CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

XO Garta-Nmbarri: Rob Harold
CO_AQilla_Horn: Sandy Prestidge
FCO Heath: Susan Brinkman
CTO Horn: Russell Hinsley 
CSO_On`Tia: K J Deal
CEO Deer: Lynda Anderson
EO Jason: Lynda Anderson

Hosted by: SM Gerry Brinkman

USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 – 10506.25   

"Rock and a Hard Place"

Episode 17: "Epilogue"

Previously on the USS Scorpius:

The apparent rescuers of Admiral Thompson had forced a prisoner exchange in order for the Scorpius crew to get their Commanding Officer back.

After several minutes of very tense standoff and a short chase, a prisoner exchange took place between the USS Logan and the USS Scorpius.

Captain Smith-Horn has been returned unharmed and without further incident.

However, the apparent rescuers of Admiral Thompson took the trouble of visibly executing Admiral Thompson for allegedly failing his mission and compromising his cover as a Section 31 Operative.

The Logan has gone to warp, cloaked, and departed the area.

Now some organic matter is on the very edge of transporter range of the USS Scorpius.

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XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Sitting in a private room, going over the very recent events, wondering what he did wrong, how he could have done better, and gathering any evidence that he might have to present to the CO::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::sitting in her ready room going over her report::

FCO_Heath says:
::plots the return course:: CSO: Do scans show anything of the Logan or the other ships their Captain spoke of?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Self: Section 31 is pushing things way too far.  If the Romulans catch wind of the fact that they are using cloaked ships, it could lead to all out war between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire.

CTO_Horn says:
::On the turbolift with several PADDS on his way to the bridge::

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: Yes Sir ::begins/continues to scan for the Logan and the other ships in the surrounding area::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CSO* Ensign, please gather and transmit all scan data of the Logan to me at my current location, ASAP.

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters the bridge::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::sitting at her bridge station::

FCO_Heath says:
CEO: What is the status on repairs?

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
FCO: Repairs are going ahead as planned.

CTO_Horn says:
::Crosses the bridge to the captains RR::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*FCO*:  Commander, have the XO and CTO join me in the ready room.

CTO_Horn says:
::Rings the captain’s bell::

FCO_Heath says:
*CO* Aye, Ma'am.  

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Enter.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
FCO: This ship is at battle readiness and all power is online and ready to go.  Reserves are currently at 100%.

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters the RR::

FCO_Heath says:
*XO* Bridge to Commander Garta-Nmbarri.  The Captain would like you to report to her ready room.

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO/*XO*: I'm picking up some organic matter on the edge of our transporter range ::sends the scan into to the XO::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CTO* Garta-Nmbarri to Commander Horn.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*FCO* On my way, Lt.

CTO_Horn says:
::Moves to the captain’s desk and sets down the PADDS::

CTO_Horn says:
CO: How are you?

FCO_Heath says:
CSO: Are we within transporter range?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::smiles as the CTO enters::  CTO:  I'm fine.  As soon as the XO arrives we can start.  What have you got for me?

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: It's on the extreme edge of transporter range

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Everything that Ryan had and all I have compiled since I arrived.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CSO* If that is the remains of the Admiral, have it transported aboard, but keep it in stasis.

FCO_Heath says:
CSO: Send me those coordinates, and I'll take us closer.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CTO* Russ, are you receiving?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  This is going to be some kind of report ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Gathers up his reports, and heads out towards the bridge::

CTO_Horn says:
::Taps his combage:: *XO*: I hear you loud and clear.

CSO_On`Tia says:
*XO* Yes Sir ::send the coordinates to the FCO’s station::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CTO* Russ, I am on my way to the Captains ready room.  By any chance do you have the tactical scan logs of the Logan with you?

FCO_Heath says:
::receives the coordinates and moves the ship closer:: CSO: See if you can get a better reading on that matter.

CTO_Horn says:
::Shakes his head:: *XO*: I am already with the captain and I have everything with me.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CTO* Very good.  I will be there in a moment.

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: Thank you ::Runs a scan on the organic matter:: *XO*/FCO: It appears to be to be human DNA

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
*Engineering*: How you coming with the repairs????

FCO_Heath says:
::locks transporters onto the Admiral's remains:: *Sickbay* Bridge to sickbay, we're transporting the Admiral's remains.  Make sure that they are placed in stasis.  ::transports the remains::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Fumbles with all the different PADD's in his hands as he makes his way onto the Turbolift::

FCO_Heath says:
CSO: Thank you, ENS

EO Jason says:
*CEO*: All repairs are now completed sir.  All fusion reactors are on line and are on hot standby

ACTION:  The remains are transported to sickbay and placed in Stasis for future examination if necessary

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Let's get started.

