Brett:
 Summary: The Delphyne closes in on the struggling Ferengi vessel, it's towed
burden slowing it down.  The Excelsior is mere minutes behind and gaining.

Brett:
 <<<<Resume Mission - "ALiiTRA - Part 5">>>>

CO_Mordane:
 XO: I still feel two steps behind.

CMO_P`Trell:
 ::in sickbay waiting for the inevitable battle replete with injuries::

CNS_Selin:
 ::sitting on the bridge waiting to help::

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: I agree.. it's like all we're missing is a few clues and the whole thing
would fall into place but until then.. we're just following an old trail.

CO_Mordane:
 CNS: Were you able to find any new leads in your research?

CNS_Selin:
 CO: not as of yet sir, but I am still exploring some ideas

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::scans the Ferengi vessel for any further information::

XO_Mash`ev:
 <EO_Eio>:  :: Checking power consumption flows to ensure no power loss in the
coming encounter. ::

CO_Mordane:
 <FCO_Krash>: ::Attempts to eek out a little more speed to make the waiting
stop... even though the pounding in his head won't.::

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> ::checks weapons systems to ensure full capability if needed::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> CO: Sir, sensors indicate that the Mauraders warp core is
overloaded... sensors indicate that if all remains constant the Caveat Emptor
will explode in 30 minutes. Presently their maximum warp seems to be 7.6.

CO_Mordane:
 CNS: Keep up the good work Counselor.

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: All stations reporting ready, sir.

CNS_Selin:
 CO: Aye Sir. ::blushes as she turns her face::

CO_Mordane:
 XO: Very good, Chief.

Brett:
 Action: As the Delphyne closes to within a few minutes of intercept, the
Ferengi disengages their tractor beam, letting the USS Carter free. The
Nova-class continues on for a few moments, then drops out of warp, a derelict.

CO_Mordane:
 CMO: Knowing Ferengi, they'll push it that far too.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Ferengi vessel has stopped tractor control of the Carter. She's
floating free.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::nods knowingly:: CO: That may well be sir... but additionally
Ferengi are known to be unpredictable at times... ::continues to monitor
the sensors::

CO_Mordane:
 ::looks over at the XO::  XO: What do you think Chief?  I'm not sure I want
to let the trail get cold again but Starfleet will skin us if we lose the
Carter a second time.

Brett:
 Action: The Delphyne speeds past the floating Nova-Class vessel.

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: Can we spare a shuttle to scan the Carter?

CNS_Selin:
 SO: very true, Sularn.

CO_Mordane:
 XO: I believe the last one got destroyed in the Psellus Incident.

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: We need to make sure it isn't sabotaged before we allow the Carter's crew
to reboard their ship.

Brett:
 Action: Freed of its burden, the Ferengi vessel picks up speed, approaching warp 9.2.

CO_Mordane:
 FCO: Can we continue pursuit of the Ferengi, or will they outdistance us?

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Sir, Ferengi vessel is increasing speed and is about to reach warp 9.2.

CO_Mordane:
 <FCO> CO: They'll outrun us at this pace Captain, we'll need to increase speed.

CO_Mordane:
 FCO: Then do so, maximum speed.

CNS_Selin:
 CO: Sir, could we use a tractor beam on the Carter at this speed?

CO_Mordane:
 <FCO> CO: Aye sir.  ::increases the request for speed to full warp capability::

XO_Mash`ev:
 <EO_Eio>:  ::Notices the speed increase, adjusts the power systems for maximum
efficiency.::

CO_Mordane:
 CNS: We'll come back for the Carter.

CNS_Selin:
 CO: very well, sir.

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: I suggest we launch a probe near the Carter with enhanced sensors, in case
someone else tries to take the Carter.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::scans for any near by ships that may take an interest in the Carter::

CO_Mordane:
 SO: Launch a probe aft of us, set its course for the Carter and program it to
stationkeep until we get back.

XO_Mash`ev:
 TO: Are we close enough to the Ferengi ship to fire a warning shot?

Brett:
 Action: The Excelsior again closes on the Marauder, it is now within visual range.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn>::nods:: CO: Aye Sir... ::pauses:: Sir... I detect a vessel on an
intercept course with the Ferengi -- a Freighter of some kind, heavily modified.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> XO: tracking target, almost within range sir.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> CO: Its  speed and power configuration mark it as highly 
modified. It is approaching on a perpendicular course, from the Ferengi's
11 o'clock position.

CO_Mordane:
 TO: Put the vessels on screen.  Get me a tactical analysis on that modified freighter.

CO_Mordane:
 XO: Yellow alert.

XO_Mash`ev:
 TO: Yellow alert.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Aye sir. ::Activates view screen:: XO:Yellow alert, aye sir.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> ::Yellow alert initialized:: XO: Defense fields activated, sir.

XO_Mash`ev:
 <EO_Eio>:  EO_Crew: Alright people, looks like we're about to engage. Get
ready with those emergencty kits.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::launches probe to go back to the Carter:: CO: Probe launched.

