U.S.S. Vesuvius, NCC-71985
Stardate 10501.18
Episode 3

So Many Questions…

The planetary survey the Vesuvius was set out to investigate now has some interesting twists … a murder, and now they have come to an all stop before a blue swirling anomaly that is slowly growing larger and larger.

Is the anomaly a transwarp conduit used by the Borg in order to travel to the Alpha and Beta quadrants?  Or is it a temporal vortex?  Will the Knosis, a race previously encountered by the Vesuvius, emerge from the ever growing, swirling maw of the anomaly?

And what of the Caitian aide found dead and stuffed in a torpedo tube?  The CMO, CTO, and OPS, are working on the mysterious murder.  DNA has been discovered at the site.  What has it revealed?

So many questions….

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

FCO Lorehani says:
:: At flight her fingers flying over the console. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Continues to monitor the anomaly on the sensors. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Continues to look at the growing anomaly. ::

CO McGrady says:
XO:  Recommendations, Number One?

XO Darvo says:
CO: I would recommend we send out a class II probe, sir. To see what's out there.

CTO Liu says:
:: Looking around for clues on deck 35 with Ensign Keros and Hill. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Hits her last button and sighs. ::   XO:  Ma'am, I have the evasive maneuvers inputted and plotted. I just need the word.

CO McGrady says:
XO: Make it so, Commander.

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Good work.

TO Thursson says:
:: At tactical working on a frequency modulation algorithm for the phasers. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Nods. ::   TO: Prepare a Class II probe into the anomaly

CMO Bannister says:
:: In Sickbay, doing a last look over the dead Caitian.  He stops by the hands and inspects them carefully, noticing something under the aide's fingernails. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Decides to take off her earphones and places them under her console where they will be safe. ::

TO Thursson says:
XO: Aye, sir.   :: Readies the probe. ::

XO Darvo says:
TO: Launch when ready, track it.   CSO: You know what to do, Commander.   :: Nods. ::

TO Thursson says:
:: Launches the probe. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: Aye Commander.

CO McGrady says:
:: Looks back behind his chair. ::   TO: Are our shields and weapons optimal for combat, Ensign Thursson.

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir.   :: Checks his readings and returns to his programming. ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: He takes a medical tricorder and scans the Caitian's hands, noticing another DNA patter. ::   Ibsen:  I've found some skin cells from someone else.   :: Grabs the little vacuum device and collects the skin cells.  He gives it to Doctor Ibsen. ::   Have this analyzed and compare it to the previous sample we found.

XO Darvo says:
:: Watches as the probe streaks towards the anomaly. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The probe enters the anomaly...the Vesuvius gets a good reading until...

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches the readings. ::   CO: Captain, we have lost the probe's transmission.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  Yes Doctor.   :: Takes the device and goes off to the medical labs. ::

CTO Liu says:
:: Returns to his quarters to organize his thoughts on the case, dismisses the Ensign's accompanying him. ::

CO McGrady says:
TO: Launch a Class I probe into the anomaly, Ensign.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Grabs a laser scalpel. ::   Computer:  Begin recording of Internal Physiology Examination.
:: Starts to make a cut on the Caitian's body in a Y pattern across her chest down to her pelvic bone. ::

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir.   :: Launches a Class I probe. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The anomaly has grown to approximately 4 times the size of the Vesuvius.  It now holds steady...

CO McGrady says:
TO: Bring the Probe to all stop within 200 km of the anomaly.

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye.   :: Stops the probe at 200 km. ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: He peels back the skin and notices something very peculiar. ::   Computer:  Initial examination has revealed that the patient's internal organs are somehow missing.  There was no proof of them being removed from outside the body.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Keeps a close eye on the anomaly. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Brings up the sensors on her screen. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Any significant readings from the Class I, Commander?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Grabs another device and begins to remove the front portion of the ribs.  One by one they are cut off.  After this is completed, he carefully removes the sternal plate. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Sir, scans are picking up a lot of sub-space interference which could mean a possible temporal vortex or a transwarp conduit.

CO McGrady says:
XO: Perfect.  Either Borg or Knosis.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Spikes of what appear to be lightning start to appear within the anomaly...

