COMPILE_TERMINAL_VIEW
USS Paladin
Piercing The Iron Curtain 2025-04-17
Compiled by Calvin
=================================================================================
Mission: Piercing The Iron Curtain
Day: 1
Stardate: 2407.01.10
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten-Forward, ACEO Lt JG Matrix, 1758)
(USS Paladin, Ten-Forward, ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn,1800)
(USS Paladin, Personal Quarters - CMO Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1840)
(USS Paladin - Calvin's Quarters - FO Lt. Cmdr Capps - 20:00)
(USS Paladin, O'Connor's Quarters - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 2200)
(USS Paladin - Deck 5, Joran's Quarters - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 22:37)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten-Forward, ACEO Lt JG Matrix, 1758)
Matrix had been sitting alone at one of the far tables, he briefly
looked up
as Alura walked in. He smiled inside, then looked again as she walked
toward
the bar.
Alura spoke, "Lieutenant."
Matrix stood up as she walked to the table, "Ensign, I'm happy you
could
make it, please sit down." Alura was probably the closest thing to a
friend
on board the Paladin, or in Star Fleet for that matter. He was growing
to
cherish time with the Bajoran.
She took the proferred seat across the table and faced him taking a
quick
sip of her drink then used the provided napkin to wipe away the foam
from
her lips.
"How're you doing?" It felt a little awkward talking to her former CEO
in an
informal setting.
Matrix dropped the formalities as soon as he saw her enter the room,
"Not
well Alura, but coping." Matrix sensed she wasn't all that comfortable,
but
he relaxed too, hoping she would do the same.
Tact wasn't her strong suit, so she returned to form and said what was
on
her mind. "I'm sorry that you lost the CEO position. I've been slapped
with
that scourge before, and it stings for awhile."
Matrix motioned the bartender to come over. "I know, being in Star
Fleet
things like this happen, but I didn't care for how it was played out. I
did
meet with the Captain and she said it was news to her to. I can
understand
in a way since we're at war. The best people need to be in the key
roles. At
the same time I'm a bit relieved." The bartender walked up to their
table,
Matrix looked up. "Please another...thank you."
(Reply Rathyn)
Matrix drank the rest of his tea, "I'll take this as an opportunity to
learn
and grow. If we survive this mission and the outcome of the war I might
be a
better officer, not to mention a better person."
(Reply Rathyn)
Matrix sat up and leaned into the table elbows first. "Alura, can I
speak
freely with you?"
(posted by Steve)
=======================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Ten-Forward, ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn, 1800)
"Cardassian magrun tonic," Ensign Rathyn said to the
bartender. Few Bajorans drank anything of thier old
enemies, but she did have a taste for some of the
beverages developed by her grandfather's people. A
frothy glass mug filled with a creamy orange liquid
was set before her. She took it up and moved toward
Matrix' table. Drawing near, she announced her
approach. "Lieutenant."
Matrix stood up as she walked toward him, "Ensign, I'm
happy you could make it. Please sit down." Alura was
probably the closest thing to a friend on board the
Paladin, or in Star Fleet for that matter. He was
growing to cherish time with the Bajoran.
She took the proferred seat across the table and faced
him taking a quick sip of her drink then used the
provided napkin to wipe away the foam from her lips.
"How're you doing?" It felt a little awkward talking
to her former CEO in an informal setting.
Matrix dropped the formalities as soon as he saw her
enter the room, "Not well Alura, but coping." Matrix
sensed she wasn't all that comfortable, but he relaxed
too, hoping she would do the same.
Tact wasn't her strong suit, so she returned to form
and said what was on her mind. "I'm sorry that you
lost the CEO position. I've been slapped with that
scourge before, and it stings for awhile."
Matrix motioned the bartender to come over. "I know,
being in Star Fleet things like this happen, but I
didn't care for how it was played out. I did meet with
the Captain and she said it was news to her to. I can
understand in a way since we're at war. The best
people need to be in the key roles. At the same time
I'm a bit relieved." The bartender walked up to their
table, Matrix looked up. "Please another...thank you."
"So what's your next move?" she asked him.
Matrix drank the rest of his tea, "I'll take this as
an opportunity to learn and grow. If we survive this
mission and the outcome of the war I might be a better
officer, not to mention a better person."
"Don't sell yourself short," she told him. "You're
already a good man. I don't know what happened, but in
my experience, command officers sometimes forget
they're dealing with real, breathing sentient beings."
Matrix sat up and leaned into the table elbows first.
