Host Bob says:
<<<<<<<<Resume Elara Mission>>>>>

DamonBok says:
@::sees the alien ship and starts to move in::

CTO_Valar says:
::at tactical station on Bridge monitoring the approaching Ferengi vessel::

CO_Torbin says:
::sitting in his chair, taking a long look at the Ferengi vessel::

FCOVnSckl says:
::at helm, still following Lukadian vessel, but awaits order to break off just in case::

XO_David says:
::sitting in his chair on the Bridge wondering what the CO is going to do::

CO_Torbin says:
::stands up and looks around::  CTO: Is Gamma squad ready at my yacht, Lt.?

DrHarison says:
::sits near the CO watching to see what he will do::

DamonBok says:
@::thinks this might be a wonderful place to make a deal, I wonder what they have::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Aye, Sir..  Lewis just reported in from your yacht.  They are ready when you are, Sir.

CSO_Hall says:
::at Science Station I::

CO_Torbin says:
::nods::  ALL:  Alright, Mr. Hall and Doctor Ross, you're with me on the Yacht.  The time for first contact has arrived.

CO_Torbin says:
XO: Number 1, take the Elara and go see what those Ferengi want.  Try to avoid a fight if you can, but don't let them beat us to that ship.

XO_David says:
CO: Good luck.  I'll keep the Ferengi off your back, Sir.

CSO_Hall says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

DrHarison says:
::stands and follows the CO:: CO: Aye, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
::turns and walks towards the turbolift::

CTO_Valar says:
::nods to the Captain::  CO: Live long and prosper, Captain.

DamonBok says:
@<HELM>10000 kilometers

CSO_Hall says:
::follows the Dr. and CO::

CO_Torbin says:
::enters the turbolift and waits for the others::

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Course, Sir?

FCOVnSckl says:
::thinks: Like I need to ask::

CTO_Valar says:
::grins as the Captain passes the tactical station::

DrHarison says:
::smiles at the XO and enters the turbolift::

CSO_Hall says:
::enters turbolift::

DamonBok says:
@::hails the alien vessel:: COMM: ALIEN: We are the Ferengi.  Perhaps, you would like to make a deal?

XO_David says:
FCO: Once the yacht is clear, set an intercept course with the Marauder.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Aye, Sir.

XO_David says:
CTO: Jam the Ferengi's transmissions.

DamonBok says:
@:COMM: ALIEN: Maybe… ::sees the transmission is jammed:: WHAT?

CO_Torbin says:
::orders the turbolift to the last deck of the saucer section, where his Yacht awaits::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir!  ::presses buttons on the console to jam the Ferengi's transmissions to the Alien ship::

XO_David says:
::smiles at the CMO::

FCOVnSckl says:
::waits for yacht to clear::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Transmissions jammed, Sir.

CSO_Hall says:
CO: I will download all the information I need to the Captain's yacht when we arrive.  It should not take long.

CO_Torbin says:
::turbolift stops and he exits, walking quickly towards the Yacht where Gamma squad is waiting::

CO_Torbin says:
CSO: Understood Mr. Hall. 

DamonBok says:
@::scans and sees the Elara::

DrHarison says:
::follows the CO::

CSO_Hall says:
::follows CO into the yacht::

DamonBok says:
@::starts to move towards the Elara::

XO_David says:
::sits back:: CTO: Hail the Marauder.

CO_Torbin says:
::enters his Yacht and proceeds to the flight deck, mentally thanking those flying lessons at the Academy once again::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir.  Opening channel.

DamonBok says:
@::receives and hails back::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: They are responding to our hail, Sir.

DrHarison says:
::follows the CO into the yacht::  CO: Sir, when was the last time you used your yacht?

FCOVnSckl says:
::wonders what these guys have to say::

CO_Torbin says:
#::powers up the Yacht and begins the pre-flight procedures::

CSO_Hall says:
#::sits at the Science Station and downloads all info to the Captain's yacht::

CO_Torbin says:
#CMO:  Well, I would have to say when I took Command.  I had it refitted and tested it myself, but I keep it in top order.

XO_David says:
::stands:: COMM: Ferengi: Attention unidentified Ferengi vessel.  This is the Federation Starship Elara.  You have interrupted vital first contact procedures.  Please disengage.

CTO_Valar says:
#<Lewis> All right Gamma Squad!  You know your places take your stations!

DamonBok says:
@COMM: ELARA: We are the Ferengi Marauder Susan, allow us to continue our proceedings.

