USS Pendragon
10508.06

The Only Constant, Pt 2

Starring:
Coot as CO Rofax
Jeff as XO Thraxis
Sandy as OPS Thraxis
Dylan as CSO Toms
Kyle as CTO Newind
Keith as CEO Damien

Directed by:
Jane as warp9/Cmdr Verdi

Host warp9 says:
Last week on the USS Pendragon...

Host warp9 says:
Captain Rofax issued some troubling orders

Host warp9 says:
::run video of Albaron Thraxis looking troubled::

Host warp9 says:
And most shocking of all...

Host warp9 says:
Nothing blew up!

Host warp9 says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<resume mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::on the bridge at her station::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::at his engineering station on the bridge::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::running various scans::

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The USS Pendragon enters short-range sensor range of the coordinates.

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
::on the bridge, at SCI1, trying to shake off the last of his flu::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::turns to TAC::  CTO: Confirm sensor readings, are we being followed?  And if so, check to see if it is Thisah's vessel.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: Aye, sir. Working on it now.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Should I attempt to hail them, Sir?

Host warp9 says:
ACTION:  The OPS panel beeps.

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Any traffic in the area?

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::looks at her screen:: XO:  Commander, I am receiving an incoming message on a secure channel.  They're asking for you.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: sitting at the Captain's left, brooding ::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: looks up ::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Thank you, Commander.  CO: Sir, with your permission, I'll take this in the Officer's Lounge.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::does a scan:: CO: Nothing so far..

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::keeps his little ears open, but says nothing::

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::Scans for any other traffic in the area::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::tries various scans and sweeps::

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  No comm traffic, apart from the XO's message.

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Very well.  You may use the Ready Room if you wish to save yourself the trip.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::does a forward sweep::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Thank you, sir.  :: enters the RR, and the door swooshes shut behind him ::

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
:looking over latest reports from SCI Department, wonders where his staff seem to be disappearing to these days::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Computer: Computer, decrypt transmission. Authorization Thraxis omicron delta three three blue theta.

Host CO_Rofax says:
::thinks on it a minute longer::  OPS: No... they felt our presence is unwarranted.... so I would hazard a guess that any attempts to hail them may be ignored.  Did you detect that sensor blip?  ::to no one in particular::  I wonder if Thisah is trying to reach us again.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: Sir, I've got something in orbit of a Class M planet. Mr. Damien will need to assist me to clean up the scans and get a better readout on it.

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
ACTION:  Verdi appears onscreen in the RR.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Either Thisah or the Pontifex ... or it could be something else.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO: See to it.  Passive scans only... let's not tip our hand just yet.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Verdi: Commander, thank you for answering my query so promptly.

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::for some odd reason, doesn't like or trust Thisah::

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
@COMM:  XO:  What is the problem, Commander?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: Alright sir.

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Let's try to rule out the something else.  ::turns to SCI::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CEO: ::transfers the sensor information to Damien's console:: Here's what I got so far. Like the Captain said, passive scans only. ::continues working on the information::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
Verdi: I just need confirmation of our recent orders, ma'am. Have we in fact been ordered to locate the USS Pontifex and place its CO under arrest?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Mr. Toms, we have been plagued by blips since arriving in this area.  Cmdr Pettigrove has the particulars, can you verify her readings and identify whatever seems to be trailing us this time?

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir. ::requests data from OPS consol::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CTO: Let me try and clean up that distortion you're getting ::has been monitoring systems::

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::sends the data::

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
@COMM: XO:  Your primary orders are to patrol the area.  If you happen across the Pontifex, then yes, you are to arrest Kyrron.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::nods to Damien::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::adds a low band frequency asynchronous low band filter::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: nods :: Verdi: Thank you, Commander. I just wanted to clear that up.

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
@COMM:  XO:  Is there a problem out there I should know about?

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
::begins a simple database query to check for anything obvious to start the comparison with::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::walks over to OPS::  OPS: Jordan...  ::glances to the RR::  everything alright with you two?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: Sir, Thisah's ship is the one in orbit of the planet.

