Host SM-Trish says:
USS Cherokee 10608.20  Conscious Part 3

Starring
Trish Yarborough as ADM_Alexander
Steve Weller as CO Tio Ayidee
Brandon Mitcham as XO Trent D. Worthington III 
Dawn Freeman as OPS Kyleigh Nash
Mark Haslam as CTO Mark Hazzard
Zach Farland as CNS_Wells

Absent
Scott Dorsey as CSO Scott Nash 
Lynda Anderson as CEO Bishara

Host Adm-Alexander says:
USS Cherokee 10608.27 Conscious Part 4

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Ship's Log, Stardate 10608.27, Captain Ayidee recording.  The Cherokee has been ordered to report to Arcadia station to assist in containing a diplomatic faux pas that is threatening to turn into open war.  We are still hopeful it can be avoided, but will be ready either way.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::On Bridge, reviewing the developing political situation around the Amenti Situation.::  XO: Any of the diagnostics or checks turn up anything unusual since we left port?

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: monitors the progress of the latest Phaser targeting drill that commenced a bit earlier, frowning as he is not quite happy with the result. ::

OPS_Nash says:
::sitting at her post, feeling slightly out of norm for her, but she continues to monitor communications::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
ACTION:  One of the channels OPS is monitoring is telling about the situation with the Amenti and the Synod.

CNS_Wells says:
::Continues researching the Amenti Ward and Synod of the Sanctum races and the events so far, according to SFN reports::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Not to my knowledge, thing appear to be running smoothly.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Let's hope it stays that way.  This situation isn't exactly the leather in the nap of the diplomatic corp.  They took a gamble, and it may have bombed.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
*Phaser Control*: You guys have seriously slacked off, 97% is not 100%.  Reset the drill and start again.  Hazzard out.
CO: Sir, that’s feather in the cap.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
*CO*:  You might want to tune into a report that is being broadcast about the Amenti and Synod, Tio.

CNS_Wells says:
::Nods in agreement to himself at the CO's statement to Worthington::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Why would you put a feather in a cap?  I thought it was about having a nice surface to lay on.  Chalk it up to your species being a bit unusual.
*ADM*: Aye Ma'am.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Do you think we can arbitrate this one or will there be a fight for sure?

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::begins to shake her head, this is going to turn into an all-out war, she just feels it in her bones::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: arches one of his eyebrows and smirks at the Captain's comment. :: CO: As you say, sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Put the FNN reports on screen, let's see what's cooking in that pot.

OPS_Nash says:
CO:  Sure.  ::puts the FNN reports on screen.::

CNS_Wells says:
::Watches the news on the view screen::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: I don't know, but from my initial look at the Intelligence Reports, I'd guess not.  The Synod don't appear to be the most understanding species out there.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Watches as the reports come in of opening hostilities, the fleet mustering, and the gathering gloom that seems to be the product News reports always try to sell.::

CNS_Wells says:
CO: They certainly have cause for not wanting this new treaty. It means a lot of unwanted traffic in there sector.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Sir...speaking of that.  I've got a report for you on some of the warship types we'll be seeing.  Just trying to get a jump start.  Don't mind the Classification Names.  I was a bit bored.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: turns his attention towards the report.  The news not good and not doing much to improve his mood at all. ::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Should I ask about the names?

OPS_Nash says:
::as she is watching the reports, she senses that things will get a tad bit rocky once they arrive.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Unwanted pressure on the borders as well.  At present, they're able to keep their borders secure.  But one of the problems our people tend to have is taking "no access" to mean "pass carefully."

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Well, seeing as the Sandbox are religious to an extreme, I'm using old religious priest names.  You know, Preacher, Bishop, Cardinal.  Something easy to remember.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That's Synod.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
ACTION:  The newscast tells of a ship and the escape pods being destroyed.  The Synod have not taken prisoners.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO/CTO: Looks like we are in for a fight. Luckily we have been ready for one for quite some time now.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: listens to the report and grips the railing with white knuckle intensity. :: Self: They shot down the escape pods?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Self: Better we know that in advance.  
All: It's started, barring a minor miracle, our rebuilding attempt may have turned into the next war.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::this is NOT good, not good, closing her eyes, she senses the emotions and thoughts of her crew::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: If they want a fight.  I'm sure as heck ready to give them one.  One they'll remember.

