U.S.S. Pendragon NCC-74125
Stardate 10804.12
Mission #398 - “Picking Up The Pieces, Pt 4”

Starring: 
Chris Nickel as Captain Vn’dor Phail, Commanding Officer
Keith LaHue as Commander Jose Damien, Chief Engineering Officer/Second Officer
Jane Rowley as Ensign Timbit, Operations Officer

Guest Starring:
Jan as Lieutenant Tribble, Acting Chief Tactical Officer

Absent:
Cory Friess as Commander Yates-Luchena, Executive Officer

Directed By:
Coot, Ship Manager

Host Cootles says:
Last time on the U.S.S. Pendragon . . .

Host Cootles says:
The U.S.S. Pendragon remains trapped inside an alien vessel apparently operated entirely by machines. Probes disguised as Terran animals have been the primary form of contact with the alien vessel, although at least one other life form has been encountered.

Host Cootles says:
Although mechanical in nature, the creatures have displayed hive-like behavior and begun swarming the outer hull of the Pendragon. A web of leads and sensors connects the Pendragon to the alien vessel and one of the Crew has managed to locate a mysterious lab of sorts.

Host Cootles says:
< < < < Resume Mission: Picking up the pieces, Part IV> > > >

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The probes around the hull are attempting to reassemble their previous form and encase the Pendragon.

Host Cootles says:
<Head> Mulder: No. Sustenance is needed. You are required.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::stands and walks toward the OPS Officer::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::still trying to find a communications port in all this mess::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
<Mulder> Head: Not me. ::backs away quickly::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::arrives at Timbits chair and rest a hand on it's back::  OPS: How is the music operation coming?

OPS_Timbits says:
::searching through the musical database::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: Mulder bumps into a force field of sorts, knocking him slightly off-balance.

OPS_Timbits says:
::startled::  CO:  I'm just about to try another style.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::Mulder reacts to the force field, pulling away::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Good..  ::taps his Comm. Badge::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
*CEO*: Vn'dor to Damien

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The CEO finds something promising, in the same direction Mulder headed off towards earlier.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
<Mulder> *aCTO* The .... head is talking to me.  Saying it needs to feed. ::repulsed::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::follows the CEO, phaser in hand::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: I'm here captain, I still haven't found a way to communicate outside the egg ship

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
<Mulder> *aCTO* Permission to fire on it, Ma'am?

OPS_Timbits says:
::broadcasts Talarian Alba Ra to the exterior::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::pulls on some of the leads::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: Mulder seams to have a found the brain of this .....system.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sighs::  *CEO* You are the engineer Commander.  Speculate where best to find one on a ship of this size using what is at hand.  Main Power grids leading off somewhere....  What if you used your Tricorder to scan for Comm. signals?

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: Several clumps of the probes slough off the hull and attempt to regroup on the deck of the holding bay.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
*Mulder* Have you asked it what is going on?

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
<Mulder> *aCTO* Yes, but it won't answer.

OPS_Timbits says:
::monitors the machinery outside for an effect::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
ACTO: That’s the best news I've heard all day. *CO*: Trust me, I know how to use a tricorder there are no comm. signals to speak of. Tribble just informed me that her department has found the brain of this thing. Permission to investigate?

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at Damien despite he can't see it::  *CEO*: Permission granted Commander.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
ACTO: C'mon, lead me to the brain.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
*Mulder* Stay put.  We'll be there shortly.

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: As the CEO tugs on one of the leads, he realizes it is several thousand of the probes linked together. The ones in his grasp let loose of each other and the entire strand falls to the deck.

OPS_Timbits says:
::switches to Vulcan lute music::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::hones in on Mulder's signal, moving to find him::

OPS_Timbits says:
::monitors for effects::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::turns to Timbits::  OPS: things are looking up....  How are things coming with the music?  Didn't the probes fall off with the Talarian music?

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: He's in there.  ::points::

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  I calculated the variables and am just trying to fine tune our selection, Captain.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::looks:: ACTO: Come with me. ::heads in that direction::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::pats her shoulder with his left hand::  OPS: Good work Ensign.  ::moves back toward his chair::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The Vulcan selection has a calming affect on the probes and they begin to climb back onto the hull.

OPS_Timbits says:
::digging through the library for something of just the right harmonic synchronicity::

Host Cootles says:
<Head> ::notes several newcomers to its lair::  ALL: I am pleased, you bring me more. ::looks lovingly at Mulder::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::climbs into brain central and begins scanning it::

OPS_Timbits says:
::finds a likely candidate in the Betazoid section::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::moves to the science station and begins searching for a seam in the area the Pendragon is housed in, searching for a door large enough for the ship::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
Head: What are you?

OPS_Timbits says:
::cues up something called Opus I by Mikal Luchena::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::Mulder responds by  looking repulsed::

OPS_Timbits says:
::broadcasts::

Host Cootles says:
<Head> CEO: I am irrelevant. I am here to serve. Just as you have come to be served.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
Head: Explain

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
Head: Actually, you're not serving us. You are impeding us.

OPS_Timbits says:
::monitors for effects::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The Luchena Love Chant of Opus I sparks the probes into a pulsating pattern. It is creating enough distraction that they cease climbing.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  I think I found something that works.

