CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

FCO Heath: Susan Brinkman
XO Garta-Nmbarri: Rob Harold
CO AQilla Horn: Sandy Prestidge
CSO On’Tia: KJ Deal
CIV Serok: Julie Lucas 
CEO Deer: Lynda Anderson
Capt. Willis: Gerry Brinkman
Logan Captain Smith: Gerry Brinkman

Hosted by: SM Gerry Brinkman

USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 - 10506.04

"Rock and a Hard Place"

Episode 14: "The Mouse Trap"
(With apologies to Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare)

Previously on the USS Scorpius:

The USS Scorpius has set course for sector 727 and is nearing the outskirts of the sector now.

Counsel for Admiral Thompson had come aboard at Kaltex 4, and has been alternately meeting with his client and taking meals in the mess hall and confining himself to public areas of the ship.

The CMO is recuperating from having given birth to twins, and the CTO has been disposed taking care of his brother's transport arrangements.

Admiral Thompson, for his part has been wholly uncooperative and seems to be checking his chronometer heavily.

The ship warps toward the place where the transmission from the surface of Kaltex 4 was directed, and toward what the crew hopes are answers to a good many unpleasant questions...

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FCO_Heath says:
::at flight, monitoring their course and speed::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::On the bridge, manning the tactical systems::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::on the bridge in the big chair::  FCO:  ETA to System 727, Lt?

CSO_On`Tia says:
::At the Science Station still scanning for the ship::

CIV_Serok says:
:: looks for the JAG advocate ::

FCO_Heath says:
FCO: ETA is 7 minutes, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Contact the Klingons and tell them to be ready.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Will do, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Anything on sensors, Ensign?

FCO_Heath says:
::compiles the reports as ordered and has them ready to transmit:: CO: All reports are compiled and ready to transmit to Admiral Taylor.

CEO_Deer says:
::in engineering making sure all preparations are made for battle should it result in that::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  Encode them and send them off, Lt.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: No Sir Nothing yet.

FCO_Heath says:
::nods, then encodes and transmits the reports to Admiral Taylor::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO: Keep them peeled ... Let me know the minute you pick something up.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Makes contact with J`Nai be'joy', telling them to be ready, but not to fire unless the Scorpius is fired at first.  Also, we want whoever is attacking to be taken alive::

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Transmission sent, Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  When we enter the system, shut down all non-essential systems ... let's make it look like 
We’re adrift ...

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Yes Sir, I will.

CIV_Serok says:
:: continues to look for Willis ::

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

CEO_Deer says:
::walks near the class 6 M/ARA and double checks the readouts::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Captain M`Tuk has responded all ready, Sir.

FCO_Heath says:
::prepares to shut down all non-essential systems::

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Go  to impulse or all stop?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  All Stop.

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Understood.

FCO_Heath says:
::brings the ship to all stop once inside the system:: CO: We're at all stop, shutting down all non-essential systems now.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Double checks tactical systems, making sure the ship and her resources are ready for anything::

FCO_Heath says:
::begins shutting down all non-essential systems::

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Sir, Engineering is ready for anything.  Warp power is at peak efficiency as are impulse drives.  All damage control parties are on standby.  All emergency bulkheads and force fields are online and ready for implementation.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Bring defensive systems on standby ... but still make it look like it's powered down ...

CIV_Serok says:
:: enters the mess hall and spots Willis and walks over to him ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Understood.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Brings all the tactical systems to stand by, but stops just short of actually bringing them to full online::

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: All fusion reactors are on hot standby for allocation.  All Weapon systems are fully charged and ready with reserve power standing by.

FCO_Heath says:
CO: All non-essential systems are down

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: This ship is tactically ready, Sir.

CIV_Serok says:
Willis:  Captain, I have been asked to question Admiral Thompson.  I require your presence to do so.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Understood.  We still need to make it look like we have engine trouble ...

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Sir I know I am new but shouldn't we take the ship to grey mode.  It would add the effect as if power had generally failed.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Sir, I'm getting a faint reading near Galtus Epsilon

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Can you identify?

