Host Brett says:
Summary: The USS Delphyne is approaching the Romulan Neutral Zone to begin its Historical mission to retrieve possible survivors of the Earth / Romulan war of over 200 years ago.

Host Brett says:
Summary: Their actual mission, of course, is to return an infant creature to a planet hidden within Romulan Space.  On board is Commander Modex, their guide and liason to the Romulan Empire.  How will the crew accomplish their mission and not disclose the wherebouts of the hidden planet?  We shall see...

Host Brett says:
<<<<Begin Mission "Here be Dragons - Part 1">>>>

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::sends Modex's flight plan to the Duty FCO and then heads over to the RR and rings the chime::  Duty FCO: Follow that flight plan, please.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
CTO: You have the bridge.

CTO_Vendal says:
::On Bridge monitoring systems::

CTO_Vendal says:
XO: Aye Ma'am

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::in her ready room :: XO: Enter!

CEO_K`Vas says:
::Steps out of the TL and walks over to the captains ready room.  Straightens his uniform and follows the XO in::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::enters:: CO: You wished to see me.

CMO_Hunter says:
:: In sickbay going over the eating habits of the dragonet:::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
XO/CEO: Come in, both of you.

CEO_K`Vas says:
CO: Ltjg. K`Vas reporting as ordered captain.  :: stands at attention ::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CEO: At ease, Lt.

CEO_K`Vas says:
CO: Aye captain :: stands at ease::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::standing on the bridge, keeping an overall awareness on the crew as asked and a 'touch' on Modex::

TO_Re`Volos says:
::standing next to Modex, looking especially alert and tactical officer-y::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CEO: Lt. I called you in here to make you aware of a plan that we may have to implement.  When we reach the coordinates of the planet...you may have to stage engine failure.

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: looks puzzled :: CO: An engine failure in Romulan space, you know that Romulans have no honor.  They would take the advantage over the Delphyne.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::wonders idly what her mate is going to talk to the captain about::

Host Modex says:
TO: So Lieutenant, is this your first trip into Romulan space?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CEO: Not this time, Lt.  In fact they may try and send engineers to help us repair the Del.  Of course that won't happen but we may need an excuse to stop at the coordinates.  Can you make a realistic breakdown of the engines?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::Listens to Modex' conversation.  Senses the crew's nervousness, but is pleased to see it is not worse::

CTO_Vendal says:
*CO/XO* Ma'am we are approaching the Neutral zone, I believe you wanted to be informed

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: realizes the cunning of his captain :: CO : Of course captain, how incapacitated do you wish to be?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::looks up at the comm.:: *CTO*: We'll be there in a moment.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CEO: Just enough to make it look bad...but still allow us maneuverability if needed.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::tenses up a bit more at the CTO's report::

CTO_Vendal says:
::Takes the Chair:: FCO: Hold position at the neutral zone border, we will wait for the CO

CEO_K`Vas says:
CEO: Understood captain.  I await your command

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CEO: Thank you, Lt.  Dismissed.

TO_Re`Volos says:
::non-commitally:: Modex: Yes, actually. Amazingly I haven't ever received an invitation from the Praetor to come visit him on Romulus. Must have gotten lost in the mail.

CEO_K`Vas says:
CO:Aye captain.  XO: Excuse me commander  :: executes a military turn and exits the ready room::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::turns to Sykora:: XO: If you come up with a better idea...tell me.  ::heads towards the door:: Are you ready for this?

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::nods:: CO: Aye ma'am. ::follows::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::turns as if to look at something so the commander won't see her smile at the lieutenant’s answer::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::enters on the bridge and nods to Modex:: CTO: Report, Lt.

CTO_Vendal says:
::Notices the tension in the room as everyone exits the RR.  Gabril stands as the XO and CO enter the bridge::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::takes her seat and activates the console::

CTO_Vendal says:
CO: we are holding at the border.  I felt it better to wait for you to give the go ahead and order us accross yourself

Host Modex says:
TO: ::Nods::  Yes, I understand he is quite fond of you.  I'll mention it the next time I see him.  ::Gives a slight smirk::

CTO_Vendal says:
::moves to his station::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::nods to Sykora and moves closer to her:: XO:  Is everything alright?  ::whispers::  you too?

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: remains stone faced as he passes the Romulan on the way to the TL, sees the CNS ::  ~~~CNS: Relax little one, all is well~~~

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
CNS: Yes.  All is  alright. ::smiles::

Host Modex says:
CO: So, are you having second thoughts?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::bites her lip at the commander's 'diplomatic' touche, then smiles up at K'Vas::  ~~~CEO:  I'm fine now.  We haven't entered Romulan space.  Then I'll be nervous.~~~

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::chuckles at modex:: Modex: Not in the slightest.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Duty_FCO: Proceed to the coordinates but stay within the designated flight path.  Warp 9. ::looks at Modex and grins:: Engage.

