In reply to Commander Thoma (msg # 71):

Meanwhile, back on the bridge, Khendron is thoroughly scanning the other ship, trying to match what he sees with the energy weapon damage and other traces picked up at the scene of the crime. This includes scanning for cargo matching what has been deemed stolen, and trying to find a life sign matching Dr. Marcus.

[OOC: Sorry Dave, you haven't tracked down the pirate ship yet, just put out a broadcast to put the fear into them. However, you do have the shuttle in your hangar bay and security assisted by the marines are going over it with a fine-toothed comb to see if anything aside from Dr. Marcus is missing.]

"Security to XO, Trask here," says the intercom. "All we're finding is that they seem to have only picked through the cargo for anything that looks remotely valuable. Of course any Preserver artefacts are gone, but it seems to have only been small items of archæological value. Equally to be expected is the fact that all personal weapons and all unopened medical supplies are gone. They even stripped the shuttle's defensive Type 4 Phaser unit and the dilithium crystals.

On the other hand, Mr. Spaxter and Ms. Goodbody are curious about the red alert. They want to know if space pirates are 'really a thing', as Spaxter phrased it I assured him they very much are."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Fri 24 Apr 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 73):

[OOC: Oh, I thought we had already caught up to an unidentified Orion ship]

"Seems odd that the pirates would hit a ship like this for such a small gain," replies Khendron to Trask. "I mean, they might be psycho, but they are also profit minded."

Khendron ponders for a few moments, and then adds "It is possible that this hit was entirely motived to capture Dr. Marcus, and anything else taken was just opportunistic. On the other hand, look for any evidence that there may have been some 'off the record' cargo also being carried. Any signs of a secret manifest stored anywhere?"

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 74):

[OOC: I am assuming McCurrvey has not told us his latest intel.]

" Science, tactical.  I want to know everything about that ship, down to the number of Joules they are capable of, their full weapons array, everything.  Number of crew and passengers are aboard, how many humans and their exact location.  Worst comes to worst if we get an opportunity we will beam all human females off.  Also make sure you have a targetting plan for hitting their warp drives, we have to make sure they can't run. " Thelev commands.

" And remember they may have some none standard weapons, we need to be modulating our shield frequency at all times. Be sure it is off standard protocol, these are pirates, who knows what they have bought or stolen. " Thelev adds. " don't get to paranoid here, I'm sure 11 is high enough right now. As he does a quick glance to Thoma to centre himself as he worries how Vethina is reacting, being sure Miss Stone knows what she is doing."

Khendron, perhaps following his hunch about Dr. Marcus, looks up Dr. Carol Marcus and finds a huge section marked EYES ONLY - PROJECT GENESIS. He remembers a confrontation between the Klingons and the Federation six years ago regarding a secret weapons project code-named Genesis, or so the Klingons claimed. The Federation maintained it was a classified experimental terraforming project. It had resulted in the loss of the Regula One space station and the interdiction of the Mutara Nebula for several years. During the incident, the Miranda class light cruiser USS Reliant was lost, as was Dr. Marcus's son, Dr. David Marcus. Conspiracy theorists (among them the Brotherhood of Federation Patriots) linked the incident to the infamous 20^th century warlord and terrorist Khan Noonian Singh, though the connexion seemed tenuous at best. Khendron has a Seclar that covers this level of information, and since Dr. Marcus has been captured by a party or parties unknown with possible links to the Orion Syndicate, he is immediately cleared for access.

What is revealed is a video briefing by Dr. Carol Marcus and a brief reaction by the command crew of the USS Enterprise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnziufszqSE
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:40, Tue 28 Apr 2020.

