USS Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10409.21
ACTD-wide storyline, Part 2
Episode 8

Debt of Honor…

The Vesuvius continues to orbit V’arnaxia, maintaining her position on the far side of the planet along with the Akira-class vessels USS Javelin, USS Rapier and USS Shuriken.

The CTO is in the middle of delivering the remainder of his verbal report, received from a floating globe when he was last on the planet, to LtCmdr Lane who is now in temporary command of the Vesuvius.

Her responsibility: to successfully complete the orders issued by Starfleet Command which are to uncover plans of the Nacandarian's, their training of the V'Rax, and any other pertinent information deemed relevant.

Nearby, the anomaly is increasing it's output of extra-dimensional particles….

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

OPS N’Duh says:
::Scratches his arm, flickering a tiny flea like creature from his uniform::

CTO V’arn says:
::Feels his head pounding harder and is having more of a hard time remembering what he learned::

CMO Bannister says:
::In Sickbay, looking over the data of the virus.::

FCO Gomez says:
::Relieves the acting FCO, and maintains V’arnaxian orbit::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Cmdr, where was I? I'm having such a hard time remembering

OPS N’Duh says:
::Looks under his console, wondering where this infestation of creature have come from::

CSO Lane says:
::Leans on the side of her chair::   CTO: You are?   ::Smiles::   Ensign, just pick it up wherever you like.

CTO V’arn says:
::The sound in his head grows louder::   CSO: Aye Ma'am

CNS Martin says:
::Walks back into sickbay, after checking on the rest of the crew, and her daughter, wondering if the Doctor has come up with anything new::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: The Nacandarian's, in another rather strange leap of logic, decided that the whole V'Rax/Nacandarian war was a plot by the Federation to take out the major power in this, their universe.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Glances over at the new face at the FCO station::

CMO Bannister says:
::Sees the Counselor walk in and smiles as he sees her.::

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Yes, you said that they blame the Federation for the war.

CNS Martin says:
::Nods at the Doctor::   CMO: Found anything new since I left?

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Right, so I'll pick it up from there

OPS N’Duh says:
::Nods to the FCO::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: They finally found every last V'Rax, who had begun re-corporealize after the incident with the Yamato, by tuning in to their unique extra-dimensional signatures.  Millions of them were kept in stasis as the Nacandarian’s worked on their plans.

CMO Bannister says:
::Shakes his head.::  CNS:  Unfortunately, no.  The virus seems to be resilient to everything that I have put it through.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: It was near the end of the war that a virus was introduced to the V’Rax, which placed them into a stupor, thus allowing the Nacandarian’s to give them a single suggestion, action, or direction, which the V'Rax would execute

OPS N’Duh says:
::Turns back to his console and monitors the fleet communications::

CNS Martin says:
::Sighs::   CMO: I wonder what is it going to take to get rid of it

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: This got each V'Rax to subconsciously follow a routine that gave everyone in his or her species a specific job that allowed for 30 minutes up to 4 hours of focus.

CMO Bannister says:
CNS:  I'm starting to wonder, myself.  This virus is definitely difficult to get rid of.  The Nacandarian’s knew what they were doing when they did this.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: It took the Nacandarian’s 48 years of trying to duplicate the event that allowed the Federation to gain a foothold in this universe

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Would seem so

CSO Lane says:
CTO: So, I think I see where you're going with this Ensign.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: I'm sorry Cmdr, that last part isn't as clear...it took them 48 years to replicate what the Yamato did   ::Head pounding::

CMO Bannister says:
CNS:  If somehow we could get information from the Nacandarian Archives then maybe we could find an answer that way.

FCO Gomez says:
::Makes a minor course compensation as he listens to the regular bridge officers::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: They’ve used the V'Rax as slave labor while they mastered new technology and rebuilt worlds devastated in the war, but, when the V’Rax are done being useful, the Nacandarian’s are going to kill them.

CSO Lane says:
CTO: They recreated the first incident so that they could find a way to seek revenge on the Federation.

CNS Martin says:
::Shakes her head::   CMO: Pardon? What do you mean?

OPS N’Duh says:
::Receives several requests to use the sensor array to analyze a nebula on our way home::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO's sensors register a flare-like emission from the anomaly...