CEO_K`Vas says:
::in the TL heading for engineering :: ~~~CNS: It will be a glorious adventure my love~~~

Host Modex says:
::Raises an eyebrow::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::Sends a memo to the CTO to have him restrict the CNS's access to the weapons and shields.  Knowing that they couldn't take a chance if something came up that threatened the dragonette::

CNS_Jakiel says:
~~~CEO:  As long as we don't run into the Romulans...~~~  ::glances at Modex::  ~~~the ones in ships, that is.  I think this one will be fine.~~~

Host Modex says:
Action: The Delphyne enters the Neutral zone at high speed.

CEO_K`Vas says:
~~~CNS: The Delphyne has encountered Romulans before I understand, and the captain and ship have always survived~~~

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: exits the TL and walks into his office in ME :: Computer : Inform CEO if there is any variance or tampering with the holodeck function

CTO_Vendal says:
::Changes CNS access protocols to minimal access for tactical systems per XO request::

Host Modex says:
TO: Well lieutenant, I think I will retire to the lounge for something to eat.  I am sure we will know if something happens.  Would you care to join me?

TO_Re`Volos says:
Modex: I go where you go.

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: begins studying schematics of the Delphyne to plan his disabling of the drive systems ::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::stands:: Modex: May I join you?

Host Modex says:
::Smiles::  TO: Of course.  ::Turns and exits the bridge to go to the lounge.