Captain Willis says:
CIV:  Captain Serok, he will BARELY even talk to ME.  I don't know how far you will get.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Do it, Ensign.

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: I have masked all power signatures so they will not realize it until it is too late.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Captain, assuming we are already being watched, perhaps we should put on a small show?  Something like allowing some drive plasma to leak?

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: No Sir, but it's not natural, I'm reading a power curve. 

CEO_Deer says:
*Attention All Personnel*: Ship is now going to grey mode. All but essential systems will be shut down.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I was thinking the exact same thing .. *CEO*:  Let's put on a show ... prepare to begin venting drive plasma ...

CIV_Serok says:
Willis:  I understand Captain, but, I will follow my orders.  If I get nothing from him, then that is what I will report.

CIV_Serok says:
Willis:  At your convenience of course Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Is it coming closer?

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Understood beginning to vent drive plasma.  ::hands hit the correct sequence as the ship begins to vent drive plasma from the nacelles::

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*:Venting is commencing from both nacelles.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  That should get their attention ...

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: No Sir, it appears to be holding steady.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: If not, then perhaps we can ignite a bit of that plasma, cause some fireworks?

FCO_Heath says:
CO: ETA is 2 minutes at warp 2

ACTION:  The Scorpius begins to emit her own drive plasma...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  And how do we prevent us from blowing ourselves up in the process?

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Whatever it is, it's scanning us.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I didn't mean all of it, Sir!  

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Go ahead, ignite some of it.  FCO:  Begin transmitting an automated distress signal ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I meant a controlled detonation of some sort, something that could make it appear that we are damaged.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I would also suggest taking inertial dampeners offline, to allow us the appearance of drifting.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::nods:: XO:  Do it.

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: If they are scanning us I could generate a field of thallium mixed with actinides to confuse their sensor readings.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Negative, Ensign ... we want them to scan us ...

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: They appear to be Federation sensors, but the frequencies are strange.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  How so, Ensign?

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Do you want me to plot a course to Galtus Epsilon?

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Understood sir.

Captain Willis says:
CIV:  Well, there is no time like the present, but I really don't hold out a lot of hope here.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CEO* Deer, take the inertial dampers offline, then ignite a small pocket of plasma.  Allow the explosion to set us drifting a bit.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  Negative ... we are "adrift" ...

CEO_Deer says:
*XO*: Understood sir doing it now.

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods at Willis :: Willis:  Understood Captain.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
All: hold on, this might be a bit rough.

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Understood, Sir.

CEO_Deer says:
::takes the IDF offline and uses a micro torpedo to ignite a small plasma pocket that erupts and gently moves the ship::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: The frequencies they are using aren't Federation.

ACTION:  The ship trembles slightly as the micro torpedo detonates the Plasma

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks over to the XO and raises an eyebrow:: CSO:  Can you identify the frequency?

FCO_Heath says:
::prepares evasive maneuvers and an escape vector in the event they are needed::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Is intrigued by what the CSO is monitoring::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I think we found the "fish" ... let's hope they take the bait ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I just hope it’s a whale, and not just a small sunny.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO: hopefully we'll find out in just a minute or two ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Lt, how much are we drifting?

CEO_Deer says:
::maintaining the ship in grey mode making sure all the systems are ready to jump into action when needed::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Yes Sir, it's moving closer, warp 6, ETA 20 seconds

ACTION:  The reading becomes a Galaxy-class ship and is moving toward the Scorpius

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Prepare to bring all systems back on-line.

CIV_Serok says:
:: Finishes questioning the Admiral :: Willis:  I suspected that I would get nothing from him, but, I must follow orders.  Thank you for your time.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  But on my order only.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: They are ready, just waiting your orders.

Captain Willis says:
CIV:  Any time, Captain.  I'm sure Admiral Taylor won't be pleased about my success rate here.

