CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

XO Garta-Nmbarri: Rob Harold
K_CO_M`Tuk: Sandy Prestidge
CIV Surok: Julie Lucas
CMO Garta-Nmbarri: Janaye Hinsley
CSO_On`Tia: K J Deal
CEO Deer: Lynda Anderson
FCO Heath: Susan Brinkman
CTO Horn: Russell Hinsley
Nulahr: Janaye Hinsley
Logan Captain Smith: Gerry Brinkman
CO_AQilla_Horn: Sandy Prestidge

Hosted by: SM Gerry Brinkman

USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 - 10506.18

"Rock and a Hard Place"

Episode 16: "Ultimatum"

Previously on the USS Scorpius:

The USS Logan has kidnapped the Captain in an incredible act of bad faith.

They have given an ultimatum to meet the USS Logan at a certain set of coordinates to trade the CO for Admiral Thompson...or they will kill Captain Horn.

Despite the clever maneuverings of several Klingon vessels aiding the Scorpius, the Logan managed to leave the area under warp...

...with the CO in a depressurizing airlock....

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Resume Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Remains in the center chair on the bridge::

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::remains on the bridge ... waiting ... ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks onto the bridge, holding 4 arm band type devices ::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::steps out of the shower and wraps a towel around herself::

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Is still at her station, running scans on the Logan::

CIV_Serok says:
:: looks around for the Captain ::

ACTION:  the USS Logan no longer registers on sensors...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
ALL: I want all sensors on maximum.  That ship has to be leaving a trail of some kind.  Find it now!

CIV_Serok says:
:: Walks up to the XO :: XO:  Commander, I found these devices in the Jefferies tube.  They are the source of the intruder alert.

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Boosting power to all LRS for maximum range.

FCO_Heath says:
::at the helm, trying to get a fix on the Logan::

CTO_Horn says:
::Rushes onto the bridge::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  We are following a ship Commander?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Lt, keep your empathic powers tuned.  If you sense anything at all, let me know.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Changes her scans to look for the the Logan but not finding anything as they disappeared::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: We were, but it went to warp, and cloaked.

FCO_Heath says:
::nods:: XO: Aye, sir

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::pulls on a change of clothes slowly, still feeling rather tired::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: So, we never had a boarding party?

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  And the Captain is not on the bridge?

CTO_Horn says:
XO: What’s going on?

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  No Commander, we did not.  It was a diversionary tactic.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CSO: Ensign, scan for ion trails, regardless of how small they might be

FCO_Heath says:
::opens her senses as she continues to follow the Logan::

CEO_Deer says:
XO: I still have that program in standby.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Russ, your wife has been taken prisoners by the USS Logan.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: We won’t need it if we can’t find that ship!

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Yes Sir! ::begins scanning for an ion trail and 'crossing her fingers::

CEO_Deer says:
CSO: Sir I have boosted your power to your LRS

CTO_Horn says:
::Looks at the XO funny::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: What do you mean kidnapped?

CTO_Horn says:
XO: How did this happen?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: They beamed her off the ship, we are attempting to rescue her.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CEO: Thank you ::Turning back to her scans::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: They caught us with our proverbial pants down, that’s how.

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::hails the Scorpius::

ACTION:  The USS Logan appears briefly on the sensors...at the coordinates of their requested rendezvous for the exchange.

CEO_Deer says:
XO: It might be hard to find her again.  Since she has been modified we will have to search for different particles in the area.

CIV_Serok says:
:: raises her eyebrow ::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: M`Tuk: Yes captain?

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@COM: XO:  When are we going after these cowards!  ::spits the words out::

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Notes the location of the Logan on her sensors:: XO: I've found her ::transmits the coordinates to the XO::

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Sir the Logan just appeared and disappeared.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Permission to put a rescue team together?

FCO_Heath says:
::notes the appearance of the Logan on sensors::  XO: Commander, plotting a return course now, Sir

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: You may prepare a team, but do nothing until directed by me, Commander.

CEO_Deer says:
CSO: You got the signature from her brief appearance?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CSO: Very good, ensign.  FCO: Set course for the original rendezvous coordinates, maximum warp.

CEO_Deer says:
::runs the scan of the immediate area looking for the slightest thing out of the normal patterns of warp trails::

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Commander, do you think it wise to allow Mister Horn to insinuate himself in a potential boarding party where he has personal feelings?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
ALL: Ok, it would appear that the Logan wants us at that rendezvous spot for some reason.  Let's find out why.

CTO_Horn says:
::Opens a channel and calls for his special TAC units to prepare for an assault and rescue mission::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: no, captain, I don’t.  But, it will keep him occupied for the time being, and out of the way.