CMO Bannister says:
:: He examines the Caitian's interior. ::   Computer:  The internal organs of the patient are indeed missing.  There is no sign as to where they may have disappeared to. ::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Aye

CSO Lane says:
XO: Commander, the anomaly seems to have stabilized and there are some bolts of lightening within it.

CO McGrady says:
XO: Whoever they are, they could have been using this as a portal into Federation space for some time.  Illicit passage, I should say.

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Is this typical of a Borg conduit to have this type of discharge?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Wonders what could have happened to the Caitian. ::   Computer:  End Internal Examination Recording and commence with Brain Analysis.   :: He moves over to the Caitian's head and with another medical instrument - stronger than a laser scalpel - he begins to make a diagonal cut of her head. ::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Perhaps, sir.

CSO Lane says:
CO: It has been known to happen, Captain.

CO McGrady says:
XO/CSO: If so, I'd say they have chosen the wrong hour for their latest adventure.

XO Darvo says:
CO: What are your orders, sir.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: Sensors on the Vesuvius start to pick up a large 'something' as it begins to emerge from the anomaly

TO Thursson says:
CO: Something appears to be emerging from the anomaly.

CMO Bannister says:
:: He removes the cranial piece, expecting to see a brain but there is none to be found. ::
Self:  What the?   Computer: The patient's brain is absent as well.  There doesn't seem to be any indication as to how it was removed.

CO McGrady says:
XO: We stand our ground, Commander.  Send a message to Oberon apprising them of our situation.

CO McGrady says:
TO: Onscreen.

CSO Lane says:
:: Taps the sensor controls as she sees something. ::   XO: Commander, sensors are picking up something coming out of the anomaly!

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Feels the ship moving about ... compensates for the distortion from the energy waves. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Nods and instructs the OPS officer on duty to send Oberon an update on the situation. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Identification?

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks towards the screen. ::

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye.   :: Puts the mouth of the anomaly on screen. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Trying to identify now sir.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Is slightly confused but then notices Doctor Ibsen enter the room again. ::   Ibsen:  What is it Doctor?

XO Darvo says:
:: Feels the ship undulate. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: It's large sir, more than four times the size of the Vesuvius.

XO Darvo says:
CO: Suggest that we move back so as not to get caught in its wake.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  I've found a match for the DNA pattern.   :: Hands a PADD to the Doctor. ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: Make it so.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Reads over the information. ::   Ibsen:  Thank you Doctor.   *CO*:  Sickbay to Captain McGrady.

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Move us to a safe distance.

CTO Liu says:
:: Still trying to formulate a hypothesis on the murder. ::

CO McGrady says:
*CMO* Yes, Doctor?

CMO Bannister says:
*CO*:  I have some information which may prove useful, if you can come down to Sickbay.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Nods ::   XO:  Aye Ma'am...   :: Engages engines and moves them back 100,000 km. ::   I've moved us100,000 km.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  A Tetrahedron appears from the anomaly and as it comes from there, the swirling blue mass vanishes.  The tetrahedron hovers in space as if it is staring down upon the tiny Vesuvius...

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Excellent, be ready for evasive maneuvers.

CO McGrady says:
*CMO* Doctor, we are staring down a space borne object nearly 4 times the size of our ship.  I will take your report on the bridge.

CO McGrady says:
TO: Open a channel.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, it's a Tetrahedron!

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir.   :: Pushes the button. ::   Hailing frequencies open, sir.

FCO Lorehani says:
Out load:  Oh my!  She is a big one...I wonder what it is like to fly her...

CO McGrady says:
TO: Mute channel.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: The Borg?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Sighs. ::   *CO*:  I shall report when I have completed my examination.

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye.   :: Mutes channel. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Stands. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Not that we have in the records sir, but I have seen this configuration before, somewhere.

CO McGrady says:
:: Nods. ::

XO Darvo says:
*CTO*: Bridge to CTO

CO McGrady says:
TO: Raise channel.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Returns to the room where Doctor Ibsen is.  She is checking the blood vessels. ::
Ibsen:  Find anything?