CIV_Serok says:
:: turns and walks from the brig ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: enters the lift :: Computer:  Bridge

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Sir Just say the word and we jump.  All systems are on Standby.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: It appears to be a Galaxy-class ship 

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CEO*:  Good.  Stand by.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CSO: Ensign, how can a non federation signal suddenly become a Galaxy Class ship?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Bring the image onscreen.

ACTION:  A Galaxy-class ship bearing the markings of the USS Logan drops from warp and enters transporter range...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  Are we still broadcasting the distress call, Lt.

CIV_Serok says:
:: enters the bridge and goes directly to the Captain :: CO:  Captain, Admiral Thompson was unresponsive, although he did continually look at his chronometer.

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Aye, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Curious ... I wonder what he's waiting for ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Something tells me that we wont have long to wait for an answer.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Unknown Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Identify that ship.

ACTION:  The USS Logan scans the Scorpius intensively

CIV_Serok says:
:: looks for an empty console, goes to it and sits ::

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Unknown sir checking now.  Sir the ship is not transmitting standard recognition codes. CO: Yes Sir. ::brings the ship image on the screen for the CO:: 

FCO_Heath says:
CO: We're being scanned, sir, intensively from the looks of it.

CEO_Deer says:
::hands and staff and crew are waiting patiently and calmly::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
ALL:  Everyone stand by ... do nothing yet ...

FCO_Heath says:
CO: Perhaps they are looking for Thompson?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
ALL: Stand ready, people.  Let them scan us, and see that we are "damaged".

CEO_Deer says:
::decides to bring her little trick for the sensors to ready status and waits::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: It bears the markings, USS Logan, and it's scanning us.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  That's a possibility, Lt.  But we have a little surprise of our own ...

ACTION:  A boarding party beams onto Deck 9, and weapons fire is detected by the Scorpius internal sensors

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Sir Intruder alert Deck 9 Phaser fire reported.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Raise shields and bring all systems on-line.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Reads weapons fire on his security console and orders security details to Deck 9::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Get security down to deck 9 ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Raises shields, and brings all tactical systems online::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  Lock out all transporters.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Already on it, Sir.  I have 3 teams heading there now.

FCO_Heath says:
::locks out transporters::

ACTION:  The Shields of the Scorpius snap up and effectively trap the boarding party on the Scorpius

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  hail that ship.

ACTION:  The USS Logan hails the Scorpius

FCO_Heath says:
::opens the channel:: CO: They are hailing us, Sir.  Onscreen

CIV_Serok says:
:: sitting at her console, monitoring deck 9 ::

CEO_Deer says:
::Out loud:: Now people lets move.  Pull up all fusion reactors 1-10 hot and ready all weapon systems hot and ready all damage control teams to stations.  Use containment protocols on Deck 9.  Initiate full internal sensor sweep for more intruders.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  This is the Scorpius.  I am Captain Horn.

ACTION:  The Boarding party snakes into the deck 9 Jeffries tubes and disappear off the internal sensors

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Taps a few buttons on the COM system, which would appear to be random static noise to anyone listening in, but the Captain of the J`Nai be'joy' understand the message::

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Captain, the intruders have disappeared from internal sensors.

CEO_Deer says:
*XO*: Sir Engineering is at 100% alert status. All teams have been deployed, all..........What the hell is going on?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Visual searches, Captain.  Get as much security down there as we need.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*Security teams* ALL teams, enter the Jeffries tubes in and around deck 9, and pursue the invaders.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Attempting to isolate.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Aye.

Logan Captain Smith says:
@COM: Scorpius: CO: Well, Captain Horn, I'm Captain Smith.  I have information that you are engaged in the illegal capture and detention of Admiral Thompson, and we are here to retrieve them.

CEO_Deer says:
::Out loud:: I want those scanners recalibrated and find that boarding party.

CIV_Serok says:
:: sends message to get security teams in the Jefferies tubes ::

FCO_Heath says:
::keeps an eye on sensors and communications::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  Then you are misinformed, Captain.  Admiral Thompson was taken into custody because he was caught red-handed attempting to assassinate me.