CEO_Deer says:
XO: I am scanning for anything outside the normal patterns for ion trails.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::brushes and pins her hair::

FCO_Heath says:
::engages at maximum warp as ordered:: XO: maximum warp engaged, Sir

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Understood Commander.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CEO: Yes Sir, I did

CTO_Horn says:
XO: With all due respect, I am the most qualified individual to lead that team!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Russ, you will lead that team if you show me that you won’t be reckless.  I understand that is your wife out there, but the last thing we need is you taking personal vengeance.

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts an eyebrow at the CTO ::

CEO_Deer says:
CSO: Wonderful could you please transfer your information to my station.  I will scan it for her signature.  May be then I can set up the sensors to pick up what ever trail she left.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: The last thing I want or am going to do is get her killed.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Good.  Now, keep me from doing the same thing.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::slips on her shoes::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CEO: Yes Sir ::taps her console sending the information to the Engineers station::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I am here to help.

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts her eyebrow at the XO.  Shakes her head and finds an empty console and sits down to review what happened on the bridge while she was away. ::

FCO_Heath says:
::notes the ETA, continues watching for the Logan::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: This is the first time I have been placed into a situation like this.  I won’t lie about not second guessing everything I do.

CEO_Deer says:
::begins to receive the information::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Looks up at the CIV, noticing her eyebrow lift:: CIV: Captain, your input during this time is most welcomed and appreciated as well.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Diplomacy should be the first line. If nothing else that will buy us a little time.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I will take it that this is Sector 31 we are dealing with?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Like, you, Russ, I wasn't trained to be a diplomat.  We were both trained to be warriors.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: It would have to be.  This is the result of our trap that we set into motion.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::continues to scan for anything that might help get their Captain back::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: On Avalon Station I had to learn diplomacy.

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  I have no personal feelings in this matter.  I feel that the CTO is too closely involved to remain objective.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: Your opinion is noted, Captain.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::steps out of the bedroom:: Nulahr: Since the twins are sleeping, I'm heading to study for a while.

Nulahr says:
::nods:: I will contact you when they awaken.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::walks out of the quarters and heads to the lab::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CMO* Commander Garta-Nmbarri to Commander Garta-Nmbarri.

CIV_Serok says:
:: nods at the XO and continues to review the records of what happened on the bridge while she was in the Jeffries tubes ::

FCO_Heath says:
::looks up at the XO, and prepares to drop to impulse:: XO: ETO to rendezvous point, 30 seconds.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*XO*: Go ahead Commander. ::enters the lift and orders it to the medical lab::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Take us to impulse when we get there, get us nose to nose with the Logan again.

CTO_Horn says:
CIV: Captain, with all due respect you have no feelings at all. Am I personally involved? Yes, you can bet your green Vulcan blood on it. However certain situations can bring strong clarity and I have personal motivations to make sure there is only one outcome to this situation!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CMO* Jeni, are you in our quarters?

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::keeps the three Klingon ships cloaked as they approach the coordinates::

FCO_Heath says:
::drops to impulse and continues to try to locate the Logan:: 

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*XO* No, I'm heading to the lab to study.  Do you need something?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: M`Tuk: Captain, decloak and raise shields.  Bring all weapons to ready.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CMO* Inform sickbay to be on high alert.

ACTION:  The USS Logan shimmers onto the view screen, weapons hot and locked on the Scorpius Bridge

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@COM: XO:  Understood.  Decloaking.  ::barks out orders to the crew::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: M`Tuk: Target the Logan’s shields and weapons.

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::has the three ships take positions on all sides of the Logan, weapons hot and pointing right at it::

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: Logan to Scorpius.  Please hold your fire.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*XO* What's going on T'Lok? ::stops the lift and orders it to the bridge::

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Commander, they're running weapons hot

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CMO* the captain has been abducted.  We are going to attempt to rescue her.

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@COM: XO:  We already have them locked.  We are ready to fire.

CTO_Horn says:
::Jumps up to the TAC station::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Red Alert?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: As I had expected, Lt. Are you sensing anything else? 

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Red alert, Commander.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: They're hailing us

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Raise shields, bring all weapons to ready.

CTO_Horn says:
::Brings the ship to red alert::

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts her eyebrow at what she is seeing, knowing that if anything happens to the Captain, the XO is likely to face court martial::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: On screen.

Captain Smith says Logan: 
$COM: Scorpius: Come in Scorpius.  Please have your allies stand down.  There is no need for this to escalate.