CO_Mordane:
 TO: Open a hailing frequency to the Marauder.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: suggest we go to red alert. The freighter is armed with
disrupters, a photon torpedo launcher, and type VII phasers.

Brett:
 <Beacon> ::Enters the bridge::

CO_Mordane:
 TO: Red Alert.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: aye sir. ::opens channel:: Frequencies open sir.

Brett:
 <Beacon> CO: We're at Yelow...now red alert?  What do... ::Sees the Marauder
on the screen::  Is that them?  Where's my ship?

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Red Alert aye sir. ::red alert initialized:: CO: Shields up and
weapons powered and ready sir.

CO_Mordane:
 Beacon: They abandoned it a few lightyears back.  I'd be willing to be they still
have the Stone, and I'm not about to let the trail get cold.

Brett:
 <Beacon> ::Pauses, obviously considering the decision::

XO_Mash`ev:
 ::walks closer to SO and whispers:: SO: Any more information on the
unknown freighter?

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn>  XO: Its speed and power configuration mark it as highly modified.
Much more I cannot tell you.

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Marauder: CO: Ferengi Vessel, this is the USS Delphyne. You are ordered
to power down weapons and submit to an inspection.  You are wanted for
questioning in the abduction of the USS Carter, the abandonment of its crew
and theft of scientific artifacts.

Brett:
 Action: A Ferengi appears on screen. Behind him, his ship's bridge is a
hive of activity. It looks as if their speed run caused more damage than
was first apparent.

CNS_Selin:
 CO: Sir the crew of that vessel seems very nervous.

CO_Mordane:
 ::nods in response to the CNS's analysis::

Brett:
 <Kreek> COM: Del:CO: What? Your accusations are outragious! We stole
nothing! We came upon that ship abandoned in space and according to savage
rights, it is ours. We demand you cease this harrassment immediately!

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> XO: I am getting more information now... ::pauses and reads his
screen:: The freigher has an Orion registry... though that ship is listed as
a bulk cargo carrier... may well be the same ship but this one has little
resemblence to the ship on file. The registry is 20 years old.

Brett:
 Action: The Marauder suddenly drops out of warp.

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Marauder: Kreek: Don't even begin to pull that with me Captain. You
and I both know the USS Carter was not empty when you found it.  Now, I'm
leaving out all the evidence we have regarding the sabotage of a merchant
freighter... if you cooperate in this, you'll find that it stays that way.
I like being nice... but I won't do it for long...

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: the ferengi have come to a complete stop, sir!

CO_Mordane:
 FCO: All stop.

XO_Mash`ev:
 SO: Compare the modifications with known Orion configurations and see if you
can determine if the ship is Orion or just pieced together.  ::thinking for
the briefest of moments that it might be Pakleds and not Orions::

CO_Mordane:
 <FCO> CO: All stop, sir.  ::drops from warp and reduces speed::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::nods:: XO: Aye... ::proceeds to do as the XO orders::

Brett:
 <Beacon> ::Grows angrier by the second::  COM: Marauder: Kreek: You little
pirate!  You approached us for help and then beamed my crew to a barren world!
I'll have your ears on a string!  ::Steps toward the screen, as if she could
actually reach him::

CO_Mordane:
 Beacon: Captain...  :: a warning tone in his voice::

CNS_Selin:
 ::stands up and moves behind Captain Beacon.::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::raises a Vulcan eyebrow at Beacon's outburst thinking her hasty
and emotional reaction will not help her achieve her goals::

Brett:
 Action: Both vessels drop to sublight speeds. The Marauder turns to face
the Delphyne.

Brett:
 <Kreek> COM: Del:CO: Captain, you heard it! A threat against my person. I want
that... female... arrested.

CNS_Selin:
 ::whispers in the USS Carter's Captain's ear:: Beacon: We have to be very
diplomatic ma'am. The Ferengi are not very easily intimidated.

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Marauder: Kreek: That's funny Captain.  Because I want you arrested...
how about we make a deal, and neither of you ends up on the wrong side of me.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: I have weapons lock sir.

Brett:
 <Beacon> ::Seethes quietly::

Brett:
 <Kreek>COM: Del:CO: What do you mean?  ::Looks wary::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> XO: This is indeed an Orion ship... like many of their vessels,
it has been pieced togeteher to make it a blockade runner... excellent for piracy.
I would have to answer in the affirmative to both of your questions, Sir.

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Marauder: Kreek: You tell me what happened to the Stone...and I'll
forget the sabotaged freighter... I may even be persuaded to "let the trail
run cold" where the Carter is concerned.  But only if I'm happy with the
information I receive...

