Star Trek: A Call To Duty

USS Scimitar NCC-80826 - SD 11212.03

Starring:
	
Einar Sigurðsson		as	Temporary Ship Manager

			And	[EO] Lieutenant Commander Marc Spencer

			And	Dixon, Section 31

			And	Captain Jonathan Rome

Andrew James		as	[ACO] Commander Thalev Idrani
				Acting Commanding Officer

Lilia Perfeito		as	[OPS] Lieutenant Laeena Saprin
				Chief Operations Officer

			And	[FCO] Naychev

Absent:

C.J. Short		as	[AXO] Lieutenant, Junior Grade Sara Natalie Sumner
				Acting Executive Officer

Wim Herremans		as	[CSO] Ensign Lucas Sanders
				Chief Science Officer

Last time on the Scimitar: With the information and contacts provided by Commander Suder, the crew of the Scimitar are closing in on their final destination inside Romulan space, Achernar prime, the suspected location of the Praetor and her inner circle, including the Section 31 operative in the guise of the Praetor‘s nephew, Sub-Commander Volar.

Unable to raise Captain Rome again after Jonathan informed his friend that someone was tracking their comm signal, the crew has been out of contact for over 30 hours, only relying on the data provided in their new transponder and the quality of their cloaking device.
But as the valiant crew draws closer to the finish line, what exactly was their plan?

	Begin mission: "In wolf’s clothing" - Part 3	

 OPS Lt Saprin:
::at the Romulan OPS station, monitoring sensors and ship´s power::
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::turns around:: ACO: Sir, I am registering some kind of a power field on long range sensors.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO: Details?
 
<FCO Naychev>
ACO: We are 45 minutes from Achernar at present speed.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::peers his eyes as he studies the foreign console:: ACO: I've never seen anything like it, but perhaps Federation scanners cannot detect it...sir, I believe this is some sort of a power disruption field.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO: Like some kind of defense net against cloaked ships?
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
ACO: Exactly.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
Self: Fascinating....
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO/OPS: Suggestions?
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: I suppose it will be the true test of our transponder.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
ACO: We should take as many scans as we can, this could be of immense value to Starfleet.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: As long as they think we are one of them, there should not be a problem.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: If we get hailed, can we sort out the systems so that we visibly appear to be Romulan?
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
All: The transponder has been working fine for the past 20 hours.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
ACO: We can try the holographic overlay we brought, but it's not been tested.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO: I have science running constant scans.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: That is an interesting suggestion. We can try but I am not certain they won´t see through it.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO/OPS: What about masking our life signs to read as Romulan?
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::looks to Saprin:: OPS: It should be possible
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
EO: Good idea. If it is done well, they won´t suspect.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::nods in agreement::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS/EO: Very well. Make it so.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::nods::ACO: I can use internal sensors to mask us, shouldn´t be a problem indeed.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::walks over to OPS:: OPS: I am not too happy about what happened to the Tholians. Thoughts?
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
OPS: Inform me if you need assistance.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::stares at her screen for a moment, then realizes people are speaking to her. She hesitates::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::absent mindedly::EO: I will..
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: Before I answer that, can you take a look at something in my console?
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: As long as they aren't holiday snaps of Rome again. ::smiles and walks around to see the console:: What am I looking for?
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::lets him look at the message:: ACO: I can´t trace it.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: Whoever it is knows the crew. Could it be Rome, or Section 31... ::pauses::
 
SCENE: On the console it says simply "Full stop, Lieutenant Saprin"
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::in a low voice:: ACO: I think the Captain would find other means to reach us. 
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: And why me? Why not the FCO? Or you ...
 
ACTION: The words fade and are replaced by "Now".
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: Seems that whoever sent the message would have a lot of knowledge about Romulan technology, as well as our mission.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::nods in agreement.:: ACO: And it sounds awfully like a threat.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: It sounds more like an order than a threat, but whoever it is could be compromising our mission, if we aren't already compromised.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: How could they have found out about our mission? Even the Tholians wouldn´t know who we are. Either they have a bug or they have an informant aboard.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
OPS: Which is what I was thinking, putting us in a difficult situation.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::nods slowly:: ACO: Well, I don´t recognize the authority of a Romulan console in giving me an order so I have no inclination to follow it. We also combed the ship, there are no explosives or weapons aboard.
 