Host Cootles says:
<Head> CEO: You will be served. Preferably in a nice puree.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::looks up from the Science Console::  OPS: Ensign?

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::Mulder reacts by stepping between the Head and the CEO::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
Head: That's enough.   You will start answering our questions.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  This Betazoid music... its disabled, or rather distracted, the probes.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
Head: How about I shove the phaser....uh...you don't have one.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
Head: You'll have to kill me to puree me. That may prove difficult

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: Don't give it any ideas.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::moves across the bridge back toward OPS::  OPS: What is it about Betazoid music?  Something in it's tone... the inflection?  We need to utilize it for our advantage

Host Cootles says:
<Head> ::ignores the comment:: CTO/CEO: How many other humanoids do you bring? I require many.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  It's kind of..... rambling actually.  It's not consistent within itself.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::quietly:: ACTO: What do you think. Would a surgical strike to the tendrils leading to the head disable it?

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::scratches at his head hearing the Ensign::  OPS: What if we rambled together several different pieces of music together from several different worlds?

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: Perhaps.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Cacophony.  I'm not certain what would happen.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: Talking with it doesn't seam to be getting us anywhere.

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: Several clumps of probes melt into the deck floor and disappear from sight.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Ooooohhh.....  some of the probes have actually been destroyed.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: Captain, the brain of this thing seams to think we are food. We may need to kill it. I know how you feel about sentient life forms, but we may not have much choice.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Let's give it a shot....  We can always fall back on the Betazoid music..  ::thinks how the music is similar to a couple of the Luchena clan he’s had the pleasure of serving with::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::fires a tight beam, severing a few of the tendrils::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
*CEO* Find another way Commander.  That will be our last resort.  What if you disconnected its control over the ship?

OPS_Timbits says:
::randomly adds several more pieces of music to the mix::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
*CEO*: The alien vessel I mean.

Host Cootles says:
<Head> ::looks to a far wall and then back to the group:: CEO: The only choice you have is to die slowly or die quickly.

Host Cootles says:
<Head> CTO: Stop that! You have no idea what you are doing!

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
*CO*: I'm not sure we can. There are thousands of tendrils. I'm betting we’d be better off trying to  be less tasty to it. The brain is threatening to kill me now....

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
<Mulder> We got its attention.  ::fires at more of the tendrils, severing them::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::joins in  the action, firing at tendrils::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: A small rupture is detected in the hull of the egg-ship and a rippling pulse is moving across the interior surface.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
*CEO*: If it's become a matter of self defense for you and your team Commander....  You know what you have to do

OPS_Timbits says:
::monitors for effects::

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Captain!  There's a rupture opening on the exterior hull... not our hull... well.. you know.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::busy:: *CO*: You got it...we're trying to sever the head now

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sees the rippling on screen and points::  OPS: Did you see that?

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Can you lock on to the Away Team?

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Trying Captain!

Host Cootles says:
<Head> ::thrashes about its tank (as best a severed head can do) and continues screaming::

OPS_Timbits says:
::attempts a transporter lock on the away team::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::fires on more of the tendrils::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::moves back to tactical and powers up the phasers targeting the rupture::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::fires::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: OPS console confirms a transporter lock.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  I've got a lock Captain!

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::hearing OPS he fires the phasers in a pattern that moves along the rupture::  OPS: Keep it but do not transport yet.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: That's all of them

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  Maintaining transporter lock.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
ACTO: Is the head dead? ::scans it::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Tell Commander Damien to prepare at a moments notice.

OPS_Timbits says:
*CEO*:  Hey guys.  The hull is rupturing... not our hull... well, you know.  We may have to beam you back in a hurry.

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The combined phaser fire causes a cascade of ripples throughout the vessel. The sides of the egg-ship dissolve into billions of micro-probes. The lab where the away team is located appears to be the only solid piece of the ship; no bigger than the CO's Ready Room.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CEO: Dead? In this place, who knows.   It has ceased talking and moving.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
*OPS*: Beam us out now.

OPS_Timbits says:
::starring at her monitor::  Self:  Wow....

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sees the view on screen::  Self: In the name of the...   OPS: Is that what I think it is?

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  I'm not sure what it is Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Was the rest of the vessel a mere illusion?  Or was it completely made up of the probes strung together?

OPS_Timbits says:
*CEO*:  Aye.  ::initiates transport of the away team directly to the bridge.

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The Away Team is returned to the Pendragon's bridge and Engineering reports the main reactor is back on-line.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::seeing Tribble back he moves back to his chair::  OPS: Anything coming from the alien ship?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::sheds the EVA suit and hands it to a yeoman:: Yeoman: Take this in with the rest of my laundry

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: Captain, we have main power back...:;checks:: Warp is ready when you are.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::Mulder and Tribble remove their EVA suits.   Tribble takes the tactical station::

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Which part?  ::focuses scans on the boxy bit::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::turns to Tribble:: aCTO: Lock a tractor beam on it

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Aye.  ::enacts the tractor beam::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: The portion which appeared to be a lab.