"Alura, can I speak freely with you?"
She was a little surprised at hearing that question
from a higher-ranking officer. "I prefer it that way.
I may not always agree with what someone tells me, and
I don't mind rebutting, but I prefer people tell me
what they think ... straightforward and undiluted."
(posted by David)
==========================================================================
(USS Paladin, Personal Quarters - CMO Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1840)
Jared walked through the door with a mournful _expression on his face, the weight of the days revelations was beginning
to weigh on him.
::How are you my love?::
Her looked up to see his beautiful wife smiling at him with her long red hair done up in the back with a band and an
oven mitt on her right hand holding a transparent dish of lasagna... just as she had promised.
He sighed. ::I don't like what's happening Talinna and I'm not sure my new ACMO is going to cut it, there was some
problems down in cargo bay 3 and he went ballistic, I had to send him to his quarters to cool down. I know a lot of
it is this damn war and he's fresh out of the academy but I'm worried about him.::
::Come into the dining room.:: She sent as she turned around with a wink and walked ahead of him to the table.
"Daddy!" Before he knew it Yssandra and Lyara were draped around him hugging him. ::What's wrong daddy? You're so
tense.:: Lyara sent.
Jared forced a smile. ::I'll tell you about it after dinner.:: He sat down with relish upon noticing a large piece
of lasagna, piping hot garlic bread and steamed artichoke hearts had already been dished for him. Talinna finished
pouring him a glass of red wine and handed it to him as he sat.
::Don't worry about what happened, just eat your dinner.:: She projected as she gave him a kiss.
::Thank you my love, what would I do without you?:: He asked as he took a sip of the rich wine and then gave a great
sigh. ::A few of these and I'll forget anything bad happened today. How would that look? CMO forgets a war is on
schedule and is shocked to find casualties in sickbay?:: He laughed then, half mirth and half sarcasm then looked
her in the eyes. ::I'm so lucky to have you.::
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Calvin's Quarters - FO Lt. Cmdr Capps - 20:00)
Calvin was tired, and all he wanted to do was eat and go to bed. He wasn't expecting anyone to come over as everyone
was up to their heads with work to do. The First Officer had plenty to do, but he wanted to start with a fresh mind
in the morning. If he continued to work any he wouldn't even been able to comprehend what he was doing.
He brought his hand up to his mouth and yawned as he walked to the replicator. "Capps favorite cuisine number 1," he
said as he waited for his food. He moved away from the replicator as he knew that the food would be too hot to eat.
He liked his food to cool down from being hot instead of it being the perfect temperature when it materialized from
the replicator.
He moved to the bedroom where he dis-robed and put his sleeping clothes on. A blue cloth long sleeve shirt that had 5
buttons on the front with matching blue pajama pants. It looked plain for there was no design on it. After he finished
putting it on he walked back into the kitchen to earth his food.
Calvin reached the replicator and took the tray out of the replicator. On the tray was a plate, glass, eating utensils,
and a single napkin. He placed the tray on the glass table in front of his chair that he normally sat in. As he was about
to sit down his door chime rang.
~Mmm~ Calvin simply thought. He wasn't expecting anyone, so he decided to play it safe. After all he was in his
sleeping clothes already. Calvin then heard the chime again. "Computer hear is at my door."
[Ensign Elizabeth Knightley]
"Come in," Calvin said. He stood up and walked toward the entrance door. "Elizabeth, I had no idea you were coming
over tonight. I thought you were busy."
"I was busy, but I worked as fast as I could to come see you," Elizabeth said. She elevated herself on her toes to
reach Calvin's lips and gave him a kiss. Calvin kissed back with equal passion.
"Are you hungry?"
"Very."
"Well, I made dinner for one. But I don't see why I can't make or should I say order one more for you." Calvin smiled
while looking at Elizabeth.
"I cannot help but see that you are already in your pajamas." Elizabeth joked.
"Well I was ready for bed." Calvin replied.
Elizabeth smiled. "Lets forget dinner, lets go to bed!"
Calvin didn't argue he stood up and walked into the bedroom with her.
(posted by Calvin)
===================================================================================
(USS Paladin, O'Connor's Quarters - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 2200)
Michael had gone over what he could in his office, checking systems,
and locations and power levels. Finally tired enough to quit for the
day, he retired to his quarters.
