USS Cherokee 
The Prisoner of Zartacla, Part 5
11503.01

Starring_
Zach Farland as Guest Producer, Writer, CNS_Ens_Daniels, MartelCane, Olin_Aiden, Doctor_Gorak and Gul_Mavek
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_LtCmdr_Talora
Topper Loghry as CTO_LT_Q`ten

Absent
None

Ship's Log, Stardate 11503.01, Captain Ayidee recording.  Our vessel has been attacked by an enemy with an unknown agenda beyond taking custody of the prisoners we have been charged with transporting.  We have lost power after the attack, which included weapons the class of ship attacking us should not have had access to.  Now we are awaiting a boarding crew, and stand ready to defend our charges.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Resume Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Makes his way to Gul Mavek's cell::  Gul Mavek: What do you know about this?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::still making sure repairs are getting done quickly and as safe as possible.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In Brig, double checking Phaser readiness and waiting for the other foot to drop.::  Security: Break out as many hand lamps as we have available, we will need light to get set up.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::In the Cherokee's Sickbay, tending to patients.  They've managed to find some hand held lights to light their way::

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Frowns and pulls out her Phaser and readies it::

Host Gul_Mavek says:
CTO: What makes you think I had anything to do with the lights going out?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Looks about the darkened room as eyes become adjusted and finds a place to be able to watch both the Brig entrance and as many cells as possible.::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Gul Mavek: Because whoever is behind this is obviously here for you!

Host Gul_Mavek says:
CTO: That's absurd.  Any contacts I had who were able to pull something like this off dissolved years ago, Klingon.  ::Walks to his cot and sits down::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Security: Set the lights on the consoles and counters, facing the central area.  Do not keep them in hand.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Gul Mavek: If it were left up to me, I'd just let them have you, and your companions, but I have my orders  ::Follows Mavek::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Prisoners: They are after one of you.  What they want is impossible to say but with the reputations you've built over the years, I'd think you'd be safer here with us so anything you know...

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Gul Mavek: If I were to take them at their word, they do not mean any good will for you.

ACTION: Internal communication systems and internal sensors mysteriously return to operating order.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Hears the badge "handshake" chirp with the communication system.::  All: Well that aspect of our systems is back in order.  *OPS*: Any progress on repairs, Commander?

Host Gul_Mavek says:
CTO: I've been in prison a long time my friend.  I assure you I have nothing to do with this.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
Gul Mavek: Which brings a question to my mind, why are you all being moved now of all times?

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Gul Mavek: On the Contrary. You and your companions have everything to do with this, even if you're not behind it.

Host Olin_Aiden says:
::Sees the Klingon near his cell::  CTO: You mind standing a few kilometers away, Klingon?  Your stench is polluting my breathing air and making the hairs in my nose burn.  Take a bath, would ya?

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Aiden: Silence coward! Or your nose hairs won't be the only thing burning!

Host Doctor_Gorak says:
::From his cell he sees the CMO standing amongst the crew:: CMO: Oh good, there you are.  Thank you for coming so promptly.  I'm in so much pain.  I'm ready to be seen.

Host Gul_Mavek says:
CMO: I told him, I'll tell you.  I have no knowledge of this.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
CTO: Lieutenant, compose yourself. We need focus, not bigotry.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
Gorak: Doctor....From what I understand, you have gout?

ACTION: Lights, heat and life support returns.  All other systems and Turbolifts remain inoperative.  Crew and families are trapped wherever they are.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CMO: No bigotry here Commander. I despise them all equally.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*OPS*: Understood, but we need fixes.  External sensors and propulsion to follow life support.  ::Moves to nearest console and taps into internal sensors to get a life form count on the ship right now compared to before the attack.::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
ALL: Well we're making progress.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::is suddenly perplexed by the now working internal communications and sensors.::  *CO*:  Um Captain, the internal communications and sensors had mysteriously come operational.  Other than that no other progress, can't move about due to the sealed door and powerless Turbolifts.

Host Doctor_Gorak says:
CMO: It's killing me.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: That ship that attacked us is a patchwork build, maybe their energy dampening is not as effective as it should be?

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Folds her arms:: Gorak: Killing you? Hardly. How long have you been suffering these symptoms?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We have visitors, be ready.  More life forms on board than there should be.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: I would think they’re having as much trouble getting around as we are.

Host Doctor_Gorak says:
CMO: It began not long after my incarceration.  The condition of which I have had to live... unsanitary.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she noticed that some systems are coming online in selected decks.::  *CO*:  Captain, Lights, power, and life support have come online but only on Decks 1, 8, 9, 15, & 17.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Why?  If they had the Intel to find us on our circuitous path, they had to have Brig coordinates on a ship this old.  Why not beam directly here?

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
Gorak: So a good number of years, yes?

Host Doctor_Gorak says:
CMO: Yes.  Can you help me?  After the crisis you're all in has passed, of course.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: I can't answer that sir. Since we are disabled I can't help but wonder why they didn't just beam out the prisoners?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*OPS*: Computers, impulse engines, Brig, docking ports...is it intentional or are our systems just "recovering" at different rates?