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Aye Ma'am

CMO Bannister says:
CNS:  There must be some way we could lure the Nacandarian authorities here…or maybe we could go to them to find the answers we're looking for.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Of course the expected Federation invasion never came, and the Nacandarian’s figured it was because the V’Rax hadn’t defeated them.

CSO Lane says:
CTO: When the V'Rax die, the Nacandarian’s can blame the Federation for their deaths now instead.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Commander.  I'm picking up emissions from the anomaly on my readouts.

CTO V’arn says:
::Feels like he's swimming against a strong current::   CSO: That may be Ma'am...Cmdr there's a few more things I have to tell you...it's getting so much harder to concentrate

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Perhaps...however, I think we ought to be capable of finding a cure for the V'Rax...somehow I doubt luring the Nacandarian’s here would really be much use...but you never know. Maybe it could be tried if we can't find a cure at all.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Runs a level 4 diagnostic on his board::

CSO Lane says:
::Turns her head to look at the helm::   FCO: What type of emissions now?

CMO Bannister says:
CNS: We need to find answers soon, the V'Rax don't have much time left.   ::Returns his gaze to the data on the screen.::

CSO Lane says:
CTO: V’arn, relax for a few moments. Let your head clear.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: I'm not sure I have the time Ma'am but I will try

OPS N’Duh says:
::Completes the diagnostic, everything is a go::

FCO Gomez says:
::Sifts through the data readings::   CSO:  It's as though the extra-dimensional emissions have burst into a flare pattern.

CTO V’arn says:
::Feels the room starting to spin and colors flash brightly in front of his eyes::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Any danger to the ship?

CSO Lane says:
CTO: V’arn, take a look at those emissions.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: I'm no scientist, but I'd imagine so.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Aye Ma'am   ::Fights to get his paw to punch the right sequence into the Tactical scanners::   CSO: We're far enough away from them Ma'am

CSO Lane says:
::Wonders what is happening in the lab::   CTO: Thank goodness.

CSO Lane says:
*CMO*: Doctor, Lane here. Have you made any progress on a solution for the virus?

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: But Cmdr, I've seen these kinds of waves before, from what the globe showed me

OPS N’Duh says:
::Turns and looks at the CTO::

CMO Bannister says:
*CSO*:  Negative.

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Where and when?

CSO Lane says:
*CMO*: Nothing at all?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A crewmen comes into sickbay with a sick child...

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Ma'am, they're sort of like the ones the Yamato observed...it's getting so hard for me to concentrate...Cmdr there's just a little bit more I have to tell you

CMO Bannister says:
*CSO*:  Everything I've thrown at the virus has come back negative.   ::Sees the crewman and walks over to him.  He grabs a tricorder on the way.::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: They have a Queen and what one Nacandarian believes they all do.  Not that they don't have individual thoughts, because they do, they just tend not to disagree on things.

CNS Martin says:
::Turns to see the crewman come in and follows the Doctor over to the crewman with the child, curious about what’s happening::

CSO Lane says:
*CMO*: Very well doctor. Perhaps Ensign V’arn's information may help. I'll get back to you soon. Lane out.

CMO Bannister says:
::Scans the child.::   Crewman:  What seems to be the problem here?

OPS N’Duh says:
::Continues to monitor the planet and the ships in the wing::

CTO V’arn says:
::The room, the floor, and everything around him is spinning now, and he's getting very tired::

CSO Lane says:
::Listens to V’arn closely::   CTO: A queen? Hmm, interesting. So they possess a hive mentality.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Aye Ma'am but...   ::Stops as his tongue gets numb::

CSO Lane says:
::Moves her chair closer to V’arn::   CTO: You alright Ensign?

CTO V’arn says:
::Swallows::   CSO: Yes Cmdr, I'm just tired I think   ::Grins::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Looks over with concern::   CSO: Do you wish me to get someone up here from Sickbay?

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Hold on that Ensign, let's wait a moment.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Nods::   CSO: Aye, Commander.

CMO Bannister says:
::Scans the child and treats his condition.::   Crewman: There you go.  Your child should be better now.

CSO Lane says:
::Reaches out and touches V’arn's arm::   CTO: Please continue.

Host Crewman says:
CMO: What was wrong with her?

