USS Pendragon
10506.18

Trouble and Strife, pt 4

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

Host CO_Rofax says:
Something blew up?  ::check's the CO's waistline for doughnut marks::

Host CO_Rofax says:
Cmdr Peer's met his untimely end...  ::cues video of big pink ribbon falling to the floor::

Host CO_Rofax says:
Thisah's pilot offered his services to the crew and quite simply amazed most....  ::cues video of before-and-after Pettigrove (toasty and non-toasty) as well as the shape-shifting bridge::

Host CO_Rofax says:
And an old friend dropped by for a visit...  ::cues transmission of Mikal::

Host CO_Rofax says:
And now, Back to the Task at Hand....  Where is Thisah.

Host warp9 says:
<<<<<<<<<<<resume mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon crew has beamed aboard Thisah's ship, which is accommodating them in some mysterious manner.   The Pendragon remains along side.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::tries to suppress his anger and annoyance::

FCO_Gucci says:
::is sitting at  the helm waiting for orders::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::senses something is amiss with the CTO ... moves over to join him:: CTO:   What's wrong?

Host CO_Rofax says:
::stands near the back of the bridge, trying to survey the various panels as there are more than the typical Excelsior-class bridge would have::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::mutters something quietly::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The ship forms a replicator before Rofax's eyes.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  I don't need to be a telepath to tell something is wrong.  You want to talk about it?

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Looks like the creature from the black lagoon is harmless. 

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::clears his throat and speaks louder:: OPS: Can you sense something different about me? Something different from before?

MO_Tribble says:
::looks around, wondering why the ship is able to heal people::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::concentrates:: CTO:  No, should I?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Mind your words Lt.  Remember we are guests here.  ::smiles softly::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: It was meant as a compliment.

MO_Tribble says:
::takes out medical tricorder and scans the vicinity::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS: I've recently developed and discovered some empathic abilities.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  Really?

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::examines the various equipment around them:: CO: Hands off for the time being I'm guessing.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS: And discovered my mother was hiding my grandfather from me. "In order to protect me."

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  And this upsets you.  I can understand that.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS: Yeah.. ::looks down::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
Gucci: Do you know what Thisah's last known location was?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::resists the urge to yell out: "Of course it upsets me!"::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::nods in agreement::  CEO: Have you ever encountered such technology?  This is unreal to a degree...

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  You know this isn't as bad as you are making out.  Your mother thought she was doing the right thing.

MO_Tribble says:
CO: Captain, scans show something very interesting.   This ship is partially composed of organic matter.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: It's unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The basic subroutines being carried out are all threaded through the main computer, as is standard. It's the implementation that is different. Give me a few years and I could figure it out.

Host CO_Rofax says:
MO: That helps explain some of the events we have encountered.  Continue your efforts and attempt to cross-reference.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::looks at Pettigrove:: OPS: But is it right at all to hide my origins? I don't see how it can be.

MO_Tribble says:
CEO: Perhaps the main computer is the brain, and not just figuratively.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::raises his hand to the replicator and only ~~~ thinks ~~~ about ordering a fresh coffee, black ::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
MO: Very possible, even probably given what I've seen. Some kind of neural network would explain a lot.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  And this changes you how?

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A steaming mug of coffee appears in the replicator.. along with a donut.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  You are still the same person you were yesterday.  Believe me, I know what it's like to suddenly find you have an ability you didn't have yesterday.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Your orders sir~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
MO / CEO: Did you see that?  I never spoke a word...  ::motions to the replicator::

MO_Tribble says:
CO: We might want to be careful about what we are thinking.  ::remembers back to other ship's logs about thoughts becoming things::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS: It doesn't change me physically, but to realize that all this time there's been someone out there that could possibly love you and neither of you can communicate. That strikes a chord with me.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: It must be tied in telepathically. It would only make sense, seeing as...Gucci cannot speak

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Leeme see if I can make it work. I score a zero in the telepathy department

