In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 13):

OOC: I can not remember if we ever encountered anyone from the Q Continuum, If we had Thelev will wonder to himself if Lord Dhark and the others could be Q.

" Lord Dhark, I am Captain Thelev of the USS Odyssey, this is Captain Mercer my first officer, this is Commodore McCurrvey our Flag Officer based upon the USS Odyssey, Commander Saavik my Chief Helmsman, Commander Driveon my Chief Medical Officer, Major Bildgebottom my Marine Commandant." he says introducing each member of the Odyssey prior to turning and adding " And these are Doctor Marcus, Commander Harris, Lieutenant Boluri. We are here on behalf of the United Federation of Planets. We would be honoured to join you and your family for dinner and yes Lt. Boluri would appreciate some clothes."

"Before being transported first to your son and then here we were all on a mission to recover Doctor Marcus who had been kidnapped." He say the last part as he turns and looks intently at Calista.

[OOC: Nope, no Q yet—Q was first encountered in Encounter at Farpoint, the pilot for TNG. The closest Starfleet has to date encountered is Squire Trelane (TOS: The Squire of Gothos) and of course Apollo (TOS: Who Mourns for Adonais?), though there are also rumours of Lucien (TAS: The Magicks of Megas-Tu) who adopted a demon-like guise. However, it also reminds you, using your Knowledge (Horror Movies) 1 of a 20th century flatscreen movie called The Addams Family.]

As Thelev goes through the introductions, Spaxter mutters soto voce, "And what am I, chopped liver?"

"Kidnapping? Oh, how distasteful. Well, Doctor... Marcus, is it?... you are now freed. Whatever my youngest son and his minion..." he waves a hand and Calista crashes to the mosaic floor, "...have been up to ended the moment you set foot in my realm."

Verlegg protests, "But my Lord Father..."

Dhark cuts him off, "Ended, my son. I have spoken!" Verlegg relents, sulking.

"Very well. Now, Wyrm, some clothing for Lieutenant Boluri!" He claps his hands, and a smaller door opens, admitting a being in white robes whose skin resembles nothing so much as a writhing heap of maggots.

In his arms are several items of clothing, which he helps Boluri don. They consist of black suede slippers, flowing black silk pantaloons and a burgundy red tunic with a black velvet cummerbund. Once dressed, Boluri resembles a Djinn from ancient Arabic folklore but in colours closely matching a Starfleet uniform. Wyrm picks up Boluri's assault phaser from the floor where it had fallen and hands it to the Orion. Boluri stuffs the phaser into his cummerbund. "Thank you," he says to Wyrm.

Lord Dhark looks satisfied. "Not strictly uniform, but the best we could do under the circumstances. This is Wyrm, the majordomo of the Chateau d'Amber."

Wyrm bows and says, "The Illithid Vizier has arrived, Dread Lord. He will be joining us for dinner."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:10, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

McCurrvey is taking this all in.  He tries to judge what state the others are in.  While he outwardly relaxes and joins in the small-talk, he keeps an eye out; cataloguing abilities and possible tactics.

From what McCurrvey can see, everyone in the Starfleet party is healthy and ready for action. His only concerns are for Boluri, who has just gone through a traumatic death and resurrection and Dr. Marcus, who does not have the advantage of military training. Saavik, on the other hand, does have the training and given the benefits of her Vulcan heritage appears to be stable and on the alert for any psionic attack from the Verlegg.

On the other side, Calista seems angry and petulant, on the verge of violent reprisals at the least instigation. Jasmine likewise seems to be barely under control, while Jade is a completely unknown quantity, though as an Orion pirate, McCurrvey is prepared to believe the worst of her. Green Orion female pheromones are powerful and difficult to resist, but he steels himself against her influence.

One thing puzzles him, though—how did Calista overcome the slave collar? He knows she has some bionic components— her right arm, both legs and her right eye, concealed beneath an eye-patch. He surmises that her bionics allow her to override or negate the slave collar's neural suppressor circuitry.

Tactically, he assumes that since the Varon-T disruptor and the tricorders function, the phasers should do so as well. Since the Verlegg has demonstrated some level of resistance to directed energy weapons both on the Odyssey and in the underworld, it is logical that Lord Dhark and his family are similarly resitant, given Dhark's reaction to Saavik's training of a phaser on Verlegg and Wyrm's return of Boluri's phaser. Thelev's tactic of stunning Calista in order to affect Verlegg does, however, give them an edge, however slim.

Lord Dhark says to McCurrvey, "I assume that as Commodore, you are the ranking officer. Will you all do me the honour of joining us for dinner? Wyrm tells me that the Ilithid vizier has arrived and will be joining us as well—alas he will not be dining, as his gustatory arrangements are somewhat different from ours, but as a diplomatic gesture he will attend. If you will observe through the window, his Nautiloid is docking."

