Host Bob says:
<<<<<Begin Elara Mission>>>>>>

CTO_Valar says:
::On the Bridge at tactical, analyzing scans of the cylindrical ship's weapons capabilities::

OPS_Ross says:
::In his quarters slowly getting back into uniform, stumbles out of them and enters the TL to the Bridge combing his hair with his hand, exits the TL onto the Bridge::

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Exits his Ready Room and walks towards the center chair::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Checking position within Lukad system::

CSO_Hall says:
::On Bridge at Science Station 1, reading over data that has been collected::

XO_David says:
::Sitting in his chair:: CO: Hello Captain.

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: Welcome back Number 1.

OPS_Ross says:
::Walks over to OPS station, continues compiling the data::

CMOHariso says:
::On her way back to the Bridge with a report for the Captain::

XO_David says:
CO: Thank you, Sir.  ::Hands the CO a PADD:: Latest data.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Takes PADD:: XO: Give me the summary.  ::grins::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Thrusters at station keeping::

OPS_Ross says:
::Does a quick status report:: CO/XO: All systems functioning normally, Sirs.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Turns to the Captain, sees XO::

XO_David says:
::Thinks:: CO: Data on what we've collected so far, as well as planetary charts of the system.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Welcome back.

CTO_Valar says:
::Checks in with Security to confirm that Gamma squad is ready to depart on a moments notice::

XO_David says:
FCO: Thanks.

CMOHariso says:
::Enters the TL and rides up 12 decks to the Bridge::

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: Charts eh?  Has Mr. VanSickle seen them yet?

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Sir, Gamma squad is ready to depart on your command.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Charts, Sir?

OPS_Ross says:
::Watching the holo-emitters closely::

XO_David says:
FCO: Have you seen the latest updates for planetary data?

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Some.

CSO_Hall says:
::Continues to read data::

Host CO_Torbin says:
CTO: That is good to know.  I have a feeling I will be making use of them.

OPS_Ross says:
::Looks up to see the Captain and XO conversing::

CMOHariso says:
::Exits onto the Bridge::

XO_David says:
FCO: Here's all of it.  ::Transfers charts to the FCO's console::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: They have been thoroughly briefed on First Contact protocols.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Thanks.  ::Studies charts::

XO_David says:
::Notices the CMO entering the Bridge and smiles at her::

CMOHariso says:
::Walks around and takes a seat on the other side of the CO and smiles back at XO::

CTO_Valar says:
::Continues to monitor the scans of the cylindrical ship::

FCOVnSckl says:
::sees a vestigial asteroid belt::

OPS_Ross says:
::Standing quietly monitoring the systems throughout the ship::

XO_David says:
CTO: Anything new?

CMOHariso says:
CO: Sir, here is the medical data that I was able to collect.

Host CO_Torbin says:
CMO: Anything of interest in it Doctor?

OPS_Ross says:
::Wonders if the CO is going to dispatch an Away Team::

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Sir, looks like we can't hide in any asteroid belts if our holographic systems fail us.

CSO_Hall says:
::Notes a few things on PADD and scratches head::

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: Good to know that now, rather than by finding out when we need to use them, if we need to use them.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: The only one in this system is vestigial, fairly small.

OPS_Ross says:
::looks over at Eric:: FCO: I will see that they don't fail Eric.

CTO_Valar says:
XO: Sir, the cylindrical ship or any ships in this sector for that matter, do not seem to have weapons technologically superior to our own.  It doesn't appear that there will be any immediate threat, however I would still advise caution, just in case there is a deception going on here.

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: Number 1.  How current are you on First Contact protocol?

XO_David says:
CO: I've been brushing up.

FCOVnSckl says:
OPS: I don't need to worry about that, Ross. I can get us out of trouble.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::nods, then pauses a second to mull over an idea in his head::

CMOHariso says:
::Hands the CO a PADD:: CO: Yes and know there are two different races divided into three humanoid social groups.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Sees if he can scan the other ships for helm capabilities::

XO_David says:
CTO: Thanks

OPS_Ross says:
::Thinks: Its not like they would be of much trouble anyway::

CTO_Valar says:
XO: You're welcome, Sir.

FCOVnSckl says:
OPS: Can't be too sure about that.

OPS_Ross says:
::Continues to monitor the holo-emitters::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Continues to check position::

CSO_Hall says:
Self: Interesting hierarchy.

OPS_Ross says:
CSO: How so?

FCOVnSckl says:
::Cross-references with new charts::

XO_David says:
::Gets up and stands behind the CSO::CSO: Report.

CSO_Hall says:
OPS: They have three different classes and…..

