U.S.S. Pendragon
10503.19

To Make a Point, pt 1

TO_Ens_Pook says:
Last week on the USS Pendragon.....

TO_Ens_Pook says:
errrr....

TO_Ens_Pook says:
Not actually "on" the Pendragon

TO_Ens_Pook says:
but on the Pontifex.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
ACTION:  Video of slick little Defiant zipping through space.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
The crew went to lunch!

TO_Ens_Pook says:
And....  ::cue dramatic music::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
NOTHING blew up!

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
Captain's Log - SD 10503.19

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
The Pendragon is under repairs and the Senior Staff remains aboard the Pontifex.  We are to investigate a suspected crash site, but to send a warship instead of a search and rescue team has emotions on edge.  What we find there remains to be seen.

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
<<<<  Begin: To make a point..... >>>>

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::sitting at her console on the bridge::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::sitting at a bridge console::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::sitting at a secondary console looking jealously at the operations manager sitting at the big shiny console in the middle of the bridge.::

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::emerges from the TL and crosses to the center chair::

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
ALL: Report.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::monitors comms for any sign of a signal from the crashed vessel::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::monitoring tactical scans::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
CO: ETA is circa two hours.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I haven't picked up any comms yet, but we still are a fair way away.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: All ship's systems in readiness, sir.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
CO:  Nothing significant on tactical scans, Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Increase to Warp 7.  I will be in my quarters.  Mr. Thraxis has the bridge.  ::exits::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: nods ::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: ETA has decreased to 30 minutes.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::advances the throttle from warp five to warp seven::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::hits the console as it displayed the ETA early:: XO: ETA three zero minutes.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: glances around the Bridge at the crew... his glance lingering a moment longer, as always, on Jordan ::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::still monitoring tactical scans::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Commander, I'm picking up chatter on subspace channels, but the language is like nothing I have ever heard before.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: On audio, please.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The XO gets a dust mite in his eye for leering at the lovely OPS officer a tad too long.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: rubs his eye ::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  On speakers.  ::puts the chatter on speakers::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The speakers play a series of notes and pitches, almost like insects.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::grimaces::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::looks up:: Self: Bugs...why did it have to be bugs...

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::tries to isolate one frequency and run it through the translator ::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: listens ::  OPS: That certainly does sound like a form of communication... Any results from the Universal Translator?

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Tactical sensors are detecting something.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I'm running it through now.  Hopefully I'll get something ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Tactical plot on screen.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: A pattern of sorts develops, but the UT cannot translate the noise.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Aye.  ::attempts to clarify the information on the screen::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::checks the ETA again curiously than hits the console and replots the course and reviews their location checking the star chart references.:: XO: ETA is now three minutes.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::slams the console in frustration as nothing she tries works::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: puts a hand on Jordan's shoulder :: OPS: Calmly, Jordan. Not all question have immediate answers. Run through the possibilities systematically.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::runs it through again and again ::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: Tactical alarms go off as several object impacts the shields.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::hangs onto her console:: All:  What was that?

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::furiously checks the shield sensors::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: grabs the back of Jordan's chair :: TO: Are we under attack?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  It's no use, Sir.  The translator cannot translate this ...

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Checking

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::spots the impacts, grips his chair than deftly slows the ship to impulse::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Should I send a universal greeting on all frequencies in all languages?

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Sensors don't seem able to clarify what's hitting us

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Leave it for now... go to red alert.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::initiates Red Alert:: XO:  Red Alert, Aye.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::adjusts the sensors::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Where are the impacting objects coming from?

Host Spot says:
ACTION: As the Pontifex goes to Red Alert, another impact strikes just in front if the view screen.  It may have been a body.....

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, this is interesting ... this appears to be static ... like a comm has been left open somewhere ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Localize. Find me a source.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::tries to locate the source:: XO:  Already on it.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Ummm....

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::stares at the viewscreen::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: What is it, Ensign?

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  That looked like a... ummm..... corpse.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: As the star fields blur back into points of light, the viewscreen displays what looks like a massive field of bodies and debris.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Get a tractor beam on it. Low power, so as not to tear it apart.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::gags as he looks at the screen::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::ignores the viewscreen and focuses on his console plotting everything as debris::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: looks at viewscreen :: All: I thought Starfleet said the Vulcan ship had crashed. This looks like the aftermath of a battle.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::sees the bodies:: Self:  Oh god ...

Host Spot says:
ACTION: A tactical alarm sounds.