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Yes Ma'am...let me back track a little bit

CNS Martin says:
::Smiles at the child::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO denotes a slight change in the altitude...

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Once the Nacandarian’s figured out the way to establish a cross-Universal transport, using a variation of the subspace fold, they began sending in single-ship expeditions to explore Federation space.

CMO Bannister says:
::Smiles at the crewman.::   Crewman:  Your child must have eaten something that his stomach upset.

Host Crewman says:
:: Smiles ::   CMO: Thank you doctor!

OPS N’Duh says:
::Communicates with his ops manager send some to transporter room 3 to do a routine maintenance on it::

CNS Martin says:
Child: You seem about the age of my daughter, perhaps you'd like to play with her someday ::Pats her on the head::

FCO Gomez says:
::Compensates for the change in altitude::

CMO Bannister says:
Crewman:  It's no problem.

CTO V’arn says:
::Wonders why his head is pounding so::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The child smiles and nods her head at the counselor

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: What the Nacandarian's found surprised them.  We were nothing like they thought we'd be. The Federation hadn't become the power it had by military conquest and war but by peaceful means.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Ensign, any change in those emissions from the anomaly?

FCO Gomez says:
CSO:  Not from my readings, sir.

CSO Lane says:
::Nods::   FCO: Keep an eye on them all the same.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Aye

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Of course, we are a peace loving Federation.   ::Grins slightly::   So that upset the Nacandarian’s?

FCO Gomez says:
::Sets a sensor program to provide notification when flare patterns increase or decrease significantly in size or frequency::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Well, Ma'am, they talked to many races and even though the evidence was all around them, they formed their own opinion...unfortunately

CNS Martin says:
::Still smiling, turns back to the computer panel and looks over what the doctor has been doing::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Takes note of the flairs and checks the band width and moderation strength::

CMO Bannister says:
::Goes back to the computer as well and starts to look over the data.::

CSO Lane says:
CTO: So they chose not to believe the evidence.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Smiles slightly as they have no effect on the Vesuvius' communications or sensors::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: I think, Cmdr, that our way of exploring and expanding was so alien to them, they couldn't accept it, but that's just my opinion Ma'am

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Commander, computations are showing that the anomaly's flares are increasing at various rates at 12 and a half minute intervals.

CSO Lane says:
CTO: It must be difficult for them to wrap their minds around all this.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: That sounds like a pattern forming to me.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: It is Ma'am...speaking of their minds Cmdr, there's one more thing you really need to know

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Indeed, Commander.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Back us off to maximum orbit attitude.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Raises an eyebrow::   FCO:d o you think it perhaps might be a crude mode of communication?

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Yes Ensign?

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Their hive mind...they all think alike...until, U'Tahn, and a few other Nacandarian’s, opposed and challenged the way the V'Rax were treated.

CNS Martin says:
::The smile is slowly disappearing, being replaced by a look of frustration::   CMO: It's like there's a cure just there, just out of our reach. So close, and yet, so far...it's really quite frustrating.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Aye, sir.   ::Compensates for maximum altitude, and orbits::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO's sensors register another flare.  This one is of greater magnitude that the previous ones.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods.::   CNS:  Tell me about it.  I didn't have this much trouble with the Dragons on Arimus III or another species i helped over a year ago.

CSO Lane says:
CTO: So the hive mentality can be breached.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Commander, I just picked up a rather violent flare.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: No Cmdr, for you see, U'Tahn is a mutant

FCO Gomez says:
::Scans for evidence of sustained flare intensity::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Noted.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: An amber light begins to flash on OPS' console...

CSO Lane says:
::Her eyes widen::   CTO: A Mutant?

CNS Martin says:
CMO: To use the phrasing of the 20th century, This sucks!

OPS N’Duh says:
::His eye is drawn to the amber light on his console::   CSO: Power flux, compensating...

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Aye Ma'am…that's why the other Nacandarian's can't read his mind

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: He's not connected to the hive mind, he can hear them, but they can't hear him

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Any idea why U’Tahn is different?

CMO Bannister says:
CNS:  That's a strange saying.   ::Smiles as he looks over at Trial and then returns to the data, still with the smile on his face.::

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: That wasn't really in the information he gave me Ma'am...who knows for sure?

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Yes, well...there were a lot of strange things in the late 20th century...

