Host Adm-Alexander says:
USS Cherokee 10609.03 Conscious Part 5

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 

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Captain's Log, Stardate 10609.03.  During the trip to Arcadia station, we have a brief calm before the storm.  The crew has taken advantage of this time to get together for a game of chance.

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

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: steps away from the arch on the Holodeck as the Nightclub forms around him.  Straightening his white tuxedo and grinning at the applied pencil thin mustache to complete the look of a gambling maestro, he waits for the others to arrive. ::

Host XO_Worthington says:
::having arrived in the Holodeck at Hazzard's invitation, dressed in an odd suit reflecting a 20th century nightclub and looking around at the surroundings::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: Welcome to the Midnight Oasis, Commander.  Looking sharp I must say.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Wow this place is amazing. Mr. Hazzard, what is wrong with your face?

OPS_Nash says:
::walking to the Holodeck, Kevin is watching the twins as he told Kyleigh to go have fun, he'll sit in on the game, whenever that will be::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Enters and Looks about the Holodeck, trying to determine what the normal distractions that most places throw in are.  Jacket a bit uncomfortable, but it's part of the atmosphere the others want and need at the moment.::

CNS_Wells says:
::Arrives in the Holodeck to a 1930’s casino setting. He is dressed as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.  Figures if he can play might as well look like he can::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: looks quickly at a nearby mirror and checks his face, seeing nothing wrong but figuring out what he meant. :: XO: There's nothing wrong with my face.  This is how gamblers of that era wore their mustaches.  It’s a sign of gambling prowess.  At least I think so.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::tries to control the laughter as he sees the CO in a suit for the first time:: CTO: Look what the cat drug in.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: I have no idea why you humans insist on these overly done getups.  Are you that angry at nature for not giving you all fur?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: covers his mouth to hide the grin. ::

OPS_Nash says:
::she enters the Holodeck, she is wearing a elegant dark lavender evening dress accented with light lavender trim that crosses in front of her chest::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: shakes his head and gives a low wolf whistle at the OPS when she enters in. :: OPS: Kyleigh, I'm surprised you made it out of your quarters in that.  Scotty would be going wild.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: It's about style, sir. What do they do on your planet for formal occasions? Do you wear a shiny collar or something?

CNS_Wells says:
::Finds the others who invited him to this event. Finds them all to look quite nice even if out of character. Mrs. Nash looking most elegant::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CNS: Thanks for showing up Doc.  Looking pretty snazzy!

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Well, I am here, Kevin is with the twins.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Style is all about looking good.  We have a natural knack for that.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: Thanks for the invite. Hope I don't embarrass myself at the table. You look quite dashing too.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Reminds me of an old saying about the beholder. Any ways, shall we begin Hazzard's decimation?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: guides his shipmates to a large table with several ornate seats. :: ALL: Please, make yourself comfortable.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: Keep dreaming, sir.

OPS_Nash says:
::takes a seat next to the CTO::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: Texan's invented poker.  What makes you think it'll be that easy to beat a Texan at it?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Comfortable?  I thought we needed these "baboon suits" for this affair.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: After seeing your face I am still unsure if this is a nightmare, but I digress. Shall we begin?

CNS_Wells says:
::Waits for the lady to sit then sits between her and Commander Worthington::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: takes a seat and grins at Kyleigh :: OPS: Seriously though, you look ravishing.

OPS_Nash says:
CTO:  Thank you.  I love this dress.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Slides into the closest seat, looking around the room to see what is where in the area.::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Reminds me of an old saying about only two things come from Texas. Can't quite remember the rest.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: grins and watches as the holographic dealer distributes the chips then vanishes. :: ALL: Okay folks, were playing a standard version of the Earth game poker.  Four cards up, one card down.  Betting will commence after each card.

OPS_Nash says:
::laughs::

Host XO_Worthington says:
::takes his place and motions for the girl to come get his drink order::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: shakes his head as he begins to shuffle the cards like a pro, doing a few tricks as he explains. ::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: before we start, ante is 20 credits or 2 white chips.

