In reply to Commodore Bradron McCurrvey (msg # 21):

Khendron clears his throat. "Commadore, with all due respect, have you forgotten the urgency of the situation? This is not just about us versus the Armida IV. Calista has Dr. Marcus as a prisoner and it is vitally important to the safety of everybody, including the Federation, that we get her back! If we wait 24 hours we may lose the trail completely!"

Purrn interrupts, "Exiting negative control region, entering positive control region. Raising shields and increasing power to the navigational deflectors. Phasers and torpedoes on standby. penetrating the verteron membrane and... We're through!"

Immediately, micro debris turn the shield bubble into a fireworks display. Collette announces "Coordinates established! We're in the Bloodfield Nebula, well inside Shiela's accretion disk. Approaching the inner disk and the Shiela Belt, about 100 AUs from the star..."

Thoma breaks in, "Receiving a hail... Deep Space Six-Alpha; Bridgetown Station! On speakers:"

"Attention unknown Federation starship: this is Commander Theresa Harris of Deep Space Six-Alpha. Please identify yourself."


The hail is coming from the largest planetesimal in the belt; a dwarf planet about 1000km in diametre—or rather the R-class station about 500km from it. Cdr Harris is an attractive no-nonsense Human in her mid-forties.

[OOC: I love the fact that the are so many screencaps of the movie series. It makes it so easy to come up with character images!]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Mon 06 July 2020.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 22):

“Captain Mercer, I’ll see you and Captain Thelev in my Ready Room”. McCurrvey looks around the rather large bridge.  “Where we can speak more freely”

In reply to Commodore Bradron McCurrvey (msg # 24):

Presuming that either Thelev will answer the hail, or delegate it to Thoma, Khendron follows the Commodore to his ready room.

"Is there something you know that we don't?" asks Khendron of the Commodore.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 25):

[OOC: sorry work has just been stupid. Hoping it will get better soon. Now my team is complaining they are too busy, can't people just be happy they have a job.]

" Commander Thoma, I will pick this up in the Commodore's Ready Room. " as he follow McCurrvey into his ready room.

As he turns and follows McCurrey to his ready room.

Once there he taps and replies to the hail " Commander Harris, this is Captain Thelev of the USS Odyssey. "

Harris's eyes widen when she sees McCurrvey. "Captain, Commodore. What brings you to this neck of the woods? Yes, I know—a wormhole. But seriously, we'd not been informed that Starfleet was sending an Excelsior class to the Reach. No, don't tell me, you were chasing a pirate. That's where things get a little sticky..." She grimaces. She has an odd accent, sort of Scots/Irish but not quite either.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Fri 10 July 2020.

Harris continues, "We have a rather unique situation here. As we're outside the Federation proper, we're here on the sufferance of the local authorities, those authorities being Sam and his local council. The Council—so called—is Sam's advisory body, made up of representatives of the Orion Syndicate and the local pirate community. We have a small presence on Bridgetown evaluating the Bridge and the Hole, but they are only there as long as it suits Sam. With your permission, I'd like to beam over to brief you personally."

McCurrvey vaguely remembers Harris. "Teri" Harris was an ensign on one of his early assignments when he was a newly minted lieutenant. Her Newfoundland accent has grown more prominent, he notices. A promising officer, she hails from Newfoundland on Earth. As he recalls, she was never shy about correcting a senior officer when he was wrong, but always respectfully and discreetly.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Sat 24 Apr 2021.

In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 28):

" Commander Harris, we will beam you over, but be advised we are in much haste as the pirate we are chasing has stolen some high classified information and personnel which I am not at liberty to identify more over comms and will defer to the Commodore to brief you on as required once you are aboard our ship. " Thelev replies.

"Once you are ready please let us know and we will beam you aboard" Thelev continues.

Thelev figures this will all McCurrvey a chance to raise any concerns off comms and then we can determine who needs to be present when Harris beams aboard.

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 29):

After disconnecting with Harris one thing is lingering in the back of Thelev's mind.