CMO Bannister says:
CNS: I can imagine.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Monitors the power grid closely, watching for the flea...err flux::

CSO Lane says:
CTO: Is there anything else that you got from the orb?

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Just think of some of their ideas of futuristic space travel, for instance, how ridicules...   ::Shakes head::

CMO Bannister says:
CNS: What do you mean?

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: No Ma'am, nothing-g-g-g-g-g-g   ::Feels like someone slammed his head against the bulkhead and staggers::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Spies a movement at the top of his console.  Quietly to self::   Self: Ahah, another one! I'm going to have get someone up here from Xenobiology to study this insect.

CTO V’arn says:
CSO: Cmdr, something's...wrong

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CTO suddenly collapses...

CSO Lane says:
::Sees V’arn stumble::   OPS: Ensign, get medical help up here now!

OPS N’Duh says:
::Hears a body drop behind him::

FCO Gomez says:
::Hears a thud and looks back::

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Aye

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Hmm...I'll have to show you some old vid files to explain it properly I think.

OPS N’Duh says:
*Sickbay*: Send someone up here immediately, the CTO has collapsed.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods and smiles.::  CNS:  I'd like that.

CNS Martin says:
::Hears OPS' com::   CMO: Perhaps you ought to get up there...I'll keep working down here

CMO Bannister says:
::Hears the comm.::   *OPS*:  I'm on my way.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods at the Counselor.::   CNS: Right.

CMO Bannister says:
::Leaves Sickbay.::

OPS N’Duh says:
*CMO*: Aye

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: The Doc is on his way up now.

CNS Martin says:
::Turns back to the console, and continues the work they've been working on::

CTO V’arn says:
::Sees colors, hears sounds, none of them making sense, nothing seems real::

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Good.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Stands and grabs the closet med kit and kneels next to the CTO::

CSO Lane says:
::Gets a sudden twinge in her right leg::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Scans the CTO::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO's sensors detect an increase in the output of the anomaly...

CMO Bannister says:
::Arrives towards the Turbolift and enters it.::  Computer:  Bridge.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: The anomaly is increasing in energy output, sir.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Waits for the Doc, giving support only::

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Break orbit and move us away from here. I won't risk this ship and her crew.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CTO falls into unconsciousness....

CMO Bannister says:
::Arrives on the bridge and looks around.::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Waves the Doc over::

CSO Lane says:
CMO: Over here doctor.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Aye   ::Takes the Vesuvius out of orbit::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Stands and gets out of the way::

CMO Bannister says:
::Moves to where the Operations Officer is waving.  He kneels down beside Ensign V’arn.::  OPS: What happened?

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Shall I notify the rest of the wing?

FCO Gomez says:
::Sets a course away from the planet and engages at impulse::

CMO Bannister says:
::Pulls out his tricorder and immediately begins to scan the Ensign.::

OPS N’Duh says:
CMO: He collapsed, Doc, that's about all I know.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Keep the planet between us and the anomaly and come to all stop one light year away.

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Inform the wing of the situation.

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Aye, sir.

CMO Bannister says:
::Nods and moves the tricorder up and down the Ensign's body.::

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Aye, sir.   ::Goes to one light year, and all stops at an elliptical position::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Opens communications with the rest of the wing that we are moving one light year distance from the planet::

CSO Lane says:
CMO: How is he?   ::Looks concerned::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The FCO's sensors detect a huge increase in the output of emissions from the anomaly...

CMO Bannister says:
OPS: Transport us to Sickbay, now.

OPS N’Duh says:
CMO: Aye, site to site transport immediately to Sickbay   ::Initiates transport::

CNS Martin says:
::Taps at the console, flipping though the dozens of notes on the V'Rax and their virus, not finding any clues at all...::

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: The anomaly emissions are becoming quite awesome, sir.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CMO and CTO arrive in sickbay

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Try contacting U’Tahn and see if he knows what is happening.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Nods::   CSO: Aye.

OPS N’Duh says:
COM: U'Tahn: This is the USS Vesuvius come in please.

CMO Bannister says:
::Materializes in Sickbay.::  CNS:  Counselor, could I have some assistance?   ::Performs more scans on Ensign V'arn.::

CNS Martin says:
::Glances over and sees the CMO and CTO transport into sickbay::   CMO: Of course doctor.

