USS Cherokee NCC 61333 10202.17 – “The Search Begins” Part 3

Some of the Cherokee crew is scattered over the station gathering information as needed to solve the mystery of the Starfish. Captain Arconus has returned to the ship and is ready to discuss various options that have presented itself to the crew.

<<<<<RESUME Mission>>>>>

CNS_Siatty says:
@::After saying good-byes to Starfish crew, returning to "Thomas Paine" to prepare for reception.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sits at OPS after Kyleigh had to leave the bridge::

Host CO_Arconus says:
@::On the bridge pondering what the station commander had told him::

CEO_Terumo says:
::at Main Engineering, still comparing the data gathered on the Starfish with what's on record::

Host Capn_Briggs says:
::In his Ready Room looking across at the Thomas Paine::

MO_Brabas says:
::Looking over patterns he found in the Station sickbay::

CSO_Nash says:
@:: On DS9 OPS trying to get past the security lockouts on the Starfish.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
::taps a few buttons and turns in his seat:: CO: Everything is checking out at the moment, sir, just not why the Starfish is being so secretive.

Host CO_Arconus says:
::nods::

CTO_Worthington says:
@::continues to monitor the visual logs of all outgoing vessels for the past 72 hours::

CNS_Siatty says:
::Enters ship, heading for Bridge.::  *Pat*: I need a few of my blades collected and set up for the reception. Also, try to track down as many unusual artifacts as we can find. Need to put some sort of display up for this.

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  That's what I'm afraid of. What if she is on a classified mission? This could get sticky.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::turns back to the console and tries to devise a way to get internal sensor scans of the Starfish to see if T'Sara's on board.

MO_Brabas says:
::takes the scans from the tricorder and uploads them to the computer.::

CEO_Terumo says:
::sees something interesting on SF's records:: Self: Now, how do I check this out?

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  Recall the senior staff. We'll go over what we've learned so far and decide on the next course.

CNS_Siatty says:
::Enters Bridge.::  CO/XO: Invitations are given, places are being set. All we need now is to figure out whether the guests are who we think they are.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::turns back again:: CO: Aye, sir. As to the secret mission thing... I thought of that too.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  I'm going to have nightmares seeing you like that.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::turns to the console, taps a few buttons and sends out a message to the senior staff on the station to return to the ship.::

Host Capn_Briggs says:
@::Turns around:: Starfish CMO: How is our patient doing?

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: So is the Targ. I don't know though, I kind of like it.

Host XO_Lyon says:
*MO*: Jovan, please come to the bridge.

Starfish_CMO says:
@CO: She is stable, but I am still concerned.

CTO_Worthington says:
@::sees the XO's message and heads back for the Cherokee, thanking the security officers on duty::

Host XO_Lyon says:
*CEO*: Terumo, please report to the bridge.

CEO_Terumo says:
*XO*: On my way.

CSO_Nash says:
@ :: Sees the callback signal flash on his tricorder and leaves OPS immediately heading back for the Paine.::

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: I'm collecting as many artifacts as I can gather from the ship for the reception. Considering this reception is so thin spread, figured it could add some reason to it.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::turns in his seat again:: CO: They are returning as soon as possible.

CTO_Worthington says:
@::walks towards the airlock, entering and heading for the nearest TL::

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  Acknowledged.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Good. I think we'll take are cue from the reception.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::waves one of the duty ensigns over to take his place and gets up::

CEO_Terumo says:
::Sets a new scan pattern on his console:: Lets see what this gets us ... ::heads to the nearest TL::

Host Capn_Briggs says:
@Starfish CMO: okay, keep me informed. Dismissed

Starfish_CMO says:
::Nods and exits the ready room::

CSO_Nash says:
@:: Gets on the TL. TL: Habitat Ring. prepares for the lift to jolt.::

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: In my professional opinion, this isn't our ship. A bunch of mercenaries and bounty hunters wouldn't be able to maintain this discipline for this long.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods:: CNS: I'm inclined to agree, but I want to know who the telepath needing the medication is.

CTO_Worthington says:
::exits the TL onto the bridge:: CO: Reporting as ordered, sir.

MO_Brabas1 says:
::gathers all the information he collected and goes to the bridge::

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO:  Grab a seat.

CEO_Terumo says:
::enters the TL and heads for the Bridge:: Self: I hope we've got something new on the Starfish quickly...

Host CO_Arconus says:
MO:  How is OPS doing?

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: That's the side affect of our cover. As Counselor Siatty, I could offer assistance. As Azog, I know nothing of telepaths and their treatment.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::sighs:: CNS: I know Tach, and that is the frustrating thing.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CO: Well it will be fine, she just needs to relax.

CSO_Nash says:
:: @ exits the TL and enters the docking ring awaiting the doors to cycle. The doors cycle and he enters the docking tube that leads to the bridge. Exits onto the bridge.::

MO_Brabas1 says:
CO: What can I do for you , sir!

CTO_Worthington says:
::takes a seat at the tactical console and begins to go over the latest security reports::

CEO_Terumo says:
::exits the TL and walks to the XO:: XO: Here I am. Just don't mind the pale look. 