ACTION: The Bridge is being hailed.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
*CO*:  Unknown Sir, I'm  still looking into that.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: The decks listed, they are the ones most needed for ship control.  Do you think they are after the ship itself?

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Nods:: Gorak: Once everything is secure, I'll help.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: Given their actions so far, that would be my move sir.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: They don't just want the prisoners, they want the whole ship.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::notices that a hail is coming through:: *Unknown Hail*:  Bridge.

Host MartelCane says:
*OPS*: Commander, could you patch me through to wherever it is your Captain… is?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
*Martel*:  Sure thing.  ::does as requested::

Host MartelCane says:
*OPS*: Thanks, Commander Nash and no worries, nothing should happen to your family, if everyone cooperates, right?  Oh, and by the way, you can go ahead and keep us on your present course but, no funny business, Commander.  My ship will be watching you.  You be a good girl, now.  ::Ends communication with OPS::

ACTION: The image of Captain Martel Cane appears on the CO's console screen.  In the background you will recognize the Cherokee's Main Engineering department.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Sees Martel's image appear on the console next to me.::  *Martel*: Have you reconsidered your actions?  If you surrender now things will go far easier for you.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Self:  No he didn't just say what I thought he just said.

ACTION: Several armed enemy security people are aiming their weapons at the Cherokee's engineering crew, who are lined up, sitting on the floor, with their hands behind their backs.  Two bodies in gold Starfleet uniforms lie motionless on the floor.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Looks over at the view screen and frowns again:: Self: No..

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: It doesn't have to be this way, Captain.  If we both cooperate with one another, there's no reason why we all can't walk away from this.  Well, almost all.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: What is it you want these beings for?  They were tried in court and found guilty, and they are being punished for their crimes with legal imprisonment.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: There are some, namely us, who believe imprisonment was too good for the likes of them four, Captain.  Surely you agree, they deserve a stricter punishment.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: The law is there to protect the innocent from the hand of tyrants.  What we believe matters little, the law is what it is.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: They're hardly innocent, Captain.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: That is irrelevant.  You deciding their fate based on personal whim is tyranny, no matter the victim.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: None of you on your ship's crew need be involved.  None of you have to be harmed.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: Aloud: Vigilantes.

Host MartelCane says:
*CMO*: Sometimes that's what it takes.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Sees the bodies lying on the deck in engineering:: ::Growling at Cane:: Duj poS!

Host MartelCane says:
::Looks behind him at the two bodies lying on the floor and then back to the screen::  *CO*: Oh, no, Captain, they aren't dead.  They will have frightful headaches in the morning but, they'll be fine.  We haven't killed anyone… yet.  I'm sure we both would like to keep it that way.  Am I right?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: You are after more than just the prisoners.  If it was just them you would have beamed them out while we were disabled.  What is it you want with the Cherokee?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CO*: Sir, is everything there alright.  Did you want me to try and get to where you are?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*CNS*: Not at this time.  Just make sure that area and those within it are secure.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: You're very clever, Captain.  I'm sure if we work at it, we can come to a solution to this without any bloodshed.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
*CO*: Aye, Sir.  ::Feels unwanted and ends the COM::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Glances to CTO, nodding towards door.::  *Martel*: You need to end this.  There is no way this ends well for you.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Tries to stay out of the comm picture as he mumbles under his breath:: Cane: Except yours

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Starts making his way toward the door, subtly signaling other tactical officers to join him::

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: In good faith, Captain, I'll tell you what I'll do.  What are you immediate needs?  I wonder how all those folk on the decks of your ship without life support are doing.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: See if you can get a report from that console as to what our ship's current needs are.
*Martel*: You speak of immediate needs, implying you expect to be here for a while.  Again I have to wonder what your long term goal is with this ship?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: We can talk about that, if you like.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Starts working on it::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: I see you are in Engineering.  I will meet you there shortly, unless you want to meet somewhere else?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: I think I prefer we communicate the way we are, Captain.  For now I think it would make me nervous for folk to start roaming around the ship.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Then let us talk.  What do you want in exchange for restored life support?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: Nothing but your cooperation, Captain.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Cooperation meaning to hand these beings, assigned to my care, over to you to be murdered?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: No, I said we could discuss that.  For now, if you and your crew stay exactly where you are, I’ll grant your request and leave your engineering crew unharmed.  Do you agree?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Agreed.

ACTION: Other systems return (operational and life support to all decks), no weapons, transporters, external communications or other means of defense.  Most systems are still locked out but, you have sensors and LCARS.  Shields and weapons are still off-line.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: That's a start.  Contact me when you are ready to discuss things for real.  ::Closes channel.:: 
All: We need to get control back without him knowing.  Ideas?

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: Phaser set at maximum to the head.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::No injured are left but all are still in Sickbay.  Now, he's bored::

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: The Prisoner of Zartacla, Part 5>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: Thirty minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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