OPS_Ross says:
::Turns and listens to the CSO..::

CSO_Hall says:
XO: I am reading the information we have, Sir.  They have an interesting hierarchy.

Host Bob says:
Action: Several small shuttle-type ships leave the 4th planet and rendezvous with the orbital construction platform where the warp ship is.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Returns to scans of helms::

XO_David says:
CSO: Explain.

OPS_Ross says:
::Turns back to console hearing beeps looks at the small ships ::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Concentrates on warp ship::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Sir, I am detecting several small shuttle-type ships approaching the construction facility.

Host CO_Torbin says:
CTO: What are they doing there?  Can you tell?

OPS_Ross says:
CTO: Any life-signs Valar?

CSO_Hall says:
XO:  They have 3 different groups.  The first two are the top and middle, classes are native to Lukad 4.  The third group is native to Lukad 5.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: The shuttles are manned.

FCOVnSckl says:
::While waiting for scans, checks on the Elara's position and if anything is coming our way::

CTO_Valar says:
CSO: Can you run a scan on the life-signs and give us a description of the occupants?

XO_David says:
::turns:: CSO: A different humanoid species in the same solar system?

Host Bob says:
Action: Shuttles dock at the orbital platform.

OPS_Ross says:
CO/CTO: Maybe last minute crew replacements or staff?

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Sir, the shuttles have docked at the platform.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO/CTO/OPS: Maybe media coverage.

Host CO_Torbin says:
ALL: All right, based on the data, do we initiate first contact or try for more information?  Opinions please

OPS_Ross says:
::smiles at Eric's comment::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Perhaps crew for the ship?

XO_David says:
CSO: Keep up the  good work Mr. Hall.

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: And keep an eye on those ships please.

CSO_Hall says:
XO:  Yes Sir.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: I will, Sir.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: I suggest we wait until that warp ship actually flies. I don't know what kind of helm data that thing has yet. Scanning it now.

OPS_Ross says:
::Is indecisive about his opinion::

XO_David says:
CO: We may want to take a look at their planetary conditions.

CSO_Hall says:
CTO:  Yes, they are humanoid and cat-like.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: I advise to collect more data before making any moves.

OPS_Ross says:
::Scans the small ships docked with the platform::

CMOHariso says:
CO:  I suggest that we should send an Away Team to gather more data but under cover first.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: I concur with the CMO, Sir.

CTO_Valar says:
CMO: How would we disguise ourselves?

OPS_Ross says:
CO: We have to learn more about their culture before even attempting first contact and the only way we can do that is through observation.

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: How many 1.2 meter tall crewmembers do we have currently Number 1?

CTO_Valar says:
CSO: Could we modify our com badges or another device to wear to emit a holo-projection around us, there by cloaking us?  Sort of a personal cloaking device?

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Sir, I have helm information that ship.

XO_David says:
CO: Sir?

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: Don't keep it to yourself Lt., fill me in.  ::grins::

OPS_Ross says:
::Is intrigued by the CTO's comment::

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: They have a standard, primitive helm control configuration. If they're aggressive, I will be able to out-fly it.

CMOHariso says:
CTO: That, I am not sure of due to the height of the Cat like group.

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: How many crewmembers do we have currently that are 1.2 meters tall, or around 4 feet?  Anyone?

OPS_Ross says:
::Hangs on the edge of his console and ponders::

CTO_Valar says:
CSO: I fail to see the relevance of the height of the aliens to our cloaking device.

CMOHariso says:
::Thinks to herself: The only person I know that is that tall is my son.

XO_David says:
CO: To my knowledge, no.

OPS_Ross says:
::Keeping an eye on the ships::

CSO_Hall says:
CTO: Yes.  I believe we could but each member would have to wear one of course.  The only problem is that if something would interfere with the hologram.

XO_David says:
CO: Not unless you want to send down children.

CTO_Valar says:
CSO: Well that is one chance we would be taking.

Host CO_Torbin says:
XO: No, I don't think that is necessary.

OPS_Ross says:
CSO: But with more holographic emitters we are taking a big risk at being detected.  Of course that is a chance we would have to take.

CTO_Valar says:
CSO: Well, it was only a suggestion.

CSO_Hall says:
OPS: I know but it could become dangerous if a member is "unmasked".  Then again, I have and idea but I need to reference it.

OPS_Ross says:
::Wonders while everyone discusses the options:

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Listens to the crew discuss options::

OPS_Ross says:
::Thinks to himself and starts sensing how high the tension on the Bridge is::

OPS_Ross says:
::Monitors the engineering subsystems::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Thinks: How are we going to study those people in person if they're much shorter than we are?::

Host Bob says:
Action: Activity aboard the orbital platform picks up.  The ship is being disconnected from the platform.  This looks like it will take 10-15 minutes to finish.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir the warp ship is being released from the umbilicals.