In reply to Thelev's demand for data, Tactical comes up with a data pack on the Armida IV, tentatively identified as the ship involved. Captained by an Orion/Human hybrid with he colourful nom-de-guerre Calista the Damned, the Armida IV is a modified Lightning class Blockade Runner. Powered by Orion-modified Klingon graf Warp engines, the Armida is armed with six heavy starship phasers. As there is no true standard for the Lightning class, all information is tagged conjectural but it looks like a nasty little bugger of a ship. Much of what is known is derived from a captured crew member, a Romulan Tal Shiar agent embedded with the crew. Unfortunately, he was traded to the Romulan Star Empire in a prisoner exchange two years ago.

Scanning the area, Khendron eventually detects warp plasma residue in the surrounding space, indicating the direction in which the pirate vessel fled. The traces indicate that like many Orion-modified warp engines, there is an identifiable signature to the plasma. Based on previous encounters, the computer estimates a 95% probability that this is the Armida IV. Plotting a rough esitmate of the Armida's course, it seems to be heading in the rough direction of the planet Hoot, on the edge of Baker's Dozen space.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 78):

Given the secrecy surrounding the information he has uncovered, Khendron requests to meet with the Thelev and McCurrvey in the Captain's Ready Room. He summarizes what he has found, and shows them the Project Genesis video. Khendron finds himself agreeing with Dr. McCoy, and is horrified at the very idea of such a project, and personally questions the motives of anybody involved in creating it.

"It is probably a safe assumption that Dr. Marcus has been abducted because of her involvement in this project," Khendron concludes. "Even if that is NOT true, she has very dangerous knowledge that cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands!! And there is always the—however unpleasant—possibility that she went willingly and according to plan! Perhaps she's looking for a place to continue her research! Why else would she be outside the Federation?!!"

Khendron realizes that his voice has become quite heated, and has to visible calm himself before continuing. "Anyway, I've picked up a trailing leading in the direction of planet Hoot, on the edge of Baker's Dozen space. We must pursue as quickly as possible!"

Smith regards Khendron gravely. He begins frankly, "In the 316 years since I was first activated, I have studied Human behaviour patterns. Though Emil Vaslovik's initial programming was corrupted by the so-called experts at the University, my good friend and mentor Jerry Robinson taught me to be a good judge of character. It is my judgement that Carol Marcus is what he would call good people. She is profoundly aware of the misuse that her work may be put to, as was her son, Dr. David Marcus, who gave his life to prevent its perversion by the Klingons. Indeed, he himself was afraid that Starfleet officers like yourself might not be able to be trusted to use the technology ethically. When the large-scale test-bed version of Project Genesis failed so spectacularly, she worked tirelessly to make something good come from the ashes of failure. To a great measure she succeeded. Her replicator device which is currently undergoing its first field test on this very ship is but a sample. More than anything else, it may shepherd humanity into a true post-scarcity age. This Calista will have to kill her before she allows the dreadful perversion of her life's work and that of her son."

Smith rarely delves deeply into his past but Khendron briefly spots a deep sadness in his eyes for all the good people the Questor android has known, come to love and eventually lost. "It is people like you, Leonard McCoy, whose reaction you just watched in the Enterprise's log, and David Marcus who will prevent another such misuse of science."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Mon 04 May 2020.

In reply to Dr. John Smith (msg # 80):

Khendron is quite touched by Smith's uncharacteristic frankness. Although on an emotional level he's still not convinced about Dr Marcus's character, given what she created, he will for now give her the benefit of the doubt.

"Captain," Khendron says to Thelev. "Shall we pursue them to the Hoot system?"

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 81):

"DesMarais coordinate with Captain Mercer and lay in a course to pursue.  Helm, plan to pursue at W10.  Mercer, let me know if we are gaining or losing ground on them based on the warp signature trace strength. " Thelev replies.

" Helm if we are losing ground to them increase speed. Would like to catch them before they get to the Hoot system. " he adds.

