Host Tim says:
For the last 10.7 days the Dublin has been following the ion trails that left the moon of Kavaria.  The ship, having skirted the Rolor nebula, is just now on the unofficial edge of the Badlands.  The Dublin has been followed at long range and the tension is beginning to show.

Host Tim says:
<<<Resume Mission: “Come out, come out where ever you are">>>

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:; on the bridge filling in at science, which is leaving her extremely anxious ::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::At her station on the bridge, keeping an eye on the LRS and SRS::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:: runs over the data carefully trying to make sense of the CSO's notes ::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
::on the bridge, reviewing the positioning of the probes:: XO: I have put a probe in geostationary orbit around the moon, if someone come visit, we should know.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::On bridge:: CTO: Keep working with the sensors teams, I don't want to lose those trails. And if you can find anything out about our hangers on that'd be nice too.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CEO: Good work, we'll want to keep a close eye on them. Enough trouble has been caused.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: Understood sir.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
XO: I'd rather to have someone tamper with the evidence; this way if they do we should be able to know something about it.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Nods:: CEO: Interesting comment Lieutenant. Personally I wouldn't mind catching up with main players myself.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Commander, the long range sensors are picking up intermittent ships at the edge of sensor range, but I can't get an identification on them yet.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Paces on the bridge. Impatiently.::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: No contacts, threat board is green.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
XO: I would be happy to, but they are elusive. What if we increase speed at warp 9?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CEO/SO: Can you help boost sensor power Lieutenant? ::Glancing at CEO.::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Nods toward the CTO.::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: They seem to cross into sensor range then move off before we can get a fix on them.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::steps from his ready room  with a big smile for everyone and moves to the center.::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
ALL: Captain on the bridge!

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
Aloud: At ease all.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:: looks nervously in the direction of the Captain ::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
:;wonders what is happening::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Takes  a seat.:: XO:  Anything new?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Sir. CEO thinks moving to warp nine will help us with our hangers on.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Resumes checking her systems and sensors::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: They keep moving in and out of range, before we can get a fix but they are following.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Still have a strong long on the probes and ion trails.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Falls silent.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Glances to Delgado and back to Harker.:: XO: I think we'll keep our present speed for now.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Aye Sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CEO: See what you can do we need to do something about our unwanted guests. Work with the CTO and SO.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: No contacts on the reduced-range sensors Sir, threat board is green.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CEO: Has the probe identified any of the contacts?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:: watches the data roll across the screen, shaking her head as she reads ::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Very good Lieutenant.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO/SO: Is there any pattern to the weaving in and out of sensor range?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Nods and continues monitoring her sensors... does quick diagnostic of all Tactical systems::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CO: At this distance they cannot give us a positive recognition, besides I am afraid they will run out gas, uhmm I mean out of power very soon sir.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Correlating now Commander.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Thank you.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: They seem to alternate port and starboard Sir, but that's all.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Slow us to impulse speed, maintain heading.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: Could they be decoys?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: Average contact is every 20 minutes or so.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Can we weave our pattern to opposite their pattern?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Confirmed Commander. Time frame is about twenty minutes between readings.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: We might Sir, but what would that gain us? They could still follow us.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CEO/SO: We can't boost our readings any I suppose...

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Turns to the chief.:: CEO: Slowing our speed would help with the probes, would it not Lieutenant?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:: looks over the information again :: XO: Commander, the distance between the contacts is too great for it to be one ship. I think we are dealing with multiple contacts.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CO: Sir, we can slow down the probes, or, if you want I can send other we have a good number of them.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: I tend to agree, we are under observation I just wish I knew by whom. Not even a hint hmm?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CEO: Place the existing probe at the edge of our sensor range and match our speed, to our aft.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CO: Aye sir. ::executes the command:: CO: What if we try to use some decoys to confound the bad guys?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: I was hoping when they slid in we'd slide out of their sensor range.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: It must be similar to ours or they wouldn’t come in the distance they have.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: We have the Wild Weasels I made up Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CEO: I want them to stay near us. How else we going to identify them?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
::shrugs :: XO: All I can tell you is that they seem to be cruising around warp 6.5 then drop off to warp 3 then back to 6.5. One trail seems to be leaking plasma indicating they may have a leaky core.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CO: We could use some decoys send them in our sensor range and get a triangulation sir. If they come and see us we will have more time to close with them.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: They keep changing course and ion reading indicate three ships now.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: Ensign, Keep monitoring the telemetry from the probe, it should help you get a fix on them.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CO: Sir SO reports three contacts.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: CTO has decoys all prepped to look like us to sensors...

