Chapter III: Reunited

We can't catch a break. Let's scan and see how many there are. Do you think we should target them with the weapons and offer to trade their prisoners for ours? Maybe if we have the drop on them, they will listen

Waiting for someone on the Verdun to either answer their canned hail or to give some other type of response, Cass says, "Are sensors picking up any other vessels in the vicinity? I don't want to get caught in another ambush trap."

Marbo goes to his office. After ensuring the door is sealed up tight he opens the bottom drawer of his desk, and reaches inside. When he withdraws his hand hes holding something he stashed there a long time ago, his phaser. Issued to everyone, marbo never liked the idea of murder or even stunning people, but he needs to be prepared. He sheaths it underneath the mechanical collar he is wearing, and begins typing furiously on his datapad

Cass uses her comm badge. "Cassano to Darcy. We've picked up three ships in the vicinity. Looks like they're using this ship as bait for another trap."

Moira looks to Darcy.

Think it's our folk? If not, tha weapons systems can be back online as soon as ah give tha order.

"What kind of ships are they? Size, origin?"

Aye, Lieutenant Commander.

Moira has to admit. Darcy is her father's daughter. She looks like a natural in that chair. She wishes her pa was here to actually see his little girl stepping up.

Zephyr paces the floor of the bridge a few times, his eyes scanning the floor as if reading some imaginary writing.

"I believe Lorq is right. Let's try to negotiate a hostage trade. Except I'm of the opinion we should not target them with our weapons first. Violence is more often an obstacle to conflict resolution, rather than a catalyst in my experience. We want them to know we're truly willing to negotiate."

Zephyr moves back over to the science station.

"Raising shields," and he presses a few buttons on the panel, "Alex, you seem like the negotiating type. Would you like to take the lead?"

Alex nods curtly and takes a deep breath.

"This is Lt. Commander Alexandra Lloyd of the Consortium aboard the USS Verdun. We are willing to negotiate a trade of any Spacefleet hostages aboard your captured vessel for your fellows aboard this ship. We have no desire to escalate this conflict beyond a peaceful exchange and diplomatic negotiation."

Cass raises her eyebrows. "Okay, it's looking better for the 'our people have command of the bridge' scenario," she says. She's leaving her comm badge open to Darcy to ensure that the Potential knows what's happening in real time. "Of course, this means we'll have to find a 'working' communications system. Patch me through the communications system on Runabout 1." Cass scans her memory of the conversation with the parasite (avoiding the memory of its messy conclusion) and says, "We do not negotiate with meatbags. What have you done with our brethren? If you have harmed any of our brothers, we will bury you in particle filtration nubs until you beg for the sweet release of death."

For the love of the galaxy, please let this Alex person be up to date on her Spacefleet code words, Cass thinks.