going to spew the lava and rocks. It could be days, unless there's another landing site away from these burning trees.

XO Stricker says:
CO: I think we should get out of here sir....

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Lift us to a more safe location, Lt.

FCO Lorehani says:
CO: Aye Sir...   :: Takes off from the ground. ::   CSO: Ma'am can you scan for another area please?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The shuttle lifts from the planet and slowly ascends towards the upper atmosphere...

CSO Lane says:
:: Scans the area for another site ::   FCO: I have a new set of coordinates. Sending to you now.   :: Looks up and smiles ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: I guess our indulgences must wait.  We can monitor this from the ship if you think this is too dangerous.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Smiles back then looks at her console. ::   CSO: Got them.   :: Adjusts her course. ::   We should be there in a few minutes.

Host CO Kelson says:
XO: Mr. Stricker?  What is your feeling?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The volcanic activity widens as other volcano's join with the first to spew molten lava and ash from within...

XO Stricker says:
CO: Well Captain, because of the security for yourself, I request we go back to the Vesuvius. I do not feel safe on this planet.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Looks at her sensors ::   CO: How about monitoring from space Sir…or leave behind probes in the lower atmosphere?

CSO Lane says:
CO: I recommend that we return to the ship for now sir. The seismic activity has increased dramatically.

Host CO Kelson says:
XO/CSO: Then it's back to the ship then.   FCO: Lt.?  Do us the honors.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Adjusts her course. ::   CO: Aye Sir...heading home...how about the probes?

XO Stricker says:
CO: I fully recommend that we do go back there for security reasons.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Lore, set the sensors to maximum so that we can record the events.

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Make it so...

FCO Lorehani says:
CO: Aye...we may not get another chance to witness the evolution of a planet.
:: Taps her console. ::   CSO: Sensors on Max...   :: Taps again ::   Probes have been launched.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Slowly takes the ship into the upper atmosphere. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  As the shuttle moves upwards releasing the probes, sensors pick up another vessel leaving the planet's surface...

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Make sure that you relay the sensor data to the Vesuvius as well.

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: Ma'am, you see that?

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: Uploading as we go...Another shuttle has lifted off.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: I see them.   CO: Captain we have company.

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Looks at sensors ::

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Can we identify it?

CSO Lane says:
CO: Another shuttle has just left the planet's surface as well.

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Scan them and get a tactical read out.

CSO Lane says:
XO: Scanning now.

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Inform the Vesuvius of the ship's presence.

FCO Lorehani says:
CO: Hmm…computer can't identify...   :: Adjust course again. ::   Aye...sending message now.   :: Taps her console sending the message. ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: The CSO is currently scanning for a tactical analysis

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Nods to XO ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Vesuvius acknowledges the message and advises their sensors have also picked it up...

CSO Lane says:
All: She's big, the size of an ambassador class starship, pointed in shape and purple in color.

FCO Lorehani says:
CO:  The Vesuvius has the ship on sensors.

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Have they picked us up yet?  If not, can we make it back to the Vesuvius without them noticing?

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: Good to hear, Lt.  Have them go to Yellow alert.

CSO Lane says:
All: She's carrying enough fire power to do some major damage, and they've seen us, but are maintaining distance.

FCO Lorehani says:
CO: You want them to raise shields before we get back on?  We are only going to be another few minutes.   :: Sends the message anyway. ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: For now...

XO Stricker says:
CO: Recommend we also go to Yellow alert, sir.

CSO Lane says:
:: Leans over to Lore ::   FCO: Good time for step on the gas I think.   :: Smiles ::

Host CO Kelson says:
FCO: As soon as we reach the ship, Lt.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The shuttle returns to the Vesuvius without further incidence.  The alien ship remains in orbit of the planet, but keeps a respectful distance from the Galaxy-class starship…

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Lands the ship without scratching the paint. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Moves to the back of the shuttle and stands near the hatch ::

Host CO Kelson says:
All: Let's get back to the bridge.

XO Stricker says:
:: Follows the Captain ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Pops the hatch and lets the others out ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Powers down the ship. ::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: C'mon Lore, we'll miss all the fun.

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: Coming...just making sure my baby is completely powered down.   :: Watches as the last light goes off and gets up.  She joins Hope at the door and exits. ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Moves out of the bay and onto a turbolift ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Jumps down and heads for the nearest lift ::

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: Now I wonder who that is.  Lost like us or naturals in this place?

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Enters bridge ::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: The fact that we didn't pick them up when we approached this planet can't be good.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Lengthens her strides to keep up with Hope. ::

XO Stricker says:
:: Enters the bridge behind the CO and takes his seat at the XO chair ::

Host CO Kelson says:
OPS: Hail our new neighbor in orbit, if you please.   :: Takes seat at command ::

FCO Lorehani says:
CSO: No.  I was going to suggest a cloak but we wouldn't have seen them lift off.  They must have been in an area where the sensors couldn't penetrate.