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We'll await the CSO and then begin.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::smiles:: CEO: Terumo, you're still very blue in comparison to Tach over here.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Enters as the CO speaks. CO: I'm here now sir.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: Who is Tach? I am Azog, puny one. ::Grins.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  Right. What Cmdr Rice told me is that the USS Starfish was due here at the station. Two hours before the Starfish arrived an unscheduled Nova Class ship entered the wormhole.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Pardon my error, oh horrid one. ::shudders:: And don't grin at me please.

CEO_Terumo says:
Self: Here we go...

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Then they could be on the other side of the Galaxy by now, literally.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  The Crew of the Starfish seems to be who they say they are but are acting very oddly. Can anyone add anything to the puzzle?

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: Just as information to those who don't know. There is an unnamed telepath needing medication on that ship, but its unconfirmed that its T'Sara.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: I saw nothing to indicate she was aboard. Granted the tour didn't include seeing every room, but you would think they'd have guards posted if she was there.

CSO_Nash says:
CO: Something else odd is that they are keeping all sensors from scanning the ship. Even the station hookups can't get through. I would call that odd.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Unless they are suppressing her telepathy.

CEO_Terumo says:
All: Well, I've found out they've requested engineering supplies.

MO_Brabas1 says:
ALL: They requested a lot of drugs used for telepathic relief.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CSO:  It is odd. One possibility is that our real target was the other Nova ship as the CNS indicated. It is also possible that the Starfish is on a classified mission.

CEO_Terumo says:
All: Unfortunately, most of it was standard stuff.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: That is assumed. But no signs of guards to prevent anyone from stumbling in.

CTO_Worthington says:
All: I have spoken with station security about the prisoner escape idea. We should be able to get a security team onto the Starfish under those pretences.

CNS_Siatty says:
CSO: Active scans are unable to penetrate their hull, or just passive scans?

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Passive - we don't want to alert them to our activities.

CEO_Terumo says:
CSO: I've started an alternative scanning pattern. I hope that gives us some information.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We will hold a reception on board. We will limit physical and computer access in the areas visitors may enter. CTO will post guards unobtrusively and the CEO will make sure we resemble the Thomas Paine.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: I'm just wondering if that means an active scan will fail. If there is a prisoner escape, Active scans will be standard.

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  Find the prefix codes of the Starfish. If we don't have it, Cmdr Rice will as the station is the command base for this sector.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: True, if we go with that line of action. ::nods:: CO: Aye, sir.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: Do you want our LCARS to display the 'Paine's registry number?

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: What if we needed to test our scanners. Launch a probe and track it, and it accidentally goes behind the Starfish?

MO_Brabas1 says:
::uses his PADD to check the type of drugs requested by the Starfish::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: I like that idea... CO: Sir? Does Tach's idea have some merit?

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  Yes. Everything we can think of down to the color scheme.

CTO_Worthington says:
XO: How about the commission plaque, in case someone comes to the bridge?

CEO_Terumo says:
::starts a search for everything on the Thomas Paine::

Host CO_Arconus says:
XO:  We could even go a step further and borrow a station runabout to monitor the test.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Gives us another sensor platform.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods and starts making notes:: CTO: Already covered. I'm going to replicate one.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Put a Betazoid and a Vulcan aboard, and we should have a reason to scan for Betazoid and Vulcan DNA.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  I want access to the ship very limited. To both crew and other sections and decks. No tours in general and then only to certain areas.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CO: That could be arranged with bio molecular scanners...

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Excellent.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::goes to the OPS console and gets the information needed::

CTO_Worthington says:
All: We could lock down engineering and other sensitive areas. We could call it a security drill.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CO: I could modify it to send a DNA pattern of Vulcans, but Betazoid will be harder.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO:  No need for a drill, we'll just have to monitor movement carefully.

CSO_Nash says:
:: Prepares the Transponders to match the Paine's codes.::

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: I'll reprogram the computer core to display the 'Paine's information.

CNS_Siatty says:
MO: Not really. If it is done before the reception, I can be the template.

CSO_Nash says:
XO: I'll assist you sir

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  Now what do we do if all scans turn negative? One option is for me to confront the Captain with our suppositions and see how he reacts.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CNS: Oh, in that case it could be done. I could scan for your Alpha waves to remake as well as DNA!

Host XO_Lyon says:
::starts tapping away, altering the visual displays and so forth:: CO: He can deny it, or they can start shooting...

MO_Brabas1 says:
CNS: And then we will have an computer Telepath on board ::Smiles::

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: The reception could also lend a perfect opportunity for a rescue attempt as most of the crew will be offshore.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO/ XO: But they will still have the hostage. If they start shooting, you know who the first target would be.

MO_Brabas1 says:
ALL: What about light tranquilizers through the ventilation systems?

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO/XO:  Exactly. We will have their command element here. If it goes bad, we'll board the Starfish. We outnumber them greatly and can be reinforced by the station. Rice will back us.

CNS_Siatty says:
MO: Just make sure to pick from the original sample, not the Nausican cover.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::hits the final command and the visual displays throughout the ship changes to the Thomas Paine's registry number, etc.::

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: Station security is informed and standing by, sir.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  That is the danger. That's why we need to find out.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CNS: Don't worry ::Smiles::

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Keep Doctor Starr or myself in the room when you confront him. As second officer, Doctor Star may be a better choice.

