Transcript Number 332 
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
(IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

CNS Rand: Susan Brinkman
XO T`Lok Garta-Nmbarri: Rob Harold 
CO AQilla Smith Horn: Sandra Prestige
CIV Serok: Julie Lucas
CMO Jenise Garta-Nmbarri: Janaye Hinsley
Nurse_Houlihan: Janaye Hinsley
CTO Horn: Russell Hinsley
Hr`Gr`Brd: Gerry Brinkman

Hosted by: SM Gerry Brinkman

USS Scorpius - NCC 50666 – 10510.22

"Take the Long Way Home"

Episode 7: "...and THEY told two Friends..."

Previously on the USS Scorpius:

The ship and crew remain in a distant galaxy through the strange energy fluctuations of a new drive system...

And some not presently understood mechanisms of time and subspace.

The captured Scorpius has been liberated by a very strange shape-shifting friend...the size (and currently SHAPE) of the Scorpius...and his PARENTS.

The shape-shifting life-forms are in direct communication with the Telepathic CNS at this time.

They were informed that they had been captured by a conglomerate of galactic "chop-shop" owners that sometimes captured and killed the beings for parts.

The Scorpius is currently surrounded by chrome-like versions of itself...

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

CNS_Rand says:
:: tries to filter out other thoughts and concentrate on the aliens::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Returns to the bridge, and rings the door bell of the ready room::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::in her ready room going over the events of the last hour::

CIV_Serok says:
:: Serok exits the lift onto the bridge and heads to her console ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Enter.

ACTION:  More Shape-shifting aliens arrive in various forms and take up flanking positions

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::laying on a biobed in sickbay, being treated for the concussion her son gave her::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Enters:: CO: Have you had the time to review the bridge files yet, Ma'am?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I'm looking at them now.  Do you care to explain to me what happened?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::puts the padd down::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Everyone had valid reasons for either staying here, or heading home.  They also had valid reasons for escaping from that huge alien that had us captive.  What concerns me is the way they presented their concerns to me.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  Go on.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I made what I thought were valid command decisions.  I never second guessed myself at the time.  But, from the impressions that I am getting, a lot of others were.  My concern is that the senior staff respects the Chain of Command.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Hannah: Have you contacted the crew with telepathic ability for retest?

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I see.  *CIV*:  Horn to Captain Serok.

CNS_Rand says:
CIV: These new ones that have arrived are here because of the others...they were summoned here.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Stands at attention before the CO::

Nurse_Houlihan says:
CMO: Yes, anyone with telepathic or empathic ability that have experienced headaches, mood swings, or the like will be coming for testing again.

CIV_Serok says:
CNS:  That is interesting Counselor.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Houlihan: Good, that will help.

CIV_Serok says:
*XO*  Serok here, go ahead Commander.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Will you join the XO and me in the ready room, Captain?

CIV_Serok says:
*CO*  Of course Captain.  On my way.

CIV_Serok says:
:: stands and heads to the ready room ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks up to the ready room door and waits to be admitted ::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Enter

CTO_Horn says:
::Performing LRS scans to get an idea of the number of alien life forms coming in::

CIV_Serok says:
:: enters the ready room, nods to both the CO and XO :: CO/XO:  Captain, Commander.

CIV_Serok says:
:: stands at attention ::

CTO_Horn says:
::Takes the bridge as a TO takes over the scans::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: ::Nods back:: Captain.

Nurse_Houlihan says:
::nods and continues treating the concussion::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Take a seat.  You wanted to see both of us?

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods and sits :: CO:  Yes Captain, I do.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  I'm guessing it's about what happened earlier.

CIV_Serok says:
CO: Yes Captain, it is.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  Then go ahead.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Waits to listen to the CIV::

CNS_Rand says:
CTO: I am still able to sense the aliens and am in contact with them.  Perhaps they can help us recreate the incident that brought us here.

CIV_Serok says:
:: She nods :: CO:  Very well Captain.  My concern is with several things.  First of all, is what I consider blatant insubordination.

ACTION:  Several of the shape-shifting ship creatures begin what appear to be organized defensive patrols of a sort of perimeter...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  That's a serious accusation.