CIV_Serok says:
::Out loud::  Bringing up force fields between deck 8 and 10.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Sends a text message to the Captains chair, informing her that the three Klingon ships have the Logan surrounded::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::sends a text message back telling him to tell the Klingons to decloak on her order::

CEO_Deer says:
::maintains watch on the sensor grid and decides to look for DNA patterns of humans with mixed races as well::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Taps a few buttons on the COM system again, and waits::

Logan Captain Smith says:
@COM: Scorpius: CO: You'll forgive me Captain, but that's laughable.  I know Admiral Thompson, and that's preposterous.  Lower your shields and surrender your prisoner or I'll have no choice but to fire on your vessel and tear it apart from the inside and the outside.

CIV_Serok says:
:: gets up from the console, retrieves a phaser and heads to deck 9. ::

FCO_Heath says:
::hands at ready, preparing for evasives if the Logan opens fire::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  We have eye-witnesses and DNA evidence that proves he was responsible, Captain.  And as for your firing on my vessel ... ::nods to the XO to tell him to get the Klingon vessels to de-cloak::

ACTION:  The weapons of the US Logan power up and lock on the Scorpius at point-blank range

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  I would think twice about that, Captain.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::One more time, taps a few buttons ordering the Klingon ships to decloak::

ACTION: The Klingon ships decloak in a perimeter around the USS Logan

CEO_Deer says:
EO Patterson: Take team alpha and beta to the fusion generators and make sure that there are no problems when I push them into the red.  We are in for a fight.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  As you can see, I didn't come unprepared.

CIV_Serok says:
:: meets the security team on deck 9 and coordinates with those on decks 8 and 10 ::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Tactical sensors show that all Klingon ships have their weapons hot, and they are trained on the Logan.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  They are not to fire unless it is absolutely necessary.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Again, taps the buttons on the COM system, informing the Klingons not to fire until ordered to do so::

Logan Captain Smith says:
@COM: Scorpius: CO:  Well done, Captain.  ::laughs::  I see your preparations...perhaps we should discuss this as Captains.  There's no need for anyone to get hurt here.  I'll review your evidence if you're willing to share it.

CIV_Serok says:
Sec:  I have erected force fields.  If we are fortunate, we will have the intruders incarcerated.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  By all means.  Stand by to beam over to the Scorpius.

CIV_Serok says:
:: enters the Jefferies tubes and has the teams from decks 8 and 10 enter as well ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM :Logan:  But just you, Captain.  You will recall your boarding parties immediately or the deal is off.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: The Klingons won’t stand down until ordered to do so by either you or me.  They will guard us at all costs.

FCO_Heath says:
::looks back at the CO::  CO: I have that information at the ready, Captain, I can transmit it to the 
Logan.

Logan Captain Smith says:
@COM:  Scorpius: CO:  As you wish.  LoganOPS:  One to transport directly to their bridge when their shields are lowered.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
FCO:  Not just yet, Lt. ...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  I trust your ship will not fire while I lower our shields for transport?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Sir, I suggest we beam Captain Smith here using our transporters.  I don't trust lowering our shields for them.

Logan Captain Smith says:
@COM: Scorpius: CO:  You have my word, Captain.

CIV_Serok says:
:: begins searching for the intruders ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Logan:  And will not beam Admiral Thompson off the ship either ... and we will initiate transport.  Lower your shields and prepare for transport.

FCO_Heath says:
::has a sinking feeling that the Logan's Captain is lying::

ACTION:  The shields of the USS Logan drop as requested.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Beam him directly here.  And only lower the shields for enough time to allow the transport.

CEO_Deer says:
*CO*: Be careful, my gut feeling is a trap is coming.

FCO_Heath says:
::whispers:: CO: Captain, are you sure about that?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Synchronizes shields and transporters together, so that shields are down for the most minimal time::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Transporting now, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::whispers back:: FCO:  I'm sure, Lt ...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Get security up here ...

CIV_Serok says:
:: Rounds  corner of the tube, still searching ::

ACTION:  The CO is transported off the Scorpius, and a strange device is left in her place, as the shields go up on the Logan again

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