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: You're welcome

CTO_Horn says:
CO: If you want

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Arrives on the bridge, steps off the lift, and heads directly towards the CSO::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CSO: I came for the scans of the Logan.  You keep doing what you are doing, I will upload them to a PADD.

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Yes sir

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Puts a hand on the CSO's shoulder:: CSO: I know you are new here, and not prepared for what we threw at you.  But, you did a splendid job when you were called upon.  Keep up the good work.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: Sir Engineering is fully repaired and all ships repairs are complete.  All fusion reactors are now repaired and online in hot standby mode.  Ship is at battle readiness,  awaiting your orders, Sir.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Stand by.  Hopefully, we will be warping out of here shortly, and heading for home.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::Simply nods at the XO::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::is getting impatient ... wants to get this out of the way:: *XO*:  Commander, you are going to join us ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Finishes the upload of the scans, then heads for the captains ready room, and rings the door chime:: 

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
*CO* Just waiting for you to tell me to enter, Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*XO*:  Well you can enter at your leisure, Commander.  ::grins at the CTO as she says it::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: Understood sir.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Enters the ready room, and takes a seat::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO/CTO: Sorry I am late.

FCO_Heath says:
::continues to monitor scans::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I was trying to do the work of 7 people, and at the same time trying to critique my performance during this crisis.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks at them:: CO/CTO:  Ok ... now we're all here ... let's get started.  ::looks at the XO trying to hide a grin::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CSO: Relax you are doing fine.  ::smiles at her friend::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Takes the PADD's he has, and places them on the CO's desk::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I think the most troubling aspect of this situation is the use of cloaking technology by Section 31.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::glances at Ens. Deer:: CEO: Wish I felt like I was inside.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Agreed.  We need to find out how they got hold of it ... any ideas?

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CSO: Relax Tia you are doing great.

FCO_Heath says:
::receives the message from sickbay:: *CO* Bridge to Captain Smith-Horn, sickbay has confirmed that the DNA of the remains match Admiral Thompson.  The remains were badly damaged, as if hit with a phaser and badly burned.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Well, cloaking technology isn't new, and the Federation has had that knowledge for some time.  It’s only been the treaty of Algernon that has stopped its use on Federation ships.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*FCO*:  Thank you, Commander.  No signs of any hidden gifts from our friends?

CSO_On`Tia says:
::smiles slightly at Deer::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::nods and returns the smile::

FCO_Heath says:
*CO* No ma'am, nothing so far.  Course has been plotted back to our original course and all systems are battle ready.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::nods:: XO:  And, officially, it will remain that way.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*FCO*:  If you think we're finished here ... set course back and engage.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: It is my belief that Admiral Taylor be made aware of all this information.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::is still scanning::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I concur.  Put together all the information we have for a report.  Include all visual comm records in that.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  What about the tactical situation?

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I have already done that, Sir.  My full report of all pertinent information is ready to be transmitted or hand delivered to the Admiral.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Make sure it goes as soon as possible, Commander.

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: Sir, I'm reading a large subspace wave nearby and a large ion surge that rapidly moves away from us.

FCO_Heath says:
CSO:  See if you can get a course fix on that subspace wave.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I will do so as soon as we are finished here.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I want to wait in case Commander Horn has any information to add to it.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: The damage repair is coming along..........

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I am glad we didn’t go toe to toe with the Logan

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::hears the CSO and initiates her scans for the ion trail and to see if it matches something::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  What about a way to break through the cloaking devices they have?

CSO_On`Tia says:
FCO: It looks like it's heading in the last known direction of the USS Logan

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CSO: Can you determine what kind of signature is the ion trail?

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We are still trying to analyze the data to determine how their cloaking device works.

FCO_Heath says:
*CO* A subspace wave has been detected and headed in the direction that the USS Logan headed.  Do you want to pursue?  ::lays in a pursuit course::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks at the others:: *FCO*:  Pursuit course, Commander.

FCO_Heath says:
*CO* Understood.  ::follows the wave's course::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
FCO: You got power and more in reserve.  Let’s go.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO/CTO:  Well we might get a chance to gather more data.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We are in no condition to take that ship on.

FCO_Heath says:
::tries to match the speed of the subspace wave as they try to gather more information::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CEO: The ion trails appear to be Federation

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We may need a little help from our friends

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Sir, I suggest extreme caution.  We don't know the full capability of the Logan, or even if there are others out there like her.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Maybe ... maybe not.  Let's find out.  *FCO*:  Horn to bridge.  Commander what is the status of repairs?

