Suffer the Little Children II

 Episode Name:  Suffer the Little Children II

   Written By:  Journey

         Cast:  Cristobal, Harris, Haven, Idrani, Journey, No'elani and Va'tol.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Journey

     Aired On:  Fri Jan 17 03:35:29 2003

     Stardate:  52932

Time: Thu Jan 16 21:19:10 2003

Stardate: 52931.3

Just over three weeks have passed since the freighter "Fallen Star" hailed the station for help against unknown assailants who were after two dozen kidnapped Fimdaran children, predominantly Andorian, the freighter captain Jub had liberated from their clutches. Three weeks of investigation that has slowly been working it's way across the Federation, finding only a minimum of unsubstantiated clues and reports that this type of occurance may not be contained to Fimdari alone.

But still, the answers are few and far between, if there are any, and have little to tie them together. But not everything related to this case is faltering, oh no. Today the Children of Fimdari are preparing to go home. The Fimdaran government, after much work, have sent a well staffed ship to Upsilon 419 to bring their children back to their surviving families. many of whom have representatives on board.

We fade from black to find the crew standing amid the temporairliy renovated Cargo Bay two which for the past two weeks have housed the majority of the children. Areas have been sectioned off for a sleeping area, a play area, even a place where volunteers could teach school. Security officers along with starfleet and Civillian volunteers have been watching the kids, taking care of them in teh aftermath of their ordeal. Teh Children, for the most part, seem to have recovered.. Most of them smiling as they play with each other. The Children seem very prtectful of each other, even those few who aren't andorian, and seem to like to remain near to each other as much as possible. Even today, as the children are gathering their things they have been donated or replicated, they work together as a team, helping each other.

The eldest of the Children, an andorian Teenager named N'kiski No'elani stands off to the side of everything, just watching the younger children pack as they get ready for theu voyage home. The 16 year olds face is fairly unreadable, as is her posture as she leans against the bulkhead. Maybe she's trying to distance herself because she is the oldest.. or because she is the only one staying behind.

Idrani studies the children with an almost protective maternal instinct. She appears pleased at how the station has pulled together and that the children appear happy and healthy. She approaches N'kiski and speaks to the younger Andorian in her native tongue. "You are welcome to move into the lodge with us. We have plenty of room and we would be pleased to number you in our communuity."

Va'tol seems completly out of place among these children, with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the children in their enviroment, and scaring some with his 'warm' Vulcan look. He stands near the doorway, immobile and silent. Nothing new about that..

Guarding the Fimdari children wasn't /quite/ punishment detail, (even Cristobal got a kick out of the young Andorian who would walk up to him and mimic his stiff, guard-duty posture), still, Cristobal is glad the Fimdari ship will be arriving when it did. Children make him uneasy.

Haven moves among the children, speaking and scanning. Her tricorder is tucked into her palm, concealed almost completely. Most remember her as the Doc that checked them out when they arrived. She smiles and laughs along with some of the jokes being told.

Harris steps through the cargo bay doors, PADD in hand as he glances around at all the children with confusion on his face. "Cargo bay one... deck 25...?" he mumbles, glaring at his PADD after he glances at the room placard. "This is *not* the holodeck."

No'elani quietly looks at Idrani, studying the older Andorian woman a few moments. She says something in a language you do not understand. she asks, a bit uneasy.

Idrani nods, smiling. Her body language, easily readible by other Andorians, is calm and reassuring. She says something in a language you do not understand.

Two of the older children (still about 4 years younger then the No'elani teen) are talking amongst each other. A Male andorian and a female human. One whispers something, then the other nods. The leave the children and make for their duffle bags, routing through them for something.

Va'tol doesn't notice the conversation, or any for that matter. He simply watches, waiting for the transport shuttle to come.

Cristobal glances at the twelve year-olds going through the luggage. Oh yes, even twelve year-olds can make Cristobal suspicious. For the moment, he simply watches from afar.

Haven makes her way toward said child if only because she didn't get a scan there. Coming up behind the child, she scans then reaches out to tickle and ask, "How are you today, hon?"

Harris glances to the Vulcan next to the door, approaching and asking softly, "What's going on here?"

The Little human girl looks over her shoulder at Haven and giggles nervously. "I am fine, ma'am." she says, politely, then goes back to helping the andorian boy look for what they are trying to find. It takes them a few minutes but they suceed. Pulling a pile of paper out.

No'elani smiles faintly at Idrani. She says something in a language you do not understand. she offers, lowering her eyes, She says something in a language you do not understand.

Idrani's antennae move slightly, picking up the various conversations around her. She says something in a language you do not understand. Yes, she is quite aware of the possibility of mischevious twelve year olds.

"A vessel was sent from Fimdari and will arrive in the Station shortly to send these children back to their home. This is only a temporary housing facility to provide what they needed." Va'tol promptly says, in reply to Harris' question.

Having heard Harris' earlier question, Cristobal adds, "The holodecks are on deck 18," helpfully.

Haven chuckles softly, her tricorder finding it's way back into her pocket. "Good.. I'm glad to hear that. Getting excited about going home?" Her gaze sweeps over the paper then she grins again and says, "Wow.. lots of paper there.. letters you've written, maybe?"

"Ah," Harris murmurs, glancing over the children again before frowning. "Where are their parents?"

The Two children shake their heads, grinning, then run towards the rest of the kids. They quickly pass wads of paper out until every child, all the way down to a pair of 5 year olds, have some. Then they walk towards the Group of officers. "We know we are going home today.." the older andorian boy says shyly.. "And we wanted to let you all know how much we thank you for everything you all did." the Human girl finishes.. and with that, all the kids start handing the papers to the officers. Letters to the crew, of thanks.. and lots and lots of pictures. Pictures of blue blobs with squiggly antennae (andorian officers and children) and holding the hands/pseudopods of pink (human) blobs, pink blobs with points on their heads (vulcans) and other assorted blobs that make up the federation. There are a LOT of pictures. Even a picture blob with red hair and a black eyepatch (must be captain jub, who rescued them) standing beside a thin blue blob with squigglies (No'elani).

Idrani accepts her pictures, smiling. She proclaims them to be wonderful and promises to keep hers and display it in the lodge.

No'elani looks at all the pictures (even seeing those blobs that look a bit like her) and her eyes mist slightly. She turns away and looks at the bulkhead, covering her mouth.

Va'tol lowers the tone of his voice. "Some are orphans. Those parents who survived have been alredy located, and they will be properly delivered." he replies. His gaze comes to to the picture, specially the Vulcan portrait. Va'tol quirks a brow. "Hmmmm.." Their heads and ears are too big. How illogical.

A very young Andorian girl tentatively walks up to Cristobal, handing a piece of paper with assorted people-blobs on it, and a very unsteady "THANK YUO" in Standard letters (with YUO crossed out and 'YOU' written in, obviously in a different hand.) Mr. Surly Security-Man smiles warmly at the girl and says, "It looks just like me." The girl beams before running back to the rest of the group.

Haven accepts her picture from a small child of five. She grins broadly and ruffles her hair softly. "Thank you so much.. this is really great." Oh yeah.. she's going to need a -whole- lot of alcohol tonight.

Harris glances at the picture the Vulcan holds in his hands before looking back at the group of children with a soft sigh. "It looks just like you."

As the kids are handing out Pictures and Hugs, Idrani's commbad chirps with an incoming hail. "Ops to Lt. Idrani.. This is Ensign Peroit."

Idrani taps her combadge. "Go ahead, Ops."

Ensign Peroit's voice caries clean over the commbadge. "Sir, the ADF Transport Recklan has arrived.. it's commanding Officer has hailed us."

"Hmmm.." The Vulcan quirks a brow at Harris, and then turns to look at the child, nodding lightly. "Thank you." He forces himself not to lecture the child about anatomy.

Cristobal returns to a parade-rest posture.

Haven has, by this point, swept said five year old into her arms to hug her. As she stands there talking to her, more and more pictures come her way. See, there is such a thing as a doctor people like. Then she hears Idrani's com, she glances at the woman over the head of her newest bestest friend.

Idrani says, "Acknowledged, Ensign. Have the CO of the Recklan transmit their orders to Station Ops for verification, if you have not already done so." First rule when someone other than the parents of children are picking them up: always double-check. "Is the Recklan prepared to dock?"

Harris folds his hands behind his back as he watches the children, falling silent in contemplation.

"Their orders have been transmited and confirmed, sir. They are hear to pick up the children. They can't stay long enought o dock.. There is an Ion storm coming across their route and they want to beat it. The Comanding Officer, Commander Meliak, does wish to talk to you a moment before we commence beaming over the children. Shall I patch him through?"

Idrani says, "Patch him through, Ensign. Thank you."

Haven frowns over the head of the child, clearly not liking this one bit. She shifts the child to her other hip and waits, her eyes on Idrani.

"Aye, Sir." Peroit confirms, and you can here teh clicking as the transmission from the ADF ship is put through. "Lt. Idrani? This is Commander Meliak. Sorry we're late.. traffic is fairly heavy around Fimdari at the moment. But we did make it. How is our precious cargo?" he asks, anxious to hear about the state of the children.

Idrani pulls a PADD from her pocket. "Everything's fine here, Commander." She says, pleasantly. "I hope your delay was not too long." She begins typing on her PADD.

Harris turns his gaze to the nearest child, dropping to a knee and meeting her gaze with a faraway look in his own eyes.

Haven sends her fingers in to tickle the child in her arms. She giggles and squeals in the manner of all young ones being so terribly tortured.

Meliaks sigh is apparent. "We just have to live with it while the rebuilding continues. ADF records show you just returned from Fimdari, so you must understand how hectic things are there. But.. well.. This is just one more blessing to make us want to work that little bit harder and faster, Lieutenant. You and the rest of the crew here have done us a great boon.. and we won't soon forget. I know I speak not just for myself but for the family members of the children who are aboard when I say thank you.

Va'tol reaches for his PADD, exchanging information with the Shuttlebay as they wait.

Cristobal makes one last scan of the bay with his tricorder. Not that he's expecting to find a bomb in someone's suitcase or anything, but who knows what some enterprising young tyke might have "accidentally" slipped in there.

Harris reaches out and scrubs the little one's hair affectionately, then stands once again to watch and wait.

Idrani looks at the return message on her PADD. Apparently she was doing a silent confirmation of her own. She nods faintly, returning the PADD to her pocket, apparently satisified with the answer. "We are glad to be of service, Commander. We have plenty of little ones here that are eager to return home. It will be a chore getting them over and placed with their families. I believe the Terran expression of 'herding cats' applies here. I would suggest that we beam over in small groups, with officers from S419 to assist."

At Idrani's words, Loni begins to quiet herd the smaller children to herself. One still in her arms.

Meliak confirms. "I agree, Lieutenant. We'll start with the youngest half, then the older half. We've transmited the coordinates to your Ops center for you to transport to. Our shields are down and we are standing by."

Idrani says, "All right, Commander. We'll start beaming over. Idrani out."

No'elani turns back from the bulkhead and looks at the kids. She looks sad that they are about to leave.

Idrani starts co-ordinating the cat-herders. "All right. We're ready to go. I'll go over with the first group and Dr Haven, please follow over with the second. Ensign Va'tol, we will send you confirmation that we have arrived safely. Mr. Cristobal, Mr. Harris... make sure that we don't have any stowaways." She half smiles.

Va'tol looks up at Idrani, placing his PADD back in the pocket. "Yes, Sir."

Cristobal nods lightly and says with a smile, "Aye-aye sir. Phasers set to tickle." He glances over at the groups and tries to count heads.

Haven frowns then issues a small sigh. "Alright children.. Go gather your things and go stand with Lieutenant Idrani." Haven gestures to the Andorian woman, pointing her out. "Hurry now." She gives them parting smiles then begins to collect the next group. The whole time, the young girl remains in her arms.

Harris glances at his belt, sliding the tricorder out from its holster. "Aye, sir," he responds softly, getting an exact count of how many children there are in the room.

Quickly and efficently the children are seperated into two groups, each with it's own set of chaperones. The kids look around, a bit excited at the chance to go on a trip, especially back home. No'elani goes to stand with the group of the youngest children, carrying the sole bolian boy who is about 6 years old, on her hip. She stands next to Haven, whom the youngest children seem to listen to more then the others.

No'elani smiles faintly. "I'll go with the Second group doctor.. if you wish to stay with the younger ones in the first group." she sets down the Bolian and walks over to the older children.

Once Idrani has her little group in place, she activates her combadge. "Lt. Idrani to Ops. Twelve to beam over to the Recklan."

Ops confirms, Peroit giving the order to energize to the transporter room. The First Group, along with Idrani and Haven, are swathed in the energies of the transport beam as they are dissasembled on a quantum level and whisked across space.

Va'tol stays on hold on the same formal position, with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting patiently for Idrani's hail.

Cristobal briefly considers how to herd these particular cats. He ponders and says to the older children, "Alright. Quick game here. Everyone who is touching our Vulcan friend Mr. Va'tol here," he says, pointing to Va'tol, "when we beam over, wins."

Harris scratches his chin as he watches his tricorder readout, then glances up at Cristobal. "Tag? The Vulcan's it?" he asks lightly, grinning at Va'tol.

Idrani's, nor haven's, hail comes. After a few moments, a worried Peroit hails Va'tol, who is suddenly the touch point of a dozen andorian children. "Sir.. Sir.." he says, his voice filled panic, "We just got a transmission from the Recklan.. Commander Meliak is asking why we haven't beamed the children over yet?"

Va'tol quirks a brow, looking between Cristobal and Harris. "Well, I suppose--" He pauses as his combadge chirrups. "What are you talking about? Lt. Haven and Lt. Idrani have already been transported with the first group." He takes a step forward.

Cristobal blinks and taps his own combadge, "Lt. Cristobal to Ops, shields up /NOW/!" he barks out. If he's wrong, someone can yell at him later. "Scan the area for traces of other ships."

Harris scans the room with his tricorder, frowning at it as he adjusts it to try and figure out where they went.

Peroit is frantic. "I don't know what happened, sir. We beamed them to the ship.. The stream was strong, no decay.... But we have no signal from them now.. They aren't on the Recklan, and Commander Meliak confirms this. It's like something snatched them between the station and the ship... Yes, Lt. Crisotbal, Shields are now up. We'll continue scanning."

No'elani turns a pale, powder blue as the news that the kids are gone, along with Idrani and Haven. "Oh no oh no oh no.." she croons.

The First Group of of children from the Station Materialize, Idrani and Haven in the center of the rag tag group of minors. The group doesn't beam into the passenger area of the transport, like they expected, but a large dark hold like area. The single source of light is a doorway set along one dark black bulkhead.. and it is being guarded by 3 large humanoids in gold and black jumpsuits holding phaser rifles. They look very surpised to see Two starfleet officers among the children.

Idrani reacts as soon as she discerns phaser rifles. She jumps between the children and those phaser rifles, hitting her combadge as she does. "Ops! Beam us back! Now!"

Haven lets Idrani handle that as she crouches among the children. "Hey guys, listen to me, now.. Stay close to us, ok?" Her voice is light, as if this wasn't the -major- big deal that it is.

Idrani's commbadge is full of static. "Peroit *crackle* where are <pop>" The transmission dies. One of the men in the shadows step out, an Orion with short black hair and a scar on his cheek. He holds up his own phaser, a pistol, and glares at Idrani. "I wouldn't try that, if I were you." he says lowly, with a modicum of menace.

Back in the Cargo hold, Peroit is finally getting back to Va'Tol. "Sirs.. we had a short tranmission from Lt. Idrani but..." he sounds a bit confused. "I can't pinpoint it. It's like it came from a point between here and the Recklan but.. there isn't anything there. Her tranmission died before we could get a fix. Still nothing on sensors."

Va'tol casts a glance over his shoulder at Cristobal, "Ops, scan for tachyon emissions. It could be already on the move, if what we are dealing with is indeed another ship.", he asks while waiting for the readings. If there's some kind of cloaked vessel in the area, that's bad. But this could also be the result of some sub-space anomaly, which is even worse. "Keep trying to trace it on the mean time." He taps his combadge, doing his own attempt. "Ensign Va'tol to Lt JG Idrani.."

Cristobal says, "They know we know about them. They'll run for it at first chance. We should prepare a vessel to give chase."

Harris stares at his tricorder for a moment. "Subspace interference?" he muses to himself, falling silent for a second before tapping his compin. "Ops, is it localized or blanket interference?"

No'elani's looks of pure shock is slowly receding, being replaced by a look of pure, unbridled, andorian fury. "An invisible ship.." she says, almost a whisper, then repeats it louder. "And Invisible ship... The pirates who kidnapped us the first time.. They had an invisible ship. You have to stop them. Go, get to your bridge or cockpit or whatever you have here.. find them.. You have to save the children. I'll watch the ones we still have here.

Va'tol shakes his head. "We cannot chase a ghost, but a shuttle will be ready." He taps his combadge once more. "Cargo Bay to Security. Bring any available officer here, now." he says, turning to face Harris. "Call the Shuttlebay. Have them prepare the Cape Fear." And then, to the child. "Invisible ship..? What more can you tell us about it? Can you identify the race?"

No'elani shakes her head. "No.. I only saw it once. I never saw anything like it before."

Cristobal murmurs, "I'd feel better with the Levy," before hopping on the comm to the Duty Officer in security to get men there pronto.

Harris taps his compin. "Cargo bay to shuttlebay. Prep the Cape Fear for Priority One departure." While he speaks into his compin, he still tries to localize the interference with his tricorder.

Ops confirms that Security officers are on the way, and that the Cape Fear is ready for lift off.

Idrani considers the situation quickly and decides that provoking open combat with children behind her is not an optimal situation. She slowly spreads her hands, showing that she is not armed. "All right," she says softly, in a tone used to diffuse angry diplomats in the conference room. "They know that we didn't die in a transporter accident. You have an ADF warship out there and a Federation space station. One of them is going to find you. And Andorians are rather particular about protecting their children. If you run, you will be hunted down. And you would much rather have Starfleet find you than the ADF."

Haven again lets Idrani speak. A Bajoran temper right now isn't going to help. So instead, she focuses herself on the children. They are small and while not stupid, clearly not old enough to really grasp what the other adults are talking about. her crouch becomes a seated position as she draws the little ones in to her, keeping them calm and settled. See? No threat here. Ahem.

The Orion snorts, his phaser never lowering. "A /warship/? It's a bloody transport, woman. And to find us it would have to be able to see us. We've been to Fimdari before without your vaunted ADF catching us, I doubt it will be any different now. I admit, having you and your fellow officer complicates matters but.. Oh well, thats business. I hope you understand that this isn't personal." He snaps his fingers and the two other men, one orion and one a tellarite, with the rifles step out of the shadows. "You know what do to do, gentlemen. Just don't harm the children. We won't get paid if they so much as get bruised." The head Orion turns around and heads out of the room, leaving the Women to the burly guards with the vicious smiles. They slip their rifles back on their shoulders and crack their knuckles/hoofs. Two women shouldn't be hard to take care of.

Idrani inhales slowly, then exhales. She doesn't bother to point out that even an Andorian transport is more heavily armed than most government's warships. She takes a couple steps forward, putting some distance between herself and the children. "Look, I'm just a diplomatic officer. I know people, all right?" Even as she speaks, her adreneline flows to her muscles in the pre-battle readiness.

Haven laughs inside. Oh, are they screwed, now. -Just- a diplomatic officer? Right.. and Admiral Kirk was -just- another ordinary officer. Loni just keeps the kids with her, settled and calm. She even gets the oldest to start a little quiet game of paddy cake. She also moves the littlest one of her lap. Just so she can spring up if needed.

The two Guards chortle between themselves, continuing to advance on the group. "We know people too.." the orion says, heading towards Idrani with a muderous glint in his eyes. The Tellarite nods. "Yeah.. especially how long it takes to break em in half." the porcine bully finishes, heading towards Haven.

Idrani waits until the Orion steps a little closer, then suddenly she is in motion. She rushes forward, striking at the Orion's throat in a palm-heel thrust, generally designed to incapiciate due to blunt-force trauma to the windpipe.

Haven was maneuvering the children for just this reason. She's on the floor yes but for Loni, it's a good place to be. As the Tellarite comes in close, she strikes out with a powerful kick to his knee's. 15 years of Martial arts can make that simple kick something to be reckoned with. Hopefully.

As Haven and Idrani both fight to protect themeslve and their young wards, a Runabout slips out of it's hold and arcs towards the genral location where the Andorian diplomatic officer's final transmission was picked up. The Cape fear circles the area, it's compliment of security officers (along with Va'tol, Cristobal and Harris all at their respective terminals) ready and waiting to not only find their missing comrades, but end this kidnapping nonsense once and for all. The ADF transport Recklan backs them up, a compliment of ADF soldiers waiting, their ship lending assistance in the scanning for the invisible ship

Va'tol takes his seat as the Pilot. There is little to do now but wait until something pops on the scan.

Cristobal is seated at the tactical station behind the other two officers. "Ensign, the enemy ship's last known position was between Four-One-Nine and the Recklan. Given that we have not detected any tachyon emissions, it is possible that they have not yet moved. I recommend we focus on that area."

Harris grumbles to himself as he sets up the computer to analyze the subspace interference and attempt to punch through it. Every few moments, he tabs a transmit control. "Runabout Cape Fear to Lt. Idrani or Lt. Haven. Please respond," he sends, followed by a moment holding the little earpiece into his ear.

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

There is only static that comes from the speakers of teh communications console.

GAME: Cristobal spends a courage point.

GAME: Va'tol spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

"Hmm. I detect a considerable amount cronitons being attracted to a single spot in space..." He says, transferring his readings to the rest of the Cape Fear consoles. It doesn't seem very natural. "Could be a trace from the cloaking device. Lt. Cristobal, prepare phasers. Ensign Harris, try to contact the vessel." he says.

That was Ensign Vatol.

Cristobal's fingers fly across his console, "Attempting to lock on to the trace," he says.

Harris mutters under his breath for a moment before toggling the hailing frequencies. "Federation Runabout Cape Fear to the unidentified cloaked vessel in this vicinty. Disengage your cloaking device and heave to for boarding." He presses the mute button, glancing out the window above his station before glancing back at the other bridge crew members. "Was that too blunt?"

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

There is no answers to Mr. Harris's hails, nothing at all. Just an open channel that contuinues to repeat static. Mr. Cristobal tries to get a phaser lock on something.. anything, but his tactical sensors can't find anything to lock onto.. just an amorphous blob of nothingness defined by a faint outline of chronitons.

GAME: Idrani spends a courage point.

GAME: Haven spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Haven (claiming advantage) contests her Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

As the crew of the shuttle craft try in vain to get a lock on the vessel, Idrani and Haven are pulling out no stops to turn their own precarious situation around. Idrani strikes out with her palm blow to the orions throat. Caught unprepared, teh stupid orion gasps and grabs at his windpipe as it is /almost/ crushed by the blow. He falls to his knees, gagging and vomiting, his rifle clanking to the floor. Haven's kick, though, has been anticipated by the burly tellarite and is kicked aside. He swings at her, his hoven fist flashing through the air.

<CONTEST> Haven contests her Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Idrani scoops up the Orion's rifle and points it at the Tellarate. "Get down on the floor NOW!!" Oh yes, gone is the soft spoken diplomatic officer. In her place is a pissed off Andorian woman with a gun and Command training.

Haven was ready for a counter-attack so she drops lower then the Tellarite's center. This means it's punch sails right over her head. She may not be much of a fighter but she move, and quick. With the Tellarite over-extended above her, Loni pushes straight at him, shoulder into his gut. He's already off balance with the punch that went wide.

<CONTEST> Haven (claiming advantage) contests her Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

With Idrani yelling out threats, and the Tellarite already off balance, Havens tackle has the amazing effect of toppling the large humanoid to the ground, where he strikes his head. All is quiet for a second, as everyone just looks around. Then, in a roar, the children who were frightened beyond belief only minutes before rush over the two assailants in a wave of blue limbs. It is, to say the least, a disturbing sight to watch a herd of pre-pubescant andorians (and a human and bolian) basically render the already down guards out of service. Probably for quite a while, considering the footprints that can be seen.

Idrani picks up the second phaser rifle and hands it to Haven. She calls off the onslaught of children, then takes a quick survey of her room. "We're likely on a cloaked ship of some kind," She says, thinking out loud as she is sure that Haven has come to the same conclusion. "And our people are looking for us. We need to figure out a way to get their attention." She glances at the children again. "Let's get these two secured before they decide to wake up."

Haven comes to her feet rather quickly then collects the things weapon. A quick check of the settings and she's moving toward the kids. "Hey, guys.. C'mon, look at me now.. That was a great job.. just great and I'm so proud of you for standing up for yourselves but now Idrani and I need to get them all tied up.. So, go have a seat then we'll plan what's next." She smiles and winks, ruffling hair here and there as they head off as asked, whispering among themselves. Loni flashes Idrani a worried look as they go.

The kids beam at Haven and Idrani, all sprawled over the guards bodies.. more then a few sitting on their bruised and bloody heads. A few of the kids run for their dufflebags and grab at the shoulder straps, tearing them off and rushing back. In seconds, the two mean guards are hogtied, presented as presents to the starfleet officers. "We do good?" the young Bolian boy asks, his puppy dog eyes looking for anything resembling praise, biting his lower lip shyly.

Idrani smiles at the little Bolian, "Yes, you did, little one." She takes a quick perusal of the room. "We could seal the children in here. The pirates already said that they won't hurt them. Then you and I either find some way to confound the cloaking device or we take the bridge."

<CONTEST> Idrani contests her Starship Tactics (Naval) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

As Idrani and Haven try to figure out just how to get the stations attention, teh Cape Fear and it's crew continue to circle the area.. They get a message from Ensign Peroit on the station, that ops is tryiing to assist them.

The Vulcan leans against his chair, considering. Well, enough being Mr. Diplomat. "Lt. Cristobal, keep trying. Ensign Harris, search for any life readings. Center on the chroniton buildup." The Ensign does the same, trying to scan for signs, despite the difficulty that might represent. Over com he speaks. "Cape Fear to Ops. As soon as you get a lock on the cloaked ship, use the tractor beam to hold them."

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Cristobal emits a grumble of frustration as he continues to attempt to lock-on. "No good, there's nothing the sensors can pick up on to lock on to."

Harris glances at the sensor subsystems, staring at the controls as if they are written in Klingon. "I'm... not exactly qualified to run this thing, sir," he warns as he pulls up the display that will operate the controls. "I'm a pilot, not a scientist."

GAME: Harris spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Harris contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

The Shuttlecraft slows it's circling as it's crew redouble their efforts to lock onto the vessel. /On/ the vessel, Idrani and Haven are trying to figure out how to get the outsides attention.

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Idrani ponders for another moment or two, then the proverbial lightbulb appears between her antennae. "Children, I need you to listen." Once she has everyone's attention, the young Andorian continunes. "Dr. Haven and I are going to go take care of business. I need you to stay in this room here. Be very quiet and lock the door behind us." She indicates the oldest child. "You're in charge while we're gone. Just keep everyone here and don't open the door unless you hear from me or Dr. Haven. Do you understand?" To Haven, "We're going to find and launch an escape pod. It should be fairly easy to do and hopefully, it'll be enough for our people to come find us."

The children just sit there quietly, basking in the glory of their conquest.

Haven checks her weapon setting then nods. "Lets do it."

We cut to the Cape Fear and it's crew.

Va'tol nods in acknowledgement to Harris. He really hates being understaffed, but there's no sign of frustration on the Vulcan's face. He remains call despite all. "Ensign Harris, you will take the Helm, I will take Ops. Keep trying to contact them, and if any of you have any suggestions, I am all ears.." He says, having little ideas right now. "Lt. Cristobal, you know what to do." The Ensign stays on the sensors.

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Cristobal knows what to do, but knowing it and doing it are proving to be two entirely different things. Suddenly, his console goes green. "I've got a lock!" he exclaims, seeming rather surprised.

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Harris switches his console over to helm after tabbing the automatic hail on, turning his gaze to the viewport ahead. "We know where they are..." he grumbles half-jokingly. "We could turn the SIF to full and set a collision course. I'd decloak and move if it were me." He blinks at Cristobal, then turns to his console. "Altering course for our prime weapons arcs."

Back on the Cloaked Vessel, in the Hallway outside the dark hold...

Idrani after changing her weapon setting to Heavy Stun, Idrani moves down the hallway with Haven in the "Security two step". Not far from the room they just left, she finds a bank of eight escape pods. "Keep me covered please, Doctor." Idrani murmurs as she begins trying to launch one of them.

Haven nods, gun held at the ready. While she's watching, her own free hand works to to launch pods as well.

We cut to a scene of outer space, somehwere between the Station and the ADF Recklar. The Cape Fear is slowly circling the area where the cloaked vessel is trying to figure out a way to drop the cloak when their problem seems to someway solve itself. There is a flash of light.. then another.. followed by almost 6 more in rapid succession. Escape pods passing through the ships cloak, interfering with the field as they pass through it. Cloaking devices were never meant to be passed through when on, not without a few problems. The cloaking field causes each pod to spark and explode as they are overpowered.. probably due to the strange oscilation the field has developed. The two events coupled together seem to the the straw that broke the camel's back since there is a shimmering in space as the cloak disengages, along with the vessel's shields, and the silhouette of a black and gold vessel shaped like an egg split lengthwise appears.

Va'tol turns his head to the screen quickly at the sight of explosions. The vessel's appearance comes a quick relief for the Vulcan. His fingers dance across the console, performing another scan. "Lt. Cristobal. Aim at their weapon array. Ensign Harris, hail the ship one more time. I wish to give them a last chance." he says, tapping his compin right afterwards.

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

The faint lock, which Cristobal had taken to be the ship's power source, is indeed the power source of the vessel. Cristobal frowns faintly at Va'tol's order but changes the target lock. Cristobal fires the forward phasers, which lance across the front of the vessel. "Maybe they'll take it as a warning shot," he grumbles.

Harris glances up from his readouts. "Their comm relay is burnt out, sir," he replies softly. "They're not going to answer the phone."

Cristobal's shot misses the ships weapons, but does pass close to the bow as if it were intended to be a warning shot. Just after the shot is fired, the station's tractor beams lance out and grab at the strange vessel, holding it in place. There are sparks along the ships engines as power relays fizzle out.. apparently the failing cloak did more damage to poiwer systems then anyone would have guessed. The ship is unmoving in space. On the vessel, klaxxons wail as the ship shakes a bit, being caught in the beam.

Idrani puts a hand on the wall to catch her balance. "Well." She glances at Haven. "Shall we take the bridge?"

Haven rolls with the ship and grins. "As if you need to ask?" She hefts her weapon and says, "These guys are stopped here and now. There kids go home safely and grow up.. the normal way." Yes, she's more then a little pissed over this situation.

Back on the Cape Fear, Ensign Peroits voice is calm now, telling the crew that the station has the ship in it's tractor and that it seems to be going nowhere. All channels of communcations are now open.

Va'tol taps his comm badge, "Ensign Va'tol to Operations."

Over Va'tol's comm badge a voice answers, "Lieutenant JG Medes here."

Into his comm badge, Va'tol says, "Lieutenant. We have two of our officers inside that ship, along with the children we were supposed to the deliver to the ADF. See if you can try locking on them. Any information available on the vessel would be welcome, considering our lack of engineer and a science officers at the moment."

From Va'tol's comm badge, Medes says, "Ensign, we are currently forwarding you all of the information we have about the vessel. It's worth nothing that the ship is /not/ in our database. Given that the last ships I ran across not in our database were when we rescued the kids from the Fallen Star, and what we know about them... I'd make an educated guess it's a highly customized ship with a very high-quality hull. We can get a positive transporter lock on the children but not our officers, and we will be moving them out of the crossfire. We'll try to get a lock on our officers, and any further information we get on the ship will be sent across directly. I'm being told that the ADF Recklar is beaming over a huge boarding party."

Harris glances at his readouts. "Looks like the Andorians aren't waiting. Confirming a whole bunch of beamins to the bogey from the Recklar."

Into his comm badge, Va'tol says, "Acknowledged. Keep me informed, Lieutenant. Va'tol out."

Cristobal looks like he would like to join them. He scowls for a moment before chuckling grimly and saying, "Something tells me that in a few minutes, they're going to wish they had just let us come aboard and get the kids back."

Va'tol reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.

On board the enemy ship, shimmering beams of transporter energy are coaleascig around Haven and Idrani as they make their way towards the bridge. Adf officer after Adf officer materializes in step with the Starfleet Officers, clutching there rifles. Commander Meliak appears right beside The two officer. "We thought you could use the help.." he says with a smirk. "They may be our children but.. well this is your territory here." Imagine that, an ADF officer deffering command.

Idrani smiles a little. "Glad to have you with us, Commander. You caught us on our way to the bridge. We've got our weapons on heavy stun. We'll need these pirates for trial, I believe. I'll take point."

Haven frowns then says, "Commander, direct at least one of your men to the hold. The children won't open the doors but a guard down there wouldn't be a bad idea. No reason to give these idiots more hostages. You know?" She perks a brow then falls in directly behind Idrani.

Meliak chuckles and nods. "Aye 'sirs'." he looks over his shoulder, "Okay you grunts back there.. heavy stun! Naklik.. Boomer.. You two head back to the.. oh wait.." Meliak's earpeice comm crackles as they get closer to the Bridge. "The Recklar confirms that your station has got the kids beamed back.

Idrani blinks, "I hope that did not make the children angry..." she murmurs, thinking that the kids might be just that.

Haven chuckles and shakes her head. "Shall we go kick some ass?"

Meliak grunts and motions for the doors to the bridge. "

Meliak grunts and motions for the doors to the bridge. "Ladies with big rifles first."

Idrani waits until everyone is in position, then gives the signal to move. She goes in first, opening fire on anything that looks like an Orion.

GAME: Idrani spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Energy Weapon (Phaser Rifle) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

GAME: Haven spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Haven (claiming advantage) contests her Energy Weapon (Phaser Rifle) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

As soon as Idrani clears the doorway, Haven sweeps in, her own rifle jumping in her hands as she fires on the enemy from the other side of the room.

Meliak and his troops folow after them. There is a blaze of phaser fire across the bridge, string down 5 crewmembers.. Haven and Idrani took out four of them actually, as the were in front. Meliak dropped the fifth. The rest of his men missed mainly because they didn't have clear shots. The only One remaining standing is the commanding Orion who had held the phaser to them in the Hold and ordered their disposal. He looks postively fearful. "Uh.. can't we talk about this?" he asks, eyes as big as saucers.

Back on the Cape Fear....

"Lt. Cristobal, for now maintain your lock on the unidentified vessel. Ensign Harris, let's try locking on our two officers one more time.." His gaze never leaves the console, nor his hands.

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Cristobal (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tactical) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Cristobal blinks as the lock is lost. "Energy discharges detected from aboard the enemy vessel," he reports.

Without much trouble, Harris and Va'tol are both able to make seperate locks on Haven and Idrani.. who seem to be in the center of a rather large grouping of Andorians on the bridge. The children are no longer on the ship, sensors picking them up as being now on the station. There are other lifesigns, andorian, human and tellarite.. 6 total all but one andorian seems unconcious. And back on the Ship, that /one/ andorian, is looking miiiighty meek at the moment.

Now that she has their attention... "Get down on the floor, RIGHT NOW!" Idrani barks at the one pirate that remain conscious, sounding like your Academy faculty advisor after you were late to formation your freshman year. She glowers at the Orion, definitely remembering /him/. "I told you that Andorians were rather particular about protecting their children. You didn't listen." She glances at Meliak with a smile. "Commander, please confirm to the Recklar that we have secured the bridge of this vessel and ask them if they would be so kind as to relay that to the S419 and whatever Starfleet vessels are in the area?" The soft spoken, polite diplomatic officer is back.

The orion whimpers and can't get on his face fast enough, hands behind his head.

. o O Idrani thinks "I can't /wait/ to tell Golden about this. Hee."

Haven's jaw tightens as her finger does on the trigger of her weapon. How easy it would be. She sighs and takes a full two steps back. This allows the Commander to move in front of her. Can't shoot the bad guy if you can't see him. Yeah, this is much safer.

Meliak grins, slapping Haven and Idrani on the shoulder. "Good work, ladies. You just made this trip a heluvalot more interesting. We'll have some neat stories to tell the keth around the fire when we get back." He steps up to the quivering orion and nudges him in ribs with a boot.. "And maybe some Green Praeire Oysters to roast as well, if Your security permits us to have this one after you are done with him."

Idrani's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant JG Medes to Lieutenant JG Idrani."

Idrani taps her comm badge, "Lieutenant JG Idrani here."

From Idrani's comm badge, Medes says, "Lt. Idrani, this is Ops at 419. What is your situation, and what do you need from us?"

Into her comm badge, Idrani says, "Lieutenant, we have secured the bridge of this vessel. We have seven incapicated pirates, one conscious. Blowing out their cloak seemed to do some damage to their systems. We will probably need a tow back to the station and get these individuls locked in the brig before they come around. I'll try to see if I can find any more hostiles on internal sensors, but I am going to ask that the ADF officers do a visual sweep of secured areas."

Meliak turns around and nods, hearing Idrani. "Yes, Ma'am. We /can/ do that. Okay kiddies, it's time to see if the playground is clear. You know the drill.. Sweep one, two.. Sweep." And with that he orders half his compliment off the bridge.

From Idrani's comm badge, Medes says, "Roger. We have a tractor lock on you and will be able to tow you back to the station. I will attempt to have Sciences get a transporter lock on the prisoners and beam them directly to the brig. We've got detailed scans of the ship running here as well, if we find anything else, we'll let you know. Please contact us immediately if you require further assistance. I'll relay this to the Cape Fear. Ops out."

Idrani's comm badge ends its transmission.

Haven pops off from the back of the group of Andorians. "I'll head out to do that visual sweep." Anything to get off that bridge and away from that .... /thing/.

Idrani nods to acknowlege Haven. She takes a quick view of the bridge. It may be a pirate ship that she just boarded and took, but for the moment, she has the conn. For the first time, Idrani takes a seat in the command chair, a faint smile on her lips.

The Orion just lies there, under the watchful eye of Meliak and Idrani, the fear of his life getting more terrible every passing second. Just hearing what the bajoran who just left said the bajoran almost made him pee his pants.. not what she said.. the way she said it....

And back on the Cape Fear....

Harris glances up from his console. "The Recklar is signalling... Commander Meliak, Lt. Idrani, and Dr. Haven have taken the enemy bridge, the children are safe, and..." he pauses, tilting his earpiece slightly before glancing at the others on the bridge. "We're welcome anytime on Fimdari, and we have their eternal gratitude. Message repeats." He checks the helm status to make sure everything's okay, then turns his gaze back to the strange vessel outside the viewport. "Not bad for a night's work."

The Vulcan nods, taking his hands off the console for the first time. "Indeed. Take us back to the Station, Ensign Harris. Our job is done here.." he states, with the same calm and cold tone of voice.

Cristobal comments drily, "What're you two talking about? We didn't do anything. We flew out in the shuttle, couldn't find them, and couldn't hit them when we could find them."

Va'tol's comm badge chirrups, and a voice says, "Lieutenant JG Medes to Ensign Va'tol."

Va'tol taps his comm badge, "Ensign Va'tol here."

From Va'tol's comm badge, Medes says, "Ensign, I've been in contact with Lt. Idrani. They have secured the bridge of the vessel and are conducting further scans to make certain there are no additional hostiles on board. We will be transporting their prisoners directly to the brig. The station's tractor beam will bring the captured ship back to 419."

Into his comm badge, Va'tol says, "Acknowledged, Lieutenant. Thank you for your aid. Unless you need us for further research, the Cape Fear will be heading back to the Shuttle Bay."

From Va'tol's comm badge, Medes answers, "Negative, Ensign." There's a brief pause, there, and then she adds, obviously joking, "And make sure you wipe your feet when you leave." Ha ha. She jokes with the Vulcan. Woo. Ahem.

Into his comm badge, Va'tol says, ""I..will, Lieutenant.." He didn't really get it, but you can't blame a Vulcan for trying. "Va'tol out.""

Va'tol's comm badge ends its transmission.

And on that note, we pull away from the Cape Fear as she makes her lazy circle back towards the Station. The ADF Recklar, having transmitted that they will wait twenty four hours until another ADF ship arrives to escort them home /with/ the children, also heads towards the docking rings. And the Strange gold and black vessel? She is pulled towards the station by the tractor beam, Idrani in the captains seat, as Haven and her 'troops' secure the vessel, finding no other Pirates, kidnappers, or whatever interests these people represent on board. While more questions then answers have come up as a result of tonights actions, one can't help but notice what a windfall this vessel and her crew will be to finally solving the mystery of these, and perhaps a dozen or more other, kidnappings across the quadrant. And who, or what, is in charge of these dastard deeds.

fade to black