TO_Ens_Pook:
::jumps at the sound of the alarm::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Scan for survivors. Look for any signs of weapons discharge... or ion trails indicating where an attacker may have gone.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::prepares to evade::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: What now?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::nods and commences scanning for survivors and weapons signatures::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  There is a vessel nearby, but the debris is getting in the way of clearer readings.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: Move us clear of the debris field, but keep us in sensor range of it.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, I’m picking up weapons signatures from numerous sources ... Vulcan, Breen, Klingon, Ferengi and Romulan to say the least ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: incredulously :: OPS: Recent weapons fire?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Looks like it, but I'll check the readings again.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: Weapons fire can be seen in the distance on the viewscreen.  A vessel of unknown configuration is shooting into the debris field.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I haven't found any survivors yet, but I'm still looking ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Get me an ID on that vessel as soon as you can. Have you locked on to that body you reported?

MO_Tribble says:
::looks carefully at Thraxis::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Oh right...  ::tries to catch a corpse in the tractor beam::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: A body is transported to Sickbay.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I'm also picking up a lot of different ion trails ... I've identified about 50 different ones so far, they're tracking all through the area.

MO_Tribble says:
::moves to the body and begins to scan it::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Guess I shoulda warned sickbay first.....

Koloth_Klada says:
%::keeps firing at the debris::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*MO*: Doctor, we need autopsy results on our guest as soon as possible, please.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::shrugs and gets back to trying to identify the ship::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Any common origins or destinations?

MO_Tribble says:
*XO* Yes, Commander, I have started scanning and will let you know.  Are we looking for anything in particular?

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::begins moving the Pontifex out of the debris field keeping an evasive pattern standing by::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  No idea ... I'll try to sort it all out ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*MO*: Anything that will tell us how he or she died, and when.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir ... the trails originate from all areas ... but they were all heading for a common area ... about 5 million km away ..

Koloth_Klada says:
%::keeps firing at the debris all around::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The FCO notices the thrusters are responding somewhat sluggishly.

MO_Tribble says:
*XO* Well, Commander, I only have part of him, and it is a him, here.  The facial configuration indicates he is Bajoran.   However, I have been unable to determine cause of death.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Hail the unidentified vessel.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::eyes the thruster console and makes allowances than makes a mental note of it.::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*MO*: Keep at it, Doctor. We need to know what happened here.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::nods and opens a channel:: COM: Ship:  Unidentified vessel, this is the USS Pontifex.  Please respond.

MO_Tribble says:
::finds little bitty square sticky papers on him::

MO_Tribble says:
::scans like mad as the body decomposes quickly::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: There is no response to comms.  The unidentified vessel appears to be heading towards the common point for the ion trails.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  No response to hails ... the vessel is heading for the same point as all the ion trails ...

MO_Tribble says:
*XO* Well, now, Commander, all I have left is some ashes and my scans.  It decomposed in a few seconds.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Right.  What she said.  It's on the move

MO_Tribble says:
::puzzled, she looks carefully at the scans and still can't determine anything::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*COM*: Vessel: Unidentified vessel, this is the Federation starship Pontifex. Respond, please.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::keeps firing at the debris::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: Prepare to go to warp. If that ship leaves, we are following it.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The body is Sickbay thaws and decomposes in a matter of seconds.... all that is left is a small pile of ashes.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Is he firing at anything in particular?

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::prepares a pursuit course in addition to his evasive course keeping the ship moving towards the nearest border of the debris field at full impulse...than brings the ship around to pursue the alien ship::

MO_Tribble says:
::puts ashes in a box and seals it tightly, after taking more scans::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::Scans the area:: XO:  they appear to be firing on the thousands of bodies that I can pick up floating out there ...

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Using humanoids for target practice.  ::clenches his fists as he speaks::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Can you identify the vessel type yet?

MO_Tribble says:
::scans atmosphere for any virus, bacteria, and anything else the body may have released.  Finds no trace of anything odd::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Sir, this can't be right.  The readings say that the rate of cellular decay is off the charts ... they are literally decomposing before our eyes ...

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Working on it.  ::turns back to his console::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The unidentified vessel alters course and begins heading for the Pontifex.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::notices the vessel has changed course:: XO:  ummm, Commander ... ::points::

Koloth_Klada says:
%::fires at the Pontifex::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: I see it. All hands, brace for impact!

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  They're firing!

Koloth_Klada says:
%::flying around the ship in a circle around it::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Return fire. Attempt to disable their weapons and engines.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::Evades hard port::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  She's Romulan Sir!

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  No specs in the database.  Must be a prototype.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::doges the Pontifex firing::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The weapons fire explodes all around the Pontifex, striking numerous bodies.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::drops a few torpedoes at the Pontifex::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::loses her grip on her console and is nearly flung out of her chair::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::swings the Pontifex around under the alien vessel than rolls the little warship around lining up the forward weapons at the alien::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*COM*: Romulan vessel! Cease fire or be destroyed!