CNS_Wells says:
::Orders a drink while the waitress is here:: 

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Picks up a pair of chips and tosses them into the middle.::

Host XO_Worthington says:
::follows with his bet, two chips::

OPS_Nash says:
::tosses the ante into the pile::

CNS_Wells says:
::Does as the Captain does::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: He begins to deal the cards face up.  The CO receives a 2 of diamonds, the XO an 8 of Clubs, CNS gets a Jack of Hearts, OPS receives a 10 of spades, and the dealer gives himself the Jack of clubs. :: CNS: Doc, you bet first.

CNS_Wells says:
ALL: This should be quite the experience.

CNS_Wells says:
::Throws in another white chip::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: Okay, Docs in for 10.

CNS_Wells says:
::Figures can’t bet a lot with one card::

OPS_Nash says:
::tosses in a white chip::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: with nimble fingers he deals the second card, this one face down to each of his crewmates. :: ALL: Alright folks, this one's the hole card.

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  I'm in

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: tosses down a white chip to meet the CNS's bet. ::

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: Hole card?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Throws in the chip to match the opening bet before looking at the hole card.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CNS: Basically your secret weapon.  Nobody can see what you have but you.  So we don't know what hand you have.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::matches the open as well::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CNS: Think of it as a cloaked ship, waiting to drop the boom on  an unsuspecting ship.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: takes a sip from the drink he already had.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: Oh, ok. ::Thinks he is to bet again and does with one more white chip::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: The Doc adds another ivory to the pile.  Kyleigh, bet’s to you now.

OPS_Nash says:
::tosses in 2 white chips::  ALL:  I'll see that and raise 10 more.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: looks to the Captain and grins. ::

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: So, I gotta match your raise to stay in?

OPS_Nash says:
CNS:  If you so desire.  ::grins::  But you have to wait your turn.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: grins as he peeks at his hole card. :: ALL: Well, I do believe we should oblige the little lady and raise it up some. :: Tosses in a red chip. ::

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: Okay, sorry.

OPS_Nash says:
CTO:  Feeling a bit frisky aren't you Treeboy?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
OPS: Ooh, ooh.  Ah, ah.  Tuki, tuki. :: finishes his statement by sticking his tongue out at the OPS.::

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Be careful, don't want to lick your smudge mark off.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Matches the bet.::  CTO: You do know, bluffing this early shows your hand.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CO: Sauce for the goose, Captain Ayidee.

Host XO_Worthington says:
ALL: I'll see you. ::matches bet as well::

CNS_Wells says:
::Thinks - this is fun being together, just what we all needed. But, this is a confusing game::

CNS_Wells says:
::Throws in four more white ones::

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Let's see, that's 30 to me to match.  Sure, why not?  ::tosses in 3 more white::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: grins and starts to deal out the next cards. ALL: Okay, the good captain gets a seven of diamonds.  No help there.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: The XO nets himself a three of diamonds.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: whistles as he deals the CNS another card. :: ALL: A queen of diamonds to go with his Jack.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: and a ten of diamonds for the little lady.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: Dealer gives himself a nine of spades.

OPS_Nash says:
CTO:  Why thank you.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
OPS: Betting goes with you.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: So, my turn?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CNS: Nope.  Nash here has a pair so she starts the betting now.

CNS_Wells says:
CTO: Oh, Okay.

OPS_Nash says:
::tosses in a red chip::  ALL:  There you all go.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: tosses in a red chip to match the OPS's. ::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Matches the bet.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Betting on the unknown, this should be well traveled ground for us, or seem like it.

Host XO_Worthington says:
ALL; Looks like things are getting interesting. ::throws in two red chips::

CNS_Wells says:
::Follows suit and throws in a red one too::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: raises and eyebrow and makes a show of straightening his mustache, affecting the grin of a evil mastermind. ::

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Oh geez, looks like another 50 to me.  ::tosses in a red chip::

CNS_Wells says:
::Throws in a second red::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: tosses in another red chip and nods. :: XO: You won't get rid of me that easily, sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Matches the bet.::  XO: Pretty confident, considering there's still 3 cards.  Gutsy.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Oh, you're still here? Hadn't noticed.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: chuckles as he deals out the next round of cards. :: ALL: Here we go folks.  Cappy gets a Queen of clubs.