DrHarison says:
#CO: Just wondering, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
#::Completes his pre-flight checklist and opens the COMM channel for the Yacht::  Yacht occupants:  Is everyone ready?

DrHarison says:
#::sits back and gets ready for launch::  CO: Aye, Sir.

CSO_Hall says:
#::sees that  the download is complete::  CO:  Information download complete, Sir.  I am ready.

CTO_Valar says:
#<Lewis> CO: Gamma Squad ready, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
#*XO:* Captain's Yacht requesting clearance to depart, Number 1.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I'm sure Nagus Rom would not like to know that the Ferengi Alliance has interrupted Federation procedures.

XO_David says:
*CO* Clearance granted.  Good luck.

FCOVnSckl says:
::preps for maneuvers::

CO_Torbin says:
#*XO* Thanks.  Just keep those pesky Ferengi away long enough for us to do our thing.  Good luck.

DamonBok says:
@::thinks:: COMM: ELARA: How do you know I am not working for him?

XO_David says:
FCO: Be ready to compensate for the change in structure once the yacht leaves.

CO_Torbin says:
#::powers up engines and departs from the Elara::

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Already calculated.

CTO_Valar says:
XO; The Captain's yacht has launched.

DrHarison says:
#::starts to feel a little sick::

CTO_Valar says:
::keeps her eyes on the sensor screen as she watches the Captain's Yacht make its way to the alien ship::

FCOVnSckl says:
::thinks: Uh oh::

CO_Torbin says:
#::looks around the flight deck::

XO_David says:
FCO: Intercept course.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Aye, Sir. ::lays in course::

CO_Torbin says:
#CMO/CSO: Are we ready to get this show on the road?

CSO_Hall says:
#CO: As ready as we will ever be I think, Sir.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: That is our Captain's Yacht.  I must ask you again, change your course immediately.

DrHarison says:
#CO: Aye, Sir.  Let's make history.

CO_Torbin says:
#::prepares to send the greeting to the alien ship::

CTO_Valar says:
#<Lewis> ::sits quietly making notes on a PADD::

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Alien Vessel: This is Captain Torbin Varel, Commanding Officer of the USS Elara.  I represent the United Federation of Planets and would like to formally extend our greetings to you.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: Please stand down now!  You have interrupted Federation First Contact procedures.

CO_Torbin says:
#::wonders if the ship heard his transmission and prepares to send it again::

CTO_Valar says:
::hears the Captain's transmission and boosts the gain on the COMM to help him::

XO_David says:
FCO: Status of the Ferengi vessel?

FCOVnSckl says:
FCO: They seem to be continuing.

DrHarison says:
#:: waits to hear a response::

Host THress says:
%COMM: ::sounds of confusion::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: Negative.  I'm not letting this opportunity for profit slip by me.

Host THress says:
ACTION: Warp ship begins to slow.

XO_David says:
CTO: Power forward phasers.  See if that gets their attention.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: The alien vessel is slowing.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir.  Powering up forward phaser arrays.

XO_David says:
FCO: Continue on intercept course.

CSO_Hall says:
#CO:  The alien vessel is slowing, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
#::decelerates and changes course to bring the yacht alongside the warp ship, trying to avoid appearing hostile::

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Moving into position now, Sir.  Right in between them and the Lukadians.

Host THress says:
%COMM: Uh, Hello?

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> ::notices the Elara is moving to between them and the alien ship::

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I will ask you one last time, stand down.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> Tactical officer: Target phaser across the Elara's bow and fire.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Sir! They are powering up phasers!

XO_David says:
CTO: Red alert!

XO_David says:
*Elara* Battle stations!

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Amara, I am Captain Torbin Varel.  I represent the United Federation of Planets and would like to extend our greetings to you.  We wish to engage in peaceful contact with you.

XO_David says:
FCO: Stand by to evade.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir!  ::takes ship to Red Alert status, brings all weapons online::

FCOVnSckl says:
ACTION: Phaser bolt shoots across bow, misses Elara by 50 km.

Host THress says:
ACTION: Warp ship is stopped at holding station.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: The Ferengi have fired on us!  No damage reported, Sir.

XO_David says:
COMM: Yacht: Captain, the Ferengi are refusing to listen.  They appear to have fired a warning shot.  Instructions?

CO_Torbin says:
#::brings the Yacht even with the alien ship, also at holding station, but keeping well away to avoid scaring them or appearing hostile in any way::

FCOVnSckl says:
::able to evade:: XO: They weren't even targeting the ship. Just a warning shot.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: Your actions may damage the trade agreement with the Federation.  In the interests of coexistence, STAND DOWN!

