USS Cherokee 
The Prisoner of Zartacla, Part 6
11503.08

Starring_
Zach Farland as Guest Producer, Writer, CNS_Ens_Daniels and MartelCane, 
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 11503.08.  We are working to try and regain control of our ship, but so far have not made much progress.  We need to go carefully however.  Cane seems to have a well planned out operation.  I am hoping we can get around his plan quickly.

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

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::In Brig.::  All: We need to find out what he wants and how he gained control so fast.  Then we need to find a way to get around that. 

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::On the ship's computer, in Sickbay, trying to learn more about the current situation the Cherokee finds itself in now::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::on the Bridge::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: He says he wants our prisoners, but I'm beginning to wonder. Perhaps it was the ship he wants.

ACTION: The Cherokee is on course, as should be.  The bridge has shared access to the ship's flight systems.  The Prophet Class ship is acting as escort.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CO/ CMO: Comm badges have a direct communication ability bypassing the central computer.  It's not as efficient, but it's also harder to trace.  Can we get a "direct line" to the Bridge and to Sickbay set up?

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: I played right into his hands. He knew we would concentrate our resistance in the brig to prevent them taking the prisoners, leaving the rest of the ship vulnerable.

ACTION: Martel hails the Captain's brig console, directly.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
CO: I'm not sure, sir...::Looks over:: CTO: It's possible, but I'm not sure how to do that.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: That's "we".  I not only didn't try to stop you, I agreed and insisted on accompanying you.  
All: Quiet, our foe is calling again.  ::Answers the hail.::
*Martel*: I didn't expect to hear from you that quickly.  What can I do for you?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: I think the time has come for us to meet face to face, Captain.  I suggest you, perhaps your senior crew, and I gather to discuss… the way things need to be, Captain?

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Frowns::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Where do you want to make this happen?

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: Do you have a suggestion?  Your Observation Lounge, perhaps?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: How about our main lounge, deck 7, forward section?  Plenty of room there for anyone to fit and meet with ease.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: Everyone?  Just who had you planned to invite?  It seems such a big place but, if you're afraid to have me on your bridge, I guess I can understand.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.::  *Martel*: I will bring four others, but I believe the lounge will work better.  I will need you to allow Commander Nash to make it there from the Bridge.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Bored with researching begins playing Angry Birds on the computer, instead.::

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: Agreed.  First, a few rules for everyone to follow.  I promise not to harm your prisoners in your absence.  And, I must insist your security personnel stay behind to guard them, if only to help keep us honest.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Agreed completely.

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: In fact, I must also insist everyone stay where they are while the meeting takes place.  You and a couple of your officers will be allowed access, but only to the Turbolift and then, to the designated meeting place.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Rolls her eyes::

Host MartelCane says:
*CO*: And, Captain, one more thing.  Come unarmed, as shall I.  Proceed now, I shall meet you there.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
*Martel*: Agreed on both parts.  I will meet you there shortly.  ::Closes the channel.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO/CTO: We are going to see if we can figure out our foe, I'd like the time to prepare our response but we'll have to play this by ear.  Weapons to the lockers I'm afraid.  Honestly, I don't think they'd do us much good even if we do need them here.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Shrugs:: CO: I'm my own weapon. I honestly don't trust them. What assurance do we have that they wont be moving around, repositioning their people while we're just chatting away?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: What assurances do we have that they won't move if we don't go?  None.
*OPS*: Commander, our foes want a meeting in the Main Lounge.  I need you to join us there, but all other personnel need to remain where they are.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
*CO*:  Aye, Sir.
::she nods to her relief as she gets up to heads for the Main Lounge.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Let's get to this.  We might get a few answers, or at least a chance to size up our foes face to face.  ::Turns and walks out the door to the Turbolift and deck 7.::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Follows after the Captain::

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Follows along::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she exits the Turbolift at the appropriate deck and heads for the Main Lounge.::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO/ CMO: Keep your eyes sharp.  I'm going to concentrate on the goals of these individuals, you try and concentrate on their capabilities.    
TL: Deck Seven, section 1.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Nods:: CO: Aye, sir.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she arrives at the entrance to the Main Lounge but she hangs back to wait for the Captain.::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Exits TL and walks to the Lounge.::  OPS: Commander, sorry to pull you from the Bridge, but I want experienced eyes working with us together.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Sure, I do what I can.

ACTION: Martel Cane is there in the lounge alone when the crew arrives.  He stands by the window, looking out into space and at his own ship nearby.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Steps inside and walks to the centermost table and notices the lounge staff is already gone.::

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Fights back the temptation to rush forward and strangle Martel::

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Moves over to the meeting table and waits patiently::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Martel: Captain Ayidee, at your service.  

Host MartelCane says:
CO: I'm glad to have this chance to better get acquainted, Captain.

Host MartelCane says:
All: I think I'd feel better if you'd all sit down.  I'm terribly outnumbered here.  ::Smiles::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Martel: There were better ways to make that happen, but I'm sure you know that.  I would like to know however, was the Cherokee your target or was it the prisoners we carry?

Host MartelCane says:
CO: A very interesting question, Captain, and the reason behind this little meeting.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Steps over and takes a seat, sitting very straight and stiff.::  Martel: Now that makes a bit more sense.

Host MartelCane says:
ALL: Truth be known, we couldn't care less about the four psychos you have in your brig.  I'd like to tell you what it is we do want.  ::To those still standing:: Please, sit.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
::Turns a chair around backwards and straddles it::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::she sits down and waits::

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Sits quietly, but remains ready.::

Host MartelCane says:
::He begins to pace the floor as he elucidates::  
CO: My brother was a master thief.  Cyd was imprisoned falsely, being found guilty for a murder he did not commit. The victim was a crooked mob boss.  No one cheats the Martel brothers.  Cyd didn't kill the guy.  I know because it was I who killed the lousy bastard.

Host MartelCane says:
CO: I believe Commander Nash has what we most need.

Host MartelCane says:
All: We couldn't get near Zartacla without the security codes you were given back at the Starbase.  And you're expected.  How convenient.
CO: From you, we need your ride and your cooperation, Captain.
All: You see, my crew and I are staging a breakout and you're all going to help us.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Relaxes a bit and raises an eyebrow::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Martel: And what exactly is that?  You had the resources...ah, I see.  And you think we will help an admitted murderer rescue a man who's skill at theft inspires you?

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Shrugs:: Martel: You could always turn yourself in. He'd probably go free.

Host MartelCane says:
CO: Understand, Captain.  He's my baby brother and he's innocent.

Host MartelCane says:
CMO: But, that would break up the partnership and Ma always told us to look out for one another.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
Martel: And yet you allowed his conviction and sentence.

Host MartelCane says:
All: Before I tell you this next bit, I feel I must inform you all.  If I'm not back to Main Engineering in the time pre-agreed upon, my people might start to worry and they might take out their heart felt concern on your engineers and neither of us wants to see that happen, I know.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Martel: Innocent of murder.  How many thefts were required to reach the "master thief" stage?  We could speak with the JAG and have the charges altered, perhaps to the point of "time served".  And we will not restrain you at this time.  We agreed to this parley.

Host MartelCane says:
CO: A thief is not a murderer.

Host MartelCane says:
OPS: Tell me, Commander, could you be a good girl and get us a current ship's census?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Go ahead.  With the control he's taken he could access it himself with minimal effort.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::checks for the information Martel seeks::  ALL:  Census results show that approximately seventy people have been removed from the Cherokee including the security officers in the brig, the entire population of Sickbay, the Main Lounge crew and other crew and family members.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Crosses her arms:: Martel: What are you intending to do with your own ship?

Host MartelCane says:
CMO: Use it to our advantage.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Smiles slightly:: Martel: A station is much different than a ship.

Host MartelCane says:
CO: I'll give you some time to think, Captain.  We'll come up with a plan and together, do what needs to be done.

ACTION: Martel uses a teleportation devise, attached to his wrist, to teleport out of the room and back to Main Engineering.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Martel: There is no way this will work.  The station...never mind.

CMO_LtCmdr_Talora says:
::Shakes her head:: CO: At worst....we'd be destroyed along with him.

ACTION: Amongst the missing are Wally Daniels, Rhapsody Williams, Doctor Monroe, Pat, Transporter Chief Otis, Melvin Plotz and Kevin Nash.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CMO: Agreed.

CTO_LT_Q`ten says:
CO: We must figure out a way to warn the prison.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::hopes this matter gets resolved soon so she can be reunited with her family::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: We have 2 courses of action to plan for.  Either we find a way to undo what he's done to force us into this, or we find a way to make what he wants done happen with as little loss as possible.  Contacting the prison falls into the first part, and I am pressing to put most of our effort in that direction.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
@::He finds himself in another ship's cargo bay with about seventy other people from the Cherokee, with armed guards guarding the doors.  He looks around:: Self: I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: The Prisoner of Zartacla, Part 5>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: One Hour>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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