U.S.S. Pendragon
10509.17

Smoke and Mirrors, pt. 2

Starring:
Coot as CO Rofax
Jeff as XO Thraxis
Dylan as CSO Toms
Sandy as OPS Thraxis
Kyle as CTO Newind 
Keith as CEO Damien

Guest Starring:
Lynda as FCO Bishara

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
********************

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
The allegedly renegade USS Pontifex has been brought to heel, its captain in custody and its crew in detention.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
In a bold move, XO Thraxis has ordered the Kenti delegates aboard the Defiant-class vessel, with orders that they be returned to DS14 at maximum warp.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
But puzzles remain. Was the Pontifex in fact working undercover to locate a faction determined to stop the region’s entry into the Federation?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Where has Captain Rofax been all this time?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
And has Thraxis endangered his marriage by his actions?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
The action and intrigue continues, in...

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
"Smoke and Mirrors"

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
<<<<<<<<<<resume mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::walks back into the brig area after calming down somewhat::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::sitting in the big chair.. of the Pontifex::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: back on the bridge ::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::in engineering::

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::In main Science lab, reviewing current schedules for cross training::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
*CEO*: Jose, I need maximum warp as soon as possible. We're going to follow the Pontifex in.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ::hides in a dark corner tapping away on a padd, in his civilian clothing, comm badge nowhere in sight::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
*XO*: Aye Sir, working on it

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::lounging around in the brig::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::looks at Tria::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
*CSO*: Mr. Toms, I need you on the Bridge.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::sitting at the helm::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  What is going on?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: ETA to DS14?

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
*XO*: You’re cleared to push the engines to their limit. Everything shows green.

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
*XO*: On my way sir. ::puts down reports and heads out::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::jumps to her feet::  OPS:  Hi Jordan.  I didn't see you come in.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
FCO: Set course for DS14, maximum warp. Engage.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir ETA to DS14 is 10 hours sir.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  You said you wanted me to hear something ...

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::nods:: FCO: Thank you, miss..Sorry, I haven't learned the names here yet. ::smiles as he relaxes into the chair::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::shrugs helplessly::  OPS:  Any word from Pindari?  Did he get anything from that prisoner?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon goes to warp.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::shakes her head:: Tria:  I haven't heard ... who was Pindari interrogating?

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::steps out of TL and heads over to SCI1::

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ::watches as both vessels vanish out of the main window of the shuttle::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
%B:: sits down in the Captain's chair... hopes to goodness that the way home will be uneventful ::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  One of the survivors of that Galor class, I think.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Where?  This could be important.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  I don't know where.  I assumed on the Pendragon.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  We haven't seen him for days.  I thought he might have been with you ...

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
XO: You needed me?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Not since the Pontifex.  ::looks perplexed::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CSO: Yes. Maintain full sensor sweeps of this sector. I am especially interested in any ships that come anywhere close to being on an intercept course with the Pontifex.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Then where is he ... ::getting worried::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::turns to the lieutenant he addressed earlier:: Smith: Can you run some LRS scans, and tell me if there's anything out there?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::grins::  OPS:  Damn Ullians.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  I need to know what happened after you took on that Galor class ship.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% Cardy: You have been oh so helpful up until now.... however, if you wish to ease your suffering, you will tell me the rest of what you have been holding onto.  ::lashes into the Cardy's leg with the plasma torch yet again::

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::sighs inside, wondering about the use of junior officers:: XO: Aye sir. ::starts scanning::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Happened?  Lot's happened.  Where should I start?

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  How about after our crewmembers were killed.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  I know Rofax was with you ... I could sense him ...

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  We were in orbit of a moon doing repairs.  Our sensors were blind.  We had no idea you were nearby or that your crew was in danger.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: puts his head in his hand, and allows himself to close his eyes for a moment ::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  And after that?

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::maintains course trimming the attitude slightly::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  When we emerged the Galor came right at us.  Our sensors picked up the Pendragon in pursuit.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  The rest I think I know.  You took on the Galor Class and then had to rescue our sorry butts.  The Captain was on the Pontifex when we beamed you over?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith>  CTO:  Sure.  ::does so::

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ::smiles happily after finally easing off the torch and lays in a new course::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
ACTION:  Nothing unusual is on sensors for either the Pendragon or Pontifex, yet.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  He beamed aboard before the battle.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  This changes things.  I'm going to ask Thraxis to release you back to the Pontifex.  You know him better than I do.  What would he do ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ::warps off course slightly different from the other two vessels::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Something unexpected.  ::shrugs::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
*XO*:  Thraxis to Cmdr Thraxis.

Host CO_Rofax says:
%  ~~~ ::feels the sensors feeding back continuous updates and tell her to alter shape to something more convincing::~~~

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: sits up at the sound of his wife's voice, tries to sound pleasant :: *OPS*: Yes, Commander?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith> CTO:  Nothing unusual on sensors.  Council members are stowed and fed.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
*XO*:  I think you'd better come down to the brig.  We may have bigger problems ....