CNS_Jakiel says:
~~~CEO:  That is good to know.  ~~~

TO_Re`Volos says:
::shadows Modex::

Host Modex says:
::Stops::  XO: Of course Commander, as always, a pleasure.  ::Bows slightly::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::smiles and joins them on the lift::

Host Modex says:
Action: Almost six hours pass, and the Delphyne nears the Romulan side of the Zone.  Modex, Tarrez and ReVolos have returned to the bridge.

CNS_Jakiel says:
XO:  Commander, would you like an update on the crew's mood?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
CTO: ETA to the Romulan border?

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::nods::

CTO_Vendal says:
CO: Verifying

CTO_Vendal says:
::decides to get a quick power bar and energy drink from the replicator as he may be very busy soon:: CO: Two minutes

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::turns to Modex:: Modex: Commander...any specific speed that we are to maintain on your side of the border?

Host Modex says:
::Stands next to the XO's chair, looking inscrutable.::

CMO_Hunter says:
Sickbay Staff:: Alright, we'll be crossing the Neutral zone soon, lets be ready for anything...

CNS_Jakiel says:
::says quietly::  XO:  It is not anything you couldn't have guessed.  Tensions rise as we near Romulan space.  There is some anger about our guest...  ::nods towards Modex::  but I have also sensed some hope from a few that this trip and the commander's presence will improve our people's trust.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::nods:: CNS: Thank you counselor.

CTO_Vendal says:
:: Finishes his "meal" and recycles everything::

CMO_Hunter says:
::sends a note up to the XO's Console that Sickbay stands ready::

Host Modex says:
<Duty_OPS> CO: Ma'am, we are being hailed.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Duty_OPS: On screen.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::notices the note from Owyn and turns to see the OPS::  OPS:  Who is it?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::turns to look at OPS, then up at the view screen.  Getting a little worried now::

Host Modex says:
CO: I would recommend you reduce speed, encroaching on the Empire at Warp 9 could be construed as an attack.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Duty_FCO: Drop us down to Warp 4.

Host Modex says:
<Duty_OPS> CO: Audio only ma'am.  ::Puts it on speakers.::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::thinks to herself that is a good precaution, but it will prolong the time in Romulan space::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
CTO: What is on Long range scans?

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: decides on his plan of action for the shutdown::  *XO*: Engineering is prepared and stands ready commander.  All systems operational

Host Modex says:
<Voice> COM:DEL: Attention Federation Starship, you are in violation of treaty.  Stop your engines and surrender your vessel, or we will destroy you.

CTO_Vendal says:
::moves the LRS to his main display and checks::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
*CEO*: Understood.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::Stands::  Modex: Friends of yours?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Modex: I was under the understanding that your people knew we were coming.

Host Modex says:
CO: Of course they knew.  The question now is: will that make a difference to this particular commander?

CNS_Jakiel says:
::feels decidedly uncomfortable and watches the interchange of the captain and Modex::

CTO_Vendal says:
CO: No detectable ships within any scanning distance we are capable of

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::stands:: COM:Voice: This is Captain K'Beth T'Kar of the USS Delphyne.  We are on a peaceful diplomatic mission sanctioned by both of our governments.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::opens her senses wider, wondering how near they are to the Romulan ship hailing them::

CTO_Vendal says:
CO: I detect no regular commercial traffic, no personal craft traffic or any traffic of any sort

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::quietly:: Modex: For all our sakes...let's hope it does make a difference.

Host Modex says:
<Voice> COM:DEL: This is the Imperial cruiser Ha'Tarin, USS Delphyne, stop your engines or be destroyed.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
Modex: Will talking to you help?

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Duty_FCO: Slow us down to full impulse.

Host Modex says:
CO: If I were you, I'd do as he orders.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
CO: Ma'am I recommend that as well

Host Modex says:
XO: Quite possibly.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::starts to feel worried for the little dragon::

CNS_Jakiel says:
XO:  I do not think there is any choice.

Host CO_K`Beth says:
COM: Voice: We are dropping out of warp as we speak.  I have Commander Modex of the Romulan Empire on board as your liaison.  Will you speak with him and verify that I am speaking the truth.  ::motions to the Duty FCO to bring them to all stop::

CTO_Vendal says:
::sends alert to all tac. staff to be on alert for intruders::

Host Modex says:
<Voice> COM:DEL: We will verify your claims.  Make no attempt to raise shields, or arm weapons.  Any provocative action will result in an...unfortunate, incident.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::fear in her mental voice:: ~~~ XO:  Commander...if they scan our ship?  For life signs?~~~

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: hears the engines change sound realizes something is wrong :: Himself: Hu' tegh

Host Modex says:
Action: A D'deridex class Warbird materializes 50,000 meters off the Delphyne's starboard beam.  Its shields are raised and weapons are charged.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::moves back to the CTO and whispers::  CTO: Likes look peaceful but stay sharp.  You might watch the sensors for eddies that might develop by a cloaked ship.

Host Modex says:
<Duty-OPS> CO: Ma'am, I'm receiving a visual signal.  On screen.

CTO_Vendal says:
XO: On it

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::thinks so the CNS can read her::: CNS: Bio-signs are being suppressed. ::thinks it not says it::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Modex: I think this is your cue, Commander. ::motions for him to step forward in view of the view screen::

CTO_Vendal says:
::begins bringing srs to active detection of wavelength modulation present when a ship decloaks::

Host Modex says:
Action: A serious looking Romulan appears on the screen.  He is slightly built but has piercing eyes and a hawkish appearance.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::moves back down to the command area::

Host Modex says:
<T'Ravik> COM:DEL:  So, it seems you speak the truth.  Identify yourself.

Host Modex says:
COM: T'Ravik: I am Commander Modex of the Imperial cruiser D'Vairain.  This ship is acting with the full support of our government.  I am our liaison.  If you attack this ship you will be committing an act of war.

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::sits at her console and gives an update of the situation to the CMO and CEO::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::stands to one side of Modex watching the exchange::

Host Modex says:
<T'Ravik> COM:Modex: ::nods slowly::  So I have been informed.  Your identity and bio-signs have been confirmed.  ::Grudgingly::  Welcome back Commander.

Host Modex says:
COM: T'Ravik: Thank you Commander.  Am I to assume you are to be our escort?

Host Modex says:
<T'Ravik> COM:Modex: I have that...honor, yes.  You have the approved flight plan?  You are not to deviate from it at any time.  You will not exceed Warp 4 while in Romulan space.  You are not to raise shields nor are you arm weapons.  We will keep an open channel if you have...questions.  Are these directions clear?  ::Looks at K'Beth::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::her anxiety increases but remains calm on the outside::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
::nods once with a small smile and speaks up:: COM: T'Ravik: Of course.

Host Modex says:
<T'Ravik> COM:DEL: CO: ::Nods once::  Good.  Then on behalf of our government, I welcome you to Imperial space.  You may proceed.  ::Voice obviously indicates he was "forced" by protocol to say that.::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
COM: T'Ravik : Thank you.  It is our honor to be here. ::smiles again and nods to the Duty OPS to close the channel::

CNS_Jakiel says:
::whispers again:: XO:  Nice of them to extend such a welcome.   At least we know where we stand.  It was inevitable we should meet one of their ships.  ~~~XO:  I really think this was for the best, but I'm nervous about the whole thing, too...if that helps.~~~  ::gives Sykora a half smile::

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Duty_FCO: Proceed on our course...warp 4.  ::thinks it's going to be a long trip at this warp:: Engage.

CEO_K`Vas says:
:: hears the warp drive reactivate :: ~~~CNS: So little one our journey continues~~~

Host CO_K`Beth says:
Modex: Thank you.  It was a bit touchy back there. :;grins::

XO_Tarrez-Hunter says:
::nods to the CNS::

Host Modex says:
Action: The Warbird dematerializes.

CNS_Jakiel says:
~~~CEO:  The dangerous part is past.  But at least they have acknowledged us and let us pass. That is something.~~~

Host Modex says:
Action: Seemingly all alone, the Delphyne moves out, deeper into Romulan Space...and towards the unknown.

Host Modex says:
<<<<Pause>>>>