ST:TTV215 | "No Step Had Trodden Back"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 94420.4
In order to settle a dispute between the Ferengi Alliance and the Sheliak Corporate, the Valley Forge must investigate the destruction of a Sheliak cargo ship. Once again, it seems that Starfleet is not the only one to take an interest in this investigation as they are met by an all too familiar party...
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Keliaya@anncarise | Last Time on TTV: The Valley Forge was rerouted in order for the diplomat they are ferrying to settle a dispute between the Sheliak Corporate and the Ferengi Alliance, who have asked the - Keliaya@anncarise - Federation for third-party arbitration. However, it turned out that the Ferengi called the Federation in order to shift the responsibility and ask the Federation to pay. Keliaya@anncarise | Unwilling to simply hand over latinum to the Ferengi, they have worked out another solution- to investigate the loss of the Sheliak freighter which is the source of the dispute and find the - Keliaya@anncarise - culprits for the Sheliak. Keliaya@anncarise | Suspecting it may be a pirate trap or worse, the Valley Forge has reported in and received additional support for their mission... Sadia@gulremal: <FX> Large Kahless-class battlecruiser warps in and opens hailing frequencies... Knight@hawkecosse#4702 FX | The USS Honington, an Alita class carrier, drops out of warp off the port bow of the VF as it hails the VF Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois FX | The USS Attar warps in, immediately requesting a channel to be open Corak Ghemor@kertsdy <FX> CDF Keldon Cruiser warps in at the coordinates. Keelah@crystyll | T'Quila: "Multiple allied vessels warping in now, Captain. Opening all on conference" Sadia@gulremal: <C> Captain Cynis of the IKS Daramar here. Where's the fire? Keelah@crystyll: <C> "Well this is quite the task force indeed. Thank you all for coming!" K'Timac@natthaan walks around the bridge, doing whatever a Warrant Officer does. Mostly drinking a cup of coffee or soemthing. Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "This is Captain Shaw, not a problem at all Captain we happened to be in the area." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois As soon as the channel is open, a holo-Timo appear not far from Keelah. He's checking something on the console at his right, then turns his eyes on Keelah with a wide smile:"Oh, Keelah. Have I + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + arrived in time?" Keelah@crystyll smiles at holo-Timo, "You're timing is impeccible as always, Andrej" Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> Our pleasure Captain, Restoration and her crew is at your disposal. Keelah@crystyll: <C> "Well then. I'm sure a 5-strong allied force will be more than adequate to hunt down whoever is responsible for disrupting this trade agreement" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Well, I strongly believe so! I am glad to see the Restoration back into action, Gul Ghemor." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Thank you. From the reports it looks like a pirate hunt. It should be interesting." Sadia@gulremal: <C> And the ferengi in the middle of it. Why I'm not surprised? Keelah@crystyll: <C> "Indeed... unfortunatetly on this occassion, they are our allies and despite their blatant attempts to shun their responsibility onto us; Command does not want any further increase to tensions in Keelah@crystyll: + the region. So here we are..." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> *chuckles* "Indeed. They do have uncanny tendency to get into trouble." Eunha@turtles#8407 Walks onto the bridge pretending she wasn't late at all Rayna@drcrippler makes her way to the centre, importantly Sadia@gulremal: <C> Do we have any clues regarding our prey? Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "Copy that, I can start launching patrol craft to assist in looking for the target. If that is fine by your selves Captains." Keelah@crystyll: <C> Frustratingly we do not, Captain Cynis. Honington; go ahead and launch your scouts" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Another evergreen: not knowing your adversary..." he says smiling. Keelah@crystyll: <C> "As for the rest of us; a standard search pattern of the region is our most prudent course until we can narrow the field some..." Sadia@gulremal: *nods* We'll launch our parasite craft and support shuttles. Keelah@crystyll looks to Andrej, "So... another chance to try and claim your sensor superiority?" she smirks a little Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "Copy that Valley Forge, launching craft now. If it is fine by your self, I can have one of my flight commanders move over to the Valley Forge to assit in the search from that end." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>A grin appears on his face:"I claimed it already, Keelah. What I can do, is to confirm it. Why have I the impression you'll try to steal the prize from me?" Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "From my experience in hunting pirates and other rebel or partizan elements I would advice to lookout for any sensor data. Such type of enemy likes to use fake signals and what-nots." Keelah@crystyll: <C> "As you see fit, Honington. It may ease fleet co-ordination with other ships also launching scout craft" Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "No ship should investigate any potential signal alone, just in case." Rayna@drcrippler clears her throat lightly. "Whilst not the most advanced sensors, I do believe the Zulu can be of assistance if required," Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "Copy that, Squadron Commander Knight is heading your way now." Sadia@gulremal: <FX> IKS Daramar launches a wing of Toron shuttles and detaches the new parasite craft, Kor bird of prey IKS So'taj. Keelah@crystyll nods in Corak's direction, "Agreed. The Squadron Commander can organize that" Keelah@crystyll looks back to Rayna, "Oh don't worry about such technicalities. They don't stop Captain Timoreev here from helping out after all" Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "I would not mind working on this in pair with IKS So'taj." Knight@hawkecosse#4702 glances at the captains as she exits the turbo lift "Captains, Squadron Commander Laura Knight, IX Squadron reporting." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>Quietly grins at Keelah's remark:"It should be the least.." Keelah@crystyll: "Squadron Commander, impeccible timing. As you see we already have multiple assets in deployment here. Please co-ordinate with Captain Cynis and Gul Ghemor" Rayna@drcrippler: "Oh...well I wouldn't want to disturb your...one-up manship. The Zulu can stay in reserve if that is prudent, just in case more is needed," she contains a smirk Keelah@crystyll gestures to the non-Fed uniformed pair huddled together away from the stinky Feds... Keelah@crystyll chuckles at Rayna, "Just a bit of friendly fun is all. The more ships in the search pattern, the more effectively we can cover the region" Sadia@gulremal: <C> IKS So'taj reports wreckage consistent with Sheliak energy readings. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Did we already find it? IS it possible?" Rayna@drcrippler: "Indeed. Very well," she says. The voice is eeriely familiar. She taps her badge Keelah@crystyll: "Could be we found the destroyed Sheliak ship. Hopefully so, and that it will lead us to further insight as to who is responsible" Sadia@gulremal: <C> It could be a trap, but we have to start from somewhere. Rayna@drcrippler: <C> Phoniex to Zulu, commence search pattern Beta 23-2.4. Keep in communications with the Valley Forge and the Attar, to cover the maximum ground. Phoenix out." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "We can always send one ship to check if it is a trap and just warp in whole group if pirates show up. I can play a 'bait'" Knight@hawkecosse#4702 moves over to the console behind the non-starfleet officers "Of course Captain, right away. Captains our scout craft are reporting multiple signs of traffic including warp signatures." Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, the ship was supposedly destroyed along a trade route..." Knight@hawkecosse#4702: "With respect why send a ship which will spring the trap, when you can send a fighter squadron that has a chance of not sprining it and letting us spring a trap on them?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois It is possible to see him giving orders to someone out of view.<C>"We have began our sensor sweeps, search pattern Alpha 20-1.7> Keelah@crystyll leans slightly to one side, seeming to enjoy watching the tactical debate unfold Sadia@gulremal: <C> IKS So'taj can cloak and shadow the fighter squadron fr additional support. Sadia@gulremal: *for Rayna@drcrippler turns very slightly towards Knight. "Whilst there is merit in sending out a fighter squadron, right now, we have a large number of ships at our disposal. A starship can cover a lot more ground with Rayna@drcrippler: sensor sweeps than a smaller fighter can. Cautiousness is good, but being overly cautious is counter-productive," Keelah@crystyll looks back to Rayna, Ah but Commander, this is specifically to investigate the wreckage they already picked up on sensors" Sadia@gulremal: <C> We must not alert the enemy to our numbers, or they will go into hiding. Eunha@turtles#8407 sits in a bridge officer chair. Keelah@crystyll: "Keep your vessels on the set search pattern for now and use the fighters to check on that wreckage with the bird in cover" she nods to Sadia Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Timo is hearing someone speaking to him. After a few secs, he gives new orders, which is impossible to hear. Sadia@gulremal: <C> If this is the deed of the pirates, they will not go against force such as ours. *nods to Keelah* Understood, So'taj is moving in to support the fighters. Sadia@gulremal: <FX> IKS So'taj cloaks and follows the fighter squadron sent to investigate the wreckage. Knight@hawkecosse#4702 nods as she turns back to her console "Copy that, sending the orders now." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Perhaps we have something: a slight subspace variance...but now it's gone. I wish to investigate further, just to rule out any possibility. A wide-angle tachyon sweep would do the trick." Keelah@crystyll: "As suggested Gul, having the Restoration on standby for first response may not be a bad call, just in case" she smiles Keelah@crystyll looks to Timo, "How far out it is?" Rayna@drcrippler: "Oh? In that case, a fighter may be more prudent, since we have them," she looks to Knight. "Apologies Commander, it seems you were correct in this instance," she nods Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Asks something to someone out of view Knight@hawkecosse#4702 as she hails her flight "Crusader Actual to Crusader 2, new orders are to investigate the wreckage and the following POI, cloaked vessel is moving to follow you. Crusader Actual Out." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Understood, Restoration has coordinates locked and ready to warp in if needed." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Apparently, 500.000 kms from the wreckage, the last time we detected it." Keelah@crystyll nods and thinks a moment, "I would take either Honington or Zulu with you to provide cover" Rayna@drcrippler steps backwards slightly to receive a message. She steps forward again. "It seems as though the Zulu has picked up a freighter which has suspiciously diverted course," she informs Keelah@crystyll: "Another lead worth pursuing..." Eunha@turtles#8407 sits in a bridge officer chair. Sadia@gulremal: <C> Hmmm, masking themselves as a freighter is one of the known pirate tactics. Keelah@crystyll: "Well I guess that answers the question, Andrej. Honington with you, we'll accompany Zulu to investigate this freighter" Keelah@crystyll glances to the MACO's, "If this is pirates masquerading as a freighter. You know what that could mean..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"A cloaked ship disguised as freighter?" Rayna@drcrippler: "The Valley Forge will be able to keep up, I assume?" she asks with a completely straight face. Sharpe@falconecoose smiles slightly "It means we might get to have some fun." Keliaya@anncarise: "I believe the freighter is another ship. I'm seeing it on our sensors too. Looks like a Yridian design..." Keelah@crystyll sloooowly turns to Rayna, brows raised. Blinking silently she looks back to the front, "Helm, form up on the Zulu... and stay close to her" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Yridians...what are they doing out here?" Sadia@gulremal: <C> They are known traders...and smugglers. Rayna@drcrippler: <C> Phoenix to Zulu, stay within in range of the Valley Forge; this is a two ship job after all," K'Timac@natthaan: "Yridians have no Honor." Rayna@drcrippler folds her arms and looks at the viewscreen Eunha@turtles#8407 sits in a bridge officer chair. Sadia@gulremal: <C> Daramar will stay with Restoration and warp in in case there's trouble. Rayna@drcrippler is not impressed. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Gives a few other orders, then turns back on Keelah:<C>"We are on our way, Keelah. The Honington is right behind us." Eunha@turtles#8407 sits in a bridge officer chair. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Yridian ship goes from warp 5 to warp 6. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> All systems in green, one order and we can warp in and disable them, just to be sure, if you want Captain" Knight@hawkecosse#4702: "Captains latest report in, Crusader has found the wreckage and they have confirmed it to be Sheliak in orgin and they are saying it was definitely hit by weapons fire, the burn patterns apear to be > Knight@hawkecosse#4702: > consistent with phaser weapons." Sadia@gulremal: <C> *looks amused at Yridian's speedig up* My my warp 6 and they haven't blown to pieces yet? Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Phasers?" Keelah@crystyll chuckles at Sadia's comment as she looks to Rayna, "Lets close the gap enough to get a scan for weapon signatures shall we? See if this things packing more than she should. Namely phasers..." Rayna@drcrippler: "Perhaps we should try hailing them? They are being chased by two Federation starships?" Keliaya@anncarise: "And we can go a lot higher than warp 6..." Rayna@drcrippler nods. "I do believe that is a good idea too," Keelah@crystyll: "This is your lead Commander" she smiles, "Valley Forge is here to support as needed, so it's your call" she smiles Knight@hawkecosse#4702: "That is what Crusader is reporting Captain. Honington is picking up Crusader and Dutch and then will re-enter warp." Rayna@drcrippler: "Very well..." she steps forward. "Comms, please try hailing the vessel, on all frequencies," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"We'll stay behind, Honington. I want to search again the area. Something is clearly not right here..." K'Timac@natthaan offers Sharpe an apple Eunha@turtles#8407 Does the comms thing Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Hmmm, captains my sensor officer reports that one of the warp signatures is consistent with the galor class ship. Considering latest reports it is not CDF ship." Sharpe@falconecoose holds her hand up slightly to the offer "No thanks Warrant Officer." Sadia@gulremal: <C> IKS So'taj reports that phasers used to destroy the Sheliak freighter are cardassian in origin. K'Timac@natthaan shrugs and takes a bite of it, before returning to do Warrant Officer things. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Yridian ship stops and takes the hail. On the VF and Zulu viewscreens, the image of a Yridian pops up. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "There is a high probability of True Way rebels in the area and phaser burn marks on destroyed ship would be consistent with the cardassian weapon technology." Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "Starfleet...this route isn't being blockaded, is it?" Sadia@gulremal: <C> Either that, or acquired though trade - I believe the Union has the deal with the Ferengi Alliance for the sale of the shipboard weaponry? Rayna@drcrippler: "It is not. There have been some instances of pirate activity in the area, and we would just like to make sure all ships are safe through the area. May we take a look at your flight plan?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "They are freightened." Eunha@turtles#8407 sits in a bridge officer chair. Eunha@turtles#8407 Facepalms realising she just said that out loud while the comms are oepn Keelah@crystyll smiles at Eunha Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "Flight plan? Uhh, yes, of course, we're sending them now." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"We've detected a cloacked vessel!" he says "Focusing scans on it for more data, and passing to Yellow Alert. Stand by." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Captain by comparing data gathered here with reports on "missing" ships and technology that was stolen by True Way after the war I am pretty sure that this freighter was attacked by a ship used.. Rayna@drcrippler smiles. "Thank you. From where did you depart?" Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: by the True Way or someone who bought their ship and tech." Keelah@crystyll: "Possible they had a previous tangle with the same pirates we're looking for?" Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "This is the Honington, following suite with yellow alert and scrambling MPA equipped flight." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"They're heading toward us...red alert." he orders, calmly: "Focus scans. I want more data on that ship...and prepare to take evasive maneuvers." he orders, this time he's audible to everyone else. Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "Forigu. It's a world near the Tzenkethi border. We're just ferrying some supplies." Knight@hawkecosse#4702: | <C> "Copy that, this is the Honington going to red alert and scrambling all combat flights." Rayna@drcrippler: "Forigu? That's very interesting, since it would take some time to set off from there. More than thirty seconds I would imagine, which seems to be when this flight plan was filed? You do know that + Keelah@crystyll looks to Sadia and Corak, "If the Attar calls it, you two will be in a closer position to respond than we are. Let us not jump the gun though..." Sadia@gulremal: <C> IKS So'taj has assumed battlestations, weapons are ready, staying cloaked. Rayna@drcrippler: Federation Trade Law specifies correct documents to be filed upon launch?" Rayna@drcrippler: ((*departure, not launch sorry)) Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Understood. Restoration is ready and waiting for orders." Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "We're only passing through the region, not coming in to Federation space to trade..." Sadia@gulremal: <C> *to Keelah* We are ready to move in, captain. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy <FX> Battlestations alarms can be heard in the background while Corak speaks. Rayna@drcrippler: "Even so, within Federation space, you are required to have the correct documentation? Is this the only flight plan you have? If so, we will have to beam across to check the contents of your vessel," Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "That's all we have, we're just traders. Please, there's no need to check anything." Keliaya@anncarise FX | Meanwhile, a large ship decloaks in front of the Attar. It is a familiar sight...a ship made up of what seems to be roughly assembled salvaged components... Keliaya@anncarise FX | The ship's shielding is off and it hails the allied ships. Eunha@turtles#8407: "The yridian are scared alot more now." Rayna@drcrippler she raises her eyebrow. "This is the last chance I am giving you; you may want to have a more thorough search for your original flight plan. If you can't, then I'm afraid we must board you," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"What..." looks at his viewscreen for a moment:"The Branded Lady..." he says, still calmly, but clearly he's not happy. Rayna@drcrippler her tone is rather authoritive Sadia@gulremal: <C> *mutters and starts shouting orders in klingon, her bridge darkens as ship goes into full combat state* Keliaya@anncarise | Yridian Captain: "If you have to...I mean we're not in a position to say no, are we?" Keliaya@anncarise | The Salvage Ship continues hailing. Rayna@drcrippler smiles. "This will not take long. Please standby," she nods to Eunha to cut the hail Eunha@turtles#8407 cutes the hail Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"On screen." Rayna@drcrippler turns to Keelah. "Well, we can board when needed," Keelah@crystyll nods to Rayna and looks to the MACO's, "Seems you folks are up. Gear up and meet in the transporter room" Keliaya@anncarise FX | Attar's screen shows only a blurred image. However, the voice of the Salvage Ship captain comes through. Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Starfleet! Why am I not surprised..." Knight@hawkecosse#4702 FX | The Honington takes evasive manuevers as the ship decloaked to put some space in between them as three flights of peregrines, and two runabouts hold formation with her Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS...CLAWS...PAWS...TENTACLES...IN EVERYONE'S BUSINESS." Sharpe@falconecoose girns slightly as she makes her way to the lift "This is where the fun begins." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"State your intention, Branded Lady." he says, perhaps a bit bluntly. Rayna@drcrippler raises her eyebrows at that comment. "Would you care for a senior officer to assist them, Captain?" she asks Keelah Keelah@crystyll looks to Rayna, "Since we're carrying the boarding party, I suggest you return to the Attar. We'll stay with the freighter while they check things out and catch up to you" Sadia@gulremal: <FX> IKS Daramar cloaks, allied ships receive telemetry that it is moving to flank the Salvage Ship. Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Branded Lady? What makes you think we have such an important personage on board?