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
*OPS*: On my way.  CSO: You have the conn, Mr. Toms. Keep me apprised of developments.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::nods and grins:: Smith: Happy?

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir I am detecting three Takaran cargo ships on patrol, but nowhere near the standard patrol routes.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith> ::nods::  CTO:  For the moment.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: enters the turbolift, and the doors shut behind him ::

Host CO_Rofax says:
% Cardy: Last chance to save a few lives before yours ends...  ::finger dangerously hovers over a button::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::looks back to the FCO and nods:: FCO: Keep an eye on them please.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  If he did have a Cardassian or a Takaran as a prisoner ... where would be take them?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: exits the TL just outside Security ::

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ::doesn't wait for a respond and simply closes his eyes briefly::

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::moves to the center chair, then sits in the XOs Chair::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  I have no idea.  He must be on the ship somewhere.  Have you done an internal sensor sweep?  Bioscans?

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  No.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: enters Kyrron's cell ::   OPS: What's our new problem?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::notices old grumpy walk in::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Let me put it this way ... We have a missing CO ....

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: This I know.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir one of the Takaran vessels appears to have disappeared from sensors, but the other two have not seemed to notice.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  What you DON'T know is that he could have a cardassian prisoner with him ...

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
XO/OPS:  He must be back on the Pontifex.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: Disappeared? ::straightens up, noticeably:: Can you find them?

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Or he's somewhere else ...

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Kyrron: You don't know if he is on the Pontifex or not?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith>  CTO:  Relax.  DS 14 is in the middle of several shipping routes.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  If you don't mind me giving orders ... I would like to run an internal sensor sweep and get the Pontifex to do the same.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Like where?

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  That's what we've got to work out.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@Smith: We've had a bunch of bad experiences with Takarans lately. I want to know where that ship is.

Host CO_Rofax says:
%  ~~~ ::alters course slightly once again and increases spread::  ~~~  Cardy: You hesitated and they paid for your error.  Care to have another go?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith> CTO:  Takarans can be a bit mercenary, for sure.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: I am looking for it sir.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@::continues to scan::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: thinks over Jordan's suggestion for a moment ::  *CSO*: Mr. Toms, run a full internal sensor sweep for Ullian biosigns. Have Mr. Newind do the same aboard the Pontifex.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  I would also like to release Tria back to the Pontifex ... we are going to need her tactical and command experience.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@Smith: Can you tell me what those vessels are carrying? ::nods to the FCO::

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
*XO*: Aye sir.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir I can't really to tell sir it is two far to tell at this distance......

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::orders aOPS to send order to the Pontifex, and gets a SO to run the internal scans::

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Hold no a sec.......Sir the second vessel has now disappeared as well.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: looks at Jordan in disbelief :: OPS: Commander, you know as well as I do that we were ordered to captured Ms. Kyrron and bring her in. Are you seriously suggesting that I simply let her go?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::shakes her head::  OPS:  The Council has to get back to DS 14.  That's a priority.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@Self: Great..

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  That's exactly what I'm suggesting.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Agreed.  That's why we need you.  Someone is bound to try to stop the Pontifex and at the moment a young Lt is in command.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ <OPS Agin> CTO: Sir, an order just came from the Pendragon to run internal scans.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@OPS: Then run them. What are we looking for?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::considers that::  OPS:  Possibly.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ <OPS Agin> CTO: Ullians. ::runs the scan:: No Ullians now, but we did have one here earlier.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  And to keep Starfleet happy ... I'll go with her to make sure she returns and doesn't run away.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::sighs:: OPS: Right. Let the Pendragon know.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: I cannot... you'll what?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ <OPS Agin> CTO: Yes, sir. ::sends the Pendragon their findings::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::sits down on her cot to watch the argument unfold::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  You heard me, Sir.  Request permission to accompany Captain Kyrron back to the Pontifex.

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir I hate to tell you but the third one has disappeared as well but I can localize about where they had been and where their trails appear to be holding up.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% Cardy: A shame you gave them up like that... now you will tell me what I want.  ~~~ ::tells the walls of the holding cell to close in around the Cardy and begin absorbing him into the hull:: ~~~

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::aOPS passes on findings from Pontifex, and aSO say nothing on Pendragon::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: blinks in surprise :: OPS: All right then.  *FCO*: Bridge... hail the Pontifex, and have them match warp velocity for transport.

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
*XO*: Both ships say there’s no Ullians onboard sir.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
::tries to picture Pindari::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Commander, it makes sense.  We probably know Rofax better than anyone else ...