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
~~~~~~~replicator:.....make me a burrito~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MO_Tribble says:
::scans as Damien tests the telepathy angle::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A steaming burrito appears in the replicator

FCO_Gucci says:
::smiles::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
All: Hey!

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon hails the Gecko requesting orders.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  I understand that.  But think about it ... you have a whole other side of your family that you can now explore.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::notices the replication over there, wonders what would happen if his empathy happened to reach over there::

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Mr. Damien had the last known coordinates of the Vandana, the ship suspected of the kidnapping.  There was an ion trail in the area as well.  We will make for the most likely heading. ~~~

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::takes the burrito and eats it:: CO/MO: It's delicious. They were reading more than just the command, it was reading how I like it also. It's bean and beef.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A three dimensional holographic map of the Tyr system appears in mid air

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Understood sir just send me the coordinates.~~~

MO_Tribble says:
CEO: The ship is obviously picking up our thoughts, and it's very good at it.

FCO_Gucci says:
::sees where the ship must go and wills it to do so::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
MO: Yes, and caution is definitely called for.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS: Yes, but when? We've been busy getting chased and chasing. It's my duty to keep the Pendragon safe, security and tactical. I couldn't stand the thought of leaving the Pendragon in any bad situations..

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::aside:: Self: Which is most of the time.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~CO: Course plotted and laid in and we are now on that heading.~~~

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::puts the burrito down:: MO: Yes...if anything we think of becomes reality........

Host CO_Rofax says:
COMM: Pen: Send over all data regarding our encounter with the Vandana, the transmissions we received, and assume command of the base.  With Commander Peers unavailable, I leave it to you.  Rofax out.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  What about leave time?  Or quiet times like now.  I'll leave you to think about it.  ::gets up to join the XO::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::nods, sighs, and looks away::

MO_Tribble says:
XO: Should I use a hypospray of neural suppressant to suppress any stray telepathic thoughts that might cause some unwarranted action on the part of the ship?

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  One of consoles beeps.

MO_Tribble says:
XO: I could try to suppress our AT's stray thoughts.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon signals that the download is complete.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Very good.  The Pendragon will send what we have gathered thus far.  We have encountered this vessel previously and tracked it to a remote location.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::practices some empathy, looking for separate emotions::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
MO: I think that might be premature. This is a trained and disciplined crew. We can hope, too, that a race as advanced as Thisah's would have fail-safes built into their telepathic interface. Just stay alert for now.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::moves to the console and attempts to integrate the data into the Gecko’s systems::

MO_Tribble says:
::nods::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::whispers:: XO:  If you're concerned about empaths ... ::motions over towards the CTO::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Rofax's console shows standard Starfleet configuration.  He easily finds his files.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: What do you mean?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: I am sending you the Vandana files from before.  Begin scanning for them on all frequencies and medium.  I suspect this vessel will locate them without much effort.  ::transmits the data to all crew stations::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::looks up at the Captain and nods:: CO: Yes, sir. ::begins working with the console and starts some scans::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::examines a consol, taps it gently, not meaning to push anything, just interested::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::whispers:: XO:  It seems Mr. Newind has an ancestor that had some kind of empathic ability.  He has inherited some of it, obviously.  It is unfocussed and untrained but it's definitely there.  I seriously doubt it will be a problem, though.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::continues thumbing through the data, surprisingly quickly and realizes he isn't reading it, so much as memorizing it with just one glance::  Self: Whoa....

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The consoles are configured to Starfleet specs.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::looks surprised::

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Mr. Thraxis... you have a moment?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Scans are running. ::begins altering the scans to different frequencies until he can find something::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
XO: Yes, sir.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: I have something interesting.  Focus your efforts on the Tyr Sector.  There appears to be a Takaran colony in the area.  Find it!

MO_Tribble says:
XO: Mind if I check to see if the Gecko has anything resembling a "sick bay?"

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::takes her station but seriously doubts they'd need a comm officer::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The holographic 3D map floating in the middle of the room zooms in on the planet Tyr III.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Yes, sir. ::begins focusing his scans on that area::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A biobed forms in the back of the cabin.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::Looks at the map::

MO_Tribble says:
::goes to the biobed and scans it::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::looks at his console, and then to the map, and then back again::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the map, a large populated area lights up.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::shows Thraxis the console and the data regarding the Sekloth Order::  XO: Try to capture as much of this information as you can to a padd.  I have a feeling we will need as much of this as possible.

MO_Tribble says:
XO: It's a standard Star Fleet biobed.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Sir, I assume this was what you were talking about?

MO_Tribble says:
::decides to test it out and lies down on it, activating full medical patient scans::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::notices the biobed:: Self: A replicator making a bio-bed?

Host CO_Rofax says:
::looks up and his face goes pale::  CTO: Yes.... it was... Any chance you can locate the Vandana?  ::still trying to hide the look of surprise::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Yes, sir.   :: starts scanning ::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The biobed console comes to life and begins scanning Tribble.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Our ETA to the system will be ten minutes.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::nods, and begins scanning the area using the ion trails of the Vandana::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The warp trail of the Vandana appears on the map.  It ends near Tyr III.

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Cmdr Pettigrove.  I am sending you some information on the "Center of Commerce and Administration" located within the system.  Please look into this further.  It doesn't seem to fit the scenario.  ::transmits what he found thus far::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Captain, ::points at the trail's end:: I believe that would be our destination.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The standard SF readout on the biobed indicates that Tribble is in excellent health.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::receives the transmission and begins going through the data::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::scans for the unique signature of the Veranda::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::looks up in utter amazement at the ship's 3D displays::  CTO: Very good.  Now let's try to locate weapons and shields.  Yellow Alert, if this vessel has such a thing.

MO_Tribble says:
::sees the readout and hops off the bed::  Self: It works fine.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::thinks about a Yellow Alert going off::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Gecko goes to yellow alert.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::raises an eyebrow as she reads:: CO:  I see what you mean ... ::begins to dig deeper ... requesting further information::

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Can you increase speed?  We have located the suspected vessel.  Also, we will need to protect ourselves and you vessel.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::smirks:: CO: Found it. ::thinks about weapons and shielding information for the Gecko::

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Sir our camouflage will fail if you go to yellow alert.~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Captain, I may have found something ...

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The holographic maps indicate several defense systems on Tyr III, as well as many small dampening fields.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: We are camouflaged?  ~~~            CTO: Stand down Yellow Alert.  Let's see what the vessel can do on its own.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: This ship can protect herself.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Alright, then. ::thinks: "Power down Yellow Alert"::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Gecko returns to standard operating mode.

Host CO_Rofax says:
Self: I should have know better...   OPS: What have you found Cmdr?

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Our camouflage or Cloak as you would say is now in place once again.~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  If this is an official organization then it's in trouble.  I've found a lot of questionable policies and procedures ... plus rumours of smuggling.  I'm trying to dig deeper.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: Our ETA is now two minutes and if you want more power all you have to do is ask and she will give it to you.~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Attempt to send a secured transmission to the Starbase with your findings.  One attempt only with the request to relay it to SFC.  We are going to end this, today.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::does a sensor sweep to see if anyone noticed the quick appearance and disappearance of the Gecko::

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Thank you.  We will bring Thisah home.  I swear it.  ~~~

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: The ship is alive from what I can tell. It's not totally mechanical, as was pointed out. I believe it 'thinks'.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  This is interesting.  According to this, they generate quite a healthy profit.  And that's not all ... in addition to Takarans, there are also large contingents of Cardassians, Romulans and all kinds of questionable characters mentioned.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: I believe you sir.~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Gecko arrives at the Tyr system.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
~~~FCO: Does this thing leave a warp trail like other ships?~~~