CNS_Wells says:
::Listening to them all go on like experts wonders if he should open a Gambler's Anonymous Cherokee Chapter and smiles::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: smiles as he deals the next card. :: XO: The good XO gets a eight of hearts.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: and its a nine of clubs for the Counselor.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Do games like this come more naturally to people like us?  Do we tend to gamble for a living, so doing it for fun doesn't have quite the same fear others may have?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CO: I don't see it as gambling when it comes to our jobs.  The opposition just never seems to know what hit them.

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Anything is possible.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: deals the next card to the OPS :: ALL: A seven of spades, no help for her pair.

CNS_Wells says:
CO: I just hate throwing my money away but playing the game is fun.

OPS_Nash says:
CTO:  I'll be fine.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Really?  Flying into the unknown, betting we have the wherewithal to overcome?  Perhaps not much relying on luck, but it IS gambling.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: Deals the last card to himself. :: ALL: And the dealer has another nine giving him a pair showing.  Kyleigh still has highest pair showing so she's up to bet first.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::waves the waitress over for another drink::

CNS_Wells says:
::Gets a refill too::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CO: There is something you should always bank on.  No matter what happens, who attacks or whatever.  They have to get through me first to get to any of you.  And there ain’t a force in the galaxy that can stop me.

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  See that I am lucky betting 50, I'll do it again.  ::tosses in another red chip::

Host XO_Worthington says:
::rolls his eyes and Hazzard expounds his invincibility::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: drops in another red chip and grins good naturedly. ::

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: Like throwing it away, huh?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: Ooh,  Doc seems to know something we don't it seems.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: You're assuming that any threat will be overt, obvious.  Even hostile.  Supernovas are nothing of the sort.  ::Matches the bet.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
CO: The day I start worrying about what could beat me.  That’s the day I start to fail.

OPS_Nash says:
CNS:  This is a game of risk, just like LIFE.  Take the risk and it should be rewarding if you do it right.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::matches the bet:: ALL: Looks like everyone is here to stay.

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: and if one hasn't a clue as to what he is doing?

OPS_Nash says:
CNS:  Just follow your instincts, if something feels right, follow through.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::taps his foot at the music playing in the background:: CTO: Nice joint. Lots of atmosphere.

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: And be prepared to go home without a shirt.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: Thanks.  Got the idea from my father actually.

OPS_Nash says:
CNS:  Think positive, Counselor.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
OPS: I don't think Scotty would approve of that tactic.  At least concerning you.

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: I am positive. ::Smiles::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Would be more comfortable than wearing these Chimpanzee suits.

OPS_Nash says:
CTO:  Mark, he trusts my instincts.  After all, it was instincts that drove me to him.

CNS_Wells says:
::Throws in to match the bet::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
OPS: Won't argue that.  Okay, last cards coming up folks.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: Alright, its a Queen of Spades for the Captain.  He's got a pair of ladies showing now.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: Should we all dress up like Tony the Tiger next time?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: whistles as he deals the next card. :: XO: A three of hearts for the Exec.  Giving him two pair and high hand for the moment.

CNS_Wells says:
XO: That would be Great.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
XO: Better than trying to look like James Blond.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: tosses another card. :: ALL: The Counselor gets a two of clubs.  And its James Bond, Captain.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: The names Bond, James Bond. ::holds up his martini::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: chuckles and nods to the XO before giving the OPS her last card. :: ALL: A six of hearts for the lady who's all heart.

OPS_Nash says:
::smiles::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ XO: Thames Bond?  Is the guy some kind of river?

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: places the last card in front of himself.:: ALL: And my, my, my.  Look at this.  Ace of Hearts.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CO: He was an excellent sniper, you would like him.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: Bets to you, Mr. Bond.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CTO: Hmm, let's make this interesting. ::throws in six red chips::

CNS_Wells says:
XO: Holy cow! ALL: I'm out, I guess. That two killed my hopes.

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  Well, that's too much for me.  I fold.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: shakes his head and grins. :: XO: What is it with you and dropping from the ceiling like that?  By the way, Ensign Ramses should be out of sickbay tomorrow.  I still can't believe you wedged yourself in that doorway during the last drill.  Would have killed to see the look on Ramses face when you dropped down on him.  Nice tactic.

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: See?  I was positive I'd lose.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: places his cards face down. :: ALL: Dealer folds.