Walking into the room, he really looked at it for the first time. He
hadn't been in the room other than to drop his gear before. The suite
looked rather empty, the walls were bare, the furniture was spartan to
say the least. He had a couch and a couple of chairs, and an end
table and coffee table that came with the living room, a desk,
computer terminal, and chair were in the small office, and his bedroom
had a bed, dresser, and that was about it. He opened the hard sided
case that he had shipped some of his belongings in, and started
unpacking the few items he owned that came with him where ever he
went. Gathering up the pictures and holos he had of his family, he
placed one of his sisters on the end table in the living room and one
of his whole family on his desk. He missed his family a lot, being
stationed so far away from Earth, it was unlikely that he would see
his sisters or parents for a very very long time, at least not unless
something very very strange happened.
He quickly placed his clothes in the dresser and stashed his personal
PADDs and memory chips that had all of his personally designed
programs and various sub-routines he had found useful over the years,
in his desk. He recorded a message for his family, letting them know
he had been transferred and letting them know how to get a hold of
him, and saved it to send after the mission was over, as he didn't
want to risk sending a comm message all that way and have it give
their position away.
After he was all done, he got ready for bed and set the alarm to wake
him up a good two hours before his shift as he wanted to be on the
bridge early the next morning before the rest of Alpha shift got on,
so he would be up to speed and ready for his first full day. Turning
out the lights, Michael laid down and closed his eyes, wondering what
the next day would bring his way.
(Posted by Patrick)
=============================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 5, Joran's Quarters - CSO/2O Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 22:37)
Joran settled into his favorite chair and curled up under an ancient blanket that one of his ancestors acquired in the
Mexican region of Earth 400 years ago. As he began to zone out, he remembered he had forgotten to feed Ranger. He woke
himself back up, and walked over to the replicator.
"Mixed chicken organs," he said, and a bowl of chicken innards shimmered into existence on the pad. He carried it over
towards the eagerly waiting dog, and set it down. He went back over to the chair, and noticed that he left the book he
was reading over at the replicator. Feeling too tired to go get it, he walked over to his bed. On the way over, however,
he saw in the mirror that the book was floating in the air towards his bed along with him! Shocked, he woke to full
alertness and the book fell to the ground. He tapped his communicator and said, "Lt. Brownlee to Sickbay."
(reply Sickbay)
"I have just witnessed something odd in my quarters, and I believe that it is my doing. I will explain further when
I get down there."
(posted by Spencer)
==============================================================================
Mission: Piercing The Iron Curtain
Day: 2
Stardate: 2407.01.11
=============================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:15)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 8:15)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:16)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0817)
(USS Paladin, Marine Quarters - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0820)
(USS Paladin, Marine Armory - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0825)
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Micheal Ian O'Connor - 0826)
(USS Paladin - Marine Section - MCO Conner Tirrel - 08:27)
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0828)
(USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0829)
(USS Paladin, "Fire and Brimstone" bunk room - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, 0835)
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:48)
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0849)
(USS Paldin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:50)
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 08:52)
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0853)
(USS Paladin - Deck 4, Transporter Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 08:50)
(USS Horizon, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Shan Telar - 0850)
(USS Horizon - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 0851)
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0855)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:00)
(USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0900)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:01)
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 09:01)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:02)
(USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0902)
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0903)
(USS Paladin - Marine Hanger deck - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:04)
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0905)
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:05)
(USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0905)
(USS Paladin - Trojan Two Zero - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:08)
(USS GS Patton Jr - Heavy Weapon Armory - Act 3rd Lieutenant 'Gandhi'Fillmore - 0910)
(Trojan Two-Zero - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0910)
(USS GS Patton Jr - Office - 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Darren Jackson- 0915)
=============================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:15)
Eva was seated in her chair looking over various departmental
reports. On the main view screen a pair of Vor'Cha class Attack
Cruisers
glided by in the distance patrolling the outer edges of the
reassembling
battle group. The USS Kronos and the USS S'Urak could also be seen on
either side of the Paladin in lead positions as the battle group moved
at
impulse speed still waiting for the arrival of the rest of the battle
group.
"Sir we are being hailed by the USS Horizon," Ensign O'Connor said
suddenly from OPS.
"On screen," Eva said, looking at the Ensign briefly before turning
her attention to the main viewer. The view quickly changed from the
various star ships to the interior view of the bridge of the Horizon
and
her captain. Even before the Andorian Captain spoke you could tell the
Horizon had seen heavy fighting. Blown out consoles and blackened
bulkhead
could be seen in the background. Captain At'Terk also bore the
evidence of
a brutal fight. One of his antenna was significantly shorter than the
other and was heavily bandaged, one of his arms was in a sling, and a
nasty
burn covered nearly a half of his face..