He taps on his comm and say " Commander DesMarais, has Deep Space Six Alpha ever reported a wormwhole in their area, and if so did they ever investigate where it went."

It is bothering him that Harris was not overly surprised by the wormhole, and at very least would have sent a probe through and would have known where it came out.  And it turn would have been in our navigation records.

Collette replies, "Wormholes around a t-tauri star? Yes, they're very common, but usually quite small and short-lived. Wormholes the size we came through are rare but not unheard of. The one we just transited was atypical of observed wormholes, but probably indistinguishable from the common run unless examined closely."

Thoma announces, "Cdr Harris's party ready to transport, sir. Transporting now."

The intership announces, "Captain, Alexander here," CPO David Alexander is the transporter chief. "Cdr Harris's party has arrived. Shall I have them escorted up?"

A few minutes later, CPO Anisha Roman, the deputy transporter chief, presses the chime and announces, "Cdr Harris to see the Captain, sir."

Harris steps through the door. She is below average height, a trim feisty-looking redhead. "Captain... er, Captains, and Commodore," she says, "I'm the skipper of this backwater hole. Commodore, I don't know if you remember me. It's been a long road, getting from there to here." She holds out her hand. "This is my Security Chief, Lt(jg) Plessio Boluri." Boluri is a 2 metre tall, very muscular male Orion with short dark hair. His olive green skin contrasts with his red tunic.

When Harris is offered a drink, she asks for mineral water with a twist of lime. "We have a rather unique situation here at Bridgetown Station. Ostensibly, we're restricted to observation—intelligence gathering, really. We also have an agreement with Sam to research the Ancient installation known as the Bridge. It spans the chasm in the planetoid, an anomaly know as the Hole. The Bridge seems to siphon off some of the energies given off by the anomaly at the heart of the whole, to what end we've not been able to determine. A large community has grown up around the Hole called Bridgetown, thus giving the planetoid its name. Sam prefers to call it Sam's Place, though he's about the only one who does.

"Bridgetown is a wretched hive of scum and villainy where anything can be had for a couple of credits, from Orion slave girls to death sticks."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Sun 12 July 2020.

Before Cdr Harris arrives:

“Gentlemen, this pirate has pulled our pants down on several occassions now.  While Dr. Marcus is an important asset, the tactics the pirate has used shows a definite interest in this ship.  In addition, we’ve left a trail of allies wondering what the hell is going on and have demonstrated the classified capabilities of this ship.  I strongly suggest we slow down and figure out her motivation.  If this ship is anything less than battle ready, we should just hand her the ship, our silver ball technology and Dr. Marcus in one, simple gift-wrapped package.  Thelev, Khendron, we’ve gone through a lot together.  Let’s just allow our people to take a breadth.  We also have civilians on this tub that we have to think about.

Let’s listen to Cdr Harris and prioritize her needs with our original mission and where we left Capt Laroche”.

In reply to Commodore Bradron McCurrvey (msg # 33):

“And let’s not forget the weird little couple that we picked up”

In reply to Commodore Bradron McCurrvey (msg # 34):

OOC: Picking up McCurrvey quickly before Cmdr Harris arrived:

"Commodore, we left Captain Laroche in a good spot, not meeting the President may be a bigger issue.  My concern is Dr. Marcus and more so what technology/information she had with her that was also stolen.  And as for our pirate friend, I am now confident that she is aware of our classified technology, at least based on the previous version. And Smith and I have been careful tipping our hat on how much better this version is."

"But I do agree with you on lets listen to Cmdr Harris before deciding the next step." he adds. "I believe Cmdr Harris is about to arriving."

Harris looks around the Flag Ready Room. "I hear the Odyssey actually has family members aboard," she comments. "How's that working? It would be great to see my husband more often than every three or four months." She sips her mineral water. "So, to get back to our communication earlier, what brings you to the Kellinan Reach? That Wormhole was only open for three minutes, and we all know Starfleet doesn't work quite that fast." She smiles diplomatically, downplaying the possible inference that she's being critical of Starfleet.

