USS Pendragon
10506.25

Trouble and Strife, pt 5

Host warp9 says:
Last week on the USS Pendragon:

Host warp9 says:
The crew struggled with their discomfort of the alien ship, and her silent pilot.

Host warp9 says:
While Newind struggled with issues of his own.

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

Gucci says:
::sitting at the helm of his beloved captains ship::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Gecko lurks just inside the Tyr system.  The Captain imagines he hears someone whispering in his ear.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::still standing alongside the XO::

Gucci says:
~~~CO; SSSssirr cann you hearrrrrrrr me?~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::concentrating on finding a way to disable the ships::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::snaps back from a distant memory of Mikal::  ~~~ Gucci: What?  I'm sorry.... what say you? ~~~

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Jordan, can you make sense of these tactical readings? I admit I'm having a little trouble interpreting them.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CTO: Have you come up with anything? This is a losing battle if we take them on with what we have.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::looks down at the console:: XO:  Let me see ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: Mr. Newind, I realize we are woefully outnumbered, but I want a way to use this vessel's abilities as best we can.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CEO/CO: Working on it as fast as I can.

Gucci says:
:: focusing even more power to his mind he tries once again to reach his beloved captain::  ~~~Thisah: My beloved captain can you hear me?~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION;  Gucci feels pain.

MO_Tribble says:
::sees Gucci wince::

Gucci says:
::puts hands to head::~~~Outloud: OOOoohhhhhhmy head great pain.~~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
::reaches a hand forward to seemingly thin air::  ~~~ Mikal: Where is he? ~~~

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: I'd suggest seeing it there is any way to cloak us. Can you ask Gucci? I have no telepathy

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CEO: Using what we have, do you think it would be possible to place an electromagnetic web?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CEO: We are cloaked.

MO_Tribble says:
::goes to Gucci::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: According to the sensors, we are camouflaged.  This is the best protection the ship can offer.  Any alerts will certainly be noticed.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Rofax feels an odd sensation, as if being plugged in.  He sees only darkness.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::sways slightly and grabs the back of a chair as his knees momentarily give out::

Gucci says:
~~~~Rofax: Please my head can't take much more of this pressure you must stop.~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::senses something and turns:: CO:  Captain?  Are you all right?

MO_Tribble says:
CO: Captain Rofax.   Take it easy.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Very well.  Rest.  ~~~  ::severs the telepathic link with Gucci and focuses on the pulling sensation::

Gucci says:
~~~::can sense the captain of the ship and his thoughts and feels the plug in but is unable to locate it as his own head begins to burn::~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Pettigrove feels pain.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::winces as pain hits her::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: senses Jordan tensing up next to him :: OPS: Jordan... what is it?

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: I will be fine.... something is... different.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::notices pain radiating from Pettigrove and Rofax:: CO/OPS: Are you ok?

MO_Tribble says:
::glances over at Pettigrove::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO/XO:  I'm sensing pain ...

Gucci says:
::puts hands to his head and closes his eyes and begins to single out each mind that is being effected::

MO_Tribble says:
::uses medical tricorder on Pettigrove and Rofax::

Host CO_Rofax says:
MO: That sounded almost like a threat my good Doctor...

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Different ... how?

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: places a hand on Jordan's shoulder :: OPS: Is it Thisah?

MO_Tribble says:
CO: It's a recommendation.  ::whispers:: And that's all it is, right now.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: I will be fine.... but Thisah is near.... ::drifts into a whisper::  he has to be....

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::ears prick up at the tone of Rofax's voice::

Gucci says:
~~~Rofax: Your mind is being probed deeply which is why you feel what you’re feeling.  Close off your mind completely.  They are using Thisah as a conduit to your mind.~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Yes.  He is in pain ... ::tries to localize it::

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: It's almost as if I am here and somewhere else....  I can see, but I'm not really seeing what it is....

MO_Tribble says:
OPS: Commander, I might recommend that you do.... whatever it is you are doing..... sitting down, if you can. :: looks quixically at her::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::shakes his head and continues to work on configuring an electromagnetic net::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::can no longer hear Gucci as he severed and closed the link::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: takes Jordan's hand :: OPS: Be careful...