XO_Mash`ev:
 SO: Excellent work, Mr Sularn. Send that analysis to the Captain's console and
forward to Tactical as well.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::nods and does so::

Brett:
 <Kreek> COM: Del:CO: Stone?  ::Looks puzzled::  I don't know what you're talking
about. So, you have obviously persecuted an honest businessman.  I will, as you
hoo-mans say: "Forget to forgive" and not seek compensation for my lost time. Good
day Captain.  ::Smiles::

XO_Mash`ev:
 :: Crosses to Tactical, quietly point to Orion ship's analysis. ::

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> ::receives information at his console::

Brett:
 Action: The Orion "freighter" drops out of warp nearby and approaches.

CO_Mordane:
 ::quickly tursn to Beacon::  Captain: You had the Stone on board at the time of
the hijacking right?

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: the Orion freighter has dropped out of warp and is closing.

CMO_P`Trell:
 ::still pacing in sickbay, wonders what happened to the fight:: *XO*: What's
going on up there...?

XO_Mash`ev:
 ::quietly:: *CMO*: We're attempting negotiations. But another ship has dropped
out of warp so... be ready.

CMO_P`Trell:
 ::nods though he cannot see, whispers back:: *XO*: Understood...  ::wonders why
she's whispering::

Brett:
 <Beacon> CO: (Quietly) Yes.  It could be on the Carter still.  But...

CO_Mordane:
 Beacon: It's not... thank you.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> CO: Should I scan the Ferengi vessel for the artifact?

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Marauder: Kreek: Don't pass up this chance Captain... the next time we
encounter each other, you won't get my good side.

CO_Mordane:
 ::nods to the SO::

Brett:
 <Kreek> COM: Del: CO: ::Smiles condescendingly::  Space is a big place Captain
Mordane...I doubt we'll meet again.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> ::scans the ferengi vessel to see if he can find something with
a unique... perhaps Vulcan... signature::

CO_Mordane:
 XO: Remind me again why I have to follow the Federation charter rather than just
opening fire on the little troll?

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: It's tempting...

Brett:
 Action: The Orion vessel stops nearby.  It hails the Delphyne.

CO_Mordane:
 TO: On screen.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Aye sir ::touches the keys:: Channel open sir.

Brett:
 <Orion> COM:Del:CO: Good day Captain. may we be of some assistance?

XO_Mash`ev:
 ::quietly sends a visual with tactical overlay to CMO so she'll know
what's going on. ::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> CO/XO: Sirs, transporter energy from the Ferengi vessel... and yes,
they have a large stone of some kind on their ship...

CO_Mordane:
 SO: Destination?

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> ::monitors shield integrity and increases shield strength on the sides
where the other vessels are::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn>  CO: Presently I cannot tell if the stone is going into the
beam... I just detect the energy build up of their transporer

Brett:
 <Kreek> ::Turns and issues orders to his crew, inaudible on the screen::

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Orion: CO: That could be... perhaps you can help where the Ferengi have
fell short.  We're attempting to recover a scientific artifact stolen from a
Federation research vessel.

CO_Mordane:
 ::whispers:: XO: When's the last time an Orion asked that... the last time I was
asked that by an Orion there was a knife at my throat.

XO_Mash`ev:
 ::whispers:: CO: I agree. I can't imagine what they have up their sleeves.

CNS_Selin:
 ::whispers:: CO/XO: Sirs, the Orions do not seem genuine in their offer.

Brett:
 <Orion_Thak> COM: Del: CO: ::Raises an eyebrow::  Really?  ::Chuckles::  Those
Ferengi, they simply cannot be trusted.  We'd be happy to help Captain.  I am sure 
together we can force the issue.

CO_Mordane:
 COM: Orion: CO: Perhaps you can use a measure of "persuasion" not open to me and
my comrades in obtaining their cooperation?

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> XO: One can make a logical deduction that the Ferengi plan to
transport the stone to the Orions... however what the Orions would want to do with
it I am uncertain...

XO_Mash`ev:
 <EO_Eio>:  ::mutters under his breath, wondering what's going on in the attic
while balancing power consumption. ::

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> XO/CO: The transport has been initiated... it appears they are
transporting the stone to the Orion vessel.

CNS_Selin:
 <TO_Day> CO: Awaiting further orders, sir.

CMO_P`Trell:
 ::watches the tactical display that the XO sent her and frowns:: Self: This does
not look good....

XO_Mash`ev:
 SO: Any chance of blocking or intercepting that transport?

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn> XO: We could attempt to beam it ourselves... but we must hurry and
lock onto it.

XO_Mash`ev:
 SO: See if you can get a lock.

CMO_P`Trell:
 <SO Sularn>::attempts to get a lock on the stone with the transporters and does
so:: XO: Energizing...

XO_Mash`ev:
 CO: Captain, we might be able to get the stone.

CO_Mordane:
 XO: It's worth a shot, Chief.

Brett:
 Action: The stone is caught, mid-transport, by the Delphyne's own transporters.
Now, suspended in space between the three vessels, the mysterious artifact is
like a ball being grappled by quarreling sports players.

Brett:
 <<<<Pause>>>>