U.S.S. Pendragon
10504.09

Man or Monkey, pt 1

Host warp9 says:
Last week on the USS Pendragon....

Host warp9 says:
::video of the Pendragon corridors  as the carpets are being thoroughly steam cleaned::

Host warp9 says:
Obviously......

Host warp9 says:
NOTHING blew up.

Host warp9 says:
::cue dramatic music::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
== Mission Brief 10504.09 ==

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
The Pendragon has been given orders to investigate a potential sentient species on the planet Divi V.  The hominid species is ape-like in appearance and possibly a species that we have previously encountered.  Take note we will be in Cardassian patrolled areas, so be on the look out for potential pitfalls.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
HELM: Lay in course for the Divi system and prepare for high orbit around the fifth planet.  Scan for and make note of any Cardassian landmarks, space mines, or satellites in the area.  Keep our presence unannounced until necessary.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
SCIENCE: Have teams began a detailed analysis of the dolamide deposits and begin mapping the sub-surface layout.  Once 75% complete, begin relaying to the Senior Staff's personal tricorders.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
ENGINEERING: Although I anticipate no trouble from the Cardassians, be sure all systems and back-ups are operational.  This may prove valuable to ensure the plasma injectors are operating at full capacity.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
MEDICAL: Prepare the Sickbay for injuries.  The mining facility should yield several injuries and we shall make ourselves available, even for minor incidents.  The Senior Staff is at your disposal is the situation warrants investigation.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TACTICAL: Upon arrival, begin passive scans of the system for Cardassian vessels with no other purpose than transport.  Assemble a security detail for the possibility of ground support and await further orders.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPERATIONS: Once we reach the systems, begin continuous scans of all comm traffic coming from or heading into the area.  Send fifteen-minute updates to Starfleet Command to apprise them of our situation.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
The Cardassian mine on Divi VI needs to be staffed and I am fearful of the source for the workforce.  Our initial orders are to stick to Divi V, but we may need to alter our course during our approach.  Please make the appropriate arrangements.

That is all.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
<<>>

Host warp9 says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<Man or Monkey>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host warp9 says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon is approaching the Divi system.

FCO_White says:
::At the helm station quietly muttering about refit and repair crews changing the settings::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::seated in the center chair, reading over the latest reports::  FCO: ETA to the Divi System?

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
::reviewing sensor readouts, making sure systems are up to scratch::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::working on his latest symphony at the tactical console::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::monitoring comms::

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
::preparing teams for detailed surface scans::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::looks around his recently spruced up engineering, not sure if he likes it or not::

FCO_White says:
::drops the ship to impulse:: CO: ETA is...about...now.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::sets up the sensors::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::chuckles at the FCO's report then turns her attention back to her comm channels::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Noted.  Lay in a course to take us past the sixth planet on our way to Divi V.  Maintain present speed.

FCO_White says:
CO: Low observibility course sir?

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::irritated that his 'defense mode' - single command subroutine has been deleted, re-writes it, embedding it in the computer core this time::

FCO_White says:
::Checks the system for navigational buoys or hazard markers::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Please do, but try to avoid as much attention as possible.  ::grins somewhat::

FCO_White says:
::opens his mouth to say something than shuts up:: CO: yes sir.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CSO: Begin scanning Divi VI and activity in the area.  Cross-reference what we have in the database with your findings.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I'm picking up Cardassian comm traffic but nothing out of the ordinary.

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir. ::begins scanning::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I'm also picking up a buoy but its primary function appears to be communications.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Very good.  Begin recording and start searching unconventional traffic signals as well.  I am curious if the Cardassians are playing nice or up to their old tricks.

FCO_White says:
::lays in a course taking the Pendragon in to the system near the sensor shadows of as many of the planets as he can line up.::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::smiles:: CO:  Already on it.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::leaves his second in command in charge of main engineering and leaves for the bridge::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
*CEO* Chief, we are approaching a Cardassian comm buoy.  I want you to isolate the operating frequencies and access the computer core.  I want to know what the Cardassians have been up to.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::begins searching looking for unconventional comm traffic::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
*CO*: I'm on my way to the bridge now, I'll trace it from there, and decipher what I can. ::enters the turbolift::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Mr. Newind, tactical assessment of the Cardassian vessels?

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Sir, sensors are showing Cardassian freighters in orbit of the sixth planet, ground facilities on the sixth. No technology on the fifth.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: They are armed for their defense.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::enters the bridge, nods at the captain and takes his station::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Note their present positions and if they make any reactions to our approach.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Yes, sir.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Still not picking up anything unusual in the comms ...

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::attempts to intercept and decipher what he can from the buoy, isolating transmission frequencies as they are intercepted::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::makes a side note of each vessels coordinates::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Cardassian ships do not react to the Pendragon's presence.

FCO_White says:
::gives the sixth planet a wide a birth as he can and takes the ship to the fifth planet. Entering orbit on the sunward side of the planet.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Sir, they are continuing to mind their own business, so to speak.