Outside and below, a fantasmagorical ship can be seen fading into view. It resembles a large nautilus shell with gossamer wings and braided tentacles for a keel. As soon as the ship solidifies a loud bell peals in the amber room and a figure begins fading into view before Lord Dhark. About two metres tall, it is vaguely humanoid, with what looks like a four-armed purple-grey octopus for a head.

Spaxter and Sam have drifted together—Sam seems to be putting as much distance as possible between himself and the Andorian woman. They appear to be deep in conversation. They make an odd combination: Spaxter in his retro brown pinstriped double-breasted suit and fedora, and Sam in his golden tabard, blue silk tunic and bloused grey pantaloons, all topped off with his distinctive helmet. Aside from both being Human males and having the same first name, they could not be more different. Spaxter's phaser has disappeared into one of his jacket pockets.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

McCurrvey switches into first contact/diplomatic mode.  Lord Dhark, We would be honoured to be your guests.  However I’m concerned that we would be over taxing your staff with such a diverse group.  However, I’m sure that your staff must be of the highest order, and I apologize for seeming to question their skill.  Prior to dining, would we be able to contact our ship to let them know that we are all right.  I would not want them doing something rash, in an unneeded display of concern over our welfare.

Lord Dhark waves off McCurrvey's concerns. "Nonsense, my good Commodore. My staff are used to much larger and more diverse gatherings on short notice. I'll not have it said that my hospitality is lacking.

"But of course you may contact your ship. You may even have it dock here in our harbour. May I ask, is it moored nearby, or is it sailing within our sea? Yew Ess Ess Odyssey—no offense, but I fear I've not heard of your noble vessel. With a Commodore and two Captains, I would wager it to be a first-rate Ship of the Line. Tell me, if I may inquire—how many guns does she ship? How large a crew? Is she a Spelljammer or a sailing vessel? Will she require provisioning?" Dhark speaks as if hosting foreign vessels is a common occurrence.

Saavik whips out her communicator and flips it open. "Commander Saavik to Odyssey. Do you read? Come in please.". She makes adjustments and repeats her message. "Damn," she mutters, "Captain Thelev, you and the XO are much more skilled at communications that I. I am detecting a carrier wave, but I cannot resolve it into a hailing frequency."

[OOC:
Thelev has the following relevant skills:
     Personal Equipment (Environmental Suit) 4 (5)
     Shipboard Systems(Communications) 3 (4)
     Systems Engineering (Communications Systems) 2 (3)
Mercer has the following relevant skills:
     Shipboard Systems (Communications) 3 (6)
     Systems Engineering (Communications Systems) 3 (4)
This means that while Mercer has the edge, Thelev can use his base Personal Equipment 4 to precisely adapt Mercer's results to the Communicator's interface.]

With in minutes, they have a link and Cdr Thoma replies, "Captain, Odyssey receives you loud with minor interference. I say again we receive you 5-by-4. We lost your transporter signal as well as the transporter room personnel. Are they with you, over?" You are receiving her signal loud and clear—5-by-5.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Mon 19 Oct 2020.

In reply to Lieutenant Commander Saavik (msg # 21):

"Yes the transporter personnel, including Mr. Spaxter, are with us," Khendron responds. "We appear to be safe and are currently ... well, do *you* have a fix on our location?"

Smith comes on the line, "Your signal seems to be coming directly out of the so-called Hole on the Bridgetown planetoid. If you can do a complete spectral scan of your surroundings, I may be able to get a fix on your location for the Quantum Para-Dimensional Transport Device. Unfortunately, the Klingon and Romulan delegates have arrived for the auction and the Orion administrator, one Krist Mor, has been stalling them all morning. The Klingon Commander is HoD Kang and the Romulan Commander is Liviana Charvanek. [Kang is of course from TOS Day of the Dove and Charvanek is the female Commander from TOS The Enterprise Incident.]
"How do you wish us to handle the situation? If we jump, they will suspect that we have a new propulsion method, but given our test results during development they should be unable to determine the actual technology."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Tue 20 Oct 2020.

Driveon expands on Khendron's answer. "All personnel are hale and hearty, including Dr. Marcus, though Lt Boluri has sustained disruptor fire but has been somehow restored by our hosts. I recommend he be examined as soon as possible in sickbay." He makes an adjustment to his tricorder. "I'm sending a scan of his life signs for Dr. Clearbranch's attention—mark!"

Thoma replies, "Recieved, Doctor, copying to Dr. Clearbranch in sickbay."