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: Identify yourself

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Lt Lorehani gets a call from the shuttle technicians to report back to the shuttle bay...

CSO Lane says:
FCO: They must have a cloaking device or something. Maybe they were damaged.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Grumbles ::   CSO: I better take this...All I can say is they better not be playing chicken again....   :: Turns and hurries off. ::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Catch you later Lore.

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Vessel: We are the USS Vesuvius.  And you are?

CSO Lane says:
:: Heads up in the lift and enters the bridge ::

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: You can call me Valleck

CSO Lane says:
:: Hears Sam talking to someone as she takes her station ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Scan for any cloaking device or reason for why we didn't detect them.

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Pleasure to meet you, Valleck.  Are you from these parts?

CSO Lane says:
CO: On it sir.   :: Checks on the sensor data as she scans ::

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: May we switch to optics so we may see face to face

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Nods to put up on screen ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Velleck: Of course.

CSO Lane says:
:: Whispers to Sam ::   CO: No cloaking device detected sir.

Valleck says:
@:: Watches as one of his officers switches to screen ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Nods to CSO ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  As the screen comes on, the crew sees an insectoid race fill the screen...

Valleck says:
@:: Looks at the screen seeing the strange creatures in person for the first time and is taken in a little ::

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: What are you doing here

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks at the screen and then at Sam and then back to the screen ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: We are explorers.  We are charting this star system.

XO Stricker says:
CO: Interesting looking race sir....

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: Where have you come from, and who do you represent

CSO Lane says:
:: Gives the XO that, "lie through your teeth" look ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: We represent the United Federation of Planets.

XO Stricker says:
:: Turns around and notices the CSO ::   CSO: Don't give me looks please. Eyes on your console....

CSO Lane says:
:: Remembers that old saying," beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes straight to the bone" ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Who do you represent?

Valleck says:
@:: He lets out a chirping sound to his crew ::   COMM: Vesuvius: My crew are looking for a suitable planet to colonize

CSO Lane says:
:: Raises an eyebrow at Stricker then looks down at her console ::

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: The Nacandarians

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: We have no claims on this world.  It is a little unstable for our taste.

CSO Lane says:
:: Thinks to herself that man needs to get a life ::

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: If I may ask, what are you exploring for

CSO Lane says:
:: Scans the computer for the name Nacandarians ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Would you invite an exchange of information?

Valleck says:
@:: He steps out of the viewer for a minute ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Leans to the XO ::   XO: What do you think?

Valleck says:
@:: Steps back in ::   COMM: Vesuvius: We would be happy to Captain, who shall we call you?

XO Stricker says:
:: Takes a deep breath ::   CO: This is a typical first contact sir. Everything we do is crucial. I agree that the invite over is the best solution.

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: My apologies...I am Captain Kelson.  And thank you.

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: We are in need of space charts.  If you could let us download your charts, we would be grateful.

XO Stricker says:
CO: But we must be careful also, you never know who we are meeting out here.

CSO Lane says:
:: Motions to the XO ::   XO: Sir, there's nothing in the computer concerning any species called the Nacandarians.

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: Captain Kelson.   May I and a few delegates come aboard for a greeting?  We'll bring the charts with us

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Sounds wonderful.  Are there any special needs for your species?

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Have you looked in all memory banks under all Federation or other wise encounters

CSO Lane says:
XO: Of course sir. I've cross referenced everything I can.

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: Nothing special needed.  I'll be in contact in a few moments to let you know we are ready

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Then just send your coordinates and we will transport you to our ship.  Or would you rather travel in your own shuttle?

XO Stricker says:
CSO: Well then since we know we are in an unregistered star system, we will grant this a first contact mission. Go about it as such and try to find out everything you possibly can

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods ::   XO: Yes Commander.

Valleck says:
@COMM: Vesuvius: Sending coordinates now

CSO Lane says:
:: Wonders if these new "friends" can really help them get back to their own
space ::

Host CO Kelson says:
COMM: Valleck: Very good.  I shall meet you personally.  Kelson out.

Valleck says:
@:: Cuts contact and walks over to his subordinate and starts to confer ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: I recommend we take the recommended security precautions. Even stay on a high level until they are proven safe sir.

Host CO Kelson says:
XO: Understood.  Let's keep it low profile though.

XO Stricker says:
CO: I agree sir, we definitely don't want to scare them off.

Valleck says:
@:: Sends a signal to the Vesuvius informing them they are ready ::

Host Sheri says:
<OPS>CO: They are transmitting they are ready to beam over, sir

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO/XO: Let's go meet our new contacts.   :: Gets up and moves toward the turbolift ::

XO Stricker says:
CO: Aye sir...   :: Stands up from his chair and walks into the turbolift ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Follows the command staff to the lift and steps in ::

Host CO Kelson says:
OPS: Have them beamed to Transporter Room 1 as soon as we arrive.

