U.S.S. Pendragon
10705.12
“What Lies Ahead, pt. 2”
 Directed by Coot

Starring:
Jeff as CO Thraxis
 Keith as CEO Damien 
Jane as XO Luchena

Guest Starring:
Sandy as Jordan Thraxis
 Lynda as FCO Rochelle

Absent:
Cory as OPS Grant 

Host Coot says:
Last Time on The U.S.S. Pendragon . . .

Host Coot says:
The crew returned to San Francisco, Earth where a formal inquest cleared the crew of any wrongdoing. They remain at Starfleet Headquarters awaiting final orders as to their next assignment.

Host Coot says:
< < < < Resume Mission: What Lies Ahead > > > >

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::in a cafeteria drinking a coffee::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::wandering aimlessly, thinking of Heathcliff wandering the moors::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::sitting in her quarters with Red Falcon and WindFire::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: enters cafeteria, sees Mikal ... gets a raktajeno and approaches ::  XO: Good morning, Mikal. Mind if I join you?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks up::  CO:  Not at all Captain.  Please  ::gestures toward an empty chair::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::the genetic bonding has been done and taken effect and now Maria has two companion birds but the whereabouts of her three kitts is still unknown::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: sits ::  XO: There's a rumor going about that a senior officer, late of the Pendragon, might be getting married. Know anything about that?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::smiles::  CO:  I'm glad I ran into you.  Ashley and I would like you to officiate the ceremony.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::wonders if he should let Ashley enter into a marriage with blinders on.::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::watches both birds as they preen each other and play::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: smiles :: XO: I would be honored, Mikal. Congratulations. Ashley is a very lucky woman... and you are a very lucky man.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: A waitress makes her way over to the CO and XO, waiting to take the CO's order.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: lets the waitress know he needs nothing just now ::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  Thank you.  We don't have a date yet but hopefully it will be before she changes her mind again.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: Little chance of that, I'd think.  :: his look gets more serious ::   There is something else I need to discuss with you, Mikal.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::straightens up::  CO:  Yes Captain?

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I am troubled by something that happened a few minutes before the final attack on the Pendragon. A senior officer disobeyed orders and tried to leave the ship in a shuttle. I was hoping you could shed some light on that incident.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::thinks back::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::shrugs::  CO:  I felt, and still feel, Garshon was my responsibility.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I understand that, Mikal. Knowing one's responsibility is good. But knowing how to meet that responsibility isn't always easy.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: The problem with loose cannons, Mikal, is that no one, least of all the cannon, knows what it is going to hit. I need officers who won't go freelance in the midst of a battle. They're more likely to endanger the ship and themselves than to provide a tactical advantage.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::eyes glass over::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::puts on the double shoulder pad and beckons both birds to her shoulders and snaps their chains to the rings on their feet and heads for one of the holosuites::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::thinks this is an odd speech from a man who disobeyed orders to take the ship after his wayward wife::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::steps off the lift onto the promenade and heads for the holosuites::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I haven't mentioned the incident in my log. Starfleet knows nothing of it, and it will stay that way. I've been able to count on you in the past, Mikal. I know that I will be able to do so again.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: And it may be sooner than either of us think. There's something more...

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::carefully makes his expression blank and listens with apparent attention::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::with her parents and sisters gone, Maria is alone with her birds still disheartened as there is no news of her missing kitts::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I've been... seeing things. Specifically, Jr'dan. Servek assures me that the chip was completely removed from my brain, and Jordan and probed my mind and found nothing. But if she surfaces again, I will have to take that as a sign that I am unfit for command.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: Whatever ship we are assigned, she may sail with you in the Captain's chair, not I.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: A small gaggle of first-year cadets following the CEO blows their cover by one of them giggling.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::frowns::  CO:  What are you saying?  Jr'dan is alive in your head?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::stops and looks around and smiles:: Ladies....

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I don't know. If it isn't the Jr'dan personality itself, then... then, I am losing my own mind. I can't take the chance of either problem surfacing while I am in command. 

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  In what way does she "surface"?

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::walks through the gardens path till she hits the building where there are holosuites::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I see her. Sometimes I hear her. She was sitting across from me at the inquest for a few minutes. Then she was gone.

Host Coot says:
<Cadet> CEO: Is it true? You nearly died out there? ::sheepishly moves in closer::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  But never close enough to take possession of you?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Cadet: Well I'm sure it wasn't as dramatic as the version you heard, but yes.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I've felt no compulsions, no.

Host Coot says:
<Cadet> CEO: Can I see it then?  ::flutters her eyelids::

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The remainder of the cadets resume their giggling.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::frowns at the Captain::  CO:  Have you been thoroughly checked out by medical?  These hallucinations could be a sign of something else.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Cadet: perhaps another time...

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::turns around and walks away from the building where the holosuites are and decides to walk for a while::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: thinks for a moment ::  XO: I've been resisting the idea of turning myself over to Medical, thinking that these visions may just be signs of exhaustion, that they would pass. I'm still hoping that they will.