Gucci says:
~~~OPS: You as well close your mind as you are being probed, and they are using Thisah  as a conduit.~~~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::grabs the console:: CO/XO:  I can't localize it ... it seems to be coming from all around ...

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ Gucci:  I will do so now ~~~ ::attempts to close her mind::

Gucci says:
::suddenly Gucci no longer feels the other tow minds and is now just hearing one.  The Gecko and her thoughts only::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Captain there is a number of small dampening fields on the planet

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The interior of the Gecko briefly glows brighter.

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Rofax sees a  single flame, burning, hovering in mid air.  Then it vanishes into darkness.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::sway once more, but falls to a knee this time before recovering::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Block it out. It will only hurt you to keep the connection open.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  If I understand correctly, whoever is holding Thisah is using our own telepathic and empathic abilities against Thisah.  We must cease all telepathic contact.

Gucci says:
::opens eyes as the Gecko begins to glow::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Will the ship still be able to receive our commands?

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  A feeling of peace overcomes Pettigrove and Newind.

MO_Tribble says:
::goes to CO and briefly scans him and then uses a triox compound in a hypospray:: Captain, take a seat.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I'm fine.  I've closed my mind to it.  But the Captain is a much stronger telepath than I am ... I am concerned for him ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
MO: Not today Doctor.  The life at stake is far more important than mine.  ::waves off the MO::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::notices a sudden change of emotions but feels calm about it::

MO_Tribble says:
OPS: As I am.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the holographic map hovering in the middle of the bridge, the various dampening fields light up.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::turns her attention to scans:: XO:  I don't think Thisah is on any of those ships ... scans do not detect his presence on any of them.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: gestures to the map ::   OPS: Is it possible that Thisah is on the surface?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Is there any manner to work around these fields without being detected?  Or perhaps we can fly directly into them.  How many do you count?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I'd say that is the most probable location ... behind one of those dampening fields I bet ...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Any idea which one?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::shakes her head::

Gucci says:
::this time uses the text command pad and types::  CO.OPS: They that are holding Thisah are forcing his will to be used on the ship and us since she is his and he is linked to the Gecko.  We must all sever the connections telepathically at once.  Thisah has ordered me to bring the ship nearer to Tyr III and enter orbit.  Thisah commands it.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: I can try to configure what we have to minimize the damage to the point we can withstand a few passes I would think.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO/OPS: If you were hiding someone, would you hide them in a heavily populated area or in a less populated area?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CEO:  Maybe we could configure the transporters to cut through the dampening effect ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Do any of the dampening field align with the Vandana's last known course?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CEO:   If we have transporters ...

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: It depends.

MO_Tribble says:
::looks over Pettigrove and Rofax and decides they aren't going to pass out any time soon, so backs off a bit::

MO_Tribble says:
::but, gives both of them a stern look::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CTO: The more populated, the better.

Gucci says:
::texts again to the XO and CO::  Sirs, please Thisah is not being controlled.  I am getting the direct feed from his mind he has commanded me to bring the ship closer to Tyr III at once.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
CO: Unknown. The signal terminated here. One thing of note should we decide to descend, we will loose the camouflage should we enter the dampening fields:: looks at his consol::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::looks over to the MO for a moment, and then back to the XO:: XO: That's what I'm thinking. If we did in fact, make it through those dampening fields and he is on that planet, then he is probably well hid among the people.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ ::feels Thisah closer yet::  ~~~  CEO: We may need to resort to that.  I am trying to pinpoint his location now.  ~~~ ::tries to narrow down the probably location:: ~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Rofax hears the call of a night bird.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::texts back to Gucci ... has a thought:: Gucci:  Can those who are holding him use the link between Thisah and his ship against us?  I suspect it is not Thisah we are receiving ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
Out loud, but to no one in particular: The darkness.... the darkness.... darkness....

MO_Tribble says:
::begins to worry about Rofax again::

Gucci says:
::texts to OPS: No he is not being made to do anything he is closer than you think and by his ordering me to bring the Gecko closer I believe he has something in mind.

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
MO: Maybe you should check the captain...he's definitely not himself

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ FCO: Move us in, but avoid the dampening fields. ~~~

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Darkness. Captain, do you believe that Thisah is being held on the night side of the planet?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Captain ... ::moves to him:: CO:  Show me what you are seeing ...

MO_Tribble says:
XO: Or in a dark room.

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: It makes sense, but this may be darker than nightfall...  ~~~ ::tries to connect with Pettigrove::  OPS: Tread lightly... ~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the holographic map, those fields currently on the dark side of the planet light up.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ CO:  I will be fine. show me ... ~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::closes her eyes as she tries to establish contact with Rofax::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Pettigrove sees darkness.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::frowns:: ALL: The next person that brings a hypo or a tricorder near me will take a long walk out of the airlock...

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
ALL: Ok. Does everyone see that or am I just going loony? ::shakes his head::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ ::sees the darkness ... tries to make out where they are:: ~~~

MO_Tribble says:
::wonders if the CO is losing his mind, doesn't sound like Rofax::  Self : Hmnmm.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::can no longer see the bridge and has completely turned his attention to focusing on the dark::   ~~~ Thisah: See me. ~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Rofax smells a swamp.

Gucci says:
::Gucci is now in the darkness of the place where his beloved captain is near to him:: ~~~Thisah: Can you feel me? Can you sense me?  Am I close to you in this dark place?~~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  The CO is right ... I only see darkness ...

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  Gucci and Pettigrove hear the calls of a night bird.

Host CO_Rofax says:
Out loud again: Swamp.... damp...

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Jordan, isolate the five largest population centers on the dark side that currently contain dampening fields.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
ALL: I am going loony aren't I? The dampening fields on the dark side of the planet have lit up. Anyone else get the feeling that that is a sign?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Mr. Damien.  Find me wetlands.....

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I hear a bird ...

Gucci says:
~~~Thisah: You are in the swamp near the old hiding grounds of long ago.  The night bird is calling to me.  Is that where you are being held?~~~