Lord Dhark nods his approval. The Ilithid Vizier turns to him and raises a hand in question. Dhark says, "Excuses, your Excellency, these are guests in my realm. They are currently separated from their ship. This is Commodore McCurrvey, Captains Thelev and Mercer and diverse members of their crew."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

Smith once again joins the conversation. "I've performed the calculations and I believe we'll be able to jump to your location. You're in another dimension which can be reached via the Silver Ball through the Hole on Bridgetown. However—"

Cdr Manyard, the Chief Engineer breaks in, "—XO, we're receiving hails from both the Klingons and Romulans requesting to send liaison parties to the Odyssey to discuss the auction. Since they've been unable to get in touch with Sam, they're demanding to speak with the Commodore in person! Both ships have taken up flanking positions and are at station-keeping."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:16, Tue 20 Oct 2020.

There is a burst of subspace distortion and a harsh voice comes on, speaking tlhIngan Hol, "Commodore Bradron McCurrvey, son of Philip of the House of McCurrvey, this is HoD Kang, son K'naiah of the House of Kang! I am informed by the lowly Orion scum Krist Mor of no House that you and your command crew abducted the Human known as Sam and the pirate called Calista the Damned under guise of diplomacy. Therefore I, as representative of High Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon Empire and Commander Liviana Charvanek, representative of the Romulan Star Empire do jointly request and demand on pain of war that you transport us to your current location to resolve your usurpation of the auction of the terrorist criminal Carol Marcus PhD, creator of the Genesis Weapon so that she may face justice for her Crimes Against the Galaxy!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

A second, female chimes in, speaking Rihannsu, or High Romulan, "I, Commander Liviana Charvanek, plenipotentiary of the Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire do also so request and demand. On behalf of both our Empires, and in your position as representative of the United Federation of Planets!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

McCurrvey turns to Lord Dhark.  My apologies, Lord Dhark.  Is there a place where I could communicate with my ship in private?  I seem to have a small diplomatic situation that I must deal with.  McCurrvey gestures at his communicator.

Lord Dhark says, "But of course. You may use the temple through that portal." He gestures to a small carved wooden door in the far wall. "You and your advisory officers will be comfortable and undisturbed there."

The designated door leads to a 5-metre octagonal chamber with lushly carved wooden walls and a central altar. An eye-twisting non-Euclidian pattern is worked into the floor in a delicate parquet inlay. In each of the eight corners is a dais with an elaborate reliquary. The ceiling is worked into an elaborate groined vault from which hangs a blackened wrought-iron chandelier. Although the floor is highly polished wood, Brad's, Thelev's and Mercer's footsteps are silent. All sounds other than speech are oddly muffled.

Manyard confirms that the signal is crystal clear. "HoD Kang and Cdr Charvanek seem well-briefed. Kang is stating that his XO accompany him and Charvanek is attended by a Centurion Tevan of the Tal Diann. They will be armed with personal weapons only.

"Kang is being vouched for by Ambassador Curzon Dax and Charvanek by Captain Spock. Fleet Admiral Nogura says he has the utmost confidence in you."

Dr. Smith adds, "We've received guidelines on exactly how much can be revealed about the Silver Ball. Starfleet Intelligence has accepted that it is inevitable that this information will get out, and indeed probably has, given your mission on the USS Kahless a year ago on top of the early tests on the Excalibur-A which were... erratic, to say the least."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Lord Dhark (msg # 29):

"Commodore," says Khendron, "I am not sure it is a good idea to bring the Klingons and the Romulans here! I am less worried about the secret of the silver ball getting out than I am of the possibility of the Klingons or Romulans making an allegiance with ... our hosts. We literally have no idea of their capabilities."

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 30):

OOC: I was waiting for Dave and Bruce to pop in last week since I was at a lose on where to go, then I have been busy the last few days with Quarterly meetings and trying to get caught back up.

Thelev waits until the channel with both the Klingon and Romulans is closed and says "Commodore we should take advantage of Lord Dhark hospitality and use the room offered."

Once they enters the chamber "Sir I suggest if we can convince Lord Dhark to return Sam, regardless of what story he spins, we can stand behind the fact that we were just recovering Dr. Marcus who is a Federation citizen and was kidnapped by Calista from the run-about she was on, along with information stolen at the same time. Therefore there will be no auction, much the same as they would state if they did the same for one of their citizens. If the Klingons or Romulans push us on Calista, we can again go on the fact that we committed to President Baker to arrest her and return her to stand trial for the murder of their officer and for kidnapping of Dr. Marcus in their space."

"It will at least give us a solid starting point in negotiations, while not showing them any weakness or tipping them of the technology on Odyssey.  We will still have that to fall back on." he adds.

"I am also confident of the Commanders aboard the Odyssey to do the right thing."

Manyard points out, "Well, what if we jump and leave them behind? We could do a burst of high Warp to get clear of their ships and immediately jump. Dr. Smith informs me that the Silver Ball's capacitors are at full charge and we can balance the energy feeds so that it'll be doable."