OPS_Nash says:
CNS:  Also, it’s good to know when to hold them and know when to fold them.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Too early to try it, fold.

CNS_Wells says:
OPS: We'll I'll get it next time, right?

Host XO_Worthington says:
ALL: Well, that was fun. :: scoops up his winnings::

CNS_Wells says:
XO: Congratulations, Sir.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
XO: The night is young and at least so am I.  Deal 'em, sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Also takes some of the mystery out of things when you know the opponent won't fold for lack of nerve.

Host XO_Worthington says:
CNS: Thanks Counselor. CTO: Just wipe that thing off your lip.

CNS_Wells says:
SELF: Where is that girl with the drinks?  I told her to keep 'em coming.

Host Adm-Alexander ACTION:  The Cherokee receives a distress signal from an escape pod.  The Cherokee goes to Red Alert as the poker game is interrupted. (Red Alert.wav)
Host Adm-Alexander  (Red Alert2.wav)

Host XO_Worthington says:
ALL: Looks like it will have to wait. Stations!

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: jumps from the table as the alert sounds, rushing to the Arch. :: *BRIDGE*: this is the CTO, what’s going on?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Stations, everyone.  Let's see what we have.  ::Turns and moves towards the arch, dropping jacket along the way.::

Host XO_Worthington says:
::heads for the TL at warp speed.::

CNS_Wells says:
::Gets up with others and heads back to work::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<aCTO> *CTO*:  Looks like several ships have been blasted Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*aCTO*: Get us to red alert and find out who else is out here.  We're on our way.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: swears in Andorian as he acknowledges the report. :: *ACTO*: I'm on my way.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<aCTO> *CO*:  Sir, more from the pod Sir.  Looks like LoDuca has been at it again.

OPS_Nash says:
::heads for her post.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: growls at the mention of LoDuca. :: Self: I KNEW that slug would take advantage of this!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Gets to Turbolift and enters, holding for the others.  When all are aboard.::  Turbolift: Bridge.

CNS_Wells says:
SELF: LoDuca?

Host XO_Worthington says:
::knew that LoDuca couldn't resist::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
ACTION:  A message beacon is picked up by OPS.

CNS_Wells says:
::Goes to bridge with the others::

OPS_Nash says:
ALL:  I have a message beacon coming in.

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<Beacon> Cherokee:  Greetings Trent!  Did you think I would let you go?  It is time for you to pay.  Oh, Diana says to tell you and the crew hello.

OPS_Nash says:
::shudders at the mere mention of Diana::

Host Adm-Alexander says:
<Beacon> Cherokee:  Not much left of the medical ship.  If you get here fast enough, you MIGHT can save a few of them.  Tata for now!

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: mutters to himself. :: LoDuca: I've got a message for ya, eat Phaser fire and die, you dink!

Host XO_Worthington says:
::punches the wall of the TL and says nothing::

CNS_Wells says:
SELF: Son of a...

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Focus, this isn't the time for payback.  We've got people to assist.  ::Exits Turbolift.::  Helm: Set a course, maximum Warp.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: Looks to the CO ::  CO: Sir, We could use the Sequoia.  Might be able to rescue those people and still make the rendezvous?

CNS_Wells says:
CO: Permission to head to sickbay, Sir? I think I may be of better use there if we can rescue any survivors.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: No, we have a duty, and the Sequoia is too small.  We have time.

Host XO_Worthington says:
::moves to his station, seething::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Granted.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
:: takes the tactical station immediately as he enters the bridge, ripping the fake mustache off as he reads the status report. :: CO: You’re right sir, current estimate of survivors is in the 170 to 180 range.

CNS_Wells says:
::Leaves bridge to prepare Sickbay and its med teams for emergency triage::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Contact Starfleet, let them know we'll be slightly delayed arriving at Arcadia, and we'll have passengers.

CTO_LtCmdr_Hazzard says:
ALL: I swear, I get my hands on that little dinkado and his floozy girlfriend I'm gonna rip his arms off and beat him with them.  Just for fun.  Might even charge admission.

OPS_Nash says:
CO:  Aye, Captain.  ::contacts Starfleet and informs them of the delay of arriving at Arcadia, and that there will be additional passengers upon arriving at Arcadia.::

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