CNS_Wells says:
::Hears the reporter say that the USS Delphyne was involved in the attack by the Synod, knows that is Zach's ship::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::decides to go to the bridge::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CNS: How can anyone just...That’s just…Cruel.  How can they justify destroying defenseless ships like that?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Anything in the reports on the Synod or Amenti we need to know in advance, especially about language issues and so much?

CNS_Wells says:
::Hears that three Starfleet ships, the Sherman, the Mainyu and the Beckman were destroyed::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Looks like there is no avoiding it. Prepare for boarding simulations. Let's see how Security handles an invasion.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Mercy to an enemy is an admirable trait, but it's not universal.  Especially when they are "heathens".

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::walks onto the bridge::  ALL:  Looks like this is going to escalate.

CNS_Wells says:
::The attack happened without warning. Drone ships, unmanned, but, loaded with explosive warheads came out of a Cruiser ship hidden inside a gas cloud::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::turns to hear about the Cruiser and no warning::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: I've already added Repel Boarder drills to the schedule, sir.  I'll step up the intensity and add a few more spot drills to the mix.

CNS_Wells says:
::The Beckman had to abandon ship and the Synod actually went after the escape pods and destroyed them all::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Indeed it does.  We need to know more about this species.  To call the reports vague would be a major understatement.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: also hears the part about the drone ships and the gas cloud. :: CO: Looks like they've decided to get cute already.

CNS_Wells says:
::One of the four large cruiser ships rammed the Sherman destroying both ships::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
Self: Oh my god!

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: shakes his head. ::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::steps to the side and takes a seat at science 2::

CNS_Wells says:
::Delphyne's Chief Tactical officer commented on how easily the cruisers and the many fighter craft vessels were to destroy::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Sir, might be a good idea to add a few emergency Evasive Maneuver drills as well.  Just to be on the safe side.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  Tio, what speed are we at?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That it would.

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Sometimes, I wonder why its so hard to people of different classes, species, races, and so forth just can't find a way to get along.  It has always been that wars have been fought because something is always looked at in a different point of view.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Warp 5 I believe, as until recently this wasn't deemed emergency.  We'll up that to Warp 8 now.
Helm: Take us to Warp 8.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
OPS:  Exactly right Kyleigh, instead of talk, finding out the differences, they would rather fight.

CNS_Wells says:
::Although they did much damage before being destroyed, shields on them seemed inadequate. Commander Zach Bauer reported that the Synod seemed on a suicide mission with disposable ships and crew::

CNS_Wells says:
SELF: Zach!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Based on your initial findings, what kind of...
CNS: Counselor?  Is something wrong?

OPS_Nash says:
ADM:  That is one thing my parents taught me while I was growing up.

CNS_Wells says:
CO: Umm, no Sir. Sorry. ::Feels embarrassed at his outburst::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: frowns for a minute. :: CO: Sir, in light of this news, I think were going to have to be a bit more cautious during our stop and shops.  If they are nutty enough to blow themselves up, there’s no telling what a freighter captain might do if we pull them over.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Understood, and no need to apologize.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That is well put.  What level do our snoops put their technology at?

CNS_Wells says:
::There were no survivors of the three destroyed ships but the Delphyne is still engaging this new enemy::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: I just hope LoDuca doesn't use this as an opportunity to strike, while we are distracted.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: grimaces. :: CO: We've got the edge on technological know how, best ship they can field is a match for our Excelsior class ships.  At least that’s what intelligence reports.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
XO:  Trent, please don't say that!  You are right however, this would be the perfect opportunity for him to step up his game.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: LoDuca wants to destroy the Romulans, I don't know if he'll strike us during war.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  From your mouth to God's ears Tio.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: An Excelsior can do a lot of damage even to a brand new ship.  Still, it's a start.

CNS_Wells says:
::Still staring at the screen as images taken by the Delphyne show the battle and the fighters ships going after the Beckman's escape pods and The Synod cruiser ramming the Sherman::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: continues to scan through the overview of his reports. :: CO: What might tip the balance is their use of Stealth tactics.  These little buggers can give the Romulan's a run for their money in the sneaky department.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: When we get into the patrol and search aspect, make certain sensors are fully available.

CNS_Wells says:
::Is horrified at the sight and lowers his head as the reporter repeats that no survivors were left by the Synod::

OPS_Nash says:
::she shudders at the mere mention of LoDuca, but is snapped back to reality::   CO:   Umm, Yes, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Any opening left by that?