Smith adds, "If we raise shields at the same time as we jump to high Warp, we should be able to take them by surprise."

Thoma breaks in, "They're getting quite insistent, sirs! The Romulan ship is energising weapons!"

Manyard snaps, "They're giving us little option, sirs! Shields up, Red Alert! Orders, Captain?" The red alert klaxon sounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

Suddenly a voice breaks in on the conversation. "Pardon me if I been lis'nin on on yer conversation, but I think I may have somethin' partinent to add," interrupts Sam. "If it please you all, an' I'm 'ssumin' tha' HoD Kang an' Commander Charvanek are both monitorin', but please disengage all yer weapons, laddies an' lassies. We're all here courtesy o' Cap'n Calista's patron, who snatched us all outta me office without so much as a how do ye do!"
[OOC: It does not escape notice by Brad, Thelev and Khendron that Sam is totally skipping over the fact that the Odyssey was in the process of transporting them all out.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

Commander Charvanek answers Sam, "You are Sam, the administrator of Bridgetown? This is the Commander of the Romulan Delegation. Do you certify that you are not under Federation duress?"

Sam retorts, "Aye, that Ah do. If anything, Calista's, er, patron has released Dr. Marcus into Federation custody. Normally, Ah'd be disputin' tha', bu' gi'en th' circumstances, Ah'm inclined to recognise it and will be chargin' her th' auction fees anyway."

"Commander Charvanek, this is HoD Kang of the IKS K'Tanko. The Klingon Empire accepts the current situation. Disengage your weapons or you will be fired upon. baHwI'! romuluSngan Duj - DoS nuHmeyneH [Gunner! Romulan vessel - Target weapons only]" announces Kang, leaving the command hanging.

"Captain, Cdr. Maynard here. The RSN Star Empire has powered down its weapons. Odyssey standing by for orders, sir!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

There is a tap at the door, and Spaxter enters, Sam hard on his heels. Sam's face is slightly blurred and his voice is muted. There is a flicker and his features resolve. He continues, "Commander Charvanek and HoD Kang. My relationship wi' Captain Calista is a thing o' th' past. The Auction is over and will nae be resumed. Our host here has returned Dr. Marcus to her people. Yon Calista ha'brought conflict tae Bridgetown beyond th' level o' mah tolerance. Bridgetown's politics balance on a knife-edge. True, we provide a haven, i' ye will, tae those ye call pirates, bu' Ah demand tha' they obsairve sairtain niceties, an' one'a those is ye dinnae shit in yer own back yard. Calista is noo on our black list, she an' her patron, th' Verlegg..."

Spaxter expands on Sam's point. "It seems Lord Dhark is just a little pissed off with his youngest son for pretty much the same reason. Old Verlegg has done the equivalent of tracking mud into the living room by bringing us all here. Sam and I have been exchanging a bit of backstory..."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Thu 29 Oct 2020.

McCurrvey turns to Thelev I’d suggest that the Odyssey stands down and we enjoy the hospitality of our host.  Besides that, I want to make sure that Dr Marcus is protected and healthy.  Returning her to Odyssey in good condition is our number one priority..  McCurrvey turns to Sam.  We appreciate the back-up.  I hope we can further build a relationship.  McCurrvey looks to Thelev.

Sam interrupts McCurrvey, "But Mr. Commodore Sair, beggin yer pardon, how in Finagle's name are ye gonna get us back tae the' Odyssey without bringin' th' bonny ship here—with 'r' withou' Kang or his Romulan counterpart. Ah somehoo doubt the' flamin' skull laddy is gonnae pop us back home! Ah dinnae ken wha' this Silver Ball thingy is bu' if it c'n come here tae ge' us, Ah'll vote for tha'!"

Spaxter chimes in, "I gotta say, unless you've got a better plan, Sam here makes sense. But what do I know, I'm just along for the ride, and so far it's an E ticket!"

In reply to 'Sam' (msg # 37):

"Captain Thelev to Odyssey, Commander Maynard, keep shield up, stay on red alert, do not target the Romulan's. Take defensive actions only, do not let them goat us into starting a war, do not return fire unless you fell the ship is in danger. Commander Thoma, inform the Romulan captain we will return with Doctor Marcus once our host here allows us to leave.  Doctor Smith please maintain a lock on us in the event any of the situations change." Thelev replies playing with words both around Doctor Marcus, knowing they would return with but not return Marcus and giving Smith a little discretions at his end if they fell they must transport us back in a rush if things deteriorate at their end.

Before closing the channel Thelev adds "Commanders, Dr. Smith, leave if you must to protect the ship, they will find out sooner or later. "

Turning to McCurrvey and Mercer he asks "Commodore, how would you suggest we to deal with Dhark Lord and his family."