CTO_Horn says:
::Locks all weapons on the Logan::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*XO* Understood, Garta-Nmbarri out. ::thinks "NOW he tells me?  He's got some explaining to do on that one!"::

FCO_Heath says:
::puts the COM on screen:: XO: On screen, sir.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: I'm trying, Sir.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*Sopok* Have the bay ready.  The Captain has been captured.  Have surgery ready for her heritage.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: Let's get this over with.  You want that admiral, you can have him.  But, if anything is wrong with our captain, we will blast you into oblivion.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Now that they are nose to nose so to speak scanning the Logan for any sign of the Captain::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::steps onto the bridge just in time to hear T'Lok address the other ship::

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: XO:  Your Captain is unharmed.  However, given our circumstances, I would prefer if you moved your UNCLOAKED allies out of weapons range.

CTO_Horn says:
::Does a full tactical analysis of the Logan::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: Stop waffling, Captain.  I could always have them cloak and move off, if you prefer?

FCO_Heath says:
::whispers:: XO: Commander, he's being honest with you.  I don't think he wants a firefight any more than we do, and he seems confident that he is going to succeed.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::steps forward and asks in a low voice:: XO: Are those House ships he's asking about?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CMO: Yes, dear, they are.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM:  Scorpius:  XO:  Commander, I'd prefer if they remained uncloaked and out of weapons range.  I have a job to do, and that's all there is to this.  It's nothing personal.

CIV_Serok says:
:: looks up at the XO and raises her eyebrow :: XO:  Commander, might I remind you, they have no compunctions about letting Captain Horn die along with every soul on this ship.  In other words, he is holding all the cards.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
XO: Shouldn't he be asking the House Matriarch if he wants them moved?  What an obvious sign of disrespect for Klingon ways. ::turns her back to the view screen and winks at T'Lok::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: I will respect that, Captain.  ::Looks at the CMO and tells her to order the Klingons to back off:: But, no tricks anymore.  I have grown weary of this.

CIV_Serok says:
:: shakes her head and looks back down at her screen ::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::nods and steps up to an auxiliary station::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: KCO M`Tuk: Back off our family for now.  It seems the Logan does not believe it is a good day to die.

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::reluctantly complies ... was looking forward to a little target practice::

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM:  Scorpius:  XO:  Commander, I have nothing but your best interests at heart, trust me.  You're making a wise choice.  ::sees the ships moving off::  Please escort the Admiral to your bridge.  I don't care if you have him cuffed.

K_CO_M`Tuk says:
@::orders the fleet to back off ... just out of weapons range::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: Do you want him breathing as well? ::has a very serious look on his face::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Bring that P`Tak to the bridge, full shackles.

ACTION:  The view screen widens to show a cuffed Captain Horn being held at phaser-point.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius:  If you want your Captain back breathing, yes.

CTO_Horn says:
::Calls for a security team to bring the Admiral to the bridge::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: What are your instructions for the transfer?

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Sir Waiting on your orders sir.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: It would appear that they hold all the cards, for now.  We want our captain back in one piece, so we wait.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: You will lower your shields for 5 seconds after we take all our weapons offline.  We will initiate prisoner transfer protocols, and then we will depart the area.  You may leave at your pleasure.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Sir?

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: M`Tuk: I know your frustration M`Tuk, you will be rewarded.  Don't worry, the likes of the Logan will not affect your honor.  Jenise out.

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Their torpedo and phaser bays appear to be shielded by something that we can not penetrate.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::turns back to watch the P`Tak on the screen.

CEO_Deer says:
XO: I am waiting for your orders sir.

CTO_Horn says:
::Moves around down to the XO::

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Patience is necessary here sir.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Goes over to the CTO and whispers:: CTO: He still has the small homing device on him from when he was on the planet surface.  Perhaps we can track him after all.

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Their engines appear to be larger than a normal Galaxy Class .. Modified somehow ::stating the obvious::

CTO_Horn says:
::Whispers:: XO: If they want a transfer it should be from a shuttle to a shuttle.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CSO: Ensign, at this point, I highly doubt that is even a Federation ship.  It might look like one, but that’s where the similarities end.

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: You're probably right Sir. 

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: I suggest that neither of us drops its shields.  I suggest we both meet in the middle, on shuttles.  

CTO_Horn says:
::Whispers:: XO: I don’t trust him. Let’s make the transfer on our terms.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: I tried that already, it nearly got your wife killed.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: XO: Negative.  My way or no way at all.  I don't trust you either.

