Sam nods to Jade and says, "See if your shipmate Jasmine has any katheka, mdear." To Thelev, he explains, "Jasmine is Andorian who also likes her katheka." Thelev's ears prick up at the name. Talbot had briefed him before leaving the Odyssey about Calista's master-at-arms being an Andorian zhen named Jasmine... His mouth goes dry as he decides maybe he doesn't want the katheka after all...

Sam sees the look on Thelev's face and chuckles. "Don't worry, Cap'n. Poison's not Jasmines speciality—she's more hands-on, if ye catch my drift." He sips his Earl Grey.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Jade takes out a communicator and says in rapid-fire Orion, "Jade to Jasmine. Sam requests that you bring over some katheka. Is the Captain ready to beam over? I think Sam's guests would like to check the merchandise."

The reply comes back in Andorian-accented Orion, "I'll just bet they do. I'll pass that along to the Captain. We'll see if she's interested in what the pink-skins want."

An alcove near Sam's desk reveals itself to be a transporter, as it fills with swirling blue sparkles of energy.

A tall, rail-thin Andorian woman appears. She has a gaunt face with a shaggy pixie cut hairstyle, bushy white eyebrows and dark violet eyes. There is nothing soft about her appearance, all sharp edges dressed in park red leather exposing a lot of cleavage. She carries a disruptor pistol and a Klingon mevak knife at her waist. Brad draws upon his technical knowledge of energy weapons to recognise the skeleton grip of a Varon-T Disruptor, banned in most areas of known space  due to its vicious nature: the disruptor literally tears the body apart at the molecular level from the inside out, resulting in a relatively slow and excruciating death by disintegration.

She holds a cut crystal decanter in her right hand. Holding it out, she says in flawless Federation Standard English, "You may call me Jasmine D'Arque, master-at-arms to Captain Calista. Who has the temerity to ask me to share my katheka?"

[OOC: I took the liberty of inviting Sergio to the game using his alumni eMail address. I cc:ed all of you.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Calista the Damned (msg # 9):

"Captain Thelev" he nods.

"I wanted to check who I was dealing with and their resources at hand, and decided I should ask for something I would enjoy." Thelev replies as he step forward. "And it will be nice to have some good katheka, I hope it is not some of the cheap stuff, or even worse replicated." he adds with a smile.

Two items 1) Thelev is going to try and access how bad ass Jasmine is by using a combination of his Secruity- Secruity Procedures and Uarmded combat skills. 2) would he be able to identify the weapon by any chance, has Weaponsmith Phaser 2/3 if so he will make the comment below..

Assuming he also could identify the weapon he will comment in Andorian "That looks like a decent replica of a Varon-T Disruptor." If he can not identify he will not say anything about the weapon. Figuring everyone will have universal translators but that Jasmine will know he is talking in Andorian for emphasis.

Throughout the whole conversation Thelev is definitely trying to push that this is not his first rodeo. And is actually hoping they know he has been killed once and here he still is.

Thelev does recognise it as a Varon-T, and at his comment Jasmine raises an eyebrow and states coldly, "It's not a replica." She inverts the flask and the katheka splashes onto the floor. "There's your katheka. Enjoy it, Federation lapdog."

More than anything, it's his knowledge of unarmed combat that tells him she has some level of advanced training in at least one martial art. Judging from the calluses on her hands, it's some type of striking discipline. Though she's quite slender, her musculature appears well-developed and wiry. She continues, "The Captain will join us presently. She'll be bringing the merchandise for inspection. Don't abuse her good graces."

Sam looks at Jasmine, a slight frown on his face. "Ah, ah, ah, Jasmine," he says, wagging a finger at her. "Play nice with our guests."

He stands, hands on his desk. "I'm truly sorry, Captain Thelev. You know how it is—pirates, after all."

Sitting down once more, he asks Jasmine, "And how long before Captain Calista graces us with her presence? Tick tock, tick tock."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Fri 11 Sept 2020.

As if in answer to Sam, the transporter begins to hum and the swirling energy deposits Calista and Dr. Marcus on the pads. Calista steps off the pad and stretches out her hand. "Come, Dr. Marcus," she commands. Slowly, as if in a daze, Carol Marcus takes her hand and steps down. Calista leads her to a chair and sits her down.

Carol Marcus's face is blank of any expression. Her clothes look as if she's slept in them and she wears a golden torc around her neck. Boluri leans toward Harris and whispers something the Odyssey's command crew doesn't catch.