Thoma's voice comes over the intership, "Commodore, Captain, we've identified the Armida IV in a parking orbit around the planetoid."

Harris raises an eyebrow. "Calista, eh? She's a bad one—a real cast-tritanium bitch, pardon my candour.

"Anyway, welcome to Deep Space Six-Alpha. As part of our agreement with Sam, the administrator of Bridgetown, we observe and monitor, but we don't actively interfere in local affairs, at least not openly. What has that psychopath done?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Fri 17 July 2020.

Boluri says in a voice surprisingly gentle for so massive a man, "Captain Calista doesn't even get along with other pirates. The Damned isn't just a pirate nickname for her—she sincerely believes she's possessed by a patron demon named Verlegg. And the Commander is correct: Calista is a true psychopath. She'll do anything just to show how evil she is, just on a whim. And I'm not being hyperbolic when I use that word. She believes that evil with a capital E is a force of nature and will triumph over good when the end comes, just like the Christians from Earth, but inverted."

Harris expands, "Her father was a trader from Earth who purchased an Orion slave girl with the plan of emancipating her as part of some underground railroad scheme set up by a church on Earth. He didn't realise that Orion 'slave' girls are the real power in the Orion Colonies and came under her pheromone-induced thrall. When, after Calista was born, the mother was killed by a jealous rival; Calista, then thirteen rebelled and killed her own father. She devoted herself to everything he despised, becoming a Satanist. One day one of her Satanic rituals, or so the legend goes, she contacted a Power from beyond; a dæmon named Verlegg who possessed her and claimed her soul. Over the years she has suffered horrific wounds and had bionic replacements, regarding them as sacrifices to her patron." She rolls her eyes. "I swear, the woman is delusional!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Sat 18 July 2020.

In reply to Lieutenent (JG) Plessio Boluri (msg # 37):

"Evil or not," comments Khendron, "she might not be as delusional as commonly believed. And she's now got a hold of some very sensitive and dangerous information!"

"The Armida IV is just sitting there," adds Khedron, "not even hiding. No doubt she is as aware of us as we are of her. Is she counting on this Sam person preventing our interference?"

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 38):

“Commander, what intel do you have on the Armida IV, do you think we could get any support from the Sam to deal with her if they are so hated by the other pirates.” . Thelev asks.

“ We fear they have some highly classified info and thry do have a Federation hostage. “ He adds.

Harris raises an eyebrow when Khendron suggests Calista might not be delusional. "Sir, she believes she's possessed by a demon! How is that not delusional? But yes, she is counting on Sam to prevent any interference. This is a pirate haven, and Sam's word is law. If as Captain Thelev says, she has a hostage; well, that's a part of their culture. Sam won't stand in her way of profiting from it. He is however, a businessman at heart, so he may be open to some form on negotiation—a deal if you will." She catches her breath. "Remember, this is an independent world well outside of the Federation. We have very limited diplomatic relations with Sam as an independent sovereign, and he has an alliance with the Orions. Perhaps if I knew who this hostage is and why he's so important..."

In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 40):

Since—from what he heard of the Commodore's reports—the Verlegg was onboard the Odyssey and ripped up sick bay, Khendron suspects that Calista's "delusions" may be somewhat based in reality (although her interpretation may be somewhat skewed). However, since he didn't actually witness the Verlegg personally, he figures it would be best to let the Commodore bring up that detail.

Grabbing onto what Harris said about profit, Khendron says "Is this all about money? Could we buy our way out of this situation? And if we, hypothetically, managed a 'double-cross' and got the hostage back without paying anything, it would be seen as 'normal business operations'? Hypothetically."

Harris sighs All three senior officers recognise the look on her face—she's frustrated but too professional to speak too frankly—and she continues, "Uhm, sirs? It might help my assessment of the situation if I knew just who the hostage is so I can adjust for the level of threat here. I mean, it must be serious if Starfleet sent an Excelsior class starship after a mere pirate ship captained by a crazy woman.