CIV_Serok says:
:: Looks at the XO ::  XO:  While I realize the Doctor is your wife Commander, what she did to you on the bridge was inexcusable.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: I appreciate your concern and input, Captain.  I intend to deal with that matter shortly.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Captain, had it been any other officer, I would have recommended her be taken to the brig.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::nods:: CIV:  I'll speak to her.  What else.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  The other thing that I feel need addressing, is putting the lives of every man, woman and child aboard this vessel into unnecessary danger.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::listening::

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  For the most part Captain, the Commander proceeded with caution, but, Commander Horn was of the shoot first and ask questions later frame of mind.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  From what I understand he was proven correct, was he not?

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  The ship we were in could have vaporized us in a single shot.  It was foolishness to provoke an attack without all of the information about the ship in.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  Had it not been for the other aliens, it would not have mattered Captain.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  So, if he did shoot we were dead and if he didn't we were dead ...

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  We will never know that Captain.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Turns back to the CO:: CO: Ma'am, Captain Serok has valid concerns.  But, I wish to deal with those with Commander Horn present.  However, I also wish that to be with just you, me and him in the room.

CIV_Serok says:
CO:  There is a time to use violence.  To shoot blindly could cause injury to them self.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  We will, Commander.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Houlihan: Make certain someone fits an inhibitor to Pel Tor.  The more I think about it, the more I believe he needs that for now.  My head ache is proving it.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV:  I agree.  I want to get everyone's input on what happened here.

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  Commander, I do feel I owe you an apology though.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: Captain, no need for that, unless you did something that I am aware of.  I did ask you for your input, and value that immensely.  

Nurse_Houlihan says:
CMO: I will, Jenise, don't worry.  After what's happened in here today, I agree.  We need to make certain he's safe.

CIV_Serok says:
XO:  I went over the bridge records and I admit that I did not see the small ship attacked by the aliens in the larger ship.  Had I seen that, I may have understood you position a little better.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV/XO:  Now I want to say something.  We are a team.  I depend on the both of you to help me keep that team functioning.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CIV: Mistakes happen, Captain.  We live and we learn.  CO: Sorry for the interruption Ma'am, it won’t happen again.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CIV/XO:  If I ever see or hear of anything like this again, I am not going to be happy.  Do I make myself clear.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Completely, Ma'am.

CIV_Serok says:
CO/XO:  I agree, we are a team.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO/CIV:  Dismissed.  Send Cmdr Horn in here.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Nods to the CIV again::

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts her eyebrow ::

CIV_Serok says:
:: stands, nods and exits the ready room ::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Ma'am, I confess to feeling discomfort with questioning your husband.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::looks at the XO:: XO:  Do you.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: yes. I do.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO:  I am not happy about this, T'Lok.  I do not want my senior staff at each other's throats.

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: I hear you and we are grateful for your preventing the others from destroying us.~~~

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: I agree with you.  The reason I asked for these meetings with you was for clarification.  I am still learning from your lead, and I have much more to learn.

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: Are there many of you?~~~

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks over to the CTO :: CTO:  Commander, you are wanted in the ready room.

CTO_Horn says:
::Stands and pulls at the bottom of his shirt::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: But, the idea of questioning your husband in front of you is a daunting task, regardless of who may or may not be in the wrong.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Thank you captain. You have the bridge.

CIV_Serok says:
:: Looks at the Counselor :: CNS:  Have you received any further communications Counselor?

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods :: CTO:  I have the bridge.

CTO_Horn says:
::Approaches the RR door and rings the CO's bell::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Enter.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Takes a deep breath::

CTO_Horn says:
::Enters the RR with a smile on his face::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Turns and looks at the CTO as he enters::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::does NOT have a smile on her face:: CTO:  Take a seat.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Commander Horn reporting as ordered.

CTO_Horn says:
::Sits in the empty seat next to the XO::

CNS_Rand says:
::nods:: CIV: Yes, Captain, I am still in contact with them.  It appears that they are one of the members of a Federation, a galactic Federation of sorts.  They often provide security for other Federation members...and there are millions of them in areas all over the galaxy.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Would you care to explain to me what happened inside that ship, Commander.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Its pretty self explanatory.