ACTION: The viewscreen comes on by itself, showing a darkened room and a lone figure in the background. A cold, but calculated voice speaks up. "I suggest you do as I say, Lieutenant"
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::turns around flabbergasted::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::doesn't look satisfied and turns around:: Figure: The Lieutenant isn't in command here, and neither are you.
 
ACTION: A low chuckle can be heard.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::looks at the screen trying to figure out if she recognizes someone:: All: If the intention is to frighten me, they picked the wrong officer.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::gestures behind his back for Saprin to track the hail::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::turns to her console to try and figure out where the picture is coming from::
 
ACTION: On the viewscreen, a man can be seen standing in the shadows. His dirty-blond hair in contrast to his black monotone jumpsuit. As he steps closer, his features become more visible. His long forehead and bony visage give him a timeless demeanor. His long, skinny body moving softly and it is if each step is deliberate. As if he knows exactly where each foot is supposed to be. Almost scientific.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::notices Idrani's movements and acknowledges with her eyes::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Figure: Hmm. I was wondering how long it'd take you lot to show up.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
FCO: Maintain course. Secure the flight console and lock in our route.
 
Dixon:
ACO: That implies you got away from us. ::moves closer to the camera, tilting his head....a twitch in his left eye::
 
<Naychev>
::visibly uncomfortable but determined to stay at his post:: ACO: Yes sir.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::looks at her console for a moment as the first scans come in. She then has the computer try to unscramble the origin of the message. Not that she think there is any real chance::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Figure: And that implies you believe we've been running. ::grins::
 
Dixon:
::a slight grin appears, which turns into a toothless smile:: ACO: Not bad, Commander Idrani.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::looks up at the screen, taking up the features of Dixon::
 
Dixon:
All: I am Dixon.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::notices the lack of title or rank. Also notices how useless the name is::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::shrugs:: Dixon: And?
 
Dixon:
ACO: I suggest you stop. I know about your fruitless plan....it would be much easier for everyone if you would just turn around.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::remembers something and brings short range sensors to look for high neutrino concentrations in the area::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: Why the mysterious shadowy talk, Dixon? You want something, lay it out bare. Give me one good reason why I should turn around.
 
Dixon:
::appears to look down past the viewscreen at Saprin and grins::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::meets Dixon's stare::
 
Dixon:
OPS: A waste of your time, my dear.
 
Dixon:
::looks up and meet's Idrani's steely gaze:: ACO: One reason?
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: And you're wasting my time. OPS: Shut it off.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::glances at Idrani and nods. Then taps her console to shut off the viewscreen::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::shakes her head:: ACO: I am unable to.
 
Dixon:
::looks to Idrani calmly, awaiting his reply with a cold smirk::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::nods:: OPS: Well, then, ::sits down:: looks like we have company on the last leg of our journey.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::picks up a padd and starts doing some paperwork::
 
Dixon:
::takes a deep breath and looks resigned:: ACO: Oh well.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
ACO: It would seem so indeed.
 
Dixon:
::pulls out a remote of sorts and flicks a switch::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::wonders what Dixon really wants. If he can control the ship, then why 'ask'?::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::hopes the channel will change::
 
ACTION: The camera seems to turn, panning to the right where a figure can be seen sitting in a chair in the shadows
 
Dixon:
ACO: He didn't want to talk really, but in the end he gave up.
 
ACTION: The camera zooms in, showing Jonathan slumped over in a chair, his shirt missing and covered in sweat...blood trickles down from his ears and eyes.....evidence of neural probes on his forehead.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::feels the hairs rising on his arms as he leans forward::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::stares at the screen, showing no emotion. Suddenly almost everything makes sense::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::looks at Rome for a moment:: FCO: Maintain course. ::keeps a strong unbreaking voice:: Dixon: Starfleet doesn't negotiate with terrorists. We all knew that when we signed up to Starfleet.
 