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Well, in that case, you can tell me your name. I'm Captain Timoreev, USS Attar, UFP's Starfleet." Keelah@crystyll retreats to her ready room to do things not related to playing angry birds on her PADD while the boarding action happens Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois He looks for a moment at his console, nodding slightly. Clearly he's pleased to read about the telemetry sent by the Honington and the Daramar. Sadia@gulremal: <FX> IKS So'taj is also moving to other side of the Salvage ship, staying at long firing range and under cloak. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy <FX> While listening to the Captain of newly arrived ship the Restoration warps to place only 3kms to the left side of the Branded Lady. For now only shields on full power, weapons powered down. Rayna@drcrippler taps her combadge. "Commander Phoenix to the Attar, please stand by, I will be beaming acoss shortly," Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "My name...now that is something I have not used for a long time..." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "BUT THAT IS IRRELEVANT." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "You want answers, don't you?" Rayna@drcrippler turns to go to the transporter room Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Those would be highly appreciated." he says, calm but rigid. Rayna@drcrippler steps out onto the Attar bridge and makes her way towards Timo, importantly Rayna@drcrippler gives a brief nod to Timo, quietly watching what's happening Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Good. Good. By now you know I deal in information." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "You are here investigating the Sheliak wreckage, yes?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Nods in remand to Rayna:"We could say so, yes." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> Corak contacts Timoreev on private separate channel: "This ship is using cardassian technology but the readings are different from those on the wreckage so at least they did not attack Sheliak." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "TYPICAL FEDERATION. EVEN RUBBING NOSES WITH THE SHELIAK." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "I see your fighters in the vicinity. By now you must know it was the True Way?" Rayna@drcrippler gives Timo a "look" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C (on a private channel with Ghemor, writing):"I suspected it. We already met them, they're information dealers, mainly." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"We had our suspicions..." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> (in response) So we continue our scans that may take days or we buy info on True Way movement?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Consider them confirmed. Now in return let me ask you a question..." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "We know about your Treaty of Armens. You have no deal to investigate this for the Sheliak. Why are you here?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "OR IS THIS PART OF YOUR GALACTIC OVERLORD DUTIES?" Rayna@drcrippler watches as Timo handles this, ready to step in if necessary Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C> (to Ghemor)"We wait, and see what we can obtain from them..." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> (On general channel) Good try to get a freebe. If you want to know we can trade this information for some info from you. If you interested." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"You seems to know Federation treaties quiet well" he say to the other captain:"In that case, you should know we have also other duties and obligations." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"You gave me an info, I'll give you one in exchange: we're here on behalf of the Ferengi." Sadia@gulremal: <C> (On general channel) These are Branded Lady servitors, we attack them after you get the info, right? Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "The Ferengi? Ahh." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "CLEVER LITTLE RAITS." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "I assume you'll want to find whoever was responsible for the attack on the Sheliak freighter?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(to Sadia)"Not until they fire on us, commander." (to Ghemor)"Lets see what we can do..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Precisely. I'm sure you understand quiet well how this attack can undermine Ferengi-Sheliak relations, and thus the stability of the whole sector." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> (to Timoreev) Understood. Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Yes, yes, but that's not my concern, it's yours." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "YOU BROUGHT THIS UPON YOURSELF, STARFLEET." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Apparently." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Why do you say so?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Fortunately...our goals seem to be in alignment today." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "I know who raided that freighter. And I've been hired to...deal with them, if you know what I mean." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "TRAITORS WHO DESERVE TO DIE. INCOMPETENTS WHO MUST BE CLEANSED." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"I understand. So they're members of your organization..." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "NO. THEY ARE FOOLS." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: They are rogue members of the True Way. Ones who have refused our...generous offer." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW, FEDERATION." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"I assume that for 'generous offer' you mean joining your group..." he pauses for a moment:"There's one important thing we need to know, in fact: why did they do it?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Some dispute with my employer about returning the Cardassians to their...heh, true ways." Rayna@drcrippler is not impressed. Sadia@gulremal: <C>(to Timoreev) Because True Way is nothing more than bunch of pirates now, and they will hit anyone to keep themselves fed. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C> (Sadia)"I prefer to rule out the possibility that there's a scheme behind, first." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"And so they opted for their own....way. The 'old' True Way..." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Don't worry, they're not helpless innocents. They've raided Cardassian freighters, Bajoran freighters...they won't be missed." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"So what's your proposal? That we simply let you deal with them on your own?" Sadia@gulremal: <C> (to Timoreev) Fair point, but we cannot allow them to do as they please. Branded Lady must not gain more influence. Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "THEY'RE NOT WORTH THE TORPEDOES NEEDED TO DESTROY THEM." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Well at least there is something we can agree on." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"That was a yes?