=/\=Commodore,=/\= At'Terk said in a deep gravely voice, =/\=While
en route to the rendezvous my strike team was ambushed by 6 ships loyal
to
the cur Doenitz=/\= At'Terk spat the name with obvious hatred. =/\=We
took
heavy damage but in the end we where victorious, and the traitor has 6
less
ships at his command. We are currently making best speed to the
rendezvous. We should arrive in a couple of hours, that is if my Chief
Engineer can keep our warp drive on line. The Titanic and the Langley
have
also taken heavy damage. The Mournblade is towing the Witchfire which
has
lost main power. We will require some assistance in repairing our
damaged
systems and with wounded.=/\=
Eva's face had gone hard as At'Terk had spoken. She rose to her
feet.
"Captain send us your current co-ordinates," Eva said, "We will
meet you and escort you and your strike team the rest of the way. Have
your Chief Engineer send a list of repair parts needed. Have all
seriously
wounded prepped to be transferred to our sickbay. We will have medical
and
damage control teams standing by to beam over to assist upon our
arrival."
Eva then looked down to O'Connor. "Have the industrial
replicator's brought on line and replicate whatever parts they need
that we
do not have in stores." She then turned to Ensign Durron at the
engineering console. "Ensign Durron, I am putting you in charge of the
engineering teams. Assess the damage to their systems and coordinate
with
their CEO's on getting repairs completed as soon as possible." She
turned
back to O'Connor. "Also inform Dr. Keller that he will be receiving
wounded and to have medical teams standing by to beam over as needed."
"Lt. Max, once you receive their coordinates lay in a course and
engage at warp 7," Eva continued, "Also, order the Kronos and S'Urak to
accompany us. If there is any more Doenitz ships around, we will make
sure
they do not live long enough to regret their mistake."
"Lt. Kerge, bring the ship to yellow alert." Eva finished.
(posted by Wes)
=====================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 8:15)
The Captain had just issued orders to the crew on the bridge on assistance of the strike force under Captain At'Terk.
After quickly reviewing the reports from the various ships, he decided that their engineering crews would be most
helpful on the Witchfire, who had lost main power and offered no specifics on the extent of their damage.
For the other ships, he assigned engineering teams to handle specific damage that their own teams couldn't cover,
such as blasted EPS nodes, major hull damage, etc. He decided that he would take engineers with him over to the
Witchfire, because their CEO was undergoing medical treatment and the ACEO he was talking to was suffering from
shock and couldn't tell him anything.
After he finished issuing orders to the engineering teams he had assinged, he sent a querry to Ensign O'Conner
asking for parts to be replicated. They needed a lot of hull, so much that it made up about 95% of the list. He
also had a few other major parts that needed to be replicated for the other ships. He asked him to be on standby
for other requests once they reached the Witchfire.
Now, all he had to do was wait until they reached the battered task force.
(posted by Ben)
=====================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - CONN Lt. Max - 0816)
"Lt. Max, once you receive their coordinates lay in a course and
engage at warp 7," Eva ordered.
"Aye sir," Max quickly said after she finished her orders. Max waited a few seconds for the co-ordiantes to download
into his console. He set the speed to Warp 7, and then tapped a few commands on his console.
"Warp 7 Achieved sir." Max sat in his seat and wondered if their were still more enemy ships out there that were just
waiting to attack.
(posted by Calvin)
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:16)
With the arrival of the heavily damaged Horizon, the
bridge crew listened intently as the CO communicated
with it`s Captain, it seemed they had been hit hard &
were in need of assistance, which of course Captain
Straton was more than pleased to offer.
Almost imediately the conversation had ended, she
began reeling off orders to all & sundry to coordinate
all their efforts towards helping the stricken vessel.
The moment she turned her attention to Lt Kerge, he
knew that things were now hotting up & the
anticipation of battle fueled his Klingon heart in a
manner that only a Klingon would ever understand.
"Lt Kerge, bring the ship to Yellow alert", said the
Captain.
"Aye sir", said Kerge as he complied with her order.
Imediately the status of the Paladin had visibly
changed as the various systems were brought online,
warp core power had increased to a constant twenty
percent & the impulse engines were now at peak
efficiency. All weapons were now at partial standby,
one photon in the tube & the Paladins targetting
scanners now locked & scanning.
All in all, they were now primed for imminent
conflict. Everyone however was ready to fulfil
whatever their CO would demand of them.