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Calls them 'Wild Weasels' Sir.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
All: Incoming probe alert. We have made contact with a vessel...Orion fighter!

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Distance?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Probe contact lost Commander.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CO: Sir, indications are an Orion freighter destroyed our probe.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Send data from probe to CTO.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Estimate 18 light years directly ahead.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Checks her instruments::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CO: 18 Light years.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Aye ma'am. :: sends the data to the CTO's console ::

Host Tim says:
ACTION: LRS INDICATES THE "GHOSTS" ARE CLOSING THE GAP WITH THE DUBLIN

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Sir Red Alert?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Time to weapons range?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO/XO: Looks like out ghosts are getting closer Sirs. ::Tries to scan the ships as they get closer::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: They're catching us ma'am, gap narrowing.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Time to weapons range?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Acknowledged.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: They are now on a parallel course Sir, 16.5 LY... not closing presently.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO/CO: 16.5 light years Sir. They are holding.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: They move as we do.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Take us to yellow only Commander.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: It seems we made them curious....

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Yellow alert.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: What do they want that’s the problem? I'm about ready to call them up...::She mutters the last in frustration.::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CO: What if we fake a serious malfunction? They may want to come in for the kill.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: Aye Sir, setting condition two. ::Activates Yellow Alert and energizes shields and defense grid, brings weapons to hot standby::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Does the familiar rub of the chin when thinking.::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: CEO has an idea, we could fake a problem see what they do, we have the decoys...::falls silent seeing him thinking.::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: We could always force the issue and go right at one sir, see what they do.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Commander. If they wanted to attack there is nothing to prevent them. I think they may be herding us to the pen......

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Let’s see what the Captain would like to do....not that I'm not tempted...

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Or scouting us out to report us to their superiors...

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: We know they are there, they know we're here. Maybe we should give them a call...

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Lieutenant, You still tracking that most recent Ion trail?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO/XO: I think it's a bit of both actually... keeping tabs on us and readying a bushwhack inside the Badlands.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: Aye sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Nods at the CTO::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: Then the problem is how to bushwhack the bushwhackers. :;smiles::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Can you extrapolate its heading?  Where does it lead?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: Simple... long life through superior firepower. ::grins::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: It's along our current heading correct?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Commander, I have an identification on our pursuers now.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: Checking now Sir. ::Checks scans and tries to account for drift in the badlands::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CTO: What are they?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Turns to the science officer.::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
Port side vessel is Cardassian...old style fighter reported destroyed.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: But are we sure we have superior firepower? Of two Orion fighters for sure, but in the Badlands there could be an armada and we would never know. ::waits to hear what the CO wants to do::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: Basically along our course Sir, to the heart of the Badlands, just like I figured they would.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: The other is an Orion fighter, much newer.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Tactical analysis?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: You are correct, unless we get better Intel we won't know.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: It sounds like those folks out there are pirates or smugglers Captain. If I had to guess, whoever hired the scientists hired these folks to get them around and protect them until their job was done. They might be trying to get rid of us because of our investigations.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Whispers:: CTO: Can we hack into their communications network?

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: We can reconfigure a probe with tactical sensors and send it stealthily to the Badlands.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: That is not what I asked for Lieutenant. Do their weapons pose a threat to us?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::whispers back:: XO: We could try, it would be easier if we had a probe or something closer.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Hmm.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: I don't believe we have assets that close...

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: I have a plan to modify a probe to do something, but was waiting on the time to approach you and the Captain about it.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CTO: Get the weapons report then we'll see if the Captain wants that option.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: Based on what I know of those fighters sir, we could protect ourselves well if they attacked.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Thank you Lieutenant.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Nods::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO/CTO: Sir CTO has a suggestion. Lieutenant?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Yes Commander. ::Turns to the tactical Chief.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Lieutenant?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
:: keeps a close eye on the sensor readings while listening to the bridge crew chatter ::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: I have a plan to modify one of the stealth probes to be a "Tick" as I call it. It would approach one of the ships and attach to it, spy on its communications and give passive and exographic scans, let us get more Intel on them.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Standing in the center of the bridge, hands behind his back.:: CTO: How long to prepare it?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: If I got the CEO to help, about two hours or so sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CEO: Anything on that equipment we seized that may be of help?

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: We will have to wait for it to get closer, max range at high speed is 9 light years.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: All we need to do is match their speed and close with them, it'll be going parallel.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Pauses a moment, turns and sits again.:: CTO: That may be too long, but begin modifying one.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: In that case I don't see a problem.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CO: Aye Sir.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: I'll have someone look it over and see what's there.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Thank you.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Summons the duty Tac to take over her station and heads for the turbolift::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: Shall we?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: Commander, new data on the fighters.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: What do we have?

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
::follows the CTO:: CTO: We may take out some useless equipment and give it more fuel.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Goes over to the science station.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Let’s see if they would like to talk. Hail one of them.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
<Duty TAC> ::Mans the bridge station and monitors sensors::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: They've changed vectors....coming in faster now, ETA to weapons range is now three days.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Raises an eyebrow as the Ensign speaks.::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: I want to take out the standard stuff and add exographic scanners, and a full ECCM suite and communications rig.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO/CO: Fighters are now 3 days from weapons range.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Somehow I don't think it’s to say 'hi'.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: A class nine has space to spare if we take off all scientific readout equipment

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: At least they can't say were not hospitable.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Suppose so sir. Continue with original plan until the tick is ready?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
<Duty_TAC> CO: Captain, we picked up a tail, bearing 180, coming in-and-out of sensor range.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
TAC: A new one?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
XO: Aye Sir, new contact bearing 180.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: That makes three?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Opens hailing channel for the Captain.:: CO: Channel open sir.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
<Duty_TAC>: Aye Sir, tally 3 contacts now, one port, one starboard, and one aft.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
COM: Unidentified contact, this is the USS Dublin please identify.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Waits patiently for a reply.::

Host Tim says:
ACTION: THERE IS NO RESPONSE TO THE DUBLIN'S HAIL

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Is not holding her breath for a reply.::

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Arrives in the torpedo room and starts pulling out gear::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: You getting anything on LRS directly ahead?

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
::starts opening a class nine probe::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
CO: No sir, sensors are clear.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Wonders if she can put an automated 'bring it you pansies' message but decides most like not. And kills the childish impulse.::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Sir, continue to hail?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: I doubt they will respond.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Continue to hail all frequencies

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Aye sir.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Replicates panels of the low observability coating and starts attaching them to the probe::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
::Continues automated hailing on all frequencies.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: Can you verify if and which of those contacts destroyed our probe?

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Still no response sir.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Keep sending......::Glances at Ensign Beaker.::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
:;starts taking off, all the scientific materials and preparing spaces for the CTO new configuration::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Continuing Aye sir. ::Wonders what plan the CO is up too. Is curious to find out as she continues to hail.::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
CO: Indications seem to say that the center ship was the one, based on distance to probe, but these three ships aren't the same ones that were tracking us.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: Three new ships? The old ones gone?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: What......? Clarify?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Puts in a small ECM suite and special exographic scanner to see through solid matter, and an eavesdropping set to monitor communications::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
XO: The vessels that the probe detected seem to be the freighters.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
SO: How long as this lot been following?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: Ensign slow down... Make me understand what you’re telling me?

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
CO/XO: In others words, these ships aren't the ones that destroyed the probe or the ones that have been tracking us.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO/SO: What have we stumbled into, is there an Armanda out here or something...::she muses aloud::

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: give me the schematics of the ECM suite you want and I will put some people on it.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: So where did they go? And why didn't you inform me sooner?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: Try using one from a type-11 shuttle as a starting point Gael.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: that will do, I can go get it and bring it here, darn I was FCO I should have some clout left ::smiles::

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
CO: Sorry Captain, but the sensor data hasn't been clear.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
SO: Very well.

SO_Ens_Beaker says:
CO: We have six ships out there.....we're the jam in the sandwich sir.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: Just replicate a new one, it's faster.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
CTO: Then I would have to assemble it, let me do my job Gina and you will have one in no time.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO: Take us to condition red.  Change course to intercept the lead ship, maintain current speed.

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Aye Sir.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
<Duty_TAC>:: Sends signal for condition one, sounds battle stations::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
TAC: Red Alert. ::Gives orders to helm with new course.::

XO_LtCmdr_Harker says:
CO: Shall I cease hailing sir?

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Hears Red Alert:: CEO: I better get to the bridge, looks like it's show time.

CEO_LtJG_Delgado says:
:;hears red alert and stops:: CTO: I guess that puts an end to it, see ya after the battle Gina and good luck.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
CEO: You too.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
::Sprints for the turbolift and heads to bridge::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
XO; Continue to hail, get Delgado and Henbrook up here.

CTO_LtJG_Hembrook says:
<Duty_TAC>:: Send coordinates and course to the conn::

Host Tim says:
ACTION: BOTH THE FIGHTERS THAT WERE RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE DUBLIN HAVE PASSED IT AND NOW SWING BACK ON AN INTERCEPT COURSE

Host Tim says:
<<<Pause Mission>>>

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