CIV_Serok says:
:: finishes looking at the recording of incident and looks up at the XO and CTO, shakes her head again ::

CTO_Horn says:
::Whispers:: XO: The Admiral is obviously important to them. They need him.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: If we use shuttles, we can both have our main ships back off.  Instead of sitting here, nose to nose with all this fire power.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Self: Like that's a shock.  His mother probably doesn't trust him. ::grunts, sure to keep her voice low::

CIV_Serok says:
CTO:  If the Admiral dies, it will suit their purpose.  But if the Captain dies, it will not suit our purpose.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: XO:  Commander, you're coming dangerously close to "wasting my time."  I don't want your Captain, I want Admiral Thompson.  I'm ATTEMPTING to be nice about this.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: I will comply.  5 seconds after your weapons are offline.  Make this fast.

FCO_Heath says:
XO: Commander, he's serious and he is being honest with us.  They don't want the Captain, but they will harm her.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
All: That annoying Logan Captain wouldn’t know nice if it bit him on his rear end.

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: ::waits a few minutes more::  Yes, you can count on that.  ::makes a motion to the left of the screen::

ACTION:  The Logan's weapons go cold

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: where is that admiral?

CTO_Horn says:
::Retakes the TAC::

CEO_Deer says:
Self: Great going.  Now I got my chance to take a good look inside.

CTO_Horn says:
::Security arrives with the Admiral:: XO: Right here!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Place him before the view screen.

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Sir??? ::looks at the XO::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: Here is your admiral. 

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius: XO:  When you're ready, Commander.  I doubt you want my company much longer.

CTO_Horn says:
::Takes the Admirals arm and leads him down in front of the view screen::

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Is watching and listening to those on the bridge feeling helpless::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Drop shields for 5 seconds upon returning to your station.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::sighs and mutters to herself:: Self: I don't think we wanted his company at all.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
COM: Logan: Once the shields are dropped, you can have him.

CTO_Horn says:
::Returns to TAC::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Shields down for 5 seconds starting now. ::Taps the console::

ACTION:  The Admiral disappears and the CO appears simultaneously, then the shields of the Logan go back up.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Raise shields!

CTO_Horn says:
::Raises shields::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Welcome home, Sir. CMO: Get a medical team to assist her.

FCO_Heath says:
::monitors the Logan and prepares in case they attack::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Mister Heath, back us off slowly

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM:  Scorpius: XO:  My thanks for letting diplomacy rule the day.  I had several cloaked ships of my own in the vicinity.  I'm glad we didn't need them.  But you may want to watch this.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
XO: With all due respect Sir, I can assist her myself.  I had twins.  I didn't lose my mind. ::steps up to the CO::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Looks up at the view screen::

CEO_Deer says:
*Engineering*: Code Red Alert condition set at 5.  All stations manned and ready all damage teams to assigned spots.  All fusion reactors on hot standby to be feed where needed.

CTO_Horn says:
::Brings weapons back on line not liking the sound of this::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::thinks to himself that the CMO is a bit testy::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::shakes the CMO off and watches as well::

CEO_Deer says:
XO: Engineering is ready to go.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::grabs the small emergency med kit, pulling out the tricorder::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Very good.

CIV_Serok says:
:: Watches ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::holds out her still shackled hands:: CMO:  You can start by getting these things off me!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Taps a few buttons on the arm of his chair, informing the Klingons to remain on high alert status::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::sees there are no devices attached to the cuffs:: CO: Just making certain they weren't booby trapped first ma'am.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::messes with the lock on the cuffs until they come open::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::softens her tone a tiny bit:: CMO:  That would be just like them, wouldn't it ...

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We are locked ,loaded and ready to rumble!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Let's hope we wont have to do anything but head for home.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  I bet we are, Commander ... but not just yet ...

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I wouldn't know.  I have no idea who we are dealing with and only learned of your capture 15 minutes ago.  I'm afraid people don't tell me much. ::drops the cuffs into a chair and begins to scan the CO for medical problems and injuries::

Logan Captain Smith says:
ADM:  Admiral Thompson, you have failed in your mission and your cover as an operative has been compromised.  You are of no further use to us.  ::pulls out a phaser and shoots the Admiral::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Suggestion!

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
   COM: Logan: Captain, you could have saved us all a lot of time and trouble by just giving our  Captain back and letting us take care of Thompson. 

Logan Captain Smith says:
$COM: Scorpius:  XO:  Thank you for your trouble.  ::cuts channel::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::hears the phaser and looks up at the screen:: CO: He just murdered that man?  We just stand here and thank him and he just murdered that man? ::drops her tricorder in shock::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CMO:  Easy, Jenise ... ::is feeling her own anger beginning to well up inside her::

CEO_Deer says:
::is stunned::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CMO: Commander, that wasn't much of a man, in my opinion.  But, not very shocking where Section 31 is concerned.

ACTION:  Several minutes go by and a small object is jettisoned out of the deck-3 airlock

ACTION:  The USS Logan cloaks and is no longer detectable

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I can go retrieve........::Sees the Logan disappear::

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