In reply to Calista the Damned (msg # 13):

Thelev was happy with Jasmine's reaction, figures he has at least changed her focus more to him figuring who original focus would have been McCurrvey, then our secruity team and then him.  So hoping he has taken some away from Bilgebottom so he may get a chance to tag Doctor Marcus.

Out of character to help God, none of the 4 Odyssey crew members have anything beyond first aid.

" Calista, I hope it is okay but I am GOING to have one of my team do a medical scan on Dr. Marcus. We want to make sure as a Federation citizen she is in good health." he says as he turns in the general direction of Bilgebottom and Boluri and gives them a nod to go ahead.

He then turns to Carol and says slowly and clearly "Dr. Marcus are you okay, do you know where you are?" figuring before he even hears anything about the scan that she has been drugged.

Calista rolls her eyes, "Oh, please! Do you think I'd risk such primitive measures to such a delicate and valuable commodity as the most valuable brain I've ever had in my possession? Of course she's not been drugged. Silly man! As your pet Orion has obviously noticed, that collar is an old Orion slave collar. Basically, it's a neural suppressor."

Boluri doesn't react to her jibe. "She's correct, Captain. It inhibits any undesireable reactions from the subject. Quite harmless, though addictive in the long run." He runs his tricorder over the device and does a second pass over Marcus's head. He hands the tricorder over to Thelev to confirm.

The readings confirm this, but just in case Thelev does a scan with his own tricorder, it too confirms the results. Meanwhile, it also confirms her lifesigns as base-line Human female of 46 standard years in age. It cross-checks against the file on Dr. Marcus uploaded by Dr. Driveon to all their tricorders. It even confirms a broken radius suffered several years ago in a hoverbike accident and healed completely. It also confirms that the veridium tracker Boluri placed on her is active. Marcus watches the proceedings impassively, though Thelev notices she is able to pay attention and track his actions with her eyes. A tear spills down her left cheek and her lips tremble.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

While all this has been going on, Khendron has as indicated been analysing the surroundings. The transporter in the office is a standard two-person unit. He figures that with his Computer (base skill of 2), his Shipboard Systems (base skill of 3) and his Transporter Systems Technology and Computer Sciences specialisations of 4 each, he may be able to hack the transporter system to defeat the natural interference of the nebula, in conjunction with the veridium tracker. Everyone seems distracted by the dominance play between Thelev and Jasmine. He's also noted that Sam's headgear seems to be some sort of field generator, purpose unknown. Also, Sam's mannerisms seem to point to Federation origins.

Thelev notes that in his quest to dominate Jasmine, she seems to be off-guard slightly. Not really anything he can put his finger on, but she seems non-plussed by his lack of reaction to her own power-play.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 16):

Khendron glances around for the transporter controls. If Khendron thinks everybody is distracted enough, and if the controls look fairly standard, then he surreptitiously attempts gain a remote connection to the transporter computer via his tricorder. He keeps some standard environmental and bio readings on quick recall on his tricorder, in case somebody calls him out.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 17):

Khendron notes that the transporter console is an older Starfleet design, seemingly well-maintained and, based on the blue transporter effect, it's been updated to modern standards. The decoy displays are a piece of cake, since Dr. Driveon had uploaded Carol Marcus's records to all your tricorders. Using the afore-mentioned skills, and his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill of 1 (2) it's quite simple for Khendron to hack the transporter controls. In addition, it's even simpler to piggyback a data link to the Odyssey using his Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill of 3 (6) which also defaults to (Transporters) (3) making beaming over quite safe and reliable even for a large party. Transporter Chief CPO Alexander confirms the link by text and and indicates, "Dr. Driveon is standing by with LCdr Saavik, who knows Dr. Marcus personally; and Mr. Spaxter who—according to the Chief of Security—has hostage rescue and anti-piracy experience."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 18):

Knowing Jasmine is master-of-arms for a notorious pirate he is both surprised and happy that he has thrown her a bit of her game.  That was all Thelev really expected.  But now his curiosity is getting to him.  So he tries to dive into his Andoria knowledge, from culture to history to world knowledge if he can determine if there is something unique/uncommon about Jasmine he can leverage to even throw her more off her game.

But Thelev is also well aware he can't keep pushing to keep the focus on him and off of everyone else.  Hoping the McCurrvey will also help keep Calista and Jasmine focused on them.