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "My job is just to wipe them from space-time, any method. We can take care of them or we can give you their specifications, registry, all their identifiers." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "And you can go play nice with the Sheliak. I'm sure they won't be merciful." Rayna@drcrippler looks to Timo "Sir, they are in Federation territory. We should at least engage them and allow them to turn themselves over peacefully," she whispers to Timo about the True Way pirates. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Rayna, before turning back to the viewscreen:<C>"As you can imagine, we prefer to deal with them on our own terms. We're involved in this, after all." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "They're all yours then. My employer would prefer them dead, but lock them up in your fancy prison colonies if you must." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "DON'T LET US FIND THEM ACTIVE AGAIN." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"We have a deal, then. Give us all the data we need, and our paths will separate again." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage Ship sends a cache of data. Knight@hawkecosse#4702 quietly so that she wouldn't be heard by the salvage ship captain "Captains, if their shields are still down, Dutch flight is equipped for hull busting." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Now...one more thing..." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "I DON'T LIKE YOU, AND YOU DON'T LIKE US." Rayna@drcrippler turns and gives Knight the "look" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "I know we haven't always met on good terms." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "But my employer has made it very clear we're not to upset your feelings anymore." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Slighlty shakes his head to Knight, then he check if the data have been correctly downloaded to a secured and isolated chache, as to avoid viruses infecting the ship, then back to the viewscreen. Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "So i have a...gesture of good faith I'm allowed to offer you. A little...apology gift." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Quirks an eyebrow:<C>"Specify." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "You see...we're one of the few with sources of information about the Breen Confederacy..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"The Breen?" Rayna@drcrippler 's eyebrow shoots up and her frown deepens Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "There's a colony out there, beyond the Federation border. It used to be Federation but separated with the whole militarization controversy." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Which means, it's not under Starfleet protection anymore." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "WHICH MEANS FAIR GAME." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Our latest information shows that the Breen are making a move for it. You don't /have/ to protect them. Technically, you're not even allowed to." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "But it's your people- humans, Vulcans, Tellarites...thought you might like to know." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Looks at Rayna and Knight, frowning, then back at the viewscreen:"Indeed." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "Now I've given you my gift." Rayna@drcrippler remains unfazed by this revealation Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "LET'S SEE IF YOUR MORALITY AND HONOUR IS JUST FOR SHOW." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The ships shields and weapons remain powered off. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"I see.." he comments, quite laconically:"That's all?" Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "That is all." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "UNLESS YOU WANT TO TURN THIS INTO ANOTHER SHOOTING MATCH." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"You know how Starfleet operates, captain. We do not shoot defenseless vessels." Sadia@gulremal: <C> *supresses a mutter about "defensless vessels* Knight@hawkecosse#4702: "Captain, with respect I was reading reports on my way here on the Hornington. And these people have been and continue to be a threat to ships and people in the system...is it not our duty to defend > Knight@hawkecosse#4702: > them." Keliaya@anncarise | Salvage Ship Captain: "And I won't attack when I'm instructed not to." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>"Very well, then..." he says, apparently without noticing Knight's remarks. Keliaya@anncarise Salvage Ship Captain: "OR WHEN I KNOW I AM OUTNUMBERED." Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> "This is Captain Sharpe, we have a situation developing here. They are resisting arre...." Rayna@drcrippler raises her eyebrows skecptically Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage Ship begins to move away, still with no defences. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Looks at the viewscreen, his eyes firmly put on the weird vessel, an undecipherable expression on his face. Keelah@crystyll: <C> "Se'Lai here, repeat your last Captain, you cut out" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage Ship warps out. Sensors can detect a little probe left behind where it entered warp. Rayna@drcrippler nods to Timo, agreeing with his decision. "Let us hope this lays the groundwork for continued cooperation in the future," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Scan that prob" he orders, then finally turns on Knight:"Yes, captain, I am well aware of how dangerous they are. Believe me." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The probe begins a short range transmission giving the location of the ex-Federation colony mentioned: Vinland Colony. Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> "Apologies, Captain was just thrown off by a development. We have discovered posible cause and suspicion of breakage of Federation law and they are resisting arrest. Or attempting to anyway." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: To Rayna:"I would not be so optimist at your place. But at least we have a few cards in our hand now." K'Timac@natthaan: *Heard in the background of Shape's comm call* "Daww.. who's a good puppy?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Turns on the conn officer:"Distance of the colony?" Keelah@crystyll: <C> "I... see, I think. Well proceed at your disretion Captain. Valley Forge standing by..." Rayna@drcrippler smiles briefly at the Captain. "Nothing is certain, but one can hope whilst still being prepared for the worst," she turns to the viewscreen Knight@hawkecosse#4702: "Captain, I am only a Squadron Commander." Keliaya@anncarise | Conn: "A week away at cruising speed, sir." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Coughs to Knight:"Oh...I am sorry for that. By the way, they're dangerous. But to begin a fight now would have meant to being an all-out war. Something we cannot handle right now." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Open a priority channel with the Valley Forge." Sadia@gulremal: <C> That colony should be close to my task force operating zone. We can check it out and report the situation. Sadia@gulremal: <C> I do not believe you need our help hunting True Way. I can contact my HQ and get more ships to meet up with me and head to the colony in case Breen are already on the move. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> If you want Captain I can atke data on True Way ships and commence the hunting as, I believe, my experience with hunting True Way elements will help me in finding them." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: To Sadia:<C>"Your help would be much appreciated. The captain was right when he said we have no jurisdiction there, and no right to interfere, at least at the moment." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"Gul Ghemor, indeed your experience would be unvaluable for us. But your ship alone could be an easy target." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"I may have a better suggestion..." Sadia@gulremal: <C> Very well then, send me all the relevant data and I'll be on my way. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> *chucles* Keldon is much tougher than it looks, if you prefer I can focus on finding them first not neccesary engaging them." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois He nods toward Cmdr. Morisette, his XO, as she begin sending all data to the Daramar. Keliaya@anncarise | The intel states that the rogue group is comprised of a Galor and two Hidekis, hardly an impressive task force. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"Indeed. We need to confirm their location first. Then we'll turn this into an opportunity to improve our relations with the Sheliak." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"You'll chase them with the support of the Hornington. We need whatever info they have on the Branded Lady group, since they've come into contact with them. Then, their fate will be + Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> Hmm, one Galor and two Hidekis with old tech. If I catch them in the open aways from their base Restoration should massacere this group, unless you prefer to have intel for Sheliak and let them... Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: deal with Treu Way?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + decided by the Sheliak. We'll try to catch two goals in one." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> Understood. Sadia@gulremal: <C> Daramar here, we've received the data packet and we are underway. Good hunting. Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> Locate, disable, aprehand and bring them to Sheliak. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>Thank you Daramar. Good luck and godspeed." Sadia@gulremal: <FX> Daramar and So'taj move away under cloak. At larger distance they drop cloak, So'taj docks and they engage in warp. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"They've destroyed a Sheliak vessel. Interstellar law clearly prescribes for the Sheliak to decide what to do." Corak Ghemor@kertsdy: <C> "Indeed. Then I will start the search." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: <C>(Ghemor)"And we know how much the Sheliaks care about precise respect of law wording..." Rayna@drcrippler looks to Timo. "It was pleasure working with you Captain. May I stay aboard until we regroup with my ship?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FREIGHTER BOARDING ACTION: Keelah@crystyll FX | The boarding party materialize on the transporter pad of the freighter. No welcoming committee Sharpe@falconecoose glances around the transporter room, as she takes a few steps forward "I have a bad feeling about this." K'Timac@natthaan carefully steps off the padd and looks around the room. Keelah@crystyll FX | The room is very typically minimal for a freighter transporter pad. The whole ship looks to have seen better days K'Timac@natthaan takes out a flash bang from his pocket and holds it in his hand "Want to make some light?" Sharpe@falconecoose moves up to the door without opening it yet as she nods across to K'Timac before she quickly taps a button on her PADD to adjust her visors settings "Lets make some light and noise." K'Timac@natthaan nods "On your go.." *Gesters to the door control for her to open it* Sharpe@falconecoose nods lightly as she starts to count them down "Three...two...one...mark!" as she hits the door control to open the door K'Timac@natthaan throws the flash bang though the open door and then quickly ducks back behind the wall. Sharpe@falconecoose moves through the doorway as it goes off, her visor filtering out the flash as she goes through the door Keelah@crystyll FX | The haze settles to reveal... more nothing K'Timac@natthaan taps on his scanner and starts looking for life signs. Keelah@crystyll FX | Scanner shows no lifesigns in range on this deck K'Timac@natthaan: "No one on this deck according to my scanner." Sharpe@falconecoose: "Lets keep moving, take it corner by corner. Can't get careless because of the aparant emptyness." Sharpe@falconecoose: "Jam the doors and lets keep going." K'Timac@natthaan takes aim at the door and fires a beam from his mini-gun at the door cracks to fuse them togather shut. Sharpe@falconecoose fires a blast into the control panel frying the circuits K'Timac@natthaan carefully moves up again, and peeks around the corner. K'Timac@natthaan: corner* Keelah@crystyll FX | A long and dimly lit corridor, the odd light flickering in a state of disrepair K'Timac@natthaan looks to Sharpe, and then takes what looks like a rubber bouncy ball from his pocket "I can see if there are any traps.." Sharpe@falconecoose nods lightly "Go for it." K'Timac@natthaan throws the bouncy ball down the hall. Keelah@crystyll FX | Just as K'Timac throws the ball, his scanner beeps registering lifesigns up ahead K'Timac@natthaan: "We got company." Keelah@crystyll FX | the ball bounces into the darkness, closely followed by the sound of a hard thud and a pained yelp... Keelah@crystyll distant voice, "What the Hell? A bouncy ball?! Damn Xeglan and his targ..." K'Timac@natthaan mutters "Timac isn't getting his ball back is he?" Sharpe@falconecoose motions to K'Timac to slowly move up as she covers, as she motions to the other MACO start to do the same K'Timac@natthaan said in an almost sad tone of voice. K'Timac@natthaan: rolls 70 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll FX | A disgruntled huff follows the comment before the ball is launched down the corridor angrily. Timac's keen eye allows him a cool catch K'Timac@natthaan catches his ball and happliy pockets it again "Timac got his ball back." *Continues moving up* Keelah@crystyll FX | Footsteps fade as the source of the voice seems to disappear into a side room up ahead K'Timac@natthaan looks to Sharpe to see if she has any instructions, he holds up a stun grenade Sharpe@falconecoose moves up to the next wall after K'Timac had stopped moving as she motions around the corner to the next intersection Keelah@crystyll FX | As they take up positions, arguing can be heard from beyond the door Sharpe@falconecoose moves up to the door as she taps on her right shoulder as she looks back at the over MACO K'Timac@natthaan holds up the stun grenade, ready to be armed and thrown. Keelah@crystyll FX | Before they can react, the voices grow louder, "...and take that damned targ with you!" Keelah@crystyll FX | an Yridian comes stumbling out of the door, faceplanting in front of the MACO's before looking up sheepishly K'Timac@natthaan: "Timac is sorry he hit you with the ball." *Gesters