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
::starts redirecting sensor sweeps towards planet side ::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Very well.  Automate the scans and begin focusing your attention on the fifth planet.  Try to assess the current population and other indigenous species.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.  ::automates the comms to alert her if anything happens ... turns her attention to the scans of the fifth planet::

FCO_White says:
CO: Sir, we have entered orbit of the fifth planet.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Sir, I have a tactical unit on stand-by for ground assistance.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Very good.  Maintain position.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::begins her census of the local indigenous wildlife::

FCO_White says:
CO: Aye sir, holding position, sir.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CSO: Anything promising on those scans of Divi VI?

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Currently just the usual. Intensive mining and such, like the database says. Doing a bioscan now to see what’s living down there.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  The fifth planet is class M with two continents.  The species we want is on the smaller continent of the two.  Transferring coordinates to helm.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Thank you.    FCO: Mr. White, please establish our position over the coordinates.

FCO_White says:
CO: Aye sir, Entering geosyncronious orbit, sir.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CSO: Noted.  Automate the scans of Divi VI and begin a bio-scan of the smaller continent.  I would like to know what we are up against.

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Detecting a heavy Cardassian presence, and no one else. Also detecting a subzero surface temperature, averaging -4C.

FCO_White says:
::puts the Pendragon in high orbit above the smaller continent traveling with the planet's rotation::

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::shivers at the thought of it::  All: Remind me to take Divi VI off the list of tourist stops....

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Sir, I'm reading about 1000 creatures down there ... according to the database there should be hundreds of thousands ... ::is suddenly getting a bad feeling::

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
::sets the scans to auto, and starts bioscans one the 5th planet::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: One Cardassian freighter leaving the system, sir.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Cargo analysis?  Any non-Cardassian bio-signs?

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CEO: Mr. Damien, any luck with that buoy?  Any transporter logs by chance?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::opens her mind to see if these creatures are sentient::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Nothing so far, just normal subspace chatter, navigational signals, that’s about it.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Cargo is... ::slight pause:: unrefined dolamide.

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: The major continent is showing predominately desert terrain, whilst I’m getting a heavy biomass readout on the minor continent, jungle through to subtropical.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
Self:  Curious ....

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::shakes his head::  All: Opinions?  The Divi V population concerns me....

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Captain, I don't sense anything from the creatures ... not even their presence.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Another Cardassian freighter.. It's empty. Likely to collect some more supplies.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Continue passive scans...  Watch out for bio-signs that do not belong on a Cardassian freighter.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Aye, sir. Continuing scanning.

FCO_White says:
TO: Empty? The Cardassians are running freighters in empty?  Aren't they resupplying the base?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  May I suggest passive scans of the sixth planet ... if the Cardassians are using these creatures as slaves in the mines, then we may be able to pick up their biosignatures.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Scans confirm 1,000 of them on the surface of Divi V, correct?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Yes, Sir.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Give or take a few.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::looks to the FCO:: FCO: The sensors say it's empty. They could be resupplying it every two or three ships.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I do sense animals down there ... some more primitive than others ... I don't sense any language or signs of sentience on the planet.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Maybe the place to start is there, on Divi V. Maybe they know what happened.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Beam a security detail to the surface of Divi V to set up base camp.  We will return in good time.

FCO_White says:
::shrugs thinking how expensive running a freighter without cargo is::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
OPS: I have a unit ready for the security detail ma'am. ::forwards the information to the OPS console::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
TO:  Select a security detail and have them ready to beam down and set up a base camp on Divi V.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Move us halfway between Divi V and VI.  Hold position there and prepare to enter orbit on my mark.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::receives the TO's information and informs the security team to prepare for beam down::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CSO: Active scans of Divi VI.  Surface, sub-surface, the works.  Looks for escapees who never made it off the surface.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Sir, the empty freighter is approaching Divi V.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Signs of a crew?

FCO_White says:
CO: Orbit of which planet sir? Divi six? ::moves the Pendragon to the La Grange point between the planets::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Divi VI, correct.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Eight Cardassians, sir.

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir. ::begins active scans of Divi VI, looking for more then before::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The freighter slips into orbit around Divi V.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::watches the freighter carefully::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Weapons analysis of the freighter.  How large a threat do they pose?

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Amend that last statement.  Focus your attention on the freighter in orbit around Divi V.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::receives word the team is ready to beam down:: CO:  Sir, security detail ready for beam down.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::creates a short music session while finding the threat assessment of the freighter::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Hail the Cardassians and beam the team down.

FCO_White says:
::moves the Pendragon back to orbit of Divi V putting her in a orbit matching that of the Cardassian ship::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The freighter's transporters are active.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::sends the hail and beams the AT down to the surface::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Sir, the freighter has activated transporters.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Shields are down and weapons unarmed. They aren't much of a threat.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Target their power grid and lock phasers.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Yes, sir.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Any response?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  None yet.  Hailing them again.  ::repeats her hail::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::presses buttons in a fashion that sounds oddly similar to a Beethoven symphony... locks phasers::

CSO_LtCmdr_Toms says:
CO: Nothing new on the scans, but I’m having trouble getting scans of the mines. The Dolamide is causing interference.

