Host Tim says:
During the last 12 hours the U.S.S. Dublin has been racing at maximum warp of 9.7, the safety limit is about to be reached.

Host Tim says:
It has been considered pure luck that the jury-rigged cloak has held up.

Host Tim says:
With a Romulan scout ship pursuing but not gaining and the potential of more Romulans before them the Dublin is committed to delivering their cargo.

Host Tim says:
<<<Resume Mission; "Down the rabbit hole">>>

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Awaits the report from engineering.::

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: Captain, we're reaching the maximum safety limit for doing warp 9.7.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Captain, I'm still picking up that Romulan class scout ship behind us.  She is not gaining on us.  Sensors are also detecting a build-up of Federation vessels at Doradus.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Eyes widen at Ms. Daniels report.::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::reads all the tachyon counts on his display:: *CO*: The device is still working Captain, but if you have a lucky amulet I suggest you pull it out right now and have someone looking for shamrocks in the arboretum.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: Do what you can Lieutenant.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::rides the turbolift up to the bridge, sensing the crew's nerves on edge again as they race ahead, walks onto the bridge and up to Captain Cerdan::  CO: Sir, reporting to the bridge as you asked.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
FCO: Reduce velocity to a safer level.

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: Aye sir, dropping to 9.6 now. ::decreases warp speed::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Monitors sensors and attempts to modify them to get some better readings.::  Self:  Why are my sensors not penetrating that area of space?

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CNS: Have a seat. ::Gestures::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::on the bridge at tactical, following up on the CSO's findings at Doradus:: CSO: They might be there to give us cover if the Romulans decide to pull any surprises on the way there.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: You reading the ships at Doradus as well?

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: Only as much as Ensign Daniels knows, for the moment, sir.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO:  I'm not so sure they know we're here.  I mean with the cloak and all, I'm not sure they would detect us.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::nods and sits in the Counselor's chair as asked, is very glad to hear that there will be friendly ships waiting for them::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
All:  In the Romulan mindset, they rarely take chances, but act only on a sure thing.  ::watches the view screen and listens to the further reports::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Continues to moderate her sensors and also monitor communications, looking specifically for communications of any vessels in the area.::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CO*: I am on it, but at this point I think it's more a matter of luck than engineering I am afraid. In any case I hope I can let you know when the tachyon level has reached the limit.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::his antennae twitch slightly as he allows a slight grin, thinking of how he was able to freak out Tayla with his daredevil attitude 12 hours ago::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  I'm not detecting any communications out of the ordinary, sir.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO:  One of those scout vessels appears to be racing after the Purse.  Not sure if that matters, but I thought I would let you know.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: Understood.

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: 17.4 hours to Doradus sir.  About 12 to the neutral zone.

Host Tim says:
<FCO>Self: Not that that is any comfort right now.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Leans closer to the Counselor.:: CNS: I know you have some lets say abilities that could be helpful. If you sense anything you will offer it? No matter how unimportant it may be.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
FCO: Acknowledged.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hears the FCO, and says a small prayer that their cloak will hold out and they will not be detected before they reach the border.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CSO: Do you think Mr. Pez is in any danger? Even if caught, I'm sure he'd find some means of bribing his way out of trouble. One can never underestimate a Ferengi's cunning.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Fix'um*: Hey do you remember where we put all the voodoo stuff? We may need help pretty soon.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::starts to feel sorry for the Pez Ferengi after he did something so heroic::  CO: I do hope the Purse will not be harassed...  ::leans forward in her seat. hears the Captain and nods and looks at him::  Yessir...I understand.   ::has been keeping her senses open in case there are nearing cloaked warbirds::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO:  The Purse vessel appears to be somewhat overpowered.  I do not believe he will be caught, but if he is, I'm sure they won't have anything on him.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CNS: I'm afraid we can offer no help to the Purse.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
CO: I know.  It is unfortunate, but it would negate everything Mr. Pez risked.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Leans with his fist under his chin in thought.::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::looks at the tachyons building up increase with exponential speed:: Computer: Estimate moment when we will reach critical tachyon buildup.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::nods:: CSO: Well put. ::is far more concerned about the Dublin right now, and avoiding being caught using a cloak that violates treaty, and could cause the Quadrant to fall into war...again::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: Can we send a communication to Doradus without being detected?