FCO_Gucci says:
::hears the CEO::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::compiles the information into a secure transmission and "asks" the ship to send the transmission on a secured frequency to Starfleet::

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ Gecko: Slow to "impulse" ~~~  ::wonders if the ship has a neural interface to feel his thoughts::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A communications console beeps agreeably.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CTO: No she does not leave a trail to follow. It is virtually undetectable.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::smiles:: ~~~FCO: Alright, then.~~~

FCO_Gucci says:
::again smiles as the ship slows to impulse::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Transmission sent.

MO_Tribble says:
::remembers reading about an organic ship the Enterprise under Captain Picard encountered::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::begins to track down the exact area of the ion trail's end::

FCO_Gucci says:
::links with the ship and feels her contentment::

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: We are now at impulse sir.  All I did was think it and she did the rest.~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: This vessel is alive with our thoughts.  Continue to monitor our condition and "think" about our next move.  The vessel will know what to do.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the holographic map, ships appear in orbit of Tyr III.

MO_Tribble says:
CEO: If it thinks, does it have moral values, and respond, by itself, to "questionable characters?"

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Will do....:::has no telepathy:: Did...did it tell you that?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Sir, the trail ends in the orbit of Tyr III. I can't locate the Vandana.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: No... it was... Thisah...  he is near.  ::feels more confident as they approach::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::gasps slightly as she feels Thisah's consciousness all around the ship::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::feels something strange around the ship::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I can sense him too, Captain ... It is as though he is all around us ...

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: She does indeed have morals.  She will not allow herself to be hurt and will defend herself to the bitter end.  She will also protect the crew on it and in this case that is all of you.  She will defend your ship as well.~~~

FCO_Gucci says:
::bows head slowly::

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: But where.  It's almost as if Thisah is still on board.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~CO: I can sense and feel Thisah.  He is near.~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::shakes her head:: CO:  No it's more ... it's almost as though his consciousness is part of this ship ...

MO_Tribble says:
CO: Perhaps so.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::sees different colors running through his mind at the sudden encounter, swoons::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
OPS: He may have embedded it in the neural net.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~OPS: Yes that is because this is his ship.~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: We are fairly well protected... Scan the vessels in orbit.  If you must, make it look like they are scanning each other.  Romulan, Cardassian, Takaran... use their known frequencies against them.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The CTO, in his swoon, hits the floor with a thud.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::hits the floor, shakes his head and tries to stand up::

MO_Tribble says:
::goes to the CTO and begins trying to help::

FCO_Gucci says:
::looks at the CTO in a heap trying to stand again::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: Mr. Newind?  Trip on your skirt?

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: Why don't you stay there for a moment, until you feel better, and tell me what happened that caused you to swoon.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CEO:  That would make sense.  After all, this is his vessel ...

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::tries not to curse out the Captain:: MO: It's fine. ::gets back up and begins bouncing sensors off of different ships.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ FCO:  So the owner imprints his consciousness on the ship? ~~~

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: If some part of his consciousness is within the ship's systems, can we use that to contact him?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
OPS/CEO: Yeah, but how come we only felt when we got here?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Lend a hand to Mr. Newind.  We need to find the Vandana.

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~OPS: Yes that is why we become part of our living ships.~~~

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: I'm sorry, but I must insist.  What caused you to swoon?  ::follows CTO::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the map, the various vessels are identified.  There are cargo ships and a few private transports of various non-Starfleet designs.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Possibly.  CO:  Captain, I'd like to try to contact Thisah ...

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
MO: A recently developed cur.. ability. It's nothing serious. I need to get back to work.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: I want an exact count.  How many vessels are in orbit?  I want a plan to disable every, single one....

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: All right.  But, be careful.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::surprised by the Captain:: CO: Yes, sir. May I ask why you are disabling them?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  Possibly perhaps it is contained here and cannot be sensed outside the environment of this vessel.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::nods to the MO::

MO_Tribble says:
CTO/CO: If the ship thinks, why not ask it to accomplish that goal by use of its resources?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: Because they are all in violation of more Starfleet regulations than I can count.  I want them all to pay for their crimes.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Sir...we do have some weapons art our disposal. Newind should be able to handle them just fine. We're lightly armed, but armed

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Commence your efforts.  Pay particular attention to the Center.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Sir, with respect... we lack the weaponry to do that. Better to gather the evidence while we are here, and turn that information over to Starfleet.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: However, there are too many ships for us to take out...we'll need a different method

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::nods:: ~~~Thisah:  Can you hear me? ~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::clears his head for a moment and addresses everyone he is conversing with:: MO: That might be possible. CO: ::raises an eyebrow:: Alright then, sir. OPS: We've been in the environment of the vessel for a while, but only recently when we arrived here at this planet did we sense Thisah.

Host CO_Rofax says:
ALL: Noted.  Wishful thinking, I imagine.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::thinks about the weapons list for the Gecko and evaluates what could be used::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ Thisah:  If you can hear me, we are here. ~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: On who's part, sir? ::looks to the map and then the console::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  I sensed Thisah's presence when I came onboard.  I have been able to sense him the whole time.

Host CO_Rofax says:
ALL: Let's locate Thisah and gather evidence.  As long as we cannot be located, we will hold our position and await for back up.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ Thisah:  Are you in danger?  Can you tell me where you are? ~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::nods:: OPS: Oh, I just recently felt it.

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: He is....  ::gasps softly::  ALL:  All Stop!

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  He is urging strong caution ...

FCO_Gucci says:
~~~Thisah: Can you hear me? It is I Gucci. Please answer me.~~~

Host warp9 says:
<<<<<<<<pause mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>