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CTO: The map is reacting to the telepathic link between the Captain and Thisah.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::breaks her link::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: Mr. Newind.  Coordinate your scans with Mr. Damien and find Thisah.  Time is against us...

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO: Hum, must have missed that. Shouldn't we get over there then?

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::scans the planet:: CO: Aye Captain

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
CO: Aye, sir. ::begins scanning the planet::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  On the holographic map hovering in the center of the bridge, wetlands illuminate.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CTO: Yes. How many of those dampening fields are in or near a swamp?

Gucci says:
~~~Thisah: Please my beloved captain use your mind link that we had when we were younger. I need to find you and quickly time is not on our side any longer.~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Pettigrove begins to hear chanting.  A deep throated growl of sorts.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::hears something and looks up and around her::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO: Looking.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I hear chanting ...

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::tries to pinpoint where the chanting is coming from::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO: There is one, near a swamp. It's small and on the outskirts of a more-populated area. ::tries to point it out on the holo-map::

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Hovering about the bridge, the crew sees cold reptilian eyes gleaming all around them.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CTO:  Scan for a congregation of life signs ...

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: OK, this is a bit much.  :: goes and cowers in a corner::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
Self: Oi! ::sets aside the field scans and begins scanning for life signs::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::sees the eyes and backs off::

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
::feels the creepy stare of the reptiles::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::sees the eyes, loudly:: ALL: For the love of God! Can't anything be normal for once!

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: We have a good database of known species on the planet.  Begin scanning for any species that do not belong.  If they wish Thisah dead, they would have killed him by now.  They are holding him for a reason, thus they must be feeding him, tending to his needs.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The holographic map indicates a dense population near the dampening field in question.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
ALL: Ignore the eyes. I suspect they are a telepathic manifestation meant to unnerve us.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::sighs and ignores the eyes, and works on the scans again::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  Hold that thought, Captain, I think I might have something ... ::homes in on the population picked up::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Captain, I suggest we prepare to land at once.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Look here ... ::points to the dense population reading::

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Find a suitable location and begin decent.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
CO:  I don't think that's wise, Sir.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CTO: Scan the surface for a relatively dry landing site near the swamp.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO: Of course, sir. ::already had one found and tries to get it to show on the holo-map::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::seeing as no one is listening to her ... goes off and sits in the corner::

MO_Tribble says:
OPS: For what it's worth, Commander, I agree.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::moves towards the center of the holographic map and starts reaching at the various spots::  ~~~ Thisah: We are coming. ~~~

Gucci says:
~~~CO: Sir this ship can land in the swamps with ease.  She is a living ship. I can land her for you.~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  All the details on the map dim, except for one small area beside a swamp.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Won't you listen!  We land and they'll know we are here!  They'll move Thisah before we have a chance to do anything!