TO Thursson says:
CO: Aye.   :: Brings channel back. ::

CTO Liu says:
*XO*: Yes commander

XO Darvo says:
*CTO*: Ensign Liu, please report to the bridge.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  No Doctor.  This is definitely a baffling post-mortem examination.

CSO Lane says:
CO: It was during the Arimus mission. I remember that now.

CO McGrady says:
COM: Unidentified Vessel:  This is Captain Doane McGrady of the Federation Starship Vesuvius.  Identify yourself.

CTO Liu says:
*XO*: On my way.

XO Darvo says:
*CMO*: Doctor Bannister, please make sure Sickbay is ready for anything, we have a very large unidentified vessel in the neighborhood

CTO Liu says:
:: Heads to nearest turbolift. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO:  What did you encounter on Arimus?

CMO Bannister says:
Ibsen:  Alright.  I don't think we'll find out much more from this patient.  Let's re-attach her members and we'll place her body in stasis.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Sir, this is the same kind of ship that destroyed a large section of Arimus III.

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen>:: Nods at the Doctor and begins to work on restoring the Caitian back to how she was. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Glances at the CSO. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Is taken back. ::   CSO: To what end, Commander?

CTO Liu says:
:: Reports to bridge. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: It just sliced the planet apart, and then it disappeared. We believe that the Tetrahedron was multidimensional then.

XO Darvo says:
:: Watches as Ensign Liu exits from the lift. ::

CMO Bannister says:
*XO*:  Wouldn't it be logical to avoid confrontation ma'am?  Sickbay is always ready.

CTO Liu says:
TO: Erik, can you brief me on the situation?

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Is this a spacecraft, or a life form?

CSO Lane says:
CO: We never found out why it fired on us either.

XO Darvo says:
*XO*: Doctor, it is always wise to avoid a confrontation, just making sure you're aware of the situation, doctor.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A very bright light appears on many decks of the Vesuvius...bridge, sickbay, engineering...

CSO Lane says:
CO: We never determined that Captain.

XO Darvo says:
:: Shields eyes. ::

XO Darvo says:
CTO: Identify that...

CO McGrady says:
CTO: Are we being probed!?!   :: Shields his eyes. ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Sees the bright light and squints his eyes. ::

TO Thursson says:
CTO: Aye, sir. I've programmed an algorithm to set the phasers to random frequency modulations should the need arise; you just have to activate it. All weapons are at the ready, and that thing …   :: Motions at the tetrahedron on the screen. ::   came out of the anomaly.

CSO Lane says:
:: Covers her eyes from the light and switches to internal sensors to identify it. ::

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  What is that?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light moves to the Captain, who is momentarily lifted from his chair and held in a type of suspension...

CMO Bannister says:
Ibsen:  I'm not sure.  :: Grabs his medical tricorder and attempts to scan it. ::

TO Thursson says:
CO: Sir, are you alright?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light in sickbay moves to the CMO and lifts him from the deck plates, holding him in suspension...

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Covers her eyes and squints. ::

XO Darvo says:
CO: Captain!

CSO Lane says:
:: Stands as she sees the Captain up in the air. ::   XO: Commander , the Captain!

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> CMO:  Doctor!   :: Grabs the laser scalpel. ::

XO Darvo says:
CSO: What's causing this?

XO Darvo says:
:: Walks around the CO. ::   *Sickbay*: I need someone up here immediately…

CTO Liu says:
:: Summons more security to the bridge. ::

CSO Lane says:
XO: The light seems to be some sort of force field...

CMO Bannister says:
<Doctor Ibsen> *XO*:  Doctor Bannister is being levitated.

CSO Lane says:
XO: It's electrically charged Commander.

XO Darvo says:
CSO: Can we penetrate it?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The CO is released.  He falls with a thud to the deck plates.  The light moves to the XO and the same thing happens.  The CMO is released as the light in sickbay goes to another...

XO Darvo says:
CTO: Can we strengthen the shields to block it?

CO McGrady says:
:: Comes to. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Rushes to the Captain. ::   CO: Captain, are you alright?