Dixon:
::walks back into camera range, his face all the way up in the lens:: ACO: You misunderstand me Commander Idrani. You of all know the steps we need to take to protect our way of life.
 
Dixon:
::his left eye twitches::
 
<FCO Naychev>
::staring at the screen, only slowly he looks at his console:: ACO: Yes ... maintain course. ::changing course would actually be the difficult thing like now. He is frozen in his seat::
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
ACO: Sir....we are almost on top of the sensor grid.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::wonders who exactly ‘we’ are and what our ‘way of life’ might refer to. She shakes her head at the lack of logic::
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: This is bigger than you. Bigger than Rome.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
EO: I managed to make the sensor modifications we mentioned. Did you do any progress on the other thing?
 
Dixon:
::makes a sad face and looks back at Rome and then back into the camera, moving even closer until just his eye fills the screen:: ACO: Bigger than the Scimitar too? Bigger then.....the Kraken?
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::still in shock:: OPS: I have an idea in case we come under scrutiny....but I think your adjustments should cover us.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: I don't want to see anyone die, and your threats... well, under normal circumstances, who knows, I might have turned around. But this is for potentially stopping a war between the Federation and the Romulans, saving millions of lives, not just a few hundred.
 
Dixon:
::takes a step back and opens his arms wide:: ACO: That's what I want too.
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::glances back at the screen at the word scimitar, trying to read Dixon. Obviously warning the Praetor will be very bad for Dixon and his operation or he wouldn’t risk the kind of exposure that comes with destroying 2 Starfleet ships. But the question remains indeed...is it worth it? She looks at the ACO::
 
ACTION: In the background, Jonathan stirs and starts coming to, his head bobbing.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: Except look at you… what you resort to. You've forgotten the way of life you talk about, you've traded it in.
 
Dixon:
ACO: Someone has to. So you can have your beautiful gardens, and your plates full, and your art!
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: Our dignity, our morals.
 
Dixon:
::chuckles at his own outburst and places a hand over his mouth::
 
Dixon:
::looks behind him as he hears Rome coughing::
 
<FCO Naychev>
ACO: We...we are five minutes from the system's edge, sir.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: You could line up every Kraken, Scimitar and Starfleet officer and ask them one by one if they'd sacrifice their life to protect the Federation and what it stands for, and every one would give you the same answer. They'd do it without hesitation. Take Rome, for example. ::gestures:: Ask him!
 
Dixon:
::looks up smiling:: ACO: Ask him?
 
Dixon:
::shakes his head resigned:: ACO: Maybe he can demonstrate?
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
Dixon: Ask him if I should turn around!
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::listens to Idrani arguing his point but thinks Dixon is too irrational to see any of it::
 
Dixon:
::pulls out a phaser and fires a blast straight into Rome's chest, blasting him backwards::
 
ACTION: The viewscreen turns off.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::sits down:: FCO: Maintain course. OPS: Prepare to locate the Praetor.
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::stands up:: All: NO!
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
All: What the hell.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
::lets himself sigh from the stress::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::for the first time in this whole ordeal she stares at the blank viewscreen, trying to control her emotions. She too wanted to cry out::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
::realizes Idrani spoke to her and knows he needs the crew's support right now. Everyone must do their parts.:: ACO: Yes sir, engaging passive long range scanners.
 
ACO Cmdr Idrani:
EO: Take your station, Commander. ::looks straight at him::
 
EO LtCmdr Spencer:
::looks stricken, but nods and sits back down::
 
OPS Lt Saprin:
All: For what it is worth, we have no way to know if that was real.

PAUSE MISSION

This is an official Star Trek: A Call to Duty© Mission Transcript of Stardate 11212.03. This transcript may not be reproduced in any way, shape, and/or form without express permission by its participants and/or official Star Trek: A Call to Duty Game Management. Please Visit Our Web Site at www.startrek.acalltoduty.com. Star Trek: A Call to Duty© Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved A Call to Duty®