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CSO: Great that makes it easier for me to catch the frequencies before the trail goes cold.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  You can bet your life they have more than the Logan.   Let's get onto the bridge gentlemen.  ::gets up::

CSO_On`Tia says:
::glances at the CEO and nods::

FCO_Heath says:
*CO* Repairs are going well.  Ship is at full battle readiness.  On a down note we lost the wave signature, slowing to impulse.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Sir, we have our scans of the Logan, both cloaked and decloacked.  I suggest we head back with that information while we still can.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*FCO*:  Let them go, Commander.  Resume original course.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::hands flying over the boards to catch the remaining little bit of the trail::

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I must agree with T'Lok. As much as I would like to get my hands on them we must proceed on the side of caution.

FCO_Heath says:
::reenters original course and engages at warp 6:: CO: Original course at warp 6 engaged, Captain.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Sir, Section 31 isn’t going anywhere.  I am sure we will encounter them again.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO/CTO:  As we have done.  I'd like to speak to Ensign On'Tia.  Send her in.  Dismissed, gentlemen.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Gets up and heads for the bridge::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Get that report out as soon as you can.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::slams fists into her console:: Out loud: Damn it

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Upon entering the bridge:: CSO: Ensign, report to the Captain in her ready room.

CTO_Horn says:
::Looks at the XO, stands and moves to leave::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Is there a problem, Ensign?

CSO_On`Tia says:
XO: Yes sir ::swallows and heads for the COs ready room::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
::looks up at the XO:: XO: Yes there is a problem I should have been able to catch the end of that ion trail and make sure it was the Logan.  I can do it and I have been always able to do that.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Takes the center chair, pushes a few buttons to encrypt the report, and then sends it off to Admiral Taylor::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Ensign, when was the last time you had to scan for anything like this from Section 31?

CSO_On`Tia says:
::sounds the chime outside the COs ready room::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Enter.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: I did it 6 months ago.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::nervously enters the COs ready room:: CO: You wanted to see me? 

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::smiles:: CSO:  I did, Ensign.  Take a seat.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Ok.  Take what you have found here, and cross reference it with those scans.  See if you can find any similarities.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::sits down wondering why she was summoned:: CO: Yes Sir

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Relax, Ensign ... I just wanted to ask how you were settling in.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: Yes sir.  ::begins to pull up her logs from six months ago and begin her comparisons::

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Slowly but getting acquainted and used to things on board, thank you Sir

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Lt, what is our current heading?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  I remember my first assignment out of the academy ... a terrified EO with a Vulcan CEO ... I had no idea what to expect.

CTO_Horn says:
::Runs a diagnostic on tactical::

FCO_Heath says:
::monitors their course and speed, relaxing slightly:: XO: We are returning to our original course back to our patrol route. 

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: I've been kept on my toes for sure

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
FCO: Very good.

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
Self: Oh nice there is a comparison here and there but what I need is the correlation to the ion trails and their signatures::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Commander, status of tactical systems?

CTO_Horn says:
    XO: Everything checks out fine 

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::grins:: CSO:  And you've done a terrific job, Ensign.  Keep up the good work.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Thanks again Sir.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Come on ... we've got some bad guys to expose ... ::gets up and heads towards the door::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: I have found two things that match and they are identical in nature.

CSO_On`Tia says:
::stands with the CO:: CO:: Yes Sir

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: Explain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::exits onto the bridge with the CSO::

CSO_On`Tia says:
::follows the CO back onto the bridge:: CO: May I retake my station?

FCO_Heath says:
::thinks about what she is going to do at the end of shift::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CSO:  Please do, Ensign.  ::heads for the centre chair::

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: The two frequencies I have are exactly the same that were used on the Logan.  They both are the same as the one from my last experience with a ship matching that description belonging to Section 31.  They were modified just so slightly in their ion trails but they are the same.

CSO_On`Tia says:
CO: Yes Sir ::retakes her place at her station::

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Gets up and moves to the chair to the left of the CO::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::overhears the CEO:: XO: That sounded interesting ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: So, do you hypothesize that the two ships are the same, or what?

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO/CO: Section 31 does use federation ships but they modify the ions to just 000.3 microns of a frequency change.  Unless you know what you are looking for anyone will miss it.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Very good, Commander

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CEO:  And I'm guessing we can reconfigure our sensors to detect that variance ...

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CO/XO: I surmise that there were not one but two ships.  The Logan and another ship cloaked with her.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CEO: So, any ship can be a section 31 ship, and slip by undetected unless you know what to look for?

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
XO: Absolutely sir now that I know what I am looking for.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CEO:  Program the variance into our sensor grid ...

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Let's hope we can use that information as well.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CEO:  Nice work, Ensign.

XO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: by the way, Sir.  Welcome back.  

CEO_Ens_Deer says:
CO: Thank you sir. I am honored to be in the presence of my Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::grins:: XO:  Thank you, Commander.  I didn't care much for the Logan's hospitality, I can tell you that!

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