XO_David says:
::Looks at his panel:: CO: Whatever we do, we better do it quick.  They're beginning launch.

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: Put it on screen.  I want to watch this.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: On screen, Sir.  ::magnifies the image::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Thinks: Here we go!::

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: Train as many sensors on it as you can without letting them detect us.

CTO_Valar says:
::Looks from the viewscreen to her sensor screen::

Host Bob says:
Action: Screen shows a group of space suited figures undocking the experimental warp ship.  They scurry along purposefully, intent on their task.

CSO_Hall says:
::Watches viewscreen::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir, at that rate that ship will be under its own power in 10 to 15 minutes.  Aye, Sir,  Training sensors.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Watches screen::

OPS_Ross says:
::Locks all SRS sensor sweeps to passive mode onto the warp ship::

Host Bob says:
Action: Sensors detect a slow power increase.  Ship systems coming fully on-line, indications of diagnostics being run.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: They seem to be taking the ship out on a test flight.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Checks the helm of the warp ship::

XO_David says:
CO: It's powering up.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Thinks: Test flight::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir, looks like they are bringing all systems online.  I am picking up diagnostics being run.

Host CO_Torbin says:
ALL: Watch closely, we might be able to learn a good bit from watching them.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: They're testing the helm systems now, Sir.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: I do not detect any weapons activity as yet.

XO_David says:
::Looks from his data to the viewscreen::

CMOHariso says:
::Watches::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir looks the warp systems are powering up regularly.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Listens to the crew reporting information back to him::

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Considering the size differences, that ship, even though having a crude helm system, is as maneuverable as we are.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Looks like they are having a successful start-up of their warp core.

CTO_Valar says:
::checks the Elara's shield modulations and makes a few adjustments to keep the ship undetectable::

OPS_Ross says:
::Continues monitoring::

Host Bob says:
Action: Undocking sequence appears complete.  The yard workers hustle back to the platform airlock and re-enter the platform.

CSO_Hall says:
::Looks back at sensor readings every couple of minutes::

XO_David says:
CO: Undocking of the ship is complete.

Host Bob says:
Action: Ship slowly moves out of dock using maneuvering thrusters.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Watches as the ship prepares to move out::

OPS_Ross says:
::Closely monitors the range of the ship::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir, as of yet I can detect no sensor sweeps.  That may change however.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: They have launched.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: I know I'm jumping the gun here, Sir, but if this test run is successful, I suggest we start First Contact procedures.

CSO_Hall says:
OPS: Are you thinking what I am thinking?

XO_David says:
ALL: History in the making.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Nods at the XO::

OPS_Ross says:
CSO: Probably not Will.  What's that?

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: I am thinking along those same lines Lt.  I haven't seen anything to indicate they wouldn't be ready for it at this time.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Shall we follow them and observe?

CMOHariso says:
::Sits and watches history being made::

Host Bob says:
Action: Sensors are picking up standard com chatter from the platform and ship, nothing out of the ordinary.

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: Can you follow them?  Maximum sensor range is as close as I want to get though.

CSO_Hall says:
OPS: Better rephrase that.  If they get to close and initiate warp it could effect the holo-emitters.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Looks like their OPS has cleared them.

FCOVnSckl says:
FCO: Aye, Sir. I won't let them out of our sight.

OPS_Ross says:
CSO: Can we compensate?

FCOVnSckl says:
::Prepares helm to follow, their maximum warp speed at our maximum sensor range::

Host Bob says:
Action: Ship accelerates to 0.1 impulse and heads for the system boundary.  It will pass within 500 km of Elara.

XO_David says:
FCO: What's the status of our warp field?

CSO_Hall says:
OPS:  It depends on how strong of a warp field they put out.  It may not effect us at all.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Checks:: XO: Full power.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: That ship is headed our way and will intercept in 5.35 minutes.

Host Bob says:
Action: Acceleration increases after a few minutes to 0.4 impulse

XO_David says:
CSO: Could they detect the warp field?

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir, they are closing to within 500km.

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: Move us well out of their way.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

Host Bob says:
Action: Ship passes by and continues on course, distance increasing.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Reverse thrusters to 1,000 km::

CSO_Hall says:
XO: I don't believe so, Sir.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: They are headed for the boundary.

OPS_Ross says:
::Smiles as they pass:: CO: I think that means they didn't detect us.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Follow?

Host Bob says:
Action: Velocity now 0.5c and rising.  ETA to boundary 15 minutes.