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Thankfully we don't have to worry about cloaks with this bunch, but still, they're good at using the natural environment to their advantage.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: My recommendation is take them out of their game in an environment.  Don't allow them the freedom of choice when it comes down to a fight.  Press them hard and fast.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Does your department have enough crew?  I'd guess you'll be getting a bit more work than normal.  If you need it, we'll get you some help from Medical, especially.  These images are...hard.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: keeps his eyes on Kyleigh, knowing that seeing this kind of savagery could remind her of the Dominion Wars.  Hoping that he can be there for her if he needs her. ::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO/CTO: Agreed. If it comes down to it we have to take the fight to them.

CNS_Wells says:
CO: Yes, Sir I think my team are okay but, who knows?  I'll let you know if we get over loaded.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Remember, preparing for war is very difficult.  Until you see it, you can't know if you'll be ready or not.  Keep an eye on all your crews, not to mention each other.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: I'll be sending a few revisions to the combat maneuver list within a few hours.  We'll see if these Syllabus guys like a bit of a "Texas Twist."

OPS_Nash says:
::nods as she knows first hand what war can do, hopefully she won't have to see too much horrible images, good thing she has a good rapport with the Ship's Counselor.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Bring the images down, I think we've seen enough to know what we're getting into.  Now we need to figure out how to deal with them.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
ACTION:  The newscast begins to repeat what the crew have already heard.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: I guess I don't want to know what the Texas Twist is.

OPS_Nash says:
CO:  Yes Sir, Gladly, Sir.  ::takes the images off screen as she was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable at the images she was seeing over and over.::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: And neither will the bad guys.

CNS_Wells says:
::Hopes the Delphyne don't meet the same fate as the other three ships assigned to map the new Amenti sector for the Federation. It would kill him if he didn’t get the chance to talk to Zach now that he can::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: And I want a wall in the lounge set aside as a memorial.  Each ship lost in action will have a place up there.  I want to make certain everyone aboard remembers this is for real.

OPS_Nash says:
CO:  No problem.  I'll put Lieutenant Dawn Tiernan in charge of that project.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  Excellent idea Tio.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: I'm hoping it will be necessary, but I'm afraid it won't be if you know what I mean.

OPS_Nash says:
CO/ADM:  Either way, it will be a good way to keep "sane" in an "insane" situation.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CNS: Hey, Doc?  Do you mind if I set up a few sessions with you for some of my new guys.  I've got a pretty seasoned bunch down in security, but we took on a few rookies.  I want to make sure they get every opportunity to talk with someone.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  Sadly I do.  I will give you what assistance I can during this time, Tio.  This is your ship and I will stay out of your way.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: I wouldn't mind at all. In fact I think it is a wonderful idea.  We could even do a group session kind of thing.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CNS: Thanks Doc.  I hope you don't mind if I sneak in for a session or two myself.  Just to be on the safe side.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: At least we know Alpha Team will always be ready for anything.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: Sir, all my teams will be ready.  I won't have this ship protected by anything less than the best.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: You, my friend are still on my must see list ::Smiles at the CTO::  So anytime.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Will you be keeping your flag on board should it come to that?

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: claps the CNS on the shoulder and grins. :: CNS: Good to know Doc.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  Absolutely Tio... ::looks at the crew with pride in her eyes::  Unless you choose otherwise.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  And, if you didn't know, you will lead our ships from Starbase 33.

CNS_Wells says:
::Is nearly knocked out of his chair but, knows the big oaf don't know his own strength:: 

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
Admiral: Just don't be surprised if you gain a few security officers in your escort if we get into trouble.  There is NO WAY I'm explaining to Starfleet how I lost an Admiral on my watch.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Just wasn't sure if there was a more suitable flag ship coming.  Frigates aren't often chosen to carry the flag.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Yeah, but we're the Cherokee, sir.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CTO:  Thank you Lieutenant Hazzard.  You might be surprised at my personal abilities.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: contains the chuckle at the comment the Admiral makes, biting his tongue to prevent from adding to it. ::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Exactly my sentiment.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  The Flagship of the 4th Fleet is the Andromeda.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Aye ma'am, but that's Admiral Harlan's fleet.  It's not important.  Do you have a preference for your flag Bridge location?

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  None, just let me know what you decide.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: Sir, if you have time I think it might be a good idea if you could play aggressor in some of our Repel Boarder drills.  Give my boys a real opponent that can out-sneaky them.

CNS_Wells says:
::Comes out of staring at the view screen:: ALL: Seems like the war has already begun.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::begins to chuckle at the CTO's statement to the XO::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: I will try not to hurt them to bad.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Holodeck One is easily adaptable, and deep enough inside to be well protected.  We can shut it off to recreation use and leave the other Holodecks to cover the over flow.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: Sir, if you hurt them too bad, they're not doing their job.  Besides, I want them ready for anything.  Thanks sir.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::nods to the Captain::  CO:  As you wish.  We just have to make sure that Lieutenant  Hazzard's men don't try to watch the Dukes of Hazzard when I am not around.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
Admiral: That was a good one ma'am.  I haven't heard that play on my name in what, oh, five minutes?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: The What's of What?  No, don't tell me.  I don't want to know.

OPS_Nash says:
::chuckles at the Admiral’s comment about the Dukes of Hazzard.::

Host XO_Worthington says:
Self: Dukes of Hazzard? I didn't know Texas had royalty.

CNS_Wells says:
::Knows the show the Admiral is speaking of but, won't admit it::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::starts to answer, but the XO interrupts and she begins to laugh::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
XO: Its an old Terran entertainment from the 20th century.  The main character's were the Duke Family and they lived in Hazzard County.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: gives a mock glare at the Admiral and grins. ::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Didn't I say I didn't want to know?  ::Strait faced.::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: Thinks loudly that the Admiral wouldn't look to bad in a pair of Daisy Duke's shorts. ::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: I guess I must have slept through 20th Century Earth class, to boring. Now the 19th Century, that one was a doozy.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Its not my fault sir.  Admiral brought it up.

OPS_Nash says:
::fighting it no more, she bursts out into laughter.::

CNS_Wells says:
::Thinks about the time Mark painted the Captain's ship bright orange but, doesn't mention it. Smiles though::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::turns to look at the Lt. and his VERY loud thought::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: I'll let it pass.  This time.  Just remember to secure Holodeck One as the Admiral's Flag Bridge by the time we arrive at Arcadia.

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: grins innocently and whistles Dixieland. ::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CTO:  Careful Mr. Hazzard...

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: taps a few buttons and nods to the CO. :: CO: Done and done, sir.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::to torment him for his thought which was turned in her direction, she sends him a mental image of her pregnant with T'Sara, she begins to grin::

CNS_Wells says:
::Nearly starts laughing when Kyleigh does but doesn't. Feels to guilty about laughing when Zach is in so much danger::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: looks over to the admiral once he's finished and nods.  His attention taken for a moment before returning his gaze to the Admiral and shrugging.  Tossing her a grin and returning to his duties. ::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::she gets up slowly and walks over to the CNS' chair::  CSN:  It is all right Gary.  It is times like these that will keep us sane.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Sits in center seat and attempts to access ship's logs from the Synod battle, hoping to update his knowledge.::

OPS_Nash says:
::she gets her laughter out of her system, because who know when the next time she will be able to laugh like that in the near future.::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
:: taps a quick message to the OPS's console, letting her know that the twins will have an extra guard with them just to reassure her. ::

CNS_Wells says:
ADM: I hope you're right, Ma'am.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::feels like he is missing something, then begins plotting Security's destruction::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CNS:  Humor does not mean we don't care about what is happening to others.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: My yeoman says that sanity is over rated, something Pat heard from an old ship's Counselor.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CO:  Very true, and I believe the Synod are 5 cans short of a six pack, with the little information I have about them.

CNS_Wells says:
ADM: I should know that but, it is tough. There has been so much death already and more to come, I fear.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Sounds like Tach Siatty to me. That guy was fruitier than a nut cake, but a good guy.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
XO:  I believe you are right.  That was one of his favorite sayings.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Why would a nut cake be fruity?  Never mind, I don't want to know that either.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Adm: Problem is we don't know if they are sane or not.  We just don't have enough information to develop an accurate image.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CNS:  Yes, and the cost is not one I ever wanted to pay again.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Let's just say that he was a few cards short of a full deck.

CNS_Wells says:
ADM: Religion and insane behavior are a common thread in history. The Synod should be considered unpredictable to say the least.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
::Nods in agreement with the CNS::

CTO_Lt_Hazzard says:
CO: Sanity is a concept that changes meaning as you change perception.  One man's insanity is another man's personal logic. :: Doesn't really realize he's said anything out loud. ::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
CNS:  Too many lives throughout history have been taken in the name of "religious fervor".

CNS_Wells says:
ADM: Amen to that, Ma'am. Amen to that.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>