"Pardon me, I know you all have a reputation for being mavericks and all, but since Starfleet saw fit to promote you all to high rank and give you the most powerful warship in the fleet, you must have a pressing reason; but I do need you to throw me a bone. Sirs." She drains her water and reflects for a second. "Maybe I need something more... fortifying. Could I get some strong coffee, black no sugar?"

As she inhales the steam from her cup, she says, "So this one of the new replicators, is it? impressive." She sips the coffee.

"Magnificent! However, sirs, I must reiterate yet again the unique situation here. Sam is a complete mystery. He's Human, most likely from Earth itself or at least the core worlds and quite possibly ex-Starfleet; discovered Bridgetown in 2260 and is the unofficial administrator of the place—a self-titled Prince of Thieves. He and others have turned Bridgetown into a thriving center for trade along the Kellinan Reach, including a very active black market where nearly anything is available for a price. Sam is fond of telling stories of his early exploits, and can go on for quite some time if he's allowed to. He's enjoyed his newfound wealth and (relative) celebrity, although he's concerned about the increasing Federation presence in the sector."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Wed 22 July 2020.

In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 42):

" Commander, Lieutenant, this cannot leave this room until we knew who we can trust and ensure security has not been compromised. But the hostage is Dr. Carol Marcus, and we know the information and equipment captured belongs to her.  I myself do not know what she is currently working on, or what she had in her possession when the ship she was on was attacked and she was taken hostage. " Thelev replies.

" Knowing the realm of technology she researches it is critical that she is rescued and her research is retrieved or if not possible to retrieve, destroyed. " he adds, as he glances at McCurrvey to see if he has anything to add.

Harris goes white. Barely audible, she whispers "Lord liftin' Jayzuz... She's got the whole Genesis secret locked up in her head. That does change things." She glances at Boluri. "Lieutenant, I'll add a direct order to you in addition to Capt Thelev's admonishment. Not a word to anyone—period, not even the XO."

Boluri says, "Yes ma'am!" then looks to Thelev and repeats, "Yes sir!"

"Since Dr. Marcus was all over the news five years ago," says Harris, "we can take it as a given that Calista knows exactly who she is. She could ransom her off to the Romulans or the Klingons and name her price! I can see why you were so reticent about revealing her identity.

"Boluri, you're dismissed. Go check out the officers' lounge and try out the replicators." Boluri stands, formally takes his leave and exits the Flag Ready Room. She continues, "So, gentlemen, my station and the USS Arcadia are at your disposal." The USS Arcadia NCC-3255 is a Renner class Destroyer Escort tasked to support Deep Space Six-Alpha. "What are your orders?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Thu 23 July 2020.

In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 44):

Waiting until Boluri to leave the room.  " Commander, we need to rescue Doctor Marcus, that is the number one priority in my opinion, after that recovering her research, making sure none of it falls into wrong hands. And ideally capture Calista the Black and return her to Captain Laroche to face trial for her crimes in their space. " Thelev replies.

"The Arminda IV is faster than us, so we have to prevent them from running. The Commodore is a superior tactician so I will defer to him on how to utilize your ship to box them in.  Once they can't run then the game will shift. " he adds.

Harris frowns. "Calista will have to contact her customers in order to sell Dr. Marcus. That gives us a certain leeway, time-wise. Pardon my forthrightness, sirs, but you all look fried. How long has it been since any of you got some rest?" In point of fact, it's been almost 24 hours, and you're all feeling it.

"I respectfully recommend you all get some sleep. I'll have my Intel boys coordinate with your Lt Talbot and we'll put feelers out. We'll also scan all subspace frequencies for comms chatter, and I'll set up a meeting with Sam for tomorrow morning. Does that meet your approval; Commodore McCurrvey, Captains Thelev, Mercer?" she asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Tue 28 July 2020.