Host U’Tahn says:
@::Rises from sleep and answers the hail::   COM: Ves: This is U'Tahn

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The anomaly suddenly collapses upon itself...

OPS N’Duh says:
COM: U'Tahn: Please hold for the CSO.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Nods to the CSO::   CSO: he's on the line, Ma'am.

CNS Martin says:
::Makes her way between the consoles and biobeds to where the Doctor is with the CTO:: CMO: What can I help you with?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CTO begins to convulse...

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: The anomaly has collapsed, sir.

CSO Lane says:
COM: U’Tahn: This is Commander Lane. There is something happening with the anomaly. Do you have any idea what?

Host U’Tahn says:
@::Quickly checks his sensors::

CSO Lane says:
::Hears he FCO::   COM: U’Tahn: It's just collapsed!

CNS Martin says:
::Pulls over a rolling tray with medical equipment on it, for the Doctor to use::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Quickly checks his sensors::

Host U’Tahn says:
@COM: Ves: I'm...I'm not certain.  It's never done this before!

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Shall I bring the ship up to Yellow alert?

CSO Lane says:
COM: U’Tahn: Are you and your charges in danger from it?

CMO Bannister says:
::Brings up some head scans on the monitor.::   CNS:  His brain is hemorrhaging.   ::Picks up a hypospray and injects the CTO with it.::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A brilliant flash of light is seen where the anomaly was as it explodes outward....

CSO Lane says:
All: Red alert!

OPS N’Duh says:
::Checks his board::   CSO: communications have been severed with the planet.

OPS N’Duh says:
::Brings the ship to RED Alert!::

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Try and get him back!

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: I am trying Ma'am.  Trying to get through the interference.

FCO Gomez says:
::Prepares an emergency escape course::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The anomaly sends forth a large amount of extra-dimensional energy.  The settlement where U'Tahn and the V'Rax are directly in the resulting shockwave's path

CMO Bannister says:
CNS: Keep an eye on V'arn's mental readings.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Ensign, what's happening?

CNS Martin says:
::Glances up as red lights start flashing::   Self: What the…?   CMO: How’s he doing?

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: It's no good, Ma'am. I believe that the settlement is directly in the path of the shockwave.

CMO Bannister says:
::Wonders if the hypospray helped the CTO any.::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CTO flatlines...

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: The anomaly has imploded and a shockwave is headed for V'Rax' and U'Tahn's location!

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Doctor...that’s not supposed to happen is it?   ::Pointing at bio signs::

CMO Bannister says:
Self: What the?   CNS: No...no, no...this can't happen.

CSO Lane says:
::Hits her chair in frustration::   FCO: Can we get back and rescue them before it hits?

CMO Bannister says:
::Tries to stabilize the CTO.::

Host U’Tahn says:
@::Stares in horror at the approaching shockwave::

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: Perhaps, but only at grave risk to ship and crew.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The shockwave hits the settlement...

OPS N’Duh says:
::Keeps the lines of communications open with the rest of the wing::

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: No chance any longer, sir.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: ETA to the shockwave.

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: 2 minutes and counting...I have an escape course ready for your command, sir.

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Tell the rest of the wing to prepare for incoming shockwave.

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Aye, already on it.

CNS Martin says:
::Trying to help the doctor, but has a feeling she's probably just getting in the way::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: U'Tahn calls up his cameras in the dorm-like area...

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Can we outrun it?

FCO Gomez says:
CSO: If we act quickly.

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: The rest of the wing is ready to move out on your command.

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Anything from the planet? U’Tahn...anyone?

OPS N’Duh says:
CSO: Nothing, Ma'am

CMO Bannister says:
Self:  I can't lose another patient.   ::Continues to try helping the CTO.::

OPS N’Duh says:
::Waiting on the CSO's decision::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CMO is unable to revive the CTO...

CNS Martin says:
CMO: Calm down a bit, Doc, panicking won't help him much...

CSO Lane says:
OPS: Tell the wing to line up behind us and follow us away from the planet.

CSO Lane says:
FCO: Engage escape vector, now!

OPS N’Duh says:
::Communicates that to the wing::   CSO: they are ready.

FCO Gomez says:
::Engages the escape course::

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