CTO Liu says:
:: Helps up the captain. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Can not move or speak. ::

CO McGrady says:
:: Comes to, and growls. ::   CSO: Pinpoint the source of that beam.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Groans softly and stands up, seeing that Doctor Ibsen is being levitated now. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Aye sir.   :: Moves back to her console. ::

CMO Bannister says:
Self:  What's going on?   :: Utterly confused. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Tries to pinpoint the source of the beam. ::

CTO Liu says:
XO: Negative commander.

FCO Lorehani says:
:: The light has left her disoriented. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light releases the XO and moves to the FCO.  The same thing occurs

CMO Bannister says:
:: Returns to trying to scan the light. ::

CO McGrady says:
COM: Unidentified Vessel:  Discontinue your probes immediately!

XO Darvo says:
:: Drops to the floor. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Shakes head, coming too. ::

CO McGrady says:
XO: Are you alright, Commander?

XO Darvo says:
CO: apparently so, what happened, sir?

CSO Lane says:
CO: It seems to be a probe...coming from the unknown ship.

XO Darvo says:
:: Notices the FCO in the same situation as the CO. ::

TO Thursson says:
CTO: Sir, perhaps if we adjusted the shield harmonics?

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Do we have a target?

CTO Liu says:
TO: Good idea, proceed. Do what you can.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Continues to scan the light with his medical tricorder, hoping to discover anything. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION:  The FCO is released and the light quickly moves to tactical taking both the CTO and TO...

CO McGrady says:
Self: Blast!

XO Darvo says:
:: Runs down the ease the FCO back into her chair. ::

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Are you alright?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The computers start to go haywire...

XO Darvo says:
:: Over her shoulder. ::   CO: Whatever this is, it's hitting everyone on the bridge

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Screams. ::   XO:  Ma'am...I want at it...how dare they...it...or whatever try to scan me!   :: Calms down a bit. ::   I'm fine.   :: Settles into her chair again still shaking. ::

CO McGrady says:
CSO: In your estimation, Commander, from experience, do we stand a chance against this Tetrahedron?

CSO Lane says:
:: Watches the light move and then sees the data base lights blink. ::
CO: Captain something is downloading data from the computer.

XO Darvo says:
:: Calms the FCO with a warm hand on her shoulder. ::   FCO: You'll be fine; apparently it hasn't harmed any of us yet, just scares the wits out of us.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light releases the CTO and TO then moves and captures the CSO...

CSO Lane says:
:: Sees the light. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks up as the CTO and TO collapses and the CSO is caught. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Takes a deep breath. ::   XO:  To what purpose though.  They can scare us just by their shear size.

XO Darvo says:
*CMO*: Doctor to the bridge!

XO Darvo says:
:: Nods to the FCO. ::

TO Thursson says:
:: Rushes to the tactical console to begin working on the shield harmonics. ::

XO Darvo says:
FCO: I wish I had an answer to that question, Lt.

TO Thursson says:
:: Shakes the cobwebs out of his head and begins work. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light on the other decks disappear...only the light on the bridge remains

CTO Liu says:
:: Gets up. ::   CO: Captain, it appears to be examining each of us on the bridge. I do not think any physical harm is intended. ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Grabs a med kit and then rushes out of Sickbay towards the turbolift. ::   Computer:  Bridge.

XO Darvo says:
CTO/TO: Are you all okay?

TO Thursson says:
XO: Just a little dazed, I'll be fine, sir.

CMO Bannister says:
:: A few moments pass and he arrives on the bridge.  He looks around to see what the apparent danger is. ::

XO Darvo says:
TO: See if this has affected any of the other decks and departments.

CTO Liu says:
CO: Obviously, if it wanted to hurt us, it would have already done so.

XO Darvo says:
:: Points to the CSO. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Glances at the OPS console, leans over and taps it. ::   XO:  Ma'am we are getting reports from all over the ship regarding the light.

TO Thursson says:
XO: Aye, sir.   :: Checks other decks for reports. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The light releases the CSO and disappears...

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Thank you.

XO Darvo says:
:: Catches the CSO. ::

CMO Bannister says:
:: Takes out his medical tricorder and starts to scan the CSO. ::

CTO Liu says:
XO: I'm fine, Commander.

CO McGrady says:
CTO: Have our computer systems been infiltrated?

TO Thursson says:
XO: Several decks have reported similar occurrences, including sickbay.