FCO_White says:
::brings the Pendragon closer to the Cardassian ship:: CO: May I offer a bit of advice?

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::nods to the CSO::  FCO: Yes, Mr. White?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::hears the comm panel beep:: CO:  The Cardassians are responding ... ::puts the transmission onscreen::

FCO_White says:
CO: We could follow the Freighter in a shuttle with the Pendragon further back.  Find out where they are going.  ::stops talking before the view screen comes to life::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::stands and is frowning only the way a Pendragon CO can::

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  A particularly unattractive Cardassian appears on screen.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::notes what the Cardies are transporting ... has a puzzled look on her face::

Host Guron says:
COMM:  Pendragon:  Why are your weapons aimed at us?

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::discards the thought of whistling::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ CO:  Captain ... they are transporting food ... to several hundred different locations on the surface. ~~~

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
COMM: Guron:  I have you attention don't I?  I am Captain Pindari Rofax and the USS Pendragon.  May I inquire as to the nature of your presence here?

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Captain, all of the subspace transmission being relayed through the buoy relate to the day-to-day operations of the mining.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::turns::  TO: Power down weapons.

Host Guron says:
COMM:  CO:  We feed our stock every 36 hours Captain.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Weapons down. ::pulls the plug on the weapons... stops.. plugs it back in and turns it off safely::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
COMM: Guron: Stock?  ::frowns more if it is possible::  Cardassia has no claim to Divi V.  What is this stock you speak of?

Host Guron says:
COMM:  CO:  Domesticated animals Captain.  Surely you've heard of the concept.  ::looks contemptuous::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::whistles...::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
COMM: Guron: Sentient species as we see it.  And once again I remind you that there is no Cardassian claim to Divi V.  Your relief efforts are appreciated however.

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The transports cease.  The Freighter's impulse engines power up.

Host Guron says:
::chuckles::

Host Guron says:
COMM:  CO:  As you wish Captain.  As you wish.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
<W> CO: Captain, if he's referring to the simian species we encountered before, they are in no way 'domesticated animals'. They're sentient.

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The Cardassians cut the comm.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  They've discontinued transporting and are preparing to leave orbit.

FCO_White says:
::carefully considers ramming the Cardassian ship::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::curses in some unknown tongue::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Captain, I didn't sense any sentience from any species on the surface ... how can you be sure they're sentient?

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Red Alert.  Fire a warning shot across their bow.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Aye, sir! ::raises ship to RA and fires across the Cardies' bow::

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The freighter leaves orbit.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Sending hundreds of thousands to their death in the mines... That's just inhumane.

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The freighter hails the Pendragon

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  They're hailing us again.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
::smiles:: OPS : Audio only.

FCO_White says:
::lays in a pursuit course after the Cardassian freighter moving her across the slower ship's bow::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::sets the comms to audio only and opens the channel::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Channel open

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
COMM: Guron: Problem?

Host Guron says:
COMM:  Pendragon:  Has the Federation declared war on Cardassia?

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
COMM: Guron: I am sorry, your sensor array must be malfunctioning.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::'Score: Captain - 1, Cardies - -3'::

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The Freighters goes to full impulse on course for Divi VI.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::plays a small symphony for the quiet bridge::

FCO_White says:
::waits for orders to pursue or stay in orbit of Divi V::

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The freighter enters orbit of Divi VI.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I think we got their attention ...

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
FCO: Lay in intercept course.  TO: I need firing solutions on each of the Cardassian vessels.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
CEO: Jam the comm buoy.  Destroy it if you must.

FCO_White says:
::sends the Pendragon screaming for Divi VI lining up the ship's forward arcs on Guron's ship.::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Aye:: attempts to jam the buoy::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::aims weapons at any Cardassian ships in range::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Sir, the AT are reporting they are coming close to a group of the hominids ...

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  The freighters go about their business, still ignoring the Pendragon.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Captain, we're going to have to destroy the buoy, I cannot jam it.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Sir, vessels are targeted.

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
OPS: Send a message to all vessels.  Advise them they are in direct violation of Starfleet Directive 3 and will leave the area immediately.  Any refusal to comply will be treated as an act of aggression against the Federation.

FCO_White says:
CO/TO: Attack course Sigma Alpha Two laid in.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::composes the message and sends it ... is very apprehensive right now::

CO_Capt_Rofax says:
TO: Target and destroy that comm buoy.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
CO: Aye, sir.

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::re aims the weapons toward the buoy.... fires::

TO_Ens_Newind says:
::crosses fingers::

Host Guron says:
ACTION:  A message passes through buoy on its way to DS 14, just before it blows up.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
TO: Nice shot

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  They got a message out before you blew the buoy ... it was on a direction to DS14 ...

Host Guron says:
<<<<<<<<<<pause mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>