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CTO: Check now. I have a clear reading on the vessel.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::smiles:: CO:  Everything's fine.  I have a feeling that Albaron doesn't agree with us about Tria 

Host CO_Rofax says:
::curses in an unknown tongue::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::nods:: CEO: I've got it. Thanks.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: pauses a moment :: Verdi: I can't say just yet, ma'am. I'd be most grateful if we could keep this conversation just between the two of us. Please.

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
::gets a few hits, so starts to narrow down the characteristics to see what pops out::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CTO / CEO: If Thisah's vessel is in orbit, then someone either does not trust us or is attempting to trail us.  Can you come up with a passive solution to finding out if they are still there?

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
@COMM:  XO:  If there's any problems, report to me immediately.  Verdi out.  ::cuts the comm::

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
::starts scratching head, pokes around again::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: closes his eyes and takes a deep breath ::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: returns to the Bridge ::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: We can use a subspace magnetic resonance field to obtain fairly accurate records, with minimal invasion.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: What have we got, sir?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::was about to suggest something, but the CEO seems to have the better idea::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::nods to OPS and makes his way back towards the center chair::  CEO: Sounds proper enough to me, Chief.  I trust you can bring Mr. Newind up to speed?

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: He already knows. I'll send him the specifics, let me know when you want it brought on line, it'll take a few seconds to change the emitter focus of the deflector

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: The sensor blip is not Thisah and thus far, unidentified.  Thisah's vessel is in orbit of a Class M planet at the coordinate Cmdr Verdi provided, but I fear we will be ignored if we attempt to contact them.  So, for now we will continue our patrol route...

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: Sir, I think I may have something. There are traces of an impulse engine in these readings. The database is telling me that it is likely to be the Takaran freighter Vandana.

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::sends the emitter array functions to the CTO::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::nods and receives the info, begins to what he's supposed to::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::curses quite clearly in fluent English::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: Captain?

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Is the Council meeting supposed to take place aboard Thisah's ship?

Host CO_Rofax says:
ALL: Sorry....

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::raises an eyebrow at the Captain's words::

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: Also, it seems that we are picking it up anytime that we change speed, suggesting that they emit when they have to change speed as well.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  They're tailing us ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: I am unsure, but the coordinates Verdi indicated as much.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Excellent work Cmdr.... is there anything up your bag of tricks to hamper their efforts to follow us?

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO/XO:  We cannot lead them to the Council ...

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: If the Vandana tailed us here, it's a good bet that the Council meeting could be their target.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
XO:  Then we have to make them think the Council meeting is somewhere else ... lead them away ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
::eyes dancing with rage::  XO: Suggestions?  You should know by now that I intend to scuttle the Vandana, but I will head your advice....

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
OPS: Is Thisah's ship within the Vandana's sensor range yet?

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: I’m not sure sir. If they've been following us thus far, then they would have a fairly good idea of where we headed, even in the general sense. We probably want to do something about that before we try to lose them.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::Scans:: XO:  Checking ...

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CSO: Any other Class M planets in this system?

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
::Scans system::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::sends coordinates to flight to alter course slightly, but continue on what looks like a patrol route::  ALL: If Thisah's vessel is in orbit, then I am certain they can dismantle the Vandana.  Let's see how far down the rabbit hole they plan to follow....

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
XO:  Sir, Thisah's ship is within scanner range of the Vandana ... but she's in camouflage mode, completely undetectable to regular sensors.

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
ACTION:  The Pendragon alters course.

Host Cmdr_Verdi says:
ACTION:  The Vandana briefly appears on sensors.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Any desolate moons in the vicinity?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::sees the Vandana.. resists an urge to shoot it::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO / CTO: I have a plan....

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::listens::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::pays attention to the captain::

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: I’m not getting anything from this system, but there are some moons in the next system over::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO / CTO: Verify with the database we have the Vandana's ion signature.  Tria sent it in her transmission.  Check my logs if you cannot find it....

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Anything that we can make it appear we are sneaking up on the farthest one?

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: Will do

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Leapfrog through the system, so to speak...