MO_Brabas1 says:
CNS: I have your original DNA in computer.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: If he gets shaken, it will give a head start.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  If we can get the prefix codes we should be able to take them by complete surprise. If it comes to that.

CSO_Nash says:
CO: We just need to make sure that if an armed take over is the option that we have as little opposition in the target area as possible.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  I had intended to have you with us, as you're the only one to have met him.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Use the Prefix Code to take over their transporters and locate and beam her to safety.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO/CNS: Since we are using deception, Tach can for intent and purpose BE the 2nd officer.

CNS_Siatty says:
XO: Not with the cover story. I'm an "exchange officer".

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We use the codes to see their internal scans, disable intruder protocols, weapons and shields.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CNS: Whoops, forgot that bit.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  If we have to go in, I do not want casualties.

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: That is if they haven't already changed the codes, seems like the logical thing to do.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  On either side.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::gets up from the console again, goes over to the bridge replicator, and starts tapping specs into it.::

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: There is one other option. What if the Paine is called away and the Cherokee arrives while they are at station.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: If it’s the Ursa, they'll split. The Starfish won't care about us either way.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: He has a point.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  That is an option. It depends on what the Captain says. During the reception we can have Station OPS hail and say the Cherokee will be several hours early. They should then want to depart the station.

CNS_Siatty says:
CO: Very good, that way we see their reaction.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Exactly. That should be our first move.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  After your probe monitoring of course.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::taps a few more minutes and hits the final command.:: CO: One commission plaque coming up.

MO_Brabas says:
All: I will order sickbay personnel to be ready for casualties. Just In case of course!

Host CO_Arconus says:
MO:  If we board you should go with the XO and CTO.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  any other suggestions or observations?

MO_Brabas says:
CO: I understand, sir.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::removes the plaque and places it on his chair.::

CNS_Siatty says:
All: If anyone has any "unusual" artifacts that can be set up in the reception for display, we're looking to create a mini museum type room. Give a reason for the reception.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CNS:  Excellent idea.

CTO_Worthington says:
All: We could use a medical quarantine to keep their command staff here. We could say that a strange bacterium was discovered onboard.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::ponders:: CNS: I have a few books and such, but nothing totally unusual.

MO_Brabas says:
CNS: I think I have one in my quarters!

CEO_Terumo says:
CNS: I think I can come up with something.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO:  It depends on how things go, but it is an option.

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: We could use that excuse in conjunction with the Cherokee's arrival. We may really see them squirm.

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  We will continue the surveillance of the Starfish in the mean time. About an hour before the reception, place a couple of undercover security teams on the station in case we need a quick reaction force.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO:  Their reaction will be key.

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: Aye. They will be standing by.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::makes mental notes and looks around at the bridge, wondering if they can pull it off looking like the 'Paine.::

Host CO_Arconus says:
All:  That's it then. Make it happen.

MO_Brabas says:
All: I have a suggestion for all telepaths on board to look at their thoughts.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CO: Aye, sir. ::picks up the plaque he made:: I made this hollow so it fits over our plaque... it feels wrong to remove ours.

Host CO_Arconus says:
MO:  Yes?

CEO_Terumo says:
::starts picking a list of items from the search results and sends them to the Engineering replicators::

CTO_Worthington says:
*SEC*: Have Delta team standing by for an undercover op. Details will follow shortly.

MO_Brabas says:
CO: If they have someone with telepathic abilities, surely they will probe the rest of us?

SEC_Team says:
*CTO*: Understood, sir.

CEO_Terumo says:
::locks his console:: XO: I'll be down in Engineering, figuring out how to turn us into the Thomas Paine.

CNS_Siatty says:
MO: But that will give them away. If they do that, we should know they aren't who they claim to be.

Host XO_Lyon says:
::nods:: CEO: Understood.

CEO_Terumo says:
::enters the TL and heads to deck 13::

Host CO_Arconus says:
MO:  They may. We have to count on them trying to control the girl and being too busy to check the rest of us.

CSO_Nash says:
:: In an aside to the XO.:: XO: I wonder if  maps and information on illegal orbs would be an effective cover?

Host CO_Arconus says:
MO:  Keep a watch for it on your sensors.

MO_Brabas says:
CO/CNS: OK than I will get some scans up for that possibility.

Host XO_Lyon says:
CSO: Keep it as a last resort, and discuss it with Tach.

CEO_Terumo says:
*Engineering Teams*: Everyone report to Main Engineering please.

Host CO_Arconus says:
CTO:  No need to say keep it on stun and keep the casualties to a minimum. We cannot risk damaging the station either.

CEO_Terumo says:
::exits TL and heads to Main Engineering::

MO_Brabas says:
::Walks toward the TL ::

CSO_Nash says:
XO: Aye. An ultimate last resort. I know how Bajorans and their orbs are.

CTO_Worthington says:
CO: Indeed. We will only do what we must.

<<<<<PAUSE Mission>>>>>