with his gun to get back in* Keelah@crystyll | Yridian, "I... I..." shakes his head and scurries back into the small quarters. Meanwhile the turbolift further down the corridor opens and another comes jogging down, "Waaaiiiit!" he yells K'Timac@natthaan brings his gun around and points directly at the incoming running dude. Sharpe@falconecoose seals the other door quickly as she turns to look at the new arrival "Freeze! Stop right there!" Keelah@crystyll FX | He's a stumpy little thing, clearly out of shape as he pants for breath as he comes to a stop as much through exhaustion as from instruction Keelah@crystyll Yridian, "I... we... thought... we expected you... on the bridge!" K'Timac@natthaan looks to SHarpe, since she's leading. Sharpe@falconecoose takes a few steps forward as she points to the other MACO and then points at the door "Well we arrived on your transporter padd." Sharpe@falconecoose: pad*) Keelah@crystyll | Yridian, "Well that's just... dumb! Now here you are harassing my crew with... is that a bouncy ball?" K'Timac@natthaan: "We assumed there could be traps." Keelah@crystyll | Yridian, "Traps? Look around, this whole thing is a death trap!" He sighs, "Can you please just do your thing here so we can be on our way?" Sharpe@falconecoose nods lightly "We will need access to your cargo and crew manifests and your flight recorder." Keelah@crystyll FX | He tosses her an old PADD, "It's all right there!" Sharpe@falconecoose catches the PADD as she lets go of her rifle, leaving it to be held in place by it's straps/mag locks "Thank you for your cooperation, it is apreciated." as she grins slightly as she says that as > Sharpe@falconecoose > she starts to read over the PADD Keelah@crystyll FX | Everything looks to in order at a glance. Simple colony supply run... K'Timac@natthaan does the Klingon stare at the poor out of shape dude. Sharpe@falconecoose glances up from the bad and looks at the person that brought the PADD as she then goes back at forth with slight 'Hmms' and 'Emms' Keelah@crystyll FX | He drums his fingers nervously, "A-as you can see, everything is in order. Just like Starfleet wants, eh?" Keelah@crystyll FX | You don't need to be a Betazoid to see he's nervous K'Timac@natthaan increases the Klingonese of his stare. Sharpe@falconecoose Sharpe dosn't look convinced as she lightly drums her fingers on her rifle as she continues to read over the PADD "It does appear that way...however I would like to ask you about section B as it > Sharpe@falconecoose > contradicts section D. Can you explain that?" Keelah@crystyll FX | He swipes the PADD back to look over it, "What? Impossible, I was sure to be careful when I..." he pauses realising what he's saying and looks back up with a nervous chuckle Keelah@crystyll | Yridian: "When... I... double checked these details before bringing them to you. Yes!" K'Timac@natthaan takes a step forward and does the klingon growl. Keelah@crystyll FX | He yelps and cowers, holding out the PADD like he's hiding behind it K'Timac@natthaan: "The truth.. now." Keelah@crystyll Yridian: "This is the truth! We're just simple freight haulers is all!" K'Timac@natthaan looks to Shape. Sharpe@falconecoose grins slightly as she raises her rifle again "You are hereby being detained on suspicion of breaking Federation law. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not > Sharpe@falconecoose: > mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand?" Keelah@crystyll FX | He yelps again, "Fine! Be like that!" he calls out, "Xegren, release... the beast! I'm sorry Starfleet, you gave me no choice..." K'Timac@natthaan laughs as he steps forward to headbutt the poor dude Keelah@crystyll FX | The door opposite opens and the oldest, sorriest looking Targ you ever saw comes crawling and wheezing out, plopping halfway across the corridor for a nap Keelah@crystyll: well... the Targ equivalent of http://i.imgur.com/CEzJCOX.jpg K'Timac@natthaan: rolls 10 (1-100) Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> "This is Captain Sharpe, we have a situation developing here. They are resisting arre...." Keelah@crystyll | Yridian facepalms K'Timac@natthaan most likely headbutts thin air, but doesn't care as he looks to the Targ, he gets down on his knee and starts talking to in a baby voice "Come here puppy! Who is a good puppy?" Sharpe@falconecoose shakes her head slightly as she goes to fire but it is thrown of slightly by K'Timacs response K'Timac@natthaan holds his bouncy ball out for the Targ. Keelah@crystyll: <C> "Se'Lai here, repeat your last Captain, you cut out" Keelah@crystyll FX | The poor old Targ sniffs at the ball and yowls. Or tries to, coughs and wheezes is more like it K'Timac@natthaan: "Daaww... you're an old puppy arn't ya.." *Reaches over and picks up the Targ, looking like a five year old who just got his first dog.* Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> "Apologies, Captain was just thrown off by a development. We have discovered posible cause and suspicion of breakage of Federation law and they are resisting arrest. Or attempting to anyway." K'Timac@natthaan: *Heard in the background of Shape's comm call* "Daww.. who's a good puppy?" Sharpe@falconecoose as she finishes speaking she turns to look at the guy K'Timac attempted to headbut as she moves over towards him, her rifle trained on him the entire time "Final chance, surrender." Keelah@crystyll: <C> "I... see, I think. Well proceed at your disretion Captain. Valley Forge standing by..." Keelah@crystyll | Yridian: "Fine, you win... How about we just - you know - take the long way around so we're not cutting through your Federation space, hm? No violations then yes" Sharpe@falconecoose shakes her head slightly "Too late for that now. The crew of this ship and this ship are now in Federation custody." Keelah@crystyll Yridian: "No you can't! My family...! Please, take our cargo if you must. Even me if you need someone to hang, but don't imprison my children - they don't know we're smuggling anything K'Timac@natthaan: "We'll still need to question them, but if they really didn't know anything, they will be free to go." Sharpe@falconecoose glances over at K'Timac "As the warrant officer said, if they are truely innocent they will be free to go once the investigation is complete." Keelah@crystyll FX | He begrudgingly nods and holds out his hands as if ready to be cuffed Sharpe@falconecoose shakes her head slightly "We will be beaming over security teams shortly to maintain security on the ship along with a skelton crew. Your senior officers will be taken aboard a Federation starship> Sharpe@falconecoose: > and confined to the brig, but the remainder of the crew will be confinded to quarters aboard this ship. Along with familes of anyone confined to a brig. But should the crew resist this, every > Sharpe@falconecoose: > single person on the crew manifiest including the families of the crew will be put in the brig." Keelah@crystyll FX | He nods his understanding Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> This is Captain Sharpe to the Forge, requesting a security detail and skeleton crew to be beamed across to take control of the vessel as it is being detained, along with the crew." Keelah@crystyll: <C> Se'Lai here; acknowledged Captain. Detail will begin beaming over imminently" Sharpe@falconecoose: <C> "Copy that, will hold position until they arrive, also will need the senior officers of the ship beamed to the brig."