(posted by Alan)
===================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0817)
After the Captain finished her orders and finished talking to the Horizon, Lt. Cmdr Capps walked over to one of the
empty conoles at the back of the bridge. He opened a few different sensor readings. He wanted to know how were the
Horizon, Titanic, Langley, Mournblade, and Witchfire attacked.
He searched the unknown parts of the readings. He wasn't for sure what he was looking for, but he had hoped if he
came across it he would realize it. He looked deep into files. He decided he would compare previous test around the
attacking area with the most recent scans.
(posted by Calvin)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Marine Quarters - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0820)
Rellam looked up when he saw the yellow alert lights come on. Without
a word, he set his PADD on his desk, and stood up. Pulling the
carrying case out of his foot locker he pressed his thumb against the
biometric lock. The lock produced a audible pop, and Rellam opened
the case. Quickly and methodically he assembled his modified rifle.
While it was modified so that it could be used as a long range sniper
rifle, it was still quite useful as a regular phaser rifle, although
it lacked a couple of the higher power settings to make up for the
extra power that was needed to focus the beam tight enough to make it
effective over long distances.
Slinging the rifle over his shoulder and stashing a couple of extra
power packs in his belt, he exited out of his room and headed down the
hall, the enlisted men and women giving him a wide berth as he walked
down the hall.
(posted by Patrick)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Marine Armory - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0825)
Rellam walked up to the armory window and looked at the Corporal at the
desk.
"What can we get for you Gunny?" The young Bajoran asked.
"Need two power packs for my sidearm, Corporal" Rellam said, placing
his palm on the reader, which would authorize him for the gear. The
Corporal looked at his screen and then grabbed two power packs and
slid them across the counter to Rellam. Rellam picked them up without
a word and watched as a foursome of Marines set themselves up as
guards of the Armory, as was normal during yellow alert. "Corporal, I
suggest you start your crew warming up the mid level BDU's, if we get
the word the CO is going to want everyone ready fast."
"Aye, Gunny," The Corporal said, then turned around to look at his
team. "Gunny's right, you apes, better safe than sorry, lets get the
suits ready, just in case the CO wants them," Rellam heard the
Corporal yell as he walked away.
Rellam walked down the hall, side arm in the thigh holster and his
rifle over his shoulder. He needed to find Major Tirrel. He hadn't
been assigned to a squad yet, and was still listed as a Company asset.
Finally spotting the CO, he walked up to him.
"Sir, I was wondering what my orders were for a yellow alert, I'm
still not assigned to a squad, so I don't know where you want me."
Rellam asked, his voice quiet, but very serious.
(posted by Patrick)
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Micheal Ian O'Connor - 0826)
"Sir we are being hailed by the USS Horizon," Ensign O'Connor said
suddenly from OPS.
"On screen," Eva said, looking at the Ensign briefly before
turning
her attention to the main viewer.
Michael listened to the conversation between the Captain's of the two
ships, and when the line was finally cut, he was ready for the orders
from Captain Straton.
Eva then looked down to O'Connor. "Have the industrial
replicator's brought on line and replicate whatever parts they need
that we
do not have in stores." She then turned to Ensign Durron at the
engineering console. "Ensign Durron, I am putting you in charge of the
engineering teams. Assess the damage to their systems and coordinate
with
their CEO's on getting repairs completed as soon as possible." She
turned
back to O'Connor. "Also inform Dr. Keller that he will be receiving
wounded and to have medical teams standing by to beam over as needed."
"Aye, Aye sir," Michael said, and quickly turned to his work. He
powered up the industrial replicator, and sent the supply list down to
the IR's crew. Putting a Priority Rush order on the parts that needed
to be replicated he moved onto his next assignment. Tapping his comm
badge he spoke.
"Ensign O'Connor to Dr.Keller," Michael said.
(Reply Keller)
"The Horizon has reported in, it has been attacked by Admiral Doenitz
forces. The Captain has orders Medical teams to the ready. The
Horizon, the Witchfire, the Langley, and the Titanic have taken damage
and have casualties. We will be receiving wounded and medical teams
should be ready to beam over to the other ships if they are needed."
Michael said.
(posted by Patrick)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Marine Section - MCO Conner Tirrel - 08:27)
The MCO was going through the latest orders & assigning people to teams when the gunnery sergeant arrived to speak
with him.
"Sir, I was wondering what my orders were for a yellow alert, I'm still not assigned to a squad, so I don't know where
you want me." Rellam asked, his voice quiet, but very serious.