CTO_Valar says:
::locks onto the Ferengi ship's weapons array in preparation::

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Elara: I don't want a battle.  Too many risks.  Short of that, do whatever you deem necessary.  You may only return fire if the Elara comes under direct assault.

Host THress says:
%COMM: Greetings, Captain  Varel.  I am Thress, leader of this Exploration Pack.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: Are you sure it will damage trade? Lost profit with the Federation?

XO_David says:
CTO: Target the Ferengi's engines.  Hold fire at all costs.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir. ::retargets the Ferengi ship's engines::

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: If you continue, yes.  The Federation will not stand by.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: Maybe we can discuss this like civilized beings then?

XO_David says:
FCO: Hold here.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Aye, Sir. ::holds position::

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Greetings THress. ::ignores the mistake on his name since THress probably wouldn't know any better at this point::  The United Federation of Planets wishes to extend an invitation to you to join us.  If you are willing, you can join us on my vessel to get to know one another.

CO_Torbin says:
#::crosses his fingers::

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I would be glad to.  As A sign of our good faith I am powering down weapons.

DrHarison says:
#::looks at the CO and gives him a smile::

XO_David says:
CTO: Power down all weapons.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> ::waits to hear from his tactical officer to see if they had done so::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: ::looks at the XO::  I advise caution here, Sir.

XO_David says:
CTO: Noted.  Power down weapons.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir. ::powers down the weapons, but keeps the shields up::

CSO_Hall says:
#::awaits reply along with the CO and Dr.::

Host THress says:
%COMM: ::multiple voices barely audible in the background::  Please wait  I must consider… ::channel mutes::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi TAC> Bok: Sir, they've powered down weapons but shields are still up.

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Please, take as much time you need.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I have kept my end of the bargain.  Please stand down.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> TAC: Power down our weapons too.  I want this to be totally peaceful.

FCOVnSckl says:
ACTION: Ferengi weapons power down.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: The Ferengi have powered down their weapons, Sir.

Host THress says:
%COMM: Very well Captain.  I will meet with you.

CO_Torbin says:
#::grins::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: OK, here's what we would like to propose, hew-mon.

XO_David says:
::sighs a sigh of relief:: COMM: Ferengi: Yes?

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: Once you hew-mons are finished with your First Contact, we want to be their first business contact.

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Elara: Captain Torbin to Elara.  We have initiated first contact and THress, the leader of this Exploration Pack has agreed to meet with us.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I will discuss your proposal with my CO and Starfleet Command.

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Elara: Please dispatch the modified shuttle to pick them up.

FCOVnSckl says:
@ <Ferengi Bok> COMM: Elara: But don't take too long. Profit waits for no one.

XO_David says:
COMM: Yacht: Good to hear.  The Ferengi are agreeing to let us continue.

XO_David says:
CTO: See to the dispatch of the shuttle.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ferengi Bok> Helmsman: Back us off to 1 AU.

CSO_Hall says:
#::tries to imagine what the aliens look like::

CO_Torbin says:
#COMM: Vessel: Thank you, Thress.  My ship, the USS Elara will be sending a shuttle that is able to dock with your vessel.  If you would please get on it, the pilot will bring you back to our vessel and we can begin what I hope to be a long and peaceful time for our respective people.

FCOVnSckl says:
ACTION: Ferengi vessel backs off to ordered distance.

XO_David says:
COMM: Ferengi: I'm glad we could end this without bloodshed.  I look forward to speaking to you again.  Elara, out.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: That's a relief.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Aye, Sir.  Right away.  ::COMM's Shuttle Bay 2::  Valar to Shuttle Bay 2.  Prepare a modified transport shuttle to be launched immediately.  Ens. Ramirez, report to Shuttle Bay 2 for immediate departure.

XO_David says:
::motions for channel to be cut::

DrHarison says:
#CO: We should start back ourselves.  You should be the first to great them, Sir.

XO_David says:
::collapses in the center chair and rubs his eyes::

FCOVnSckl says:
<Ramirez> CTO: Aye, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
#::looks at the Doctor and Mr. Hall and smiles::

Host THress says:
ACTION: Shuttle approaches and docks.  A few minutes later THress enters, clad in a spacesuit.  He is alone.

XO_David says:
All: I suppose we should prepare for guests.  Dress uniforms everyone.