Host Coot says:
ACTION: The cadet frowns and turns away whispering to the others about how she knew it wasn't true.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::it is unusual to see a person walking with two birds on their shoulders and heads turn in her direction::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Cadet: What isn't true?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::frowns more severely::  CO: You're saying the hallucinations are psychological?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::walks into the cafeteria ... finds a table to herself::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
RedFalcon:~~~Relax my companion we are among friends.  WindFire will teach you as well.~~~

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::senses Jordan walk in::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::sees the CEO in the distance and hastens over to him anxious to see if he knows about the missing Kitts::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: I don't know what they are, to be honest.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Damien, have you heard any news if they found the other three Kitts?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::is deeply disturbed::  CO:  Captain you must report to medical and rule out anything physical.

Host Coot says:
<Cadet> ::pauses::  CEO: There's a rumor that you caught a piece of shrapnel in your side and scar resembles the Eiffel Tower..

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Not a word.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::sighs:: CEO: Then they are gone.  ::a tear falls::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks into the distance, seeing nothing ... nods :: XO: Yes... yes, I think you may be right.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Cadet: I'm afraid those files are permanently sealed

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO:  This seems to be affecting your judgment.

Host Coot says:
<Cadet> ::frowns more severely and hurries away, pouting::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::WindFire touches his master’s cheek in love to try to get her out of her sadness::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: You didn’t have someone covering for you? That’s how little Ashley survived.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I was in Sickbay when we got it.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: It is by shear luck and a miracle that WindFire is alive.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: I wish I had thought to get them. But seeing as they were your children. I am happy he survived.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: Which only confirms my worst fears.  :: stands, sees Jordan ::  Take good care of the ship, Mikal, whatever she turns out to be.  :: walks over to Jordan ::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::lowers her head::  CEO: They were in quarters last time.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: Good morning, sweetheart.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: It  is going to be hard with out them.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::doesn't reply ... is lost in her own thoughts and concerns::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::gets to his feet and follows the Captain to Jordan's table::  Jordan:  Hi ya gorgeous.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: How is Ashley?

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::looks over at Mikal ... ::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks at Jordan, waves hand in front of her face :: Jordan: Hello?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: She's as playful as the day I got her. Her innocence unspoiled.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Good I am glad.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Jordan:  Could you please see that your husband gets a medical going over as soon as possible.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: She will be very happy with you.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::jumps startled:: CO:  Albaron ...

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I would like to introduce you to Red Falcon.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::RedFalcon lowers his head::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: She does sleep on the bed. Aren’t they natural enemies?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::taps his foot impatiently::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Why would he need to do that? ::isn't making a lot of sense::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks over at Luchena :: XO: I've already made that decision, Mikal.      Jordan: Hi there. Remember me?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
CO/Jordan:  All right.  Both of you come with me right now.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: My parents breed them as well.  And no they are bred not to be enemies.  Hawks and Falcons are in the same family.  Raptors.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  No.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
Jordan: I've told Mikal about the Jr'dan hallucinations. He's convinced me not to wait till it happens again. I'm going to report to Starfleet Medical for a complete workup.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Birds of prey.....

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Jordan:  Your husband has the remnants of an alien program in his brain.  Doesn't that concern you?

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Apparently the loss of WindFire and not knowing that he had survived is what brought them to me with RedFalcon.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  I know.  I sensed it.

Host Coot says:
<SFHQ OPS> *CO* Lt. Halen to Captain Thraxis, please respond.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: puzzled ::  Jordan: I thought you said you found only a memory.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Jordan:  What's the matter with you?

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Assuming you bonded with both animals, it's twice as good ::smiles::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Yes Humans would call them birds of prey but since they are specially bred and genetically selected they are not enemies.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: annoyed ::  Self: What now?    *SFHQ*: Thraxis here.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
XO:  Can't a person just want to be left alone! ::gets up and storms out::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Yes I have bonded with Red Falcon quickly and both are good friends.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::watches Jordan stomp off::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: There is no jealousy between them.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::thinks both the Thraxes have lost it::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Good to have animal friends

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: looks at his departing wife :: Self: That went well...

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Yes it is but I lost a fair amount of my friends on that fateful day and it still hurts.

Host Coot says:
<SFHQ OPS> *CO* Admiral Newsome is requesting you return to the hearing chamber. There is another matter to be discussed immediately.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: I'm glad he didn't force feed you your own bird

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks at the Captain curiously::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I thought he had.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: So did I

Host CO_Thraxis says:
*SFHQ*: On my way.     XO: Best to let her be, Mikal. Believe me, I know.   :: heads for the hearing room ::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::tags along after the Captain::  CO:  She never used to be so volatile.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I am pleased that it was not WindFire.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
XO: She's been through a lot. We all have. 

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I am still sad as my sisters and parents have returned home.  It seems like I am all alone even though I have my birds.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::bites back a tart reply and keeps pace with the CO::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: arrives at hearing room, enters ::  XO: Come on in with me, Mikal. If this is the ship assignment, we need to tell the Admiral that you'll be in command until I get straightened out.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: You're never really alone with all of us

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: Thraxis reporting as ordered, sir.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: I know Damien but it is not the same.

Host Adm_Newsome says:
SCENE: The room is dimly lit and only Admiral Newsome is in the room.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::follows the CO into the briefing room and tries to look inconspicuous::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: It is like I am with out the company of another person.

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO: Captain! Welcome and I see your first officer is here as well. Excellent,,, excellent.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: Always a pleasure to see you, sir.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::doesn't like the atmosphere in the room::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Then at least you have the birds.

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO: There was some discussion after you left and it appears the timetable for events has been accelerated.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::lowers her head and a few tears fall::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks at the Admiral curiously::

Host Adm_Newsome says:
ACTION: The Admiral hands the CO a padd.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Yes I do have the birds but they are my companion birds and not a human companion.

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: Indeed?  :: looks at the PADD ::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Adm:  What events are you referring to Sir?

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: It would appear your reports on the rogue Romulan activity only scratch the surface. We are receiving daily Intel regarding increasing numbers of Romulans splintering from their fleet.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: Humans are good companions as well ::genuine smile, thinks of Ebony::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: The Empire has been fracturing since the death of the Praetor Shinzon.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::wonders what they are expected to do about it from here::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Yes I know Damien and you have Ebony.  Yet I am with out someone to call my one as it were.

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: As you have had first-hand contact with these individuals, it is imperative to get you back out there.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::nods in agreement::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: says nothing ::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
FCO: You'd need to rephrase that. I don't 'have' Ebony.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::walking aimlessly around ... ::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: What happened to her then?

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: However, a large portion of your crew has requested reassignment elsewhere. ::pauses, and simply smiles::

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::isn't surprised::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: without expression::  ADM: So I have been informed.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::clears his throat:: FCO: Well, ships passing in the night......

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::hadn't been informed but isn't surprised about that either::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: Say no more Damien.  I understand.

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::turns an un-natural shade of crimson::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: No need Damien to get embarrassed.  It is nothing un-natural.

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: You current crew numbers at 400. It would appear after the reassignments, your remaining crew will reflect a total of 168.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
::composes herself ... walks back into SF Headquarters::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::is glad the FCO doesn't have details on Ebony::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: raises an eyebrow, still remains silent ::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> ::at that moment she spots the CEO and FCO ... walks by and winks at the CEO::

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: Therefore, it is only fitting that I present you with this. ::turns and retrieves something from a table behind him::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
CEO: If you aren't doing anything later would you like to...........::lets the sentence die::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::brightens:: Ebony: Ebony!

Host Adm_Newsome says:
ACTION: Admiral Newsome turns over a plaque to the CO and XO engraved with the following.... USS Pendragon
Intrepid Class
NCC 74125

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::smiles and thinks that Jose will be pleased::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
:: takes the plaque... holds it for a moment ::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> ::Stops and purrs in her exotic alien accent:: CEO:  Jose!

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: She is nearing completion, but your crew will have full access to her over the next few weeks to prepare her for launch.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::can't wait to get out of here and tell him::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::broad grin:: Ebony: It's been too long.

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::looks and just leaves::

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: Thank you, Admiral. I think my crew will be pleased.   :: hands the plaque to Mikal ::   I feel that I must inform you of a decision I have come to just this morning.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> CEO:  That it has.  What are you doing tonight?

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::looks the plaque over::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Ebony: No plans

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::walks quickly away as the tears flow::

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: Shakedown runs begin in three days time.  Tidy your things here on the surface and report to her within the next 48 hours.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> ::watches the FCO:: CEO:  Did I interrupt something?

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::breaks into a run as she heads for her quarters as both birds take to the air ahead of her::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Ebony: You most certainly did not

Host CO_Thraxis says:
ADM: I have reason to believe that I may be suffering a mental disturbance that would call into question my fitness for command. I am reporting this morning to Starfleet Medical for a full psych workup. I have asked Commander Luchena to take command until I am cleared for duty.

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> CEO:  Well, I like you, do not have any plans this evening.  I know a nice, cozy little restaurant not far from here.

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
Thinks to self:  Great.  I have command of a plaque....

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Ebony: Then it's a date ::smiles::

FCO_Lt_Maria_Rochelle says:
::stopping only for the birds to land quickly she runs to her quarters and throws herself on her bed and cries::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> ::grins:: CEO:  You can pick me up at 7.00.  Here is where I am staying ::hands him the address::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
::takes it::

Host Adm_Newsome says:
CO/XO: Very well Captain. All command codes will be transferred to Cmdr. Luchena.  ::pauses to make a note on a padd::  You have three days Captain to get your kitchen in order.  Dismissed. ::salutes::

CEO_LtCmdr_Damien says:
Ebony: I'll be there

XO_Cmdr_Luchena says:
::wonders if he's expected to bolt the thing to the wall too::

Jordan_Thraxis says:
<Ebony> ::smiles and strokes his face before walking off::

Host Adm_Newsome says:
< < < < Pause Mission: What Lies Ahead > > > >