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
<Computer>: CEO: At this rate tachyon accumulation on the hull will reach critical mass in 40 minutes. Cloaking device will shut down.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Bridge*: We will reach an unsustainable tachyon build up in 40 minutes. At that point the device will shut down automatically.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  In theory, yes, but I would not advise it, Captain.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Reviews sensors.::  CTO/CO:  The Romulan scout vessel behind us has adjusted his course.  He is now coming straight at us.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/CO:  I'm thinking the drop in warm may have created a tiny blip in the warp bubble that may have caused detection.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: I need that cloak Mr. ........::Stops as Ensign Daniels speaks.::

Host Tim says:
<FCO> ::flinches at the CSO's words::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Captain, I could try a directed communication beam on a particular frequency.  That might work.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Looks to the Counselor without speaking.::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::swallows nervously, now being so close to their destination, listens to Tayla's report::  CO: If it is any consolation, I do not sense any other minds as far as my 'reach' is.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Does some tweaking on the sensors.::  CO/CTO:  Um, another problem here.  I am also detecting two Romulan class cruisers at a tangent between Dublin and Doradus, Sirs.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::looks to Daniels, more than a little concerned:: CO: It appears to their course adjustments points to the possibility we may have already been detected, sir. Or they have merely made a coincidental, yet serendipitous change of course. I have little evidence to prove either outcome.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CO*: I cannot change the laws of physics sir. I can try to bypass the automatic shutdown, but you all on the bridge and everyone too close to the hull is going to die for radiation poisoning sir.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::looks at the Captain:: CO:  The transmission would need to be highly coded and randomly waved.  The Romulan detection system is very good.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Nods silently.::  *CEO*: Do what you can Chief. Bridge out.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  In addition, Sir, there is no guarantee they do not have our federation codes.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
ALL:  Of course, I am probably just sounding a bit paranoid here.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO/FCO:  It is possible those two vessels in front may intercept us, but probably not within Romulan Empire claimed space.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: Ensign, send a coded message to Smythe. Advise him of our situation. Tell him to attract the attention of those cruisers in about 40 minutes.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Bring up a tactical map of the current area.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Bridge*: Ensign Daniels and I prepared a decoy while we were crossing Romulan space. If we use it that may give us some time once the cloaking device is off.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Yes, Sir.  ::Begins the coded message on a secure channel to Smythe, advising of their current situation and of the Captain's request.  Reviews and hits send.::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Message underway, Captain.  ::Hears the comm from Gael.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: Aye, sir. ::displays a minimap in the corner of the bridge view screen that shows exactly what Kizlev sees on his tactical sensor readouts::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: Get it ready to activate chief. We may need a little diversion.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Keeps the two forward Romulan vessels and the vessel behind her on sensors, monitoring their position.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Stands and looks over the display.::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::sits up in her chair, her senses unfortunately 'touching' Romulan minds and having a hard time not to 'pull away' in reaction:: CO: Sir...I'm afraid they know we are here.  They are excited and anticipating something...us being that something I am afraid...

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO:  Scout ship behind us is still maintaining distance.  But they are doing active scanning.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO:  As are those two Romulan vessels out in front.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Overhears the CNS, her heart beginning to pound.::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
Self: No...we were so close...  ::tries not to frantically 'search' the Romulan minds in fear of sensing her sire, Tarrus and shifts in her seat uncomfortably::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CO*: I am checking right now sir. It is ready to be deployed. It will have our signature and fly at warp 8. I will be able to control his direction from the engineering console on the bridge.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: Acknowledged.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Reviews an incoming encoded message coming across her console.::  Out Loud:  Yes!  
CO:  Captain!  Smythe just sent his acknowledgement.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
*CEO*: Bridge to Delgado. I think our best chance with the decoy is to set it to mask us with a faked Romulan Shrike-Class scout configuration. Anything larger, and the ruse might not be as effective.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CNS: Are you alright?

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CTO*: The decoy has the same signature on sensors than the Dublin. They will see two Dublins on their screens. It may confuse them.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO:  I tend to agree with Gael on this one, Sir.  If they are looking for us, I think it's our only shot.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Looks from Counselor Jakiel and back to the display.::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looks over at the CNS, trying to gauge her reaction.::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
*CEO*/CSO: You do realize that if they detect a Starfleet ship decloaking, the whole mission is a failure, yes?

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
CO:  I am sorry, Sir, but...I...when I was a child.   I am hoping there is not a certain Romulan officer on any of those cruisers, and neither a Ullian.  That might explain why they know we are here...if they actually do.  To fall into their hands...  ::her eyes are locked on the view screen::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CTO*: We are going to decloak in 7 minutes no matter what. The only alternative is self destruction.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Taps his badge again.:: *CEO*: Hold the diversion until the cloak fails.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
Self:  I thought that was the plan.  ::Stays quiet.::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CO*: Aye Sir, I would not launch without permission.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Tries to concentrate on her sensors, and not worry too much about the CNS.  Still .. her words ring in her ears wondering what it's all about.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
FCO: Plot course to.....Khazara engage on my mark.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::turns to Cerdan, and thinks of what Delgado is proposing...a faked Gemini Effect that gives the illusion of two of the exact same starship occupying different points of space at the same time...how will that fool the Romulans and spare the Federation from war?::

Host Tim says:
<FCO> Self: Khazara? Aye sir, rerouting to Kahazara at warp 9.6 on your mark.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Go to red alert, all hands battle stations.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::looks over his console, and down to Rhianna sitting in her chair in front of him:: CNS: None of that now, Imzadi. History shall not be repeated here today. ::activates Red Alert::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Bridge*: Four minutes to shutdown.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
FCO: Helm engage new course

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Bridge*: Two minutes to shutdown. Decoy ready to deploy.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::hears Kizlev and tries to hold onto his words but still feels the horrid fear of what would happen to her and those other men...the entire crew if the Dublin is taken, thinks the new shift in direction is excellent, forces her attention off the view screen to catch Kizlev's eyes before turning back::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO/ CTO: Monitor for any course change from those ships.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Aye, Captain.  ::Keeps a close eye to sensors.::

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: Aye sir, changing course:: maneuvers ship to new heading 30 degrees from previous course on direct heading to Star Base 173::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: Send the decoy on a course toward Doradus.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
*CEO*: Deploy now.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Captain, if we are changing course, should we not send an encrypted message to Smythe?  He will expect us at the older coordinates.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: Ensign, when the cloak fails, Lets just hope he keeps the Romulans busy.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*CO*: Aye sir ::activates the engines on the decoy, inputs the coordinates and lets it deploy::

Host Tim says:
ACTION: THE DUBLIN CHANGES COURSE AND THE DECOY DRONES CONTINUE TOWARD DORADUS EMITTING SIGNALS AS THOUGH IT WERE THE DUBLIN

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
Self to decoy:  Do a good job.  Do a good job!

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: Captain, I'm detecting course changes from friendly Starfleet contacts. They are moving out towards the Neutral Zone in staggered chevron formations.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
CO:  Sir, if there is a Reman or Ullian on board, telepaths can only generally tell direction except under severe duress.  Even my mother, Tessa, was not very directionally oriented as strong as she was.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
*Bridge*: Cloaking Device Shutdown in 5, 4,, 3 ,2 , 1 now!!!.

Host Tim says:
ACTION: THE CLOAK IS SHUT DOWN

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Takes a deep breath.::  CO:  I am reading cloak shut down.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::looks while the cloaking device systems and displays turn black:: Device: So long and thank you for the help. ::walks fast into main engineering::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  I think it's working.  I'm getting some communications that appear to be confusing chatter between the Romulan vessels.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Nods to Lt Jakiel.:: Rhianna, no worries. We will get through this. ::Forces a half smile.::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Continues to monitor the comm and sensors.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Takes his seat again.:: *CEO*: Can you run the Tachyon decontamination and get our cloak back online?

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::her empathic sense goes on high alert as she hears Tayla's statement, but then senses something odd::  CO:  Sir...they are...the Romulans, they are confused and very angry...  ::scoots forward to the edge of her seat without realizing::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: Friendly vessels are reading at full alert combat status.

Host Tim says:
ACTION: THE ROMULAN SCOUT VESSEL THAT WAS PURSUING THE DUBLIN CHANGES VECTOR TOWARD THE DUBLIN; THE TWO ROMULAN CRUISERS MOVE TOWARD THE DECOY

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
Engineers: the device is shut down and we don't know when we will be attacked. I want all damage control teams deployed. I will be on the bridge for the time being. Fix'um see if you can reactivate the device or if it is fused for good.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Are they crossing the neutral zone?

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO:  Sirs, the Romulan scout vessel behind us has changed course and is continuing to pursue us.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::wonders to herself what these VIP guests know to have so many Federation ships on the ready and the Romulans so determined::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO/CTO:  The two Romulan Cruisers in front are going after the decoy.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
<Fix'um> CEO: Ok Gael I will run the diagnostics and let you know as soon as I can. Good luck on the bridge.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::wets her lips, her throat feeling dry from the tense situation, but is hanging on the hope that the decoy will keep the other scout vessels busy long enough::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
Helm: Distance to Neutral zone on current heading?

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: No, sir. They're holding position near the border, spreading out to cover more area.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::while his people prepare for a battle he hope will never come he starts running toward the nearest TL::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CTO: Good, that will keep their attention for a while.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CNS: Rhianna, have you sensed any telepathic activity close by?

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::enters TL 2:: Computer: Bridge.

Host Tim says:
<FCO>::pushes some console buttons and sighs:: CO: Three and a half hours sir.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
FCO: Maintain course.

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: Aye sir.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Romulan vessel pursuing us is maintaining distance, Captain.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CSO: It doesn't appear the scout vessel was similarly fooled. These Romulans are quite focused.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::shakes her head no::  CTO:  No, Sir, but Betazoids cannot read Ullians.  If there was a Reman I would 'know' that.  I had a Ull...  ::stops short, forgetting herself::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::enters the bridge and walks to his station::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
CSO: Are they taking the bait?

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO:  Either that or they split up again.  
CO/CTO:  The good news is that there are no enemy vessels in front on our new course.
CEO:  It appears that way, although we still have one Romulan vessel behind us, but he is maintaining distance.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Another thought occurs as he sits with hand under chin again.::

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Tries to force a smile at Gael, trying to show him she is not worried, even though deep inside, she is.::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO; Very good . Keep monitoring.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
<Fix'um>: *CEO*: Gael good news, if you change a few tachyon resonance conduits the device may start again.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CNS: I was thinking. Can you sense anything from our passengers?

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
All:  Romulans are always severely focused...  ::says as almost an afterthought as she continues keeping her sense 'tuned'::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::his eyebrows arch up slightly, thinking Rhianna was about to say something she hadn't revealed to him before:: CNS: I see. We'll talk more on this later. For now, cast out any stress in your mind, and find relief in knowing I will keep you safe. ::checks more data from the computer:: CO: Sir, those cruisers will not be problem for us.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
ALL:  And according to the communications, it appears that the Klingons are "not" happy with the Purse heading toward their space.

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
Self: Yatta!!! *Fix'um*: Start replicating the parts we need. I will come down once again as soon as set the decoy control software on the CSO station.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
CO: The decoy was successful in diverting their course long enough to where they will not be able to intercept us before we cross the Neutral Zone.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
::Overhears the CTO's words to the CNS, and gives the CNS a smile.::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
All: Ok I think we can fix the cloaking device. You may have it back on line in two to three hours.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Can't help but think it's too easy.::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::makes herself turn and look at Cerdan::  CO:  No, Sir.  They have been trained to blank their thoughts.  It is a necessity.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: What communications?

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Klingon communications, Sir.  They're not happy that the Purse is headed into their region of space.

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
::Reaches over and taps Rhianna's hand.:

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CNS: Rest a moment. That appears to be very stressful.

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::notes the Federation ships are adjusting positions to intercept the Dublin the closer the ship gets to the NZ::

Host CO_Capt_Cerdan says:
CSO: Are there any Klingon ships close to the neutral zone on our course?

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::pushes a few buttons on the console:: CSO: OK Tayla I am giving you control over the decoy. I need to go down once again and fix the cloaking device.

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CEO:  Aye, Gael.  I'll take good care of it.  ::Smiles at him.::  Good luck!

CSO_Ens_Daniels says:
CO:  Sorry, Captain, but it's too far for sensors to determine that, but communications indicate there might be some patrol vessels in the area.

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::senses the worry for herself from everyone on the bridge, just now 'realizing' and relaxes slightly, looks at Kizlev, then turns to Cerdan as she feels the touch, almost jumping and feeling embarrassed::  CO:  It is, Sir, but...  Yes, Sir.  ::'pulls back' as much as she can make herself, and tries to take deep breaths::

CEO_Lt_Delgado says:
::smiles and turns once again toward the bowels of the ship::

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::shakes his head, wondering if Pez is now in more or less danger flying straight into Klingon hands::

CNS_Lt_Jakiel says:
::says quietly:: CO:  Thank you...  ::gives Tayla a small smile and 'touches' Kizlev's strong mind to steady her own thoughts::

Host Tim says:
<FCO>CO: On course and no known problems. ETA to neutral zone is... one hour and 37 minutes

CTO_LtCmdr_Kizlev says:
::smiles at Rhianna, approving of her relaxing state of mind:: Thinks to self: You mustn't stress so much, my love...

Host Tim says:
<<<Pause Mission>>>

Copyright (c) 2007 Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.