Host CO_Torbin says:
FCO: Move to follow.  Keep them at maximum sensor range.

XO_David says:
CSO: Good.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Sets course to follow::

XO_David says:
::Sits in his chair::

OPS_Ross says:
::Continues monitoring sensors::

FCOVnSckl says:
::Following at maximum sensor rage at warp 0.5::

CSO_Hall says:
XO:  I would advise against going any faster than the warp ship.

OPS_Ross says:
::Looks over to the CSO::CSO Don't we all.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Mirroring the warp ship's speed::

XO_David says:
CSO: Right.  CO: CSO suggests not exceeding the speed of the warp ship.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Nods to XO:: FCO: Make sure you don't overtake them.  Nice and slow should be fine.

CSO_Hall says:
OPS: I would hope so.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Aye, Sir. ::Matching speed::

CTO_Valar says:
::Tries to project the warp ship's destination::

CMOHariso says:
::Still watching, has no need to say or do anything yet::

Host Bob says:
Action: Power build up in warp core and coils detected.  Subspace field building.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Notices they are heading for warp, matching::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: They might be headed toward the La Grange point in this system.  Sir, subspace field is growing in strength.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: They look like they're heading toward UFP space.

Host Bob says:
Action: Ship reaches warp 1, continues to accelerate.

Host CO_Torbin says:
::Thinks: Heading toward UFP space.  Hmm…:: OPS:  Are there any other UFP ships in this area?

OPS_Ross says:
::Smiles:: Its official they have reached warp one.

FCOVnSckl says:
::Accelerates to warp 1 to match::

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Checking, Sir.  The nearest ship is 18 light years away.

XO_David says:
OPS: Is that ship capable of making warp 2?

FCOVnSckl says:
::Looks at speed indicators::

OPS_Ross says:
XO: I would believe so Sir, based on what I have seen of their warp systems.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Perhaps this is not a test flight after all.

Host Bob says:
Action ship reaches warp 2, 2.2, 2.3, then ends up at 2.4 and steady.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: Warp 2.4 Sir.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Perhaps they wish to initiate first contact with the Federation.

OPS_Ross says:
CO/XO: Maybe warp three if their field dynamics hold steady.  No, wait! Looks like 2.4.

XO_David says:
::Looks at data::

Host Bob says:
ACTION: Long-range sensors detect unknown vessel approaching at warp 8.  ETA 8 minutes.

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: They've leveled off. Doing the same.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Long range sensors are detecting an unknown vessel approaching at warp 8.

XO_David says:
OPS: What kind of ship?

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Time to intercept, 8 minutes.

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: Ship?  What kind of ship?

OPS_Ross says:
XO: As of yet, no known Identification.

MOHariso says:
::Now that would be right::

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: Identify that ship.  We can't risk another race making first contact.

OPS_Ross says:
CO: Sir it looks like a Ferengi Marauder vessel.

XO_David says:
CO: Will we defend them if they are attacked?

FCOVnSckl says:
OPS: The Ferengi?

OPS_Ross says:
FCO: That's what sensors say, Sir.

Host CO_Torbin says:
OPS: Ferengi?  ::Thinks: Lovely::

XO_David says:
CO: Go to yellow alert Sir?

Host CO_Torbin says:
ALL: Do we have the Ferengi leave the area or do we initiate First Contact now?

FCOVnSckl says:
CO: I think First Contact should be done now before the Ferengi arrive.

CMOHariso says:
::Thinks: Ferengi have the worse timing::

CTO_Valar says:
CO: I recommend warning off the Ferengi ship.

CSO_Hall says:
CO:  I bet the Ferengi want them to become trade partners.

OPS_Ross says:
::Thinks to himself:: CO: Personally, I wouldn't want the Ferengi making first contact with anyone.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: How do we know the Ferengi haven't already made contact with this species?

FCOVnSckl says:
CTO: You think maybe the Ferengi may have HELPED these people to become warp capable?

CMOHariso says:
CO: Good point.  Who knows whom the Ferengi have dealings with.

CTO_Valar says:
FCO: That is a possibility.

OPS_Ross says:
FCO: That seems unlikely because their warp design is still relatively primitive.

XO_David says:
OPS: Did you detect Ferengi technology?

OPS_Ross says:
XO: Negative, Sir.

FCOVnSckl says:
XO: Nor in the helm.

CTO_Valar says:
CO: Knowing the Ferengi, they probably sold this species outdated technology for an outrageous price tag.

CSO_Hall says:
CO:  It may not be Ferengi either.

Host Bob says:
<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission>>>>>>>>>>