Turning to everyone Thelev says, " Remember their maximum speed is W15 so they can out run us. Once we have them on long range sensor we need to stay at max sensor range so they don't pick us up and then loop around them. Our sensors should be better than theirs. We need to prevent them getting to a safe space where they may have support. "

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 82):

As the helm lays in the coordinates and start pursuit, Khendron starts a continuous scan of the warp trail, attempting to judge if there is a hope of catching up. He sees if it is possible to determine from the warp signature what warp the ship was travelling at.

"Sir," Khendron says to Thelev after a few minutes of pursuit. "A reminder. We do have that silver ball thing in engineering. Could we use it to get the jump on our quarry, and get to the Hoot system before they do?"

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 83):

" Silver ball check, Dr. Smith check, Wesson no, next most experienced person Thelev, not in engineering.  Tested on this ship, no. Big risk to pull it out now. " Thelev thinks to himself.

OOC: I assuming since both Dr. Smith and I just joined the Odyssey that the silver ball was just installed and since we never said we tested it, that it is untested on this ship at this time

" We will keep the silver ball in our back pocket for now.  If we use it we lose the trail for sure, and if they change course we will never know; " Thelev replies to Mercer.

" If we catch them and they go to something greater than Warp 14 then we can always pull it out. " he adds

"Actually, I was intimately involved with the construction and installation of the device on the Odyssey," says Smith. "The Dyson Institute of Technology oversaw every step of the process. Odyssey was due for its four-year refit, and Dr. Dyson saw the opportunity to promote the use of a first-rate ship-of-the-line with the latest iteration of the Quantum Para-Dimensional Transport Device. Integration of the device into the ship took six months. True, the current iteration of the Silver Ball has not been field-tested, but the last two years have been spent testing it in lab conditions and the Excalibur's experience with the device has been gone over with a fine toothed comb. The device is ready to be tested under field conditions and that is a major part of the mission of the USS Odyssey. we've been working on several algorithms to make it more reliable and to target it accurately. We'll keep it powered up and in standby mode for use at your discretion, Captain." He sounds confident that the device will work as advertised.

"It was during the refit that I came to know Carol Marcus and respect her as she worked on installing the new replicator systems," he concludes.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Thu 07 May 2020.

In reply to Dr. John Smith (msg # 85):

Khendron continues his scans of the warp trail, trying to figure out what speed they were travelling and whether or not the Odyssey is gaining or losing ground.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 86):

" Khendron, do you think we are gaining or losing ground on them.  I don't want to go to fast and give them a chance for their sensors to pick us up before we can loop around them. " ask Thelev. " But of course I do want to catch them before they get back to Hoot. " he adds.

Khendron notes that the warp residue indicates a relatively high warp velocity from a graf-style warp engine, though not to the extent of being at emergency power. That means, at least, that they aren't doing their estimated top speed of warp 15. Running more simulations, Khendron comes up with a probable speed of about warp 10-11, easily within Odyssey's safe speed. Collette confirms that the course leads to the Hoot system.

Meanwhile, in the Flag ready room, Brad is able to track down the Romulan spy, as Starfleet keeps careful tabs on ex-prisoners. His name is Tevan, and he's a centurion in Romulan military intelligence, the Tal Diann; last known to be stationed at Romulan Starbase One, about nine parsecs or twenty one light years from the Baker's Dozen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Mon 11 May 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 88):

Khendron reports his findings to Thelev.

"Sir," he says. "Shall catch up and plot a course around them, keeping them just in sensor range? There is always the danger that they might pick us up and make a dash for it, but if they don't we should be able to get to the Hoot system before they do."

As he is saying this, Khendron runs some numbers through the computer to make sure he's not lying.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 89):

" Let's try to plot a course around, if they dash then we can jump. " I would like to keep the QPDTD in our back pocket. " Thelev replies

" Dr. Smith, keep adjusting the jump so we can activity the sphere if need be. " he adds

Thelev then turns to everyone " Remember priority one is retreive Dr. Marcus and her research, after that we want to capture the crew of the ship to take them back to face trial."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Sat 16 May 2020.

Receiving a chorus of "Aye aye, sir" from the bridge crew, Thelev sits back in his chair as the mighty ship surges forward. Years as an engineer allow him to get a feel of how the ship is operating from the frequency of the vibrations in the decksole, and he feels confident that all is well. He just hopes that the Silver Ball is just as reliable.

He begins musing about the test programme involving family members aboard starships. While he is immensely grateful to be allowed to be an intimate part of Vethia's formative years, a part of him wonders if he can live with himself if anything should happen to her on his watch. Resolving to make sure that nothing does happen, he makes a mental note to talk to Brad, who is similarly in this new situation. He tests out the replicator by ordering a mug of Katheka, an Andorian stimulant drink that is very similar to Terran coffee. The machine makes a good cup of the drink, strong and faintly bitter. Smiling, he decides that that is yet another reason to rescue Carol Marcus.

After about five hours, Thoma snaps him out of his reverie. "Captain, we're receiving what appears to be a distress call—faint and garbled."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Tue 19 May 2020.

"Putting the distress call on speaker," say Thoma.

There is a brief crackle of subspace interference. "—ention any ship—<crackle>—are under attack by—own Lightning class—ull breach, atmo—ping. Many injuries and several dead. I say again, Attent— is the merchant cruiser —" The distress call goes silent.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Sat 23 May 2020.

In reply to Commander Thoma (msg # 92):

"Do we know where the ship is, is it on course for them to be engaged by Armida IV. " Thelev asks.

" If so plot a jump with the sphere to put us just past the mechant ships location. If its a trap I want to be behind the Armida IV, if they are still engaged I want to be between where they are and where they are going. " he says to Smith.

" Red Alert, be prepared to engage the Armida IV as soon as we jump. "

"Attention all hands, we are about to engage the Quantum Para-Dimensional Transport Device. Blue Alert. I say again Blue Alert. Immediately upon jump, Red Alert will remain in effect." announces Smith over intership.
[OOC: I thought Discovery's Black Alert was kinda dumb, but this .gif was available and I liked it, so we'll run with it.]

The lights dim and there is a noticeable DISCONTINUITY, then the ship appears close to the desired coordinates. Smith pats the console approvingly.


"Captain, jump was successful." His voice sounds almost emotional.

Khendron begins receiving confirmation from all stations that they are on combat alert.

"Captain, detecting the distress signal. Range: five light seconds," reports Thoma. She puts it on speaker.
"—ention any ship—<crackle>—are under attack by—own Lightning class—ull breach, atmo—ping. Many injuries and several dead. I say again, Attent— is the merchant cruiser —"
"Damn it!" she exclaims. That's the exact same transmission, right down to the static breaks. It's a decoy!" Thoma sounds well and truly pissed off.

Ramirez at tactical reports, "No ship or any wreckage detected at that point. There's indications that the Armida went to full emergency speed directly to zenith. Son of a bitch!"

"Transmission is a point source, probably a small buoy," confirms Thoma.

"Tabarnac!" swears DesMarais. A Quebecoise accent, usually absent from her speech, slips out.

Smith clears his throat. "As my friend Jerry would say, 'We've been had.'"

"We're being hailed—it's the Montgomery using secure code 3, sir!" says Thoma wryly.

"Odyssey, this is the Montgomery. What 'as 'appened? There was a glowing field effect 1.4 kilometres in diametre and you simply vanished off our sensors! Odyssey, are you receiving me?" De Laroche sounds distressed. "Odyssey, sensors report you have appeared an entire parsec away! Comment ça va?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Sun 24 May 2020.

Ramirez reports, "The transmission source is in a small metal cylindre about 16cm in diametre, 17.5cm in length. No weapons or explosives detected. Now that we're in close range, I've got a visual."


"It's a fucking coffee can! And there's a note on it! It's in English and it says 'Crybaby'! Hijo de puta!" Ramirez sounds ready to chew stembolts and spit out razor wire.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Sun 24 May 2020.