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::sighs again:: FCO: Alright. I want you to keep track of them. If you lose where them or their trails at all, let me know. I've lost any trust in Takarans I ever had.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::grins and lowers the forcefield on the cell::  Tria:  Ready?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
*CSO*: Understood. Thank you, Mr. Toms.

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
::continues to monitor the going ons on the bridge::

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ACTION: Somewhere in space a Cardassian screams but no one is listening.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: One moment.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
ACTION:  Thisah, now on DS 14, frowns.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ <OPS Agin> CTO: Pendragon is ordering we match warp velocity for transport.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Tria: While you are over there, the lives of my crew will be in your hands. If any of them are harmed -- ESPECIALLY my wife -- I _will_ hunt you down.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Ready.  ::grins::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
XO:  Relax Commander.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ OPS: Thank you. FCO: Match the warp velocity with the Pendragon. OPS: Who are they transporting over?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: shakes head :: Tria: Not until this is over.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::looks at her husband:: XO:  I'll be fine ... I trust Tria completely, Albaron.  I know we'll do this.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
XO:  Find Pindari.  He's not always as self-sufficient as he likes to believe.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: Status on those ships?

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir the vessels appear to have disappeared at regular intervals...no wreckage on scanners or debris of all three vessels.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::nods:: XO:  We'll get that ship to DS14, Commander.  Go find Rofax.  My guess is he has a ship somewhere ... I'm guessing he won't be far away.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: looks dubious, but says nothing more ::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  Men, eh?  ::grins::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Let's go.  ::grins back::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
Tria:  Site to site ... from here to the Pontifex's bridge?

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ~~~ ::fires multiple salvos on what appears to be nothing more than rogue asteroid:: ~~~

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS:  That would be perfect.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::nods:: XO:  We're ready.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Shall we send Mr. Newind back to the Pendragon?

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir I might be able to get a little more from the sensors,

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::looks to the OPS:: OPS: As soon as the transport is completed, I want shields raised. I don't trust Takarans right now.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: Good.. Please do so then.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ACTION: The screaming continues, but now sounds more like pleading, not for his life, but for others.  Mighty strange behavior from a Cardassian....

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: No. I want him to remain in command.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@ <OPS Agin> ::nods::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Commander?

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  With all due respect, that doesn't make sense!

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: You heard me. Kyrron will be there in an advisory capacity only. And she remains under arrest.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  And me?  Am I under arrest too?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: massive eye roll :: OPS: Of course not. But I will not pull Newind from command. He's done nothing to merit it, and he is sure to take it as a reprimand.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  If you say so ... ::thinks that this defeats the purpose but rolls with it::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Thank you. And... be careful

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::smiles:: XO:  Always.  I'll be back, you watch.

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
OPS/XO:  Deep Space 14 is well defended since the last attack.  The closer we get the safer we'll be.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
::nods:: Tria:  But we need to get there ... we'd better go.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ~~~ ::continues his attack until the asteroid is obliterated:: ~~~

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@<LtSmith>  ::yawns::  CTO:  We're in position for transport.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: Have we matched velocity with the -- ::stops as Smith answers his question:: Smith: Thank you.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ACTION: The Cardassian overwhelmed with shock and grief passes out.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  We're ready to transport.  Remember, I do love you and we have our bond ...

FCO_Lt_T`Lar_Bishara says:
@CTO: Sir?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: nods :: OPS: I know. I love you too.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@FCO: Never mind. Smith answered my question.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
*CSO*:  Thraxis to Bridge.  Two to transport to the bridge of the Pontifex.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ~~~ ::stands from his chair staring at the slumped over Cardassian in a similar chair:: ~~~

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
ACTION:  OPS and Kyrron are transported to the Pontifex's bridge.

CSO_Cmdr_Toms says:
*XO: Aye sir ::sets it up::

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
@::looks around as she materializes:: CTO:  Mr. Newind.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::hears the transporter:: OPS Agin: Raise shields now. ::looks to see who transported aboard:: OPS: Eh? Commander. ::straightens up:: What's up? ::jumps out of the big chair::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: walks out of Security and back to the turbolift, his face creased with worry ::

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@Pontifex Bridge:  I'm still under arrest.  Lt Newind remains in command.

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
@::smiles:: CTO:  Stay where you are, Lt.

Host CO_Rofax says:
% ~~~ Gecko: It has worked thus far.  Maintain the cargo hold appearance for the Takaran vessels and continue all conversations in Cardassian.  We will hold our position until the time is prudent....  Also, send Thisah my gratitude. ~~~

OPS_Cmdr_Jordan_Thraxis says:
@Tria:  I'll take OPS ... I'm guessing you're taking tactical?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
@::nods and grins:: Kyrron: He let you out?

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
@::grins at Newind::

Host CO_Rofax says:
ACTION: Something on a display screen flashes and catches Newind's attention.  He could swear he has seen that signal before....

Host Tria_Kyrron says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<pause mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>