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 94420.4 FILED BY: CAPT A. A. Timoreev, U.S.S. Attar SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential
LOCATION: Sheliak-Ferengi border
MISSION: Investigate disappearance of Sheliak freighter, in order to defuse tensions between the Sheliak and the Ferengi Alliance as third-party mediator in the dispute.
OUTCOME: Destruction of the Sheliak freighter has been confirmed, and its wreckage has been recovered. Culprits identified as a group formerly belonging to the True Way. Data exchange with a crew affiliated to the Branded Lady organization revealed new informations.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT A. A. Timoreev CAPT K. Se'Lai CAPT Sadia GUL Ghemor CMDR R. E. Phoenix LCMDR L. Knight CWO K'Timac CPT E. Sharpe
NARRATIVE: The Task Force, led by the U.S.S. Valley Forge, and composed by the U.S.S. Attar, U.S.S. Honington, U.S.S. Zulu, I.K.S. Daramar, C.D.F. Restoration, assembled at the designated coordinates before proceeding toward the last known coordinates of the missing Sheliak freighter. Upon our arrival in the area, we immediately located what was left of the wreckage. A closer examination revealed it was destroyed by an external force, soon to be identified, thanks to the experience of C.D.F. commanding officer Gul Ghemor, as members of the True Way. At the same time, the U.S.S. Attar detected an anomalous though faint reaiding, while an Yridian ship was also detected leaving the area. While the Valley Forge and the Zulu were scrambled to intercept and question the Yridian crew, the Attar, with the support of the Honington, the Daramar, and the I.K.S. So'taj, further investigated the anomaly, in the occurence it could be a signal of the presence of cloaked vessels. Indeed, while scans were underway, a ship decloaked, and was immediately identified as the 'Scavenger', a known vessel of information-gatherers affiliated to the terrorist organization of the so-called 'Branded Lady'. The Scavenger vessel didn't power its weapons nor its shield, although it was promptly surrounded by our units and put into a situation of clear disadvantage, instead hailing the task force and revealing their intentions: they were chasing those responsible for the destruction of the Sheliak freighter, apparently because they refused a previous offer to join their organization, and they were now considered a threat to the Branded Lady activities due to their attack. They confirmed that the culprits were indeed former members of the True Way, and gave us the specifications of their vessels, offering us two alternatives: to pursue them, or to let the 'Scavenger' handle with them. As the ranked officer at the moment, I negotiated with them, and opted for the former. At that moment, the 'Scavenger' captain offered us other data, seemingly as 'gift' from the Branded Lady and gesture of good faith: they informed us of an incoming Breen incursion against a former Federation colony in the Vinland system. Despite the advice of both LCDR Knight and CAPT Sadia to attack the 'Scavenger' ship while still without defenses, due to the dangerousness of the Branded Lady, I refused, leaving the 'Scavenger' to exit the system unharmed. I then ordered the Restoration and the Honington to begin the pursuit of the True Way vessels, while the Darama and the So'taj offered to check on Vinland in order to ascertain if the Breen threat is real. In the meanwhile, the Valley Forge and the Zulu had intercepted the Yridian vessel. Its crew claimed to come from Forigu, and to be only passing through Federation space. Due to the suspected circumstances, CAPT Se'Lai opted for a thourough inspection of the vessel sending of a MACO team on board the Yridian ship. The MACO team materialized in the transporter padd and, seeing no one there, assumed there was some sort of ambush undergoing. They then moved to inspect the vessel, but an encounter with one of the Yridians apparently resolved the misunderstanding, since the team was expected to beam on their bridge. Still, inconstistencies in the Yridian's answers to questions, and clear signs of nervousness on his part aroused suspects in the MACO team, which tried to find out more. At this moment, clearly feeling threatened, the Yridian tried to attack the MACO team releasing a targ agaisnt them: however, apparently the targ preferred to be cuddled by CWO K'Timac, quickly ending the threat. The Yridian admitted he was using the vessel for smuggling, although his faily (supposedly, the rest of the crew) didn't know nothing about that. The ship has been then taken into custody together with the crew for further questioning. RECOMMENDATION: Clearly, the news of True Way activities in this area of space is troubling, particularly due to their attempt at escalating tensions between the Ferengi and the Sheliaks. However, the information in our possessions seem to point toward an isolated group, which could make our job in stopping them far more easier. My orders to the Restoration are to apprehend the True Way members as to interrogate them in order to recover every possible information both about their activities there and about the Branded Lady. I advice that, after the interrogation, they would be handled over to the Sheliak, as prescribed by international law and as a gesture of good faith on our part. This move could further ease tensions, and improve Federation standing in the eyes of the Sheliak. Although I recognise the threat posed by the Branded Lady and her affiliates, and, thus, that the advice by LCMDR Knight and CAPT Sadia was well grounded, I preferred not to engate the 'Scavenger' for two reasons: first, it was defenseless and it didn't show any hostile intention against us; second, although the ship would probably be easily taken by us, due to the great disadvantage it found itself into at the moment, an attack against it would have probably escalated a full conflict with this powerful organization. The Branded Lady is a threat that must be challenged, but doing so right now and this way could have only jeopardized Federation interests and the safety of civilian and Starfleet assets in the area. About Vinland, I strongly suggest to wait for a full report from the Darama and the So'taj before taking any action. However, should the Breen threat against the colony be confirmed, although it is de iure out of Starfleet jurisdiction, it is in my opinion morally imperative for us to intervene, though the timing and methods of such an intervention should be obviously decided by others, more competent then me in these matters.