" Calista, a slave collar, I would not think you would be scared of Dr. Marcus that you would have to control her in that way. " he says with the slightest shake of his head in disgust.

But Thelev also notes that Dr. Marcus is trying to relay something to him, since it appears she is trying to overpower the effects collar. While he appears to be reading the tricoder he takes a quick scan of Calista and Jasmine to make sure they are not trying or hiding something.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 18):

Khendron raises an internal eyebrow at the mention of Mr. Spaxter, and does some quick estimates in his mind. Does he think that the Alexander could beam over everybody in this room at once, possibly holding the less desirable persons in the transporter matrix while materializing the Federation personnel?

Calista looks at Thelev as if he's a naïve moron and says simply, "You don't know much about pirates, do you?"

As for Jasmine, Thelev read the brief on her and knows a little about her. She's a zhen who early in her career of piracy was captured by an enemy crew, tortured and horribly abused. Due to this experience, she's no longer to bear young, an ability that is central to a zhen's sense of self. She has therefore an utter intolerance of anyone she cannot dominate, and Thelev is the type of Type A personality that enrages her, quite apart from being a man.

Khendron, on the other hand, knows that Odyssey has the most advanced transporter systems in the fleet. Since the Federation personnel including Carol Marcus are all wearing veridium trackers, it will be simple for Alexander to separate them, beaming the others to a pad with waiting security personnel, or even to one flooded with neurazine gas. Alexander texts that he has a lock on all persons in the office and is ready to engage on command.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:46, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 21):

He grins "I understand pirates, but I understand negotiations better and how to get the most out of what I have or want, and seeing Dr. Marcus I question how well you are doing that.  Just trying to help. "

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 21):

Khendron weighs in his mind the pros and cons of the situation, including where everybody is standing in relation to each other, who is facing who, and who has (or probably has) weapons. Then he decides screw it, and texts Alexander to engage.

Suddenly the office dissolves in a swirl of blue transporter energy. All seems fine for a split-second as the familiar Odyssey transporter fades into view, then the swirling energies turn a deep red colour and the Odyssey's transporter room disappears, to be replaced by a rocky landscape with a dark haze of sulphurous smoke in the air. McCurrvey, Thelev, Kendron, Harris, Boluri and Bilgebottom find themselves in a cluster surrounding Dr. Marcus. Close to them are Dr. Driveon, LCdr Saavik, CPO Alexander and Spaxter. Nearby are Calista, Jade, Jasmine and Sam, standing in a cluster. Separate from all three groups, but equidistant from them all is a looming figure, three metres tall in leathery black robes topped with a flame enwrapped skull. McCurrvey, Driveon and Saavik all immediately recognise the figure as the Verlegg, though its current appearance is much larger.

"Welcome to my Domain," it intones in the grating voice, like bone on bone. Although the ambient temperature is approximately 40°C, a chill runs through the group.

Driveon runs toward the main Starfleet group, Alexander, Saavik and Spaxter hard on his heels. Saavik and Spaxter both have Type II Phasers. Spaxter says, "Where in hell are we?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 24):

Khendron does an quick and immediate check of his personal equipment. Is it the same as he had a moment ago?

"Saavik!", exclaims Khendron to the LCdr as she runs over. "Is this a PSI construct or reality? Can you tell?"

Saavik frowns in concentration and looks at Khendron. "It appears real, XO, although there is an underlying... psionic latency... best describes it. More study is required," she concludes. "I would need to borrow your tricorder to deduce more."

Driveon attempts to remove Dr. Marcus's slave collar, but when he tries to flex the torc, crackling blue bands of energy connecting the terminating knobs become visible. "Captain!" he calls to Thelev, "Damned thing won't come off!"

Boluri steps over to the doctor and the scientist. "Sir, I suggest we have more pressing issues to deal with."

Major Bilgebottom says, "Captain, Commodore, we have a serious situation here. We appear to be on this creature's home field. He appears to be an entity of vast power, like Squire Trelane or the Platonians. We have no idea of the source of his power, whether it's inherent or the result of some technology. We have to retreat to a defensible position. Most of the landscape is either bare rock or what appear to be the bones of some gigantic beasts. With this heat, we'll be needing some source of potable water. Some of our people, like you Captain Thelev, and the XO, are cold-adapted and will suffer more than others. LCdr Saavik is adapted to a desert climate. We have the larger, more heavily armed party, but they have the advantage of that... creature. We have no supplies and no other resources, plus we have Dr. Marcus to take care of."