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The tractor beam locks onto the alien vessel. It resembles a modified shuttlecraft of sorts.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
CEO: Commander, what happened over there?

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Checking.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Inform Starfleet of the situation and send them a data packet containing our sensor logs

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  Amazing technology.  I wonder who invented it.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Continue on course to the nearest Starbase.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: We severed the brains connection with the ship

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Hopefully those in Starfleet R&D will be able to tell us that

OPS_Timbits says:
::reconfigures the deflector dish::

OPS_Timbits says:
::prepares the data packet::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The probes reform into a long stream, several thousand meters long, and 20 meters thick (it's rather pointy on one end as well!!). The probes begin to gather speed and are aiming for the tractor beam.

OPS_Timbits says:
::transmits the data packet and prepares to engage engines::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: However it appears the brain is still alive.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at Damien::  CEO: That explains how we were suddenly able to escape it.  Any idea how we can continue to disable those probes?  The Ensign here  ::points at Timbits::  found Betazoid music had an effect.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::turns to OPS::  OPS: Broadcast your music on all RF frequencies!

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: My guess is that they will shed themselves in order to return to the brain. If it's disturbing music you want, I suggest, "Nine Inch Nails" from the early 21st century.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Aye.  ::opens RF frequencies and transmits::

OPS_Timbits says:
::puts the view of the probes configuration on the main viewer::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::looks at the main viewer with loathing::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The overly offensive "Closer" blares over the comms, disrupting the majority of the probes. However, a large number appear to still be headed for the tractor beam.

OPS_Timbits says:
::watches the view screen::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::targets the probes:: CO: Fire, Sir?

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::turns to Tribble::  aCTO: Arm a photon and have is self destruct in the probes vicinity

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Aye!  ::arms the photon torp to self-destruct in the probes vicinity::

OPS_Timbits says:
::hopes this works::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
::detonates the photon torp::

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
::braces himself::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The torpedo detonates within close proximity of the probes and destroys several million. However, it is only a small number of the total present.  The majority are still concentrating on freeing the Lab.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: You're going to have to kill the brain

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Sir, we got some of them.   but not nearly enough.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::seeing the action and hearing Tribble::  aCTO: Cut the lab loose.  ::turns to Timbits::  OPS: Get us out of here at high warp.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Aye.  ::makes it so::

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Aye.  ::Prepares to engage warp engines::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The Lab begins to drift away from the Pendragon and the probes immediately form up around it. The new shape resembles that of a Vulcan science vessel.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Ready to engage warp engines, Captain.  ::looking at the new configuration on the view screen::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sees the image on screen::  OPS: Warn Starfleet as well as Vulcan Central Command and initiate warp drive.

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: We need to lay down a warning buoy at the least.

OPS_Timbits says:
::transmits updates to Starfleet and Vulcan command::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
CEO: Agreed.  ::turns to OPS::

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  What?

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Oh... the buoy.  ::takes her finger off the warp drive ignition button::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at OPS::  OPS: However I suspect the ship will be gone soon

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  What makes you think so Captain?  ::prepares a warning beacon::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sighs::  OPS: I suspect those probes will somehow repair the damage Mr. Damien and Mr. Tribble did to the "Brain" of the ship

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: The warning buoy is away and begins transmitting its signal.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: I hope not.  That brain was nothing I ever want to see again.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Then how do we stop them?

CEO_Cmdr_Damien says:
CO: That’s life. Some things just won't stay dead.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Ready to go to warp now Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Any suggestions Ensign?  Those probes out there are too numerous

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: As the Pendragon increases its distance, the alien vessel engulfs the buoy as part of its structure. The warning buoy no longer is transmitting.

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Damnit.  The warning isn't being transmitted.  It sorta... got assimilated.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::hearing OPS and walking back to his chair::  Bridge: No...  we've done all we can do here today.  Sometimes the best you can hope for is a draw.  OPS: Take us home

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::engages warp  engines::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: As the Pendragon disappears into warp, the alien vessel alters heading and begins moving off towards Klingon space.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: It's moving into Klingon space.  Should we warn them?

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at the aCTO::  aCTO: Suggest to Starfleet they send all gathered information to all friendly governments.

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Aye, Sir.  ::smiles and begins doing it::

Host Cootles says:
ACTION: Captain Party Pooper's message is sent off.

OPS_Timbits says:
::overhearing the Captain, bundles up the most recent sensor logs and forwards to Tribble's station::

aCTO_Lt_Tribble says:
CO: Maybe if they are fore-warned, they can come up with something that works.

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
aCTO: That is my hope as well.  ::sits in his chair::

Host CO_Capt_Vn`dor_Phail says:
OPS: Ensign Timbits....  time until we reach Starbase?

OPS_Timbits says:
CO:  Fourteen hours, Captain.

Host Cootles says:
< < < < End Mission > > > >

This is an official A Call To Duty ©  Transcript of Stardate 10804.05   This may not be reproduced in any way, shape, and/or form without express permission by its participants and/or official Star Trek: A Call To Duty Game Staff. Please Visit Our Web Site at www.startrek.acalltoduty.com
 
A Call To Duty © Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved A Call To Duty®