Koloth_Klada says:
%::does circles around the ship dogging their fire::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: Phasers hit the Romulan vessel as it banks off the viewscreen.  No damage.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::mutters something under his breath::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  I'll get 'er next time Sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Keep at it. We need the commander of that vessel alive to answer some questions.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::flies over the ship firing right up on her::

MO_Tribble says:
::checks computer for information on cellular decay::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::swears as the sluggish thrusters take them slightly closer to one of the wrecks than he would have liked to go.  Swings the Pontifex around for another run across the aliens wingspan:: TO: Lining up forward weapons now.

MO_Tribble says:
::feels the ship go into battle and get other sickbay crew ready for any ship's casualties that may come into sickbay.  Returns to computer::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
FCO:  Understood.  ::locks onto what he hopes are the ships shield generators::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Romulan vessel phasers hit the aft section as she streaks by the viewscreen again.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::fires::

MO_Tribble says:
::sick bay crew  prepares to take casualties as they feel the ship rock from the phasers::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Damage report!

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Romulan vessel unfortunately dove right in front of the phaser banks and took a direct hit.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Got 'er Sir!

Koloth_Klada says:
%::stops flying and just flies around her::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::arcs the Pontifex in a tight loop and spins her lining up the forward weapons up on the alien's top wingspan, attempting to avoid the ship's forward arcs::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::locks on::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::fires::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The tight loop throws OPS off balance and she is knocked unconscious.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
::looks over at Jordan's still form :: OPS: Jordan!

Host Spot says:
ACTION: OPS manages to shake it off and starts to come to.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
XO: We need to get out of here before they come around again, sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: helps Jordan up :: OPS: Are you all right?

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Romulan vessel is leaking plasma.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: Negative. Stay on them. I want that ship disabled.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::flies faster::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*COM*: Vessel: Romulan vessel, we have no wish to destroy you. Heave to and open communications.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: Both vessels trade fire and take direct hits.  The Romulan vessel getting the worst of it.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::looks at the alien ship:: XO: Do you think one ship could do all this? We need to get out of here before its backup shows...yes sir.

MO_Tribble says:
::takes call from bridge, requesting medic.   Sends medic to bridge::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: We don't know who did this, Mr. White. But I'll be damned if we let a possible perpetrator escape.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::shakes his head and keeps up trying to maneuver the Pontifex into a position where they can fire and the alien's can't::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The viewscreen pops to life and a bleeding Klingon is seen on screen.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
Self:  Ewww

Koloth_Klada says:
*COM*: Pontifex: this is Koloth Klada this is a good day to die.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
Self:  Hummm....

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
*COM*: Commander... this is pointless. Heave to. I do not ask for your surrender... merely a chance to talk about what happened here.

MO_Tribble says:
<Dr. Xolhp> Commander, lie still.  You seem to have taken a bad fall.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The viewscreen goes black and the Romulan vessel increases speed towards the focal point.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: He's running. Follow him, Mr. White.

Koloth_Klada says:
%::increases to full speed::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Keep firing?  I could try to target the engines.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::mutters than kicks the impulse power to full available keeping course with the alien::

MO_Tribble says:
::Dr. Xolhp treats Pettigrove::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Proceed.

MO_Tribble says:
::Dr. Xolhp thinks she seems to be fading in and out, or wonders it it's his imagination::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: Phaser fire rips into the Romulan vessel, but it does not change heading.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
TO: Signal Starfleet that we are in pursuit of a Romulan ship, apparently under the command of a Klingon.

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::drops the Pontifex into line with the alien disabling the safeties on the impulse controls, breaking protocol to keep up with the alien::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Romulan vessel converges on the focal point of the ion trails and vanishes from sight.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
::fires off a few photon torpedoes as it vanishes::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: Take us in at his exact heading and speed, Mr. White.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove_ says:
::remains unconscious::

MO_Tribble says:
::Dr. Xolhp treats her and wonders why it is taking her so long to regain consciousness.   Scans her for signs of some type of more serious injury::

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::starts to break than nods:: XO: I have a bad feeling about this. ::references the sensor data and matches the alien's course and speed down to ten decimal places than engages::

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO: There's another debris field on her heading.

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Pontifex closes in on the focal point.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: No argument there, Mr. White. But we are not paid to play it safe.

TO_Ens_Pook says:
XO:  Romulan debris.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: furrows his brow... he can still sense Jordan's consciousness :: OPS: ~~~ Jordan... what's wrong, sweetheart? ~~~

FCO_LtJg_White says:
::mutters quietly:: Self: They can't pay us if we're dead...and a posthumous award is empty comfort.

MO_Tribble says:
::Dr. Xolhp looks at the viewscreen and wonders what the focal point holds in store::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: watches the tactical display as the ship approaches the focal point ::

MO_Tribble says:
::Dr. Xolhp senses Thraxis's concern, but can do nothing::

Host Spot says:
ACTION: The Pontifex reaches the focal point and the most brilliant light engulfs them.  Everything goes white.

Host Spot says:
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