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Takes turbolift to transporter room ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Tries to stand close to Sam ::

Host Sheri says:
<OPS>:: Nods to the CO as he watches the Captain step into the
turbolift ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO/XO: This should be interesting.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Indeed sir, indeed.

XO Stricker says:
CO/CSO: I have always enjoyed first contact missions.

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Enters transporter room and nods to operator to energize ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  Valleck and one other transports over the Vesuvius...

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: Welcome to the Vesuvius, Valleck.

CSO Lane says:
:: Smiles and stands quietly by ::

Host Tycex says:
:: Looks around slightly unaccustomed to the surroundings ::

Valleck says:
:: Looks around taking in everything he can. Looks at the CO ::   CO: You must be Kelson

Valleck says:
:: Steps down off the pad ::

Host Tycex says:
:: Follows Valleck and steps off the pad ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: I am indeed.  This is my First Officer, Commander Stricker and my Chief Science Officer, Commander Lane.

Valleck says:
:: Looks at the weird creatures ::   CO: This is my subordinate, Tycex   :: Waving his clawed hand behind him ::

Host Tycex says:
:: Sees the multi-faceted faces of the Captain and the others and nods ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods to Valleck and Tycex ::

Valleck says:
CO: May I…   :: Pauses ::   See your ship

Host CO Kelson says:
Tycex: It's a pleasure, Tycex.   :: Bows slightly ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Looks to see who has the star charts ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: May our CSO take a gander at the charts while we walk?

Valleck says:
:: He looks to Tycex and mutters a few chirps ::   Tycex: Give me the cube

XO Stricker says:
Valleck/Tycex: A pleasure to meet you both. I am looking forward to our time together.

Host Tycex says:
:: Hands the cube over to Valleck ::

Valleck says:
CO: Here is the cube of stars,  our charts have been downloaded to it

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Takes the cube and hands it to CSO ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: Thank you.  Now...shall we start the tour?

CSO Lane says:
:: Takes the strange cube while still smiling at the group ::   CO: Thank you sir.

Valleck says:
CO: We shall

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, may I be excused and return to the bridge to examine these charts?

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Leads them out of the room ::

Valleck says:
CO: This…Federation…what is that

Host Tycex says:
:: Follows Valleck and the CO ::

Host CO Kelson says:
CSO: Absolutely.  You're dismissed.

CSO Lane says:
:: Nods to the group as she passes them and heads down to the turbolift at the end of the corridor ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: We are a collection of free planets interested in the exploration of space.

CSO Lane says:
Computer: Bridge.

Host Tycex says:
:: Listens to the explanation of Captain Kelson ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: We hold these "first contacts" with other species very high in regards to our mission.

Valleck says:
CO: Really?  How many planets are in this Federation, and what’s the purpose to explore

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: I don't know the exact number off hand.  And the same idea to explore is to understand our existence.

Host Tycex says:
ACTION:  A child suddenly turns the corner quickly almost running into the Captain and his guests.  Startled, the Nacandarians' wings extend and they take on a menacing stance...

Host Tycex says:
:: Is startled and spreads his wings suddenly, claws at the ready... ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Bends down to protect child ::

Valleck says:
:: Standing there in a stance with claws extended ::   CO: What is that

Host Tycex says:
:: Eyes whirl yellow in alarm... ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: Those are quite a set of wings.   :: Smiles ::   This is one of our offspring.  Our families travel with us.

Host Tycex says:
:: Still not sure it is safe and watches Valleck ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Enters the bridge and walks briskly to the science console and calls stellar cartography ::   *Stellar Cartography*: Ok people. Listen up down there. I'm going to try and download some star charts from an alien storage cube. Please begin to extrapolate our position from these coordinates and our last known position before the ion storm.

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Brushes the hair of the youngster ::   Valleck: Nothing to worry about.

Valleck says:
CO: You let your offspring out before they mature?   :: Relaxes his wings and claws and motions Tycex to do the same ::

Host Tycex says:
:: Retracts his wings and stands more relaxed, but cautious ::

Host CO Kelson says:
:: Pats the head of the child before he runs off the other direction ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Places the cube into the receptacle and waits ::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: Without indulging the senses, our species cannot mature.

Valleck says:
:: Watches the hideous thing run off::

Host CO Kelson says:
Valleck: How do your offspring mature?

Host Tycex says:
ACTION: The computer tries to interconnect with the alien cube...

CSO Lane says:
:: Sighs seeing that this is not working ::

Valleck says:
CO: What do you mean how?  They are released from the female and mature in…   :: Pauses ::   It is difficult to explain   :: He starts to walk again ::

Host Tycex says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>