CSO Lane says:
:: Finds herself in the XO's arms.   :: XO: Commander, I didn't know you cared.   :: Smiles. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Nods to the TO. ::

CTO Liu says:
CO: Yes Captain. I believe they want to know everything about us before proceeding.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Finishes scanning the Commander. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Grins back down at the CSO. ::   CSO: Apparently I didn't know it either, Commander.

XO Darvo says:
CMO: What do your scans show?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The computers return to normal...

CSO Lane says:
:: Brushes herself off and returns to her console. ::

CTO Liu says:
TO: This is a breech of security, but not the kind that we are prepared for.

CMO Bannister says:
XO:  The Commander is as healthy as can be.

CO McGrady says:
COM: Unidentified Vessel: Your traverse through Federation space is unauthorized.  Once again, identify yourself.

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain, the download has stopped.

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Are ship systems damaged?

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: A booming, baritone voice is heard...

Host Voice says:
All: You have what is needed...

XO Darvo says:
CMO: Thank you, doctor.  Since we don't know the effects of this probing, I'd like you to see what you....   :: Cringes at the voice. ::

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks at the CO. ::   CO: I don't like the sound of that.

CSO Lane says:
CO: The computer is compromised sir, but all seems undamaged.

CMO Bannister says:
:: Raises his eyebrow, almost in a Vulcan manner. ::   XO:  What I?

FCO Lorehani says:
Out loud:  What do they need?

CO McGrady says:
XO: No indeed.

CO McGrady says:
COM: Unidentified Vessel:  Identify yourself, and your purpose in Federation Space.

XO Darvo says:
CMO: Were you chosen by the probe, doctor?

CMO Bannister says:
XO:  I believe that the light enveloped me, yes.  It did so as well with a few of my personnel in Sickbay.

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Tetrahedron begins to manipulate the space around the Vesuvius...

XO Darvo says:
CMO: I'd like you to exam several of your staff, find out if they have anything in common as to why they might have been selected?

CMO Bannister says:
:: Nods at the First Officer and then leaves the Bridge. ::

CSO Lane says:
CO: Captain!! The Tetrahedron is manipulating the space around us!

CO McGrady says:
FCO: Lieutenant, get us out of here!

XO Darvo says:
:: Turns and looks in horror at the viewscreen. ::

CO McGrady says:
FCO: Evasives!  Escape the Tetrahedron’s range of influence!

TO Thursson says:
:: Stares intently at his console watching the scanners. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Fingers fly over the console as she puts the ship into reverse and engages engines. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The Vesuvius does not respond…

XO Darvo says:
:: To self. ::   Self: Uh oh!

CMO Bannister says:
:: Returns to Sickbay and begins to scan some of the members of his staff. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
:: Curses and she tries to engage the engines again. ::

XO Darvo says:
OPS: More power!

CO McGrady says:
:: Breathes in. ::   CTO: Engage the unidentified craft.  Full torpedo spread.

CSO Lane says:
XO/CO: Oh boy! We have another anomaly beginning to open!

CO McGrady says:
CSO: Not if I can prevent it.

FCO Lorehani says:
Vesuvius:  Ok baby let's fly... I'll give you an oil job if you will just get out of here!!

XO Darvo says:
*ENG*: We need all power to the engines!  Emergency power!

CTO Liu says:
CO: Alright Captain.   :: Fires a full burst of 10 Mark XXV torpedoes at Tetrahedron. ::

CSO Lane says:
:: Thinks, like that is going to do any good. ::

FCO Lorehani says:
Self: Come on come on....   XO: Ma'am, no good … these engines seem to have given up the ghost!  To the junk yard with them!

XO Darvo says:
<*Eng*> XO: We've put everything we have into it, Ma'am

XO Darvo says:
FCO: Keep trying, Lt.

CO McGrady says:
:: Watches as the torpedoes approach the Tetrahedron. ::   XO: Our die is cast, Commander.

XO Darvo says:
:: Looks at the CO. ::

Host Sheri says:
ACTION: The anomaly opens quickly, the torpedoes find their mark, but no damage is recorded.  The Vesuvius and tetrahedron are drawn inside...

Host Sheri says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>