Having delivered his sitrep, the huge bear-like Marine officer pauses for a response.

In reply to Major Korran Bilgebottom (msg # 27):

“ Major get everyone back, Doctor get that collar off of Dr. Marcus once you are save.” Thelev quickly replies.

He then taps his comm badge, “ Thelev to the Odyssey, can you pick us up, what is your status, where are we.”

Before retreating or waiting for the Odyssey to reply he turns to Calista “ Is this the beast you struck your deal with, what can you tell us about it.”

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 28):

"Spaxter!" says Khendron, turning to the time jumping detective. "You wouldn't happen to have a bunch of those time jumping pills on you would you? Or do you know if Dr. Driveon"—he gestures to the doctor who is working on removing the collar from Dr. Marcus—"ever figured out how you jump? Desperate time may call for desperate measures!"

Bilgebottom hustles the group away from the Verlegg, who raises its hands to the flaming skies and draws down huge bolts of lightning. Bringing its hands down, it directs the bolts of lightning at the Starfleet party. Just in time, they all dive behind a huge outcropping of rock, as the coruscating energies lash at the rocky barrier.

Thelev drops his communicator and scrambles to retrieve it. He repeats, "Thelev to Odyssey, can you pick us up? What is your status... where are we?" He receives nothing but static. It appears fully functional but there's just no station to receive his signal.

Then a voice comes from the device—the grating voice of the Verlegg, "You are captives in my domain! Tremble before my power!" Sparks fly from the speaker unit as Thelev drops the communicator—his hand feels numb and the communicator smokes as it lies on the ground. Flexing his hand, the feeling soon comes back, like pins and needles.

Meanwhile, Driveon works feverishly to remove the torc. He runs his tricorder over it and takes out a medical probe. inserting the probe into the seam between the twisted shaft of the torc and the terminating knob on left end. He fiddles with it and there is a bright blue spark and a loud pop! Marcus collapses to the ground. He runs the tricorder peripheral over her head and takes out a hypospray. It goes hisssss as he injects a drug into the carotid artery. She moans and grabs at him, clutching at him as if she's drowning.

Verlegg unleashes another pair of lightning bolts at the outcrop. Small pieces spall off and clatter down.

Spaxter answers Khendron, "Zam! I wish I did. I thought we were out of jumps until we found two of them in Louella's bag. In fact, I know we were out. We'd only ordered four from Akhenaten's console—damned thing looked like a '67 Mustang—and used two to escape the Great Pyramid, then used the last two after the celebration party with Mae Weststar. I'm figuring that MARS gave us those last two after Wierdstock. Doc Driveon did a number of scans on both of us and he said he couldn't find anything to indicate any residue from them... Sorry!" He turns out his pockets. "See? A jump looks like a reddish-purple octahedron of firm gelatin. Kind like a wine-gum candy..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Sun 20 Sept 2020.

Dr. Marcus buries her face in Dr. Driveon's shoulder, shaking and sobbing. Another lightning blast from the Verlegg hits the rock and once more a spray of rock shards sprays the group. A jagged splinter gouges a track of blood along her cheekbone and she cries out in pain. "Where are we? What happened? Who are you all?" She spots Saavik and scurries over to her side. "Lieutenant Saavik, you're here! Is Jim with you?"

As Saavik attempts to comfort Marcus, another blast hits and a large slab spalls off knocking the Commodore flying.

"Boluri, keep laying down suppressing fire!" shouts the Major as he dives after McCurrvey. The Commodore has rolled down a steep incline and the Ursan scoops up his phaser as he follows. He discovers the mouth of a cave-like hole in the ground. McCurrvey lies against the cave wall, blood dripping from a gash in his scalp. Bilgebotton activates the communicator in his helmet. "Boluri, I've discovered a cave—or maybe even a tunnel."

Boluri tugs on Thelev's sleeve, slightly altering Thelev's aim. It doesn't really matter, as Thelev's last shot had passed through the Verlegg's chest without real effect. "Captain, Major Bilgebottom may have found an exfiltration route!"

[OOP: Bruce was going to post this weekend, but it seems real life got in the way, so I've lit the NPC light on his forehead for the time being. McCurrvey will awaken when he shows up.]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:14, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

In reply to Carol Marcus, PhD (msg # 31):

Thelev figures he will take a chance in case they may still need his help and shouts " Sam leave them, we may have a way out."

As he follows Boluri keeping an eye on Verlegg and Calista.