Conner turned to face Tamm the moment he had spoken, he looked about briefly then he shouted off a few orders to some
of the other teams before returning to the man standing before him.
"Tamm", said Conner, pausing for just a moment, "I`m down a gunnery sergeant, your with me, when & if we get a go,
we`ll be going in on the Trojan in a forward assault capacity, once we board the hostile, I want you to take command
of an IFS squad", he added patting the man on the shoulder as he spoke.
"Make me proud", said Conner before imediately shooting off in another direction to oversee yet another command
decision requiring his imediate presence.
(posted by Alan)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0828)
"When it rains it pours." Jared muttered as he sealed yet another wound due to accidental causes. "Everyone is on
edge on the eve of battle and they're making mistakes because they're distracted. Dr. Porter you can check him out."
"Thanks doc." The security officer said as he flexed his hand, there was'nt even a scar on the back of his hand.
"You know that means good luck don't you?" Jared smiled.
"Good luck?"
"Yes if you get hurt before the fighting starts not even a hair will be out of place after it's over."
The man smiled. "Thanks for the info doc."
Jared nodded as he got to his feet and walked out the door, he was considering a cup of coffee when he heard the
musical tones of his combadge.
=^= Ensign O'Connor to Dr.Keller. =^=
He tapped it. "Keller here."
=^= The Horizon has reported in, it has been attacked by Admiral Doenitz forces. The Captain has ordered Medical
teams to the ready. The Horizon, the Witchfire, the Langley, and the Titanic have taken damage and have casualties.
We will be receiving wounded and medical teams should be ready to beam over to the other ships if they are needed."
Jared recognized the voice now, it was the new OPS chief.
"Understood Chief O'Connor, We are ready to start taking in wounded."
(Reply: Michael iyw)
"Doctor Porter get down to cargo bay 3 stat." He growled as he began giving out directives in several directions.
He slapped his combadge again. "Dr. Maybrey get to medical." He disengaged it. "Nurse Florence I'll need 8 teams
of three staff each in case we need to beam them over, 1 doctor, 1 head nurse and one med tech per team."
"Yes doctor." She said as she grabbed up a PADD with the duty rosters.
"And call gamma shift, tell them to be on staff in 15 minutes."
"Yes Doctor." She smiled, that would plug any holes caused by the loss of staff to away teams.
"All right everyone, to your places, the curtain is about to rise." Jared called out as he waited for the flood
of wounded.
(posted by Charles)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0829)
"Tam", said Conner, pausing for just a moment, "I`m down a gunnery
sergeant, your with me, when & if we get a go, we`ll be going in on
the Trojan in a forward assault capacity, once we board the hostile, I
want you to take command of an IFS squad", he added patting the man on
the shoulder as he spoke.
"Make me proud", said Conner before immediately shooting off in
another direction. Rellam just shook his head in mild confusion.
Officers were a unique breed, and all of them seemed slightly daft to
Rellam, all of them except the ones that worked their way up from
private, then went to OCS, even they were a little odd in Rellam's
opinion. It was so much easier when he was a Corporal, or even just a
plain old Sergeant. Now he was being placed in charge of a Forward
Assault squad. He much preferred the life of a sniper, but thus were
the woes of a Gunny, someone with experience wasn't overlooked.
Shrugging, Rellam walked over to a wall console and tapped it on.
"Computer, Squad listing, show all Infantry/Forward Assault Squads,
list first those with an open billet for Squad leader." Rellam asked,
and was quickly provided a list of squads in the Company. Four of the
squads looked like they were in need of a squad leader. "Computer,
which of the four squads needing a squad leader has had the billet
open for the shortest period of time?" Rellam asked. They were short
handed in the fleet, and it wasn't always easy to fill a squad leader
billet. Any squad that had been without a sergeant for long enough
would adapt and would find it very hard to be lead by someone from
outside the squad. However, if the loss happened recently enough,
Rellam would be able to step in without too much trouble.
The Computer showed him that the "Fire and Brimstone" squad was his
best bet, so Rellam took note of their bunk location, and sent a
message to Major Tirrel, that if the word came down, he would be
taking that squad into combat, and if he was needed he would be in
their bunk section.
(posted by Patrick)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin, "Fire and Brimstone" bunk room - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, 0835)
Rellam walked into the Squads bunk room, which wasn't far from his
own, and looked around. Various Marines were lounging around, about
half didn't even have their boots on. Rellam sighed, which managed to
get one of the Private's attention.
"What can we do for you Sir?" The green looking private asