Arsenal

   Written By:  Uruz

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Uruz

Gerok looks to Itaani, "All systems operating within acceptable limits. We have a supply convoy due in 13.4 hours."

Dakin walks into Ops from Turbolift One.

Dakin has arrived.

Kallan walks in, promptly just before Sciences is due for a change of shift. He relieves any officers at the science stations, and sits down at station 1. "Anything to report this fine evening?" He asks, tone a little dry.

Fletcher steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Fletcher has arrived.

Itaani taps some controls. "Acknowledged, sir. ."

Leah enters and takes her place at one of the security consoles.

Gerok shakes his head, "Nothing beyond the norm for this time of night, Mister Kallan.

Dakin steps into the room and finds a free security console and keys in his authorization once there.

Laco walks in, yawning. He walks to the science two console sits down, logging in.

Fletcher walks on to OPS looking around not sure where to go since there is no helm.

Kallan nods to Gerok. "Noted, sir." He goes about tapping in his login, and loading his preset customization. While, within Starfleet regulations, is configured with dry efficiency in mind.

Nevaren steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Nevaren has arrived.

Gerok looks over at Fletcher, "Good evening, Mister Fletcher. Please take a seat at Ops."

Gerok nods in greeting at Nevaren's arrival.

Dakin comes into the room and heads over to Leah at the security station. "Everything running okay, Cadet?"

Nevaren walks into Ops, handing off a padd to the ensugn at the engineering console and relieveing him. Taking a second to log on, Nev brings up a screens showing the stations efficiency rating in all systems at this time.

Leah nods to Dakin over her shoulder, "From what I've been able to absorb in the last thirty seconds, yes, sir." She stands from the console, "I believe it's your console."

Leah stands and leaves Security.

Fletcher spots the ops postition,"Yes, sir." Fletch heads to his assign position.

Laco finishes his login, and turns to Lt Kallan, "Uh, hello sir. Any word yet on what we discussed the other night?"

Fletcher sits down at Operations.

Dakin nods and shrugs. "Well, all right, but don't let me chase you away if you were working on something."

Dakin sits down at Security.

Kallan looks up at Laco, and frowns slightly. "Refresh my memory."

Laco pauses a moment, taken aback, "Uh, the Siinogan stuff, Lt."

Leah shakes her head, still regarding Dakin. "Nope, nothing sir.... nothing important really." A faint smile traces across her lips.

Itaani sits down at Operations.

Kallan nods affirmatively, shaking his head. "Right, I'm sorry, Ensign. Slipped my mind. No, it's been put on Balin's desk, we'll see what sort of approval we get."

Dakin eyes Leah curiously. "Okay, Cadet, if you're sure."

Itaani glances up as the shift filters in. "Navigational beacon check, Mister Fletcher. On my mark."

Fletcher nods a greeting to Itaani as she sits.

Laco says "Okay, thanks sir."

Kallan says jokingly to Laco, "Who knows. Maybe tonight we'll have an opportunity to bugswat. Get our own salvage, eh?"

Laco breaks out in a grin, "Oh man, that would be too good to be true."

Itaani glances to Fletcher. "Mark."

Fletcher types at his panel to check the beacon.

Nevaren finishes his cursory check of all systems then switches his screens to the Navigational beacon array to double check that system as Fletcher procceds with the check.

Leah stands just to the side of Dakin, eyes facing the viewscreen.

Fletcher says "Sir all checks out. But there is an ship in bound, not on schedule."

Itaani says "Plot transponder code, speed and heading, main screen, Mister Fletcher.""

Onscreen, the ship appears as a neutral yellow triangle, trajectory showing that it's heading inbound from the edge of the Dulcais sector, Klingon Neutral Zone. Transponder shows it to be a Federation civilian trader ship, complete with registry.

Gerok looks to Itaani, "Hail them, Mister Itaani. Mister Kallan, full scan."

Itaani hits a control.... "MMS one one five seven zero, this is station 419 Upsilon, respond..."

"Station 419 Upsilon," the distinctly Bolian accented voice responds on audio only. "This is the _Orgal_, requesting a dock and purchase of deuterium. We're rather low." And then, in the background, a low utterance of, "Backstabbing Ferengi."

"Scanning," Kallan announces as his fingers tappity tap away at his console. His system chirps in response, and he nods. "Confirmed. They're running on wisps of deuterium. Bolian cargo freighter, with..." He tilts his head. "Very little cargo for such a large ship."

Leah perks up as the ship hails and listens attentively. She remains standing just to the side of Dakin, occasionally glancing down at his work.

Laco yawns again, and leans back, seeming uninterested in the usual traffic control functions of operations.

Itaani says "Acknowledged, Orgal. Hold your course.""

Itaani looks to Gerok.

Dakin is simply running diagnostics on the station's tactical systems. He is listening intently to the comm conversation still.

Fletcher notes, to Itaani, the latest info from sensors,"Never buy from a Ferengi when you are in need."

Nevaren hears the word Deuturium and brings up a screen showing the stations stocks and reserves, double checking to make sure they even have any to spare..

"Acknowledged, 419," the Bolian voice says. "I was wondering, as I am... lacking... in Federations credits currently. Could I strike a bargain for some deuterium?"

Kentoz steps into the bustle of Ops from the corridor. The door slides shut with a whisper.

Kentoz has arrived.

Gerok looks to Ops, "Mister Itaani, give the Orgal permission to dock." He turns slightly to the Tactical station, "Mister Leah, take a security team down to the docking ring and determine why this vessel did not file a flight plan. Once you have determined that they pose no threat to the station, escort the captain to the Ward Room." Gerok turns to Neveran, "Mister Nevaren, what is our current supply of Deuturium?"

Itaani says "Orgal. You are cleared to dock. Your approach vector is one nine mark zero five. The pattern will be cleared. If fuel runs too short for this, apply braking and we will tow you in, acknowledge?""

"Yes, sir." Leah replies to Gerok, nodding once sharply, then heading for the doors. A hand flicks to her combadge and she calls down to security, "Cadet Leah to security, I need a team to meet me down on the docking ring ASAP, out." Before anyone can hear the affirmative reply she is out the doors.

Nevaren looks up from his screen and squarely at the XO. "Sir, we currently have 30 isotons of Deuturium not being used by the station at this time. At our current output of power, and worst case scenario projected needs for the near future until our next shipment I can safely say we won't miss what that ship needs."

"We'll have enough to dock, 419. Thank you," the Bolian voice says. "Orgal out." The communication then ends, terminated by the other side.

Cut to... the Docking Ring.

A small security team of three Engsins are waiting by where the _Orgal_ is docked, and final checks are being made on environment and electromagnetic seal.

Leah stands, now armed with a holstered hand phaser, at the heads of the small team, waiting for the doors to open.

As the doors hiss and slide aside, stepping into view is a bald Bolian male. He is dressed in a tan and gold outfit, composed of vest, billowy undershirt, slacks, and boots. "Hello, yes, am I to speak to you about deuterium?" He asks in his thick accent, looking from face to face of the security team. He has a PADD that he clutches to his chest.

"Salutations Captain. Welcome aboard Station 419." Leah approaches the Bolian, extending a hand. "Lt. Commander Gerok was hoping to speak with you in person, up in the ward room. I believe refreshments will be provided."

As he takes Leah's hand in greeting, the Bolian captain gets a somewhat worried look on his face. "Am I being arrested?" He quickly glances back over his shoulder into the shadows, which is the docking bay of his ship. "All I want is some deuterium, and I can be on my way, and not bother your station any longer."

"No arrest at all, sir. No worries." Leah assures the Bolian captain, giving his hand a firm shake. "I'm Cadet Morgan Leah, by the way. Maybe on the way up you could tell me about the difficulties you encountered."

"Difficulties!" The captain scoffs lightly. "I should know better than to trade with Ferengi without a detailed and exact business contract!" Sighing, he says, "Where are my manners? I am Rolan Bogtrul. Please, lead the way, Cadet."

Leah smiles brightly at the captain, turning up the cuteness factor so to speak. "Glad to meet you, Captain Bogtrul." She leads the way to the turbolift, controlling her stride carefully.

Cut back to ops...

Gerok nods to Nevaren, "Very good, Mister Nevaren. Arrange to transfer 3 isotons of Deuturium to the Orgal."

Itaani keeps a monitoring line open to the ship's hatch, rather than following the Cadet's progress, as though something's captured her interest. "Now, what's this man afraid of," she observes quietly.

Dakin nods to Itaani's assessment. "He did look a little nervous once he realized he was flanked by security officers." He too shifts internal visual scans to the ship's hatch.

Kentoz walks in to operations with a smile and bounce in his step. He stops as he takes only a few steps in and surveys the personnel. "Saab'meth. I miss all the fun," he mutters to himself, then moves to Itaani's position. "Ahm, Ensign Kentoz reporting for duty, ma'am?" It's definitely a question, not a statement.

Fletcher says "Could just be the security officers. How would you like it if the moment you step off you ship you are surrounded by security?"

Nevaren confirms Gerok's orders with an "Aye, Sir." and opens a commline to the Engineering Team stationed at the refueling center withing the docking ring area. He relays the Lt. Commander's orders to Ensign Trevor, who immediatly begins prepping for a transfer."

Gerok turns over to Kallan, "Mister Kallan, please do an intensive scan of the cargo area. I would like to know what the Orgal is carrying."

Itaani nods to Kentoz. Points to the screen she's monitoring. "Just watch this, for now, Ensign." She does a sensor sweep, looking for signs the Bolian's ship was bing followed.

"Aye, sir," Kallan says, and begins scanning. "Mostly organics, nothing illegal. Different types of food, clothing -- trade goods. Although..." He leans forward, narrowing his eyes at one small window on his screen. "Sir, there's a trace organic signature of something Siinogan that was in his holds."

Gerok's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Cadet Leah to Lieutenant Commander Gerok."

Dakin blinks at Kallan's findings. "Commander, permission to conduct a scan of the ship for weapons?"

Kentoz watches on with interestt,but says nothing.

Itaani's scans result no warp signatures following the ship. Only its own.

Fletcher shakes his head.

Itaani glances to Kallan. "Identify, Mister Kallan?"

Nevaren frowns at the mention of teh Siinogans and then looks back at his console. "Fueling team has hooked Deuturium transfer umbilical to the _Orgal_, sirs. That also gives us a basic telemetry hookup to the computers. Usualy this is for monitoring feul transfer between the two ships.. but maybe I could use the telemtry hookup to ppatch into the _Orgal_'s internal sensors..."

Gerok taps his badge, saying, "Lieutenant Commander Gerok here."

From Gerok's comm badge, Leah says, "Sir, I have Captain Bogtrul here in the ward room."

Gerok says into his comm badge, "Very well, Mister Leah. I will be in shortly.".

Gerok reaches up and taps his badge, terminating transmission.

"Scans just show that it's an organic resin that's primarily used in Siinogan hull construction," Kallan replies, then looks to Itaani, then Gerok. "Perhaps he had some salvage?"

Gerok looks to Kallan, "Mister Kallan, please scan for residual transporter activity. Mister Nevaren, download the flight plan for the Orgal and review it post haste. Mister Itaani, you have the conn." He stands and moves toward the Ward Room.

Itaani says "Acknowledged." She relinquishes her station to Kentoz, and commences pacing a short orbit."

"Aye," Kallan says, and sets about orchestrating another, more complicated scan.

Dakin blinks that his request wasn't heard apparently, then says to Itaani, "Lieutenant, may I conduct my scan of the Orgal's tactical capabilities?"

Kentoz takes Itaani's spot as it is relinquished to him.

Itaani says "Proceed, Mister Dakin."

Nevaren nods to Gerok as the vulcan leaves and starts slicing through the telemetry to the Orgal to interface with the ships computer and download it's flight plan for the past few weeks.

In the Ward Room...

Captain Bogtrul is pacing slowly down the length of the table, with Leah nearby. Gerok enters.

Gerok enters the room, striding quickly toward the table with his hands clasped behind his back. "Captain Bogtrul, welcome aboard Station 419. If you would please have a seat."

Leah stands silently at attention as Gerok enters, watching the commander.

Bogtrul turns to regard Gerok, and smiles nervously. "Ah, yes, well, of course," the Bolian says, and sits down into a nearby seat. "And you are...?" He says to the Vulcan.

Gerok sits at the head of the table, "Please excuse my poor manners, Captain. I am Lieutenant Commander Gerok, Executive Officer."

Bogtrul nods slightly, glancing towards Leah, and then back at Gerok. "Very well, then, Commander Gerok," the Bolian says. "What seems to be the, ah, trouble?"

Leah looks to the bolian with her most reassuring smile, then resumes her quiet unobtrusive presence.

Gerok takes a PADD and hits a button, "I would like to inquire as to why you failed to file a flight plan, Sir. That is standard proceedure for all vessels travelling in Federation Space."

"Oh, I did, Commander," Bogtrul says, eyes wide. "My plan was headed spinward, avoiding the Dulcais sector entirely! But then, well, I found a pleasant piece of salvage, and as I was busy sifting through it all, I was..." He swallows. "An old business associate of mine warped in from a nearby system and demanded it be released to him."

Gerok raises an eyebrow, "Indeed. May I inquire as to the nature of the salvage that you discovered?"

"Technology I hadn't previously encountered," Bogtrul says, looking down at his PADD. "Some sort of organic resin hull plating, and some other outdated starship power relays. Like... a chunk of a ship."

Leah stirs from her stillness and glances towards Gerok, then back at the Bolian captain.

Gerok nods in understanding, entering the information on his PADD. "And the business associate that you released the plating to, would you be able to provide information on the vessel?"

"Well, you see," Bogtrul says, producing a handkerchief and patting at his bald, ridged head. Persperation. "He doesn't keep ships that are easily trackable, these days. I think he's wanted by the Federation, as of late. He was in a standard Ferengi shuttle, though."

Gerok says "Any information you would be able to provide would be appreciated, Sir."

"Why am I feeling like I'm on trial, here?" The Bolian says, glancing again towards Leah quickly, then Gerok. More patting of the forehead. "He and I conducted a business transaction, which involved my salvage, and most of my cargo and deuterium. I regret not informing this station of my change of flight plans, but I was rather desperate for fuel!"

Leah speaks up, "Ah, perhaps we could arrange an exchange of information for the deuterium?" She glances between the men.

Gerok looks down, and places his hands flat on the table in front of him. "You are not on trial, Sir." Nods to Leah, "Excellent idea, Mister Leah. Would that be agreeable, Captain?"

"I suppose. It would depend on how much deuterium," Bogtrul says. "Would it be enough to get me home to Bolarus?"

Leah looks hopefully at the Bolian, smiles, then glances back to Gerok when the nervous captain asks his question. "Sir?"

Gerok says "I do believe that we will be able to accomodate you, Sir."

"Very well," Captain Bogrul says, and pats at his forehead again. "The name of my associate... a Ferengi... named Gak."

Ops has been somewhat quiet as of the last few moments, but finally, computations and scans are completing.

Kallan's scan completes, and he frowns slightly. "Lieutenant Itaani, my scans show transporter activity that mimics Ferengi transporter signatures. I had to recalibrate to find it, as I was looking for Federation signatures."

Itaani nods, looking to Kallan. "He was complaining about a Ferengi. Cargo transfer?"

Nevaren 's hard work seems to have paid off as his screen starts to swim with newly aquired information. As it flows into his console, he logs copies in the computer core. "I have it all, Lt. Itaani. Freighter Orgal was headed spinward outside of teh Dulcais sector when it stopped to aquire a salvage of somesort. The Orgal was then intercepted by a Ferengi shuttle. A cargo exchange took place, and the Ferengi shuttle returned to a nearby uninhabited system. The Orgal then procceeded at best speed to 419."

Dakin taps a few commands into his console. "Tactical scan reads mostly harmless, Lieutenant. No offensive weaponry and shields a well-thrown pebble could punch through."

Itaani almost physically leans toward Nevaren as she braces over the edge of the tactical rail towards him. "Uninhabited system, Mister Nevaren? There can't be a market there, for whatever that Ferengi could have bought.."

"If it's just outside the sector, maybe a probe to check it out?" Kallan offers, shrugging his shoulders lightly. "It's outside of long range sensors, that's for sure."

"Seems like a great place to hide, say, a smuggling or pirating operation. Off the trade routes.. out of normal starfleet installation's sensors." Nev says, shunting the coordinates to Kallan's consoles. "Who knows what else."

Dakin nods. "I agree. If it was new technology, especially the dangerous kind, they'd need a secluded place to study it, test it out, set it up, or whatever there planes were for it."

Itaani settles back.

Itaani says "Is Commander Gerok still speaking with the Captain?"

Fletcher offers,"Maybe we can go out and see for ourselves?"

Back to the Ward Room...

Gerok nods in response to his statement. "Would you be able to provide coordinates of your encounter and your scans of the item?"

"It's in my ship's computer. I want nothing to do with the man, now that he's wanted by the Federation," Bogtrul says, holding out his hands. "I'm an honest trader trying to make an honest living. You do understand, Commander?"

Gerok nods and stands from the table, "I appreciate your position, Captain. You will not be detained any further and as soon as our engineering staff transfer the Deuturium to your vessel, you will be free to go. Your assistance is appreciated."

Smiling broadly, the Bolian says, "Thank you, Commander! Great Sharus' blessing! Thank you!" He springs to his feet, and says, "I'll download the information to your system immediately."

Gerok says "Thank you, Captain. I will have Ensign Roberts escort you back to your ship. Again, I appreciate your cooperation."

Ops...

Gerok walks back into Ops, as the Bolian Captain and a security ensign enter the turbolift. "Mister Itaani, report."

Itaani looks back to Gerok. "Residual traces of a Ferengi transporter beam and s Siinogan artifact from the freighter's hold, sir. We've recovered the Ferengi's heading from the freighters computer. DEstination, an uninhabited system just outside the sector."

"Specifically, in the Klingon Neutral Zone," Kallan offers to Itaani and Gerok. "I've suggested launching a probe, but it wouldn't get there for several hours."

Dakin considers for a minute, then says "Maybe we should check out a runabout and head there ourselves, sir?"

Fletcher agrees,"Beats just sitting here."

Nevaren finishes logging teh orgal's flight plan and logs off from his computer. He steps back and looks at Gerok. "Sir, I am going to go supervize the Orgal's refeuling.. and maybe sneak out a physical sample of that Siinogan Residue."

Kentoz smiles. "I'm all for that, sir."

Itaani says "Recommend against a probe, sir, because it would reveal our curiosity and likely be destroyed before yielding truly valuable information. At least, we could not act on it at such range. Likewise, to a lesser degree, with a runabout, which would be beyond help and vulnerable. If we wish to investigate, I reccomend we take a crew aboard AEgis, or inform the Klingon High Command. Did the ship's captain lead you to believe investigation is warranted, sir?""

Gerok takes a seat as all the information is provided. "Mister Itaani, you will take command of the Aegis and make best possible speed to the system and investigate. I will inform Starfleet Command of the situation while you are enroute. Mister Nevaren, get the sample from the Bolian vessel and provide it to Mister Kallan so he will know what to scan for when you arrive."

Nevaren nods. "Aye Sir." And with that he shoulders his satchel and walks out of ops for the lift.

Itaani nods. "Aye, sir.."

At Lt. Cmdr. Gerok's orders, the USS Aegis has sped off towards the Klingon Neutral Zone. It has been twelve hours since the Aegis left Station 419, and as the Aegis has been at warp 8. The Neutral Zone is minutes away, the solar system where the Bolian freighter was accosted just another few hours away at current velocity...

Park walks onto the bridge and moves over to one of the empty mission Ops stations. He is just looking around the room, surveying the bridge crew.

Edwards silently mans the tactical station. He taps at the controls occasionally, but that's about it. Yes, it's not terribly impressive.

Sitting at the Science II console, Laco stifles a yawn.

Dakin strides onto the bridge and looks around for an empty station. He opts for the free Mission Ops console.

Kallan is fast at work at his sciences console, performing routine forward lateral scans as the Aegis speeds towards its destination.

Fletcher monitors the speed of the ship and double checks the course.

Itaani settles back into the center seat after pacing the bridge around a couple of circuits. "Ship's log, Stardate We have entered the Klingon Neutral Zone, to investigate a Ferengi trader, who purchased some Siinogan salvage from a Bolian civilian merchant captain, who seemed quite nervous about his previous dealings. Having traced the Ferengi's ship to an uninhabited planetoid with little commercial opportunity, we have determined to investigate.."

Itaani clicks off the recorder, and, again, somewhat restfully, rises from her seat. "Our status?"

Nevaren sits at the engineering console, hopelessly drowning in reports from his teams. Still wary after all the repairs he has made on the Aegis these past few weeks, he is doing his damndest to keep a running check on as many systems as possible and keep them at optimal efficiency.

Park looks around to catch up on what's been happening.

Edwards remarks, "Tactical systems are ready for... just about anything we might come across, short of a Dominion fleet or Borg cube." He taps at the station idly, then looks up from it.

Laco yawns again, and scratches his ear.

Dakin taps a few keys on his console. "I've got a few beamdown zones plotted in, Lieutenant. Working on possible engagement scenarios should we need them."

"All's clear ahead, sir," Kallan remarks. "Although I'd like to point out, if there were Klingons waiting for us, I doubt we'd be detecting them at high warp."

Fletcher taps at his console,"ETA 45 minutes."

Itaani says "Very well. Upon approaching sensor range, let's cut active scans. The Klingons should know we are coming, and everyone else, should *not.*"

Nevaren , still pouring over the multitudes of information scrolling down hs screen, sighs. "All systems are well withing safe parameters. A few reports of minor surges in some teriary systems but I have teams working on that now. Nothing vital at this moment."

Park turns around in his chair, calling up the medical stores to review them.

Edwards taps a few more times at his controls. No, he's not playing tetris, either. Not this time, anyway. "Klingons, eh? I bet there'll be a fight then." he comments.

Laco looks at the sensor readout, but doesn't run a scan of his own.

Dakin keeps plotting scenarios at his console. Nothing new thus far.

A faint chirrup at Kallan's station. "Sir," he says to Itaani. "Long range scans are coming up garbled, from the destination system. As if there was man-made subspace interference." He turns in his seat, regarding Itaani, waiting for her order.

Fletcher looks over to Kallan,"Subspaces interference? Any nav hazards?"

Itaani says "I said, cut active scans as we came in range, Mister Kallan. Do so now. " "Do you believe our scans were detected?""

Nevaren , on anticpation of more heavy duty scans to be made, has started an ongoing watch on the sensor arrays.

Park looks over his shoulder at Itaani's comment, then shakes his head slightly and goes back to reviewing his information.

Edwards arches an eyebrow while he looks toward Kallan and the science station. Alas, he doesn't have anything of value to say.

Laco looks at Itaani, then his boss, then Itaani, then, his console.

Dakin taps in a few more commands. "I've called up environment data on the planet, ma'am. Class K. The only breathable atmosphere's in artificial biodomes and the like. We might need EVA suits assuming whoever we're dealing with decided to do this out-of-atmosphere for discretion.

"I was just about to, sir, as the system was beginning to come into range," Kallan says in defense of himself, frown deepening slightly. "We were most definitely not detected, as I am certain the subspace interference prevents outbound scans as well as inbound."

Fletcher checks the orbits of the planetoids in the up coming system, Not good to run into things at warp 8.

Itaani starts pacing again. She nods to Kallan. "Very good, Mister Kallan. Please attempt to solve out for the interference so that we may resume scans when we are within threat range." She looks around. "Gentlemen, whatever is going on there, I intend to approach it undetected, until we are on top of them. That means, we must be rigged for silent running. It also means we must be vigilant against any ambush. Ops, raise shields to nine percent capacity. Tactical, load aft torpedo bays but do not arm. Then, keep your siyaa... Keep your ears open for stray communications traffic. We have a signature for Siinogan technology. Therefore, Mister Laco, when I call for scans, that is what you will be looking for. When we come out of warp, I will want full scans, both of the planet and the surrounding space." She settles into the center seat. "On system approach, call security teams to standby."

Nevaren sends messages down to his reps in engineering... to keep all emmisions as contained as possible.. which he will watch over from here at his bridge console.

Park messages down to medical teams to prepare to recieve casulties. He then turns to face the viewscreen, as he has nothing else to do right now.

Edwards rapidly starts relaying commands through his station. When he finishes, he announces, "Aft torpedo bays loaded."

Laco brings up the sensors, not activating them, preparing to scan.

Dakin simply continues working at his console, nothing important to add at the time.

Park has partially disconnected.

Turning to Laco, Kallan murmurs, "You're the Siinogan expert, Philip. Good luck." With a firm nod, he turns back to his console, and reports, "We'll be passing into the interference shortly, Lieutenant. Recommend we drop out of warp for impulse entry."

Fletcher shakes his head and smiles to himself ad he holds his finger above the button to de activate warp, he waits for the order.

Itaani nods to Kallan. "Mister Fletcher. Bring us in on an approach high off the ecliptic. Get us in close. Ops, reinforce navigational deflectors." She pauses, wringing one hand. "The rest, ....Stand by on scans."

Nevaren turns around in his seat to face Itaani as he gets the reports from his engineers. "We are at silent running parameters, sir. Engineering reports all unnessacary systems have been shutdown and all emmisions have been minimized. Once we drop to impulse we will oscilate impulse engines output to match the interference as much as possible, hopefully masking us."

Park turns quietly to watch the sensor readings. Another set of eyes, however unskilled, can never hurt.......

Edwards leans forward slightly, gripping his station, and waits for whatever may happen.

Laco leans back and waits.

Dakin takes his eyes off his console for the first time since launch and looks around the bridge, then to the main viewscreen.

Standing by, Kallan's fingers hover over several controls, waiting for the order to scan. He looks somewhat tense, brow furrowing in thought.

The hum of the ship lessens as Fletch decelerates from warp, with his other hand he quickly engages impulse engines. "Currently at 1/4 impulse."

Park contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Edwards contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Laco contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Dakin contests his Shipboard Systems (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Fletcher contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Dakin contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Nevaren (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Nevaren studies the readings pouring down his screen and smiles slightly. "I have Confirmation on our Silent Running's effieciency. We are easily being masked by the interference now. No energy leaks. The interference impacting on my systems has a very unique signature, but it seems to be naturally produced. I would need confirmation to be doubly sure, though."

Park looks at his console like there is Mandarin Chinese scrolling across the screen. He doesn't have a clue.

Edwards enters another command and reports, "Aft weapons are standing by." He pauses when his sensor display starts spewing information. "There are three vessels in orbit around the second planet in this system."

Laco tapity taps, "Uh, Lt Kallan, Lt Itaani, I'm picking up some ships. Should I attempt a more thorough scan of them?"

Dakin finishes up his work at his station once the mention of additional craft pipes through the bridge. He arcs his gaze back towards the viewscreen.

"Intriguing," Kallan says, fingers rapping at his console. "The interference we just passed through is a harmonic oscillation of some of the crystals in the system's oort cloud. Some of those crystals are dilithium. This system could hold potential deposits in its inner planets." He totally missed the fact about three ships.

Fletcher says "At our current speed it will 4 hours to the second planet."

Itaani nods to Nevaren, doing something on the center seat's screen. "We were forewarned about the interference, Nevaren. Do what you can. "Mister Edwards, identify those vessels. Mister Dakin, stand by to bring defensive systems to full standby. Mister Laco, look for the Siinogan technology. Mister Fletcher, bring us in closer, and make it look pretty. Ops, stand by on full shields." Upon hearing Fletcher's report. "Four hours, Mister Fletcher? I said to bring us in *close.* Thath. Full impulse. "

Nevaren 's fingers fly over his terminal, remodulating impulse harmonics one moment and making sure the subspace interfernece is not wreaking havok with them the next.

Park sighs deeply and then turns toward the viewscreen.

Laco contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Edwards contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Edwards adjusts the scanners and pinpoints those vessels he pointed out, "Er, oh no. Ah, Leftenant, it appears that there's a Siinogan battle cruiser, a Ferengi cargo shuttle and... uh, some sort of Dominion vessel."

Laco sounds excited as his fingers dance on the console, "Lt, I 'm picking up Siinogan readings from all three ships." He pauses, then turns to Itaani, "We may want to try to shield ourselves against lepton particle emmissions, if we can. I think the Siinogan may have developed a such a torpedo."

Dakin taps a few keys on his console. "Aye, Lieutenant. Weapons systems and shield grids report nominal." Upon Edwards' report of the situation, "And a good thing they are, it seems."

Fletcher powers up to full impulse and steers the ship to come up on the planets blind side."I got as close as I could at warp, ma'am."

Itaani says "Make it so, Mister Laco. Red alert, shields to full, weapons, to full. Mister Dakin, notify Starfleet command."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Kallan announces, fingers dancing across his console. "If we continue charging in with shields and engines roaring, they *will* detect us."

Nevaren quickly brings up all relevant information on Leptons. "Give me a few minutes... I need time to re-modulate the shields to try and shield us from Lepton emmisions. This isn't easy."

Nevaren (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Park leans over to Edwards, "Couldn't we sort of use the planet to mask our approach or something? Kind of come in from the back?"

Edwards' fingers slide over the tactical controls, "Shields are at full power, as are weapons. But I don't think that'll matter against the Siinogan and the Dominion..." He glances sideways at Kallan, then Park, "Might be able to..."

Laco says "Uh, there is only a *possibility* they have Lepton weapons. I have a feeling that the devices are new to their fleets. So weakening other defenses to protect against leptons might be a bad idea, sir."

"Mister Nevaren's enhancement only decreases shield effiency by two percent but protects against possible lepton radiation," Kallan announces, flexing his seldomly used engineering muscles. "I believe we should be more worried about polarons than leptons." He nods to Nevaren. "Good work, Nev."

Dakin nods to Itaani. "Aye, Lieutenant." Then turning to his console, he accesses an encrypted channel and begins a message. "Starfleet Command from starship Aegis, relaying information on..." And he goes on to explain the full sit-rep from there.

Fletcher is busy at the helm he can be heard humming and breaking the humm every once in a while with the phase to mumble the words "danger zone".

Itaani checks the range, herself. "If we haven't been scanned, let's go to silent running again, as soon as those vessels are identified. Quantum torpedoes to the forward tubes." She pauses, looking over the data herself. "Mister Laco, did you get anything?"

Nevaren actually smiles at Kallan's appreciation. "Thanks, Lieutenant." WIth a deft grace at the console, he runs minor diagnostics on the weapons and shield systems to make sure they won't fail at some inoprotune moment.

Park nods at Edwards response, offers a smile to Nev and then turns back toward the main viewscreen.

Edwards frowns and enters several more commands into his console, "Loading forward tubes with quantum torpedoes... and powering down shields and weapons."

Laco says "Uh, get any what, Lt Itaani?""

Dakin hits a few commands, then turns to Itaani. "Message encrypted and transmitted, Lieutenant."

"So far, so good," Kallan says, wiping at his forehead with his sleeve and continuing his surveilance. "If we get keep going the way we're going, we won't be detected in the sensor shadow of the planet. Composed of heavy metals that block short range and lateral scanners. They chose this rock *well*. Whoever they are."

Fletcher keeps the ship in the blind spot adjusting for the planet's orbit.

Itaani looks to Laco. "Siinogan technology as per our original objective. Mister Fletcher. Put us in the gravitometric corona of the largest planet in the system, as regards the ememy fleet, but do not occlude the planet. Let's see what they're up to, if we can. Mister Dakin. See if you can get a tight beam transmission to Klingon high command. We have the enemy in sight, finally, and above all else, I want them out of our sky. While we take a slow approach, though, I want to know what they want here." She stands. "Tactical, I need an assessment of the enemy capabilities as soon as you can establish it from our early scans." At that, she begins pacing as the AEgis slips further into the system.

Edwards brings up the requested information and pours over it as quickly as possible, "Uh, seems that the Siinogan battle cruiser is... just what you would expect from a battle cruiser. Big, slow and packs a hell of a punch. Shouldn't be too hard to run circles around it, but I wouldn't want to get too close. The Ferengi shuttle is comparable to one of our Runabouts." He pauses and squints at the data, "Still working on the Dominion ship. But it seems to be comparable to a scout or frigate. Max speed of 9.4, as far as the computer knows."

Laco answers Itaani, "Oh, sorry. Yeah, there's that one Siinogan battle cruiser, but both the Dominion and the Ferengi vessels have Siinogan energy signatures as well. I can see the Ferengi possibly wanting to employ Siinogan tech, but what the Dominion would want with their stuff is a mystery to me.

Dakin nods. "Aye, Lieutenant." He starts to input the order, but then stops short. "Lieutenant, I'm picking up a massive amount of subspace comm traffic..."

"Confirmed," Kallan says. "Universal Translator seems to be chewing on a... conversation." He looks up sharply. "Vorta, Siinogan, and Ferengi words being passed."

Fletcher complies with Itaani's orders,"Aye, sir."

Itaani starts a circuit around the bridge, beginning with Laco's station. "To me, as well, Mister Laco, but if the Siinogans have thrown in their lot with the Dominion months ago, I should not be surprised. Anything on the planet itself?" She walks around. Looks to Kallan. "Not terribly surprising. Log it all, and pass it on to home base, tight beam." She paces around the front stations of the bridge. "Mister Edwards, to my last knowledge, the Dominion only employed two classes of vessel; a battleship and a small attack ship. . Any data you might gather is therefore potentially crucial. " She continues around the bridge. "Let's get a translation on that conversation, though. It may be of extreme import. If we have to flee this system to get it to Starfleet, we will do so. Mister Kallan, get your department on it."

Nevaren frowns and doubles Laco's sensor screen onto his own terminal. He closely studies the readings with pale eyes. "Maybe the Dominion know something about Siinogan technology we don't.. something that can give them a greater edge over us." He starts comparing all the readings with both the starfleet technical and medical databases, looking for any type of hit.

Nevaren contests his Computer (Research) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Park mumbles under his breath, "Or maybe the Siinogan and the Dominion decided that the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Edwards remains silent for the time being, as he's concentrating on trying to get further information on that Dominion vessel out of the computer.

Laco says, "Actually, Lt, the Universal translater should be able to handle it. Gimme a second." He works his console, putting the conversation over the speakers.

Comm: "...so we have a deal?" A Ferengi voice says.

Dakin nods in confirmation to Laco's assessment. "Laco's right, there's no encryption present. Overconfidence, it seems."

Comm: "If we find out you're cheating us, Ferengi," the strange accented voice says, undertoned with what must be Vorta. "We will find you."

Comm: "Oh, I assure you, there's no cheating here. All honest business with Gak," the Ferengi voice says

Comm: Then, a buzzing sound, followed by a hollow translation: "Siinogan Arm of the Goddess Thot'Zikak agrees to mutually beneficial trade. Polaron for natural Ketracel-white synthesis Siinogan bio-factory."

Fletcher states the obvious, "That sounds bad."

Itaani 's face blanches at the realization Gak is speaking. She continues her circuit of the bridge, ending up next to the tactical station. She pauses a moment to think. Looks to Dakin. Then Edwards. Pauses again. Takes a deep breath, then lets it out. "Mister Dakin. When I say 'Go,' I want that Ferengi ship disabled with a phaser shot. If we can. Mister Edwards. Upon approach, I will need a quantum torpedo barrage at the Dominion vessel. As many volleys as we can manage. Mister Fletcher. If I say 'Go,' you will take us past them at full impulse." She looks to Edwards and Dakin. "As we are past, < a brief pause> Full torpedo volley at the Siinogan vessel. If and only if they arm weapons. I will take responsibility. " She straightens and steps down into the command area. "Mister Fletcher. Time to intercept at full impulse?

Nevaren 's eyes go wide at the sound of Gak's voice. That bastard ferengi.. then they go even wider at the mention of the Ketracel-white synthesis Siinogan bio-factory. "Oh.. Prophets preserve me!" he exclaimes quietly, then utters a quick prayer.

Edwards remarks, "Can't get any more info on the Dominion vessel." When Itaani approaches his station and gives her orders, he responds, "Just say when."

Laco sits in his seat, like a good researcher.

Dakin nods to Itaani. "Aye, Lieutenant." With that, he reroutes phaser control to his board. "Targeting Ferengi vessel's drive section."

Kallan's hands drop to his sides at the mention of Gak. He seems paralyzed and detached.

Fletcher says "Now that I have us in the orbit around the largest plaent. That will take 30mins at full impulse. I could do an in-system warp sir, but it will take some coordination with engineering."

Itaani nods, saying, "Ops, relay these logs to Starfleet Command. Be it noted that I am hoping to curb both Dominion technological improvements and attempting to curb Siinogan expansionism. Now. Gentlemen. If all goes well, I hope to have us at warp for Klingon space.... and assistance, within moments of our pass at this little meeting. While I know we all would like to apprehend the Ferengi, I feel he is secondary at this moment. She looks around the bridge, "Though, if we are very skilled and lucky, we have a good chance of getting him as well. "Mister Fletcher, prepare your warp burst. I believe you know my intentions."

Nevaren (claiming advantage) contests his Propulsion Engineering (Warp) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Nevaren quickly goes over the figures on an insystem warp jump, taking into account the higher density of Dilithium paticulates in this system.

Fletcher (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

The ship surges into a sudden burst of speed, and suddenly, the USS Aegis is in tactical position, with clear shots to all three vessels...

Itaani says "Go.""

Dakin contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Edwards (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Quantum torpedos fly from the Aegis, streaking out across the quickly shortened distance, followed by quickly aimed phaser bursts. Nearly half of the quantum torpedo spread connects directly with the Dominion frigate, collapsing its shields and utterly obliterating its port nacelle, sending the craft into an inertial spin into the atmosphere of the planet. Photon torpedos strike the rear quadrant of the Ferengi runabout, but strike reinforced shielding. The Siinogan craft's shields go up, and weapons power, although it breaks orbit and starts angling towards system departure.

Edwards slams down on the appropriate touchpad when they approach firing range, which results in one blasted Dominion frigate. He smiles triumphantly, "Gotcha." While he prepares the aft volley, which may be needed for the Siinogan battle cruiser, he notices Kallan and frowns, "Marcus."

Laco cringes as things start go blow up.

Dakin tabs the correct control. "Firing phasers..!" As he watches the beam strike the Ferengi craft, he then checks his board and frowns a bit. "Direct hit, but their shielding was enough to block the shot..."

Kallan seems to be unable to process the goings-on, but upon hearing Dakin's declaration, he says, breathy, "Kill him. Kill that Ferengi."

The Ferengi vessel seems to be turning tail as well, and seems to be much more able to zip out of orbit than the Siinogan warship.

Fletcher watches the Ferengi shuttle, "You not get away that easily.", banks the ship to persue the shuttle.

Itaani takes the better part of valour and swings into the command chair as the ship goes to warp. Now, it's all up to the crew as she says, "Shields up to full. Mister Fletcher, make course for Klingon space, 122 mark 1. One half impulse..., stand by for warp seven.. Phasers, continue fire on Ferengi. Mister Edwards, go ahead and soften up the Siinogans, spread beta. Mister Dakin, take that Ferengi ship out of action. "

Nevaren suddenly gets an idea that could conceivably stop that siinogan ship cold, and the ferengi ship too. "We use refined Dilithium to combine and refract the matter and antimatter flows into the warp core." he rambles as he checks out his calculations,"Taking two beams of incompatible matter and combining it into one cohesive beam of stable energy. The Deuturium ions are easily channeled through the dilithium, provided it is very pure and exactly aligned. The Aniti-dilithium is the problem, since it has a negative charge and would act differnetly than the regular dilithium and under normal circumstances would possibly collide with the dilithium nuclei and cause an explovice chaine reaction of greater focus than a regular matter/antimatter explosion, or even a quantum torpedo explosion."

Nevaren quickly stands up and walks over to Kallan. Standing over the lieutenant's shoulder, he checks out the readings on sensors. "If we were to fire a high concentration of our older photon torpedoes, which use a concentrated matter/antimatter payload, into a high concentration of dilithium particulates that float though this system and it's oort cloud we could conceivably cause a huge explosive chain reaction that could easily incompacitate those ships. We could fire the volley in front of their ships and vear off at a right angle from them and the explosion.

Edwards looks to Itaani and arches an eyebrow, "The Siinogan are leaving. Shouldn't we let them go?" After Nevaren spouts off a whole lot of things that he barely understands, he shuts up and waits silently.

Laco says "Uh...Lt Nevaren, isn't that a little dangerous? What if it causes a chain reaction with ALL the dilithiumin the system, and destroys us too?"

Dakin nods and begins punching in commands into his board. "Aye, Lieutenant, reacquiring target lock on Ferengi ship..."

Kallan finally shakes his head, the haze of pure fear lifting. "I... uh..." Fingers begin to tap at his console. "Dominion ship entering upper troposphere. They're going... they're going to burn up if we don't stop their descent." He turns in his seat, looking at Itaani.

Fletcher is turning the ship to 122 mark 1. "Course layed in."

Itaani thrusts a finger toward Edwards, "I said, *fire,* Mister!" She pauses and checks the tactical display for a half-instant before she looks to Kallan. Pauses. Pauses. Taps her commbadge. "Bridge to security. Security team to transporter room one. Transporter room. Lock onto the Dominion vessel's bridge..."

Nevaren runs back to his console. "I have two answers for that, Ensign Laco. 1. There isn't enough energy in 100 photon torpedos to create that kind of critical mass.. the explosion would be spectacular but not all consuming.. I think.. and 2. If that ship gets away it coul alway just meet up with another dominion ship and give them another bio-factory thingy and then that one small advantage we have had in the war till now, that the Dominion has a limited source of the white, will be gone. In my personal opinion, I would take my chances with the dilithium cascade explosion than be drowned in Jhem'hadar in the near future."

Edwards glowers at Itaani when she sticks her finger in his face. Nevertheless, he targets the Siinogan vessel and fires the aft torpedoes he had stored. But Itaani's order does distract him a little. "Whoa, hey. I'd appreciate it if you didn't get my officers killed. Those're Jem'Hadar and Vorta. Let 'em burn up!"

Edwards (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Dakin (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

The Siinogan ship takes a direct hit on its aft quarter, spewing a bit of hull out behind it, but continues to turn and accelerate till it's far beyond the planet's orbit. Zip, into warp it goes. The Ferengi ship, however, dodges the Aegis' phaser blasts and careens out of the system in the opposite direction. The Dominion ship continues to sink into the planet's atmosphere, turning into a white-hot ball of fury.

Comm: "We're having trouble locking on, Bridge," the transporter room replies.

Dakin hits a few more keys on his board. "Got the lock... firing phasers..." He frowns again. "Shot evaded, Lieutenant."

Kallan stands up, now, looking at Itaani pleadingly. "To hell with Gak and the Siinogans. Save those people from burning to death! Please, Shaiya."

Itaani says "Mister Fletcher. Lay in a pursuit course for the Ferengi vessel. Tactical. Photon torpedo spread *around* the Ferengi ship. Mister Dakin." "Try again.""

Nevaren curses that the Siinogan ship had gotten away.. if someone had just headed his idea... Biting his lower lip he quickly turns his attention to the new dilemna at hand. "Transporter room.. I will attempt to resolve their signals from here.. Back me up." and with that his fingers fly over the display, going through all the transporter protocols, trying to eke out as much of a good transporter lock as possible.

Enhancing and focusing the tractor beams takes a stationary ship, so the Ferengi shuttle and Siinogan battle cruiser both leave the system while a mixture of Vorta, Jem'Hadar, and other Gamma Quadrant slave races are rescued and transported directly to the brig. Another forty or so were lost as the Dominion craft exploded in the planet's atmosphere. Shortly after leaving the system, three Klingon ships, freshly commissioned Vor'cha class, hail the USS Aegis from the nearby edge of the Klingon empire. The Siinogan ship was destroyed as it attempted to return to bak'TUR -- an appropriate blooding for the new ships. The greasy Gak, however, managed to squeeze past patrolls. Several hours after returning home to Station 419 Upsilon, a Galaxy class ship arrives to take the Dominion crew. There has only been one Starfleet casualty in this victory: Marcus Kallan. Seemingly unable to act during the encounter with Gak, the young Lieutenant remained more distant and detached than usual on the trip home.