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: Are there many members to your Federation?~~~

CIV_Serok says:
:: lifts here eyebrow :: CNS:  Indeed Counselor?

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We were captured........

CIV_Serok says:
CNS:  Is there an easier way we can communicate with them?

CTO_Horn says:
CO: They refused to talk to us despite the many attempts to hail them.....

CNS_Rand says:
CIV: There are thousands of member species in their Federation...

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  So you decided it was best to shoot our way out with no regard for the consequences.

CIV_Serok says:
CNS:  It would be beneficial if we could communicate with them on another level.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I fired only after I was given the order.

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: Is there an easier way for us to communicate?~~~

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Turns and looks at the CTO:: CTO: That is a cop out, Mister Horn.  You were pushing to fire from the moment we were taken into that thing.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: The destruction of the other ship they captured made it clear that their intentions were hostile.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: As far as I am concerned our capture was a hostile act.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Commander, who was in charge of the bridge at that time?

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Permission to speak freely.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  Go on.

CNS_Rand says:
CIV: Yes, ma'am...they tell me that most of the members are at peace, but there are small problems in places... like the ones we just encountered, the Salvageers, the big alien ship people that were trying to cut us up.  

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Prepares for the onslaught from the CTO::

CIV_Serok says:
:: Nods ::

CTO_Horn says:
CO/XO: I just want to make it clear there is no disrespect intended.

CNS_Rand says:
CIV: They say to use a frequency of 18 GHz and to tune the subspace receivers to include j-band transmissions.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: As far as it goes we would never have been in that situation if we had made an attempt to return home.

CIV_Serok says:
:: walks over to a console and makes the necessary adjustments ::

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Our mission was clear......

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: How can you be so certain of that, commander?

Nurse_Houlihan says:
CMO: All done.  You'll want to take it easy but there's no reason to keep you on a biobed any further.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Test a new ward drive..........

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  And that test brought us here.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
Houlihan: Thank you Hannah. ::sits up slowly with Hannah's help::  I will be in my office cleaning up the mess.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::slips off the bed and heads to her office::

CIV_Serok says:
:: Opens a com channel :: COM: Aliens:  This is Captain Suvok Serok of the Starship Scorpius.  I would like to thank you for your intervention on behalf of our crew.  We come in peace.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Yes, and Starfleet did not say that we were exploring anything. I would venture to say that in the testing of this warp drive we should have returned or attempted to return to Federation space to make our report of what happened

CTO_Horn says:
CO: I believe you will agree that the first responsibility is to the crew.

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
@COM: Scorpius: CIV:  It is our pleasing-to-us, Hampan.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Looks at the CO, and waits for her answer::

CTO_Horn says:
CO: Returning home SHOULD be our primary concern as it is in everybody's best interest.

CIV_Serok says:
*CO*  Captain, sorry to interrupt, but, we have made contact with the friendly entities.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO:  The side warp drive is still offline.  Until such time as it is operational and we can recreate the circumstances that brought us here, I thought it prudent to do a little exploration.  It was MY call, Commander.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
*CIV*:  Thank you, Captain.  We're on our way.

CIV_Serok says:
COM:  Aliens: It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well.

CTO_Horn says:
CO: We have been standing by for 15 minutes to make the attempt to return home. All stations are a go.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Ma'am, with your permission, I would like to speak to the CTO alone.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
CTO/XO:  We'll make the attempt in one hour.  Dismissed.

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Aliens:  I am certain there is much we could learn from one another.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::gets up and heads for the bridge::

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
XO: Fine with me.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::exits and enters the bridge::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CO: Thank you. CTO: Mister Horn, please remain here.

CTO_Horn says:
::Remains::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::picks up the statue from the floor and sits in her seat, placing it in her lap::

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
@COM: Scorpius:  Our *skzt& offspring alerted us to your danger from the Salvageers.  You-ones must come from long-far place.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Russ, your insights are always a value to me.  I take into consideration everything that you have to offer...