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::nods and begins cross checking the information from Tria and the signatures of the ship::

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::taps a few keys and looks for the ion signature::

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: There are quite a bunch of moons. I’m sure a closer look will show something that could help us, and will let us attempt to evade.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: May I ask what you are contemplating, sir?

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO/CEO: Ah, the Vandana has disguised her warp signature.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO / CTO: I want to leave a trap for them on the far side of one of the moons.  We will need to re-program the magnetic mines to lock on to them and release several dormant torpedoes to activate at a moment's notice....

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: That's not a problem ::flashes back to the last time he worked with the CTO on anything::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: You intend to destroy the Vandana, sir?

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::especially torpedoes::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: But.. ::pauses and rechecks:: we can track her through generator emissions.

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Relay your coordinates to the Helm and assist in plotting an approach.  We will need to change approach vectors and use the moons to our advantage.

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir. ::post data to helm, starts looking for accurate way to start making passage::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Sir... the unprovoked destruction of another ship will almost certainly result in an inquest, and possibly a court-martial. I urge you to reconsider.

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Not at all.  I simply intend to disable them and turn them over to the Council.  If they feel we are unwanted, turning over those responsible for nearly every death since our arrival may smooth relations....

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::continues scanning ... extends the range of the sensors to cover a greater area::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::senses a bit of tension from the XO towards the CO.. or at least he thinks its tension::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
:: relaxes, just a touch ::  CO: You're going to disable the Vandana, then.

Host CO_Rofax says:
OPS: Cmdr, continue passive scans of the area, all headings.  And begin active scans towards Heading 070, mark 110.  Let's start bluffing now....

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: That is my intention, but if the opportunity to engage them arises, then I will not be caught off-guard.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Already got her, Sir.  She's following us.

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::checks progress on the mines, nearly done now::

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  I'm also picking up another vessel ...

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  It's on the fringe of sensor range.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Sensors have identified it as the Pontifex ... I think ...

Host CO_Rofax says:
::whispers under his breath::  ....great....  OPS: Launch a probe and being active scans.  Whoever it is will know we are coming.....

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Aye, Sir.  ::configures the probe launches it::

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
CO: Sir, sensors confirm it was the Pontifex, but she's left.

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Your thoughts, Cmdr?  Two vessels wanted by the Federation... shall we continue to bait the one responsible for uncounted murders or do we track down a Captain who may be up to something we do not fully understand?

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Probe away, Captain.  Commencing active scans.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
::continues scanning::

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: My understanding, sir, is that the protection of the Council is our primary mission. As such, we must certainly concentrate our efforts on neutralizing the Vandana.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  Sir, the Vandana is still following us ... she doesn't seem to know we've detected her.

Host CO_Rofax says:
XO: Very well.  Captain Kyrron will elude us for one more day, but the Vandana does not need to know this.

XO_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO: Yes, sir.

Host CO_Rofax says:
FCO: Helm, increase speed to .75C, heading, last known coordinates of the Pontifex.

Host FCO_Bob says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::adjusts course and speed as ordered::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CSO: Find me two moons, relatively close together.  One larger than the other if possible.

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  A trap ... ::smiles and continues scanning to ensure the Vandana is following::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Mr. Damien, I apologize now.  However, you should appreciate this.

CSO_LtCmd_Toms says:
CO: Aye sir ::works up a plot and submits two options to the COs chair:: There are a couple of options sir.

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: Lets hope so ::mildly confused::

OPS_Cmdr_Thraxis says:
CO:  I still have them following us ... they still seem unaware that we have detected them.

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
ALL: Vandana crew ain't so bright, are they?

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: As we approach the first moon, we will enter an extremely low orbit....  no atmosphere to get in the way.   Once we reach the far side, we will alter course for the second moon and release the mines... dormant state.  Then we wait....

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
::listens::

Host CO_Rofax says:
CEO: Is it possible?

CEO_Lt_Damien says:
CO: Certainly

CTO_Lt_Newind says:
::finally comes up with the final detail for his chair; smiles::

Host CO_Rofax says:
::grins like the cat that ate the canary::  CEO: Excellent....

Host FCO_Bob says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<pause mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>