CO_Torbin says:
::docks Yacht and jumps out, having already gotten into his dress uniform on the Yacht::

CTO_Valar says:
@<Ens. Bailey> THress: Welcome aboard.  Please, take a seat.

Host THress says:
ACTION: Shuttle starts back to Elara, taking its time to allow the Staff to get ready to greet Thress.

CSO_Hall says:
::tugs at the collar of his dress uniform as he follows the CO::

XO_David says:
FCO: You have the Bridge.

OPS_Ross says:
::on the Bridge at OPS::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez> COMM: Elara: We have the Lukadian Commander.  Preparing to shove off.

XO_David says:
::enters the turbolift:: Deck 4.

CO_Torbin says:
*Senior Staff* Attention all Senior Staff.  You will report to Shuttle Bay 2 in full dress uniform to greet the representative from the alien race.

FCOVnSckl says:
COMM: Ramirez: Understood Ensign.  Safe journey.

CTO_Valar says:
@<Bailey> ::takes his station at the tactical console::

CO_Torbin says:
*Senior Staff* Be advised that all first contact protocols apply.

DrHarison says:
::follows, glad that she never sent back the other uniform because the old one is getting a little tight::

XO_David says:
::exits the turbolift and enters his quarters and begins going through his closets::

CTO_Valar says:
*XO*: The shuttle is on its way back to the Elara, Sir.

CO_Torbin says:
::starts walking towards Shuttle Bay 2 in his clean dress uniform, pondering what he will say::

DrHarison says:
::follows the CO and CSO::

CTO_Valar says:
::exits the Bridge headed for her quarters to change::

XO_David says:
::yanks out his uniform and begins to get changed:: *CTO* Understood.  Get dressed.

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez> ::sets course back to the Elara at 3/4 impulse::

CTO_Valar says:
::enters turbolift:: Deck 5.

OPS_Ross says:
::getting dressed into his dress uniform, yet again::

OPS_Ross says:
::thinks: Wow!  That is two times in month!::

CTO_Valar says:
::exits turbolift on deck 5 and runs to her quarters to change uniforms::

XO_David says:
*FCO* Leave the Bridge to someone and get dressed.  ::finishes the last touch on his uniform::

CTO_Valar says:
::enters her quarters, grabs her dress uniform out of the closet and begins dressing::

CO_Torbin says:
*Senior Staff* As a reminder, do NOT, at any time, smile or show any teeth to our guest.

FCOVnSckl says:
Johnson: Lt.JG., you have the Bridge.

OPS_Ross says:
::unsure where he is supposed to be heading ::

FCOVnSckl says:
::exits Bridge headed for his quarters to change::

CO_Torbin says:
*Senior Staff* They view this as a sign of aggression and that would be a bad thing. 

CTO_Valar says:
::looks in the mirror.  Satisfied, she runs out the door headed for Shuttle Bay 2::

CSO_Hall says:
CO: Thought of anything to say, Sir?

CO_Torbin says:
::arrives in Shuttle Bay 2::

CO_Torbin says:
CSO: Not quite yet, but I have a couple of ideas.

CO_Torbin says:
CSO: Something will come to me I am sure.

XO_David says:
::scrambles out of his quarters to the turbolift:: Shuttle Bay 2.

OPS_Ross says:
::shakes his head as he hears the COMM signal and walks to the turbolift headed to Shuttle Bay 2::

CSO_Hall says:
::arrives in Shuttle Bay 2 along with the CO and CMO and smiles at CO::

FCOVnSckl says:
::turbolift stops at deck 5::

FCOVnSckl says:
::exits the turbolift and rushes to quarters to change into dress uniform::

CTO_Valar says:
::enters Shuttle Bay 2, huffing and puffing.  Takes her place waiting for the shuttle to dock::

DrHarison says:
CO: Just relax and be yourself.

XO_David says:
::enters Shuttle Bay 2::  CO: Glad you made it back in one piece.

CTO_Valar says:
::tugs on uniform to straighten up a bit before the guest's arrive::

FCOVnSckl says:
::hurriedly dresses into uniform, makes sure his hair is in place while looking in the mirror:

OPS_Ross says:
::exits the turbolift all dressed up and walks out to the Shuttle Bay::

FCOVnSckl says:
::exits quarters in dress uniform, goes to Shuttle Bay 2::

OPS_Ross says:
::walks over to Valar, somewhat confused::

CSO_Hall says:
CO: Maybe they have their own protocols.