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: But...

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Aliens:  Yes, we do come from a great distance.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
::moves alongside the CIV::

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: Your young one was the first to mimic the form of our ship.  Did the child recognize us as being lost, from far away?~~~

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Once you have made your suggestion, please do not push the issue farther.  I tried my best to make calculated decisions when we were held captive.  Those decisions concerned the ships safety, and most especially the safety of the crew on board.

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::remembers her first day on the Scorpius and wonders about the changes since that day::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Just remember I gave you my opinion and I followed your orders. Serok was wrong and that is the bottom line. We were in a hostile situation. And for the record..........

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
@COM: Scorpius: CIV: Offering you our safeguarding *sktz& hospitality.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Holds up his hand to stop the CTO::

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
~~~CNS: No, we thought one of his playmates had been taken.~~~

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Aliens:  We thank you for your hospitality.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: If I don’t push a little in that type of situation people die.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::A bit miffed that the CTO does not react to the hand gesture to stop talking:: CTO: Yes, you followed my orders, but it’s not your place to decide if the CIV was wrong or not.  That decision belongs to who is in command, and to his boss.

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Aliens:  Are you the leader for your people?

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::wonders if she'll ever find that person again::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: Did you take into consideration that if I had taken your suggestion to fire faster, we might have been vaporized?

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Like I said, I followed my orders and took nothing into my own hands.

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: We thought he was trying to play with us.~~~

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
COM: Scorpius: CIV: I am considered the area commander for our Federated security...but I am not the head of the Hr`Gr`Brd government, no.  He is near our galactic core at the capital.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Also consider that they were about to rip our ship apart and kill everybody on board.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I can admit when I am wrong however, I was not wrong.

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
~~~CNS: He is a very precocious young boy...but a good one.  We are proud of him.  He will be a good patrol officer.~~~

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::decides that some things aren't worth fighting for anymore, sets the statue on her desk, and leaves sickbay::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: We have to defend ourselves when we fall under attack.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: That was all taken into consideration as well.  But, regardless, we are free from that thing.  We got lucky this time.  All that I am saying is that, from this point forward, after giving your suggestions, refrain from pushing them.  If I am obviously missing something, please point that out to me.  But, if not, simply do your job, a job you do with splendor.  Is that understood, commander?

CNS_Rand says:
~~~Aliens: He does show a strong intelligence.  There is much to be proud of.~~~

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Alien:  I am pleased to meet you Commander.  Are you capable of meeting with us on our ship?

Nurse_Houlihan says:
::hears a beep from the lab and goes in to investigate::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: My job is to protect this ship in whatever manner possible. That includes every person on board.

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Even if it means surrendering my own life performing that function.

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
COM: Scorpius: CIV:  Are you the leader of your ::crackle:: [untranslatable] beingness?  And regretables, no, I am the ship you see before you.  ::melts into a disc-shape::

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Ignores the last CTO comment:: CTO: Is that understood, commander? ::Said with a bit more force::

Nurse_Houlihan says:
::sees the test results on the screen and reads them::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I also have a duty to protect the Federation from any enemies and I cannot do that 108 million light years from home.

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::Becomes a bit irate:: CTO: Mister Horn!  Is that understood?  ::Said rather forcefully this time::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: Especially with the possibility that there could be a conspiracy to tear the Federation apart from the inside.

Nurse_Houlihan says:
Self: No, that can't be right.  ::calls Pierce to come cover sickbay so she can run the tests again::

CMO_Garta-Nmbarri says:
::exits the lift and starts to walk...nowhere::

CTO_Horn says:
XO: I will do my job. Just remember what yours is!!!

CIV_Serok says:
COM: Alien:  This is the Commander of this vessel, Captain AQilla Horn.

CO_AQilla_Horn says:
COM: Alien:  We would like to learn more about this region of space.  Perhaps an exchange of information?

Hr`Gr`Brd says:
COM: Scorpius:  We are willingness for this, of course!

XO_T`Lok_Garta-Nmbarri says:
CTO: I know what my job is!  If you wish to find that out, keep talking and ignoring my questions!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>