Gucci says:
~~~Thisah: I am coming my beloved captain.  And we have help thanks to our new friends.~~~~~~

MO_Tribble says:
XO: Why not take a landing party?

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  Exactly!

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The telepaths aboard feel Thisah's presence fade.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: If you have an alternative, Commander, I will listen.

Gucci says:
::hears OPS mind::~~~~OPS: Wait I just lost Thisah's presence he is gone.~~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Point taken.  ~~~ FCO: Belay that landing.  Place us into orbit over that spot. ~~~  ::points to the single spot on the map::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  A small assault team.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ Gucci:  I have lost him as well ... ~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::no longer feels Thisah::

Gucci says:
~~~Rofax: I have lost Thisah's presence.~~~

MO_Tribble says:
OPS: I recommend that part of the assault team not be subject to telepathic control.  ::looking at the CO:: Which I am not sure isn't going on here.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: thinks for a moment :: OPS: All right.  CO: Captain, do you concur?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
MO: That would include the Captain, then.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I don't sense Thisah's presence any longer ...

MO_Tribble says:
::nods at Newind::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The biobed in the back of the Gecko slowly transforms into standard Federation transporter pad.

Host CO_Rofax says:
MO: Very Doctor.  Who do you suggest?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
MO: ::sighs:: Do you think that in these few minutes that he has.. ::lowered voice:: shown the ability to not take a walk through la-la land while at a critical moment.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::wonders if it will take another 45 minutes for the crew to figure out a transporter is near::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  I recommend the team go in armed and maneuverable ...

Gucci says:
:: turns head as the transporter begins to take ship in the back of the ship::

Gucci says:
~~~Rofax: There is a strange type bed forming in the pack of the ship.~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The Gecko slips neatly into orbit.  None of the other ships seem to notice her.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Captain, I propose a team of three. Lt. Newind, Cmdr. Pettigrove, and myself.

MO_Tribble says:
CO: You are the CO, but I believe you should take some Tactical officers not capable of telepathic communication.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::checks scans:: XO:  So far, so good.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ Gucci: That is salvation.  Patience please. ~~~

CEO_LtJg_Damien says:
:::good job handbag. Checks the orbit::

MO_Tribble says:
CTO: That is a possibility.

Gucci says:
~~~Rofax: As you wish.~~~

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Done.  Take the Doctor with you.  Thisah is dying....

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Jordan, ask the ship to provide us with weapons, please.

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Rofax sees a misty landscape dotted with dead and dying trees.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
~~~ Gucci:  We will need weapons ... ~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::thinks about a phaser type II::

Gucci says:
~~~OPS: Just ask what you need and it will be in front of you instantly.~~~

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  One of the "consoles" transforms into a standard Federation locker.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::removes the hypo he was hiding in his pocket and injects himself with a telepathic enhancer::

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: opens locker, hands out phaser IIs ::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::opens the locker and grabs phasers and phaser rifles ... passes them out among the team::

MO_Tribble says:
CO: What did you just do, Captain?

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::takes the phaser::

Gucci says:
::feels the strength in Rofax's mind and questions if it was the right move to make::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  In addition to the weapons, there is a med kit and an engineering kit in the locker.

Host CO_Rofax says:
~~~ Thisah: Feed on my strength. ::turns over his entire physical and astral presence to Thisah:: ~~~

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::grabs the med kit and hands it to the MO ... doesn't think she'll need an engineering kit but grabs it anyway::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
Self: I am personally escorting that man to those counseling sessions.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The interior of the Gecko briefly glows a soft golden.

MO_Tribble says:
OPS: I am very concerned.  ::accepts the med kit::

Gucci says:
~~~Gecko: Your master is near but is dying I will need you to add your strength to mine and that of Captain Rofax who is helping to save his life.  Your master is dying.~~~

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
XO/OPS/MO: Locked and loaded, and ready to move out.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
XO:  We're ready.  MO:  So am I ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Rofax begins to hover slightly and the flame he saw earlier now engulfs his entire body.

MO_Tribble says:
CO: Captain!!!!

Gucci says:
::stands and walks over to where the flame is and extends his own hands towards the flame::

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::gasps as she sees the CO ... tries to grab for him::

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
Self: I am just hallucinating. I am just hallucinating. Dear God! I'm not hallucinating.

XO_LtCmdr_Thraxis says:
:: turns quickly, sees what has happened to the captain :: CO: Captain!

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
ALL: Grabbing for him is not a wise idea. You may want to put his fire out first.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The AT feels a tightening sensation in their chests as they dematerialize.

CTO_LtJG_Newind says:
::feels the tightening and gasps::

Gucci says:
::pushes his hands into the flame and the Captain::

MO_Tribble says:
::feels tingling::

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Rofax may be burning, he may not... but surely someone has to have marshmallows and chocolate nearby.

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  And a rush of oxygen fills the AT's lungs as they materialize in a dark smelly place.

OPS_LtCmdr_Pettigrove says:
::gasps the air and looks around::

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