XO_David says:
::lines up and makes sure he looks appropriate::

CSO_Hall says:
CO: Of First Contact, that is.

CO_Torbin says:
CSO: Perhaps.  I would have liked to know more, but that couldn't be helped.

OPS_Ross says:
::smiles at all the Senior Staff, happy to be meeting an alien species for the first time::

FCOVnSckl says:
::enters Shuttle Bay 2, sees the rest of the senior staff.  Walks up to Valar and Ross::

CSO_Hall says:
CO: I tried, Sir.

CTO_Valar says:
::walks over to the shuttle control console and presses a few buttons::

CO_Torbin says:
CSO: You did well Mr. Hall, nothing to be worried about

OPS_Ross says:
FCO: Greetings, Eric.

CSO_Hall says:
::nods::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: The shuttle is ready to dock, Sir.

FCOVnSckl says:
OPS: Hello Ross.

DrHarison says:
CO;  Sir, you will be fine.  ::smiles at Will:: CSO: You did do a good job.

Host THress says:
ACTION: Shuttle approaches the Elara.  THress is ogling the Elara through the cockpit window.

OPS_Ross says:
::lines up at attention trying to look his best::

CO_Torbin says:
::watches the shuttle as it approaches::

CTO_Valar says:
::opens shuttle bay doors::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez> ::readies to approach::

CSO_Hall says:
::whispers:: CMO: Sometimes I wonder.

XO_David says:
::eyes the shuttle::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez> ::approaches Shuttle Bay 2 after the doors open::

CTO_Valar says:
@<Bailey> ::stands ready to open the shuttle door::

FCOVnSckl says:
::thinks: Atta-boy, Ramon!::

DrHarison says:
::whispers:: CSO: Hmmm..don't we all?

Host THress says:
ACTION: Shuttle Bay doors open and the shuttle alights on the deck.   The doors close and the shuttle shuts down.

OPS_Ross says:
::thinks to himself trying to remember not to smile::

CSO_Hall says:
::nods to CMO::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez> ::sets down shuttle on the deck::

CO_Torbin says:
::readies himself to greet THress::

CTO_Valar says:
@<Bailey> ::Opens the shuttle door for the guest::

OPS_Ross says:
::looks at all the nicely dressed senior staff::

FCOVnSckl says:
@<Ramirez>::powers down shuttle::

Host THress says:
ACTION: Shuttle door opens and a moment later, THress peeks out, somewhat concerned about the large, open space he finds himself in.

CTO_Valar says:
@<Bailey> ::exits shuttle before the guest, then motions him out::

OPS_Ross says:
::then back to full attention::

FCOVnSckl says:
::stands at attention::

XO_David says:
::stands at attention::

CTO_Valar says:
<Bailey> THress: Please Sir, don't be frightened.

CO_Torbin says:
::notices the concern and quickly steps forward, raising his hands, palms forward being careful not to smile::

CTO_Valar says:
::stands at attention::

Host THress says:
::walks towards the Senior Staff, hesitantly::

DrHarison says:
::stands at attention::

CSO_Hall says:
::stands at attention::

FCOVnSckl says:
<Ramirez> ::follows THress out the shuttle door::

OPS_Ross says:
::begins sensing random thoughts from the THress, remembers not to be intrusive::

CO_Torbin says:
THress: Welcome to my ship, THress.  I am Captain Torbin Varel and behind me are my Senior Staff.  ::introduces them one by one::

CTO_Valar says:
<Bailey> ::stands at attention::

FCOVnSckl says:
::as THress walks by, he puts up his hands in a greeting gesture as prescribed by the Captain::

XO_David says:
::raises his hands, palms forward as his name is called::

CTO_Valar says:
::nods to THress and raises hands::

OPS_Ross says:
::raises his hands like everyone else, not smiling::

XO_David says:
::keeps his face emotionless::

Host THress says:
::raises hands to greeting posture::  I greet you in the name of my Exploration Pack.  I am THress of the Akumi Sept.

DrHarison says:
::follows suit of the other officers::

OPS_Ross says:
::is further intrigued::

CSO_Hall says:
::follows same hand gesture as the other officers::

CTO_Valar says:
::returns to attention::

FCOVnSckl says:
::returns to attention::

XO_David says:
::returns to attention::

DrHarison says:
::returns to attention::

OPS_Ross says:
::hopes that this will be the beginning of a future with their people::

CSO_Hall says:
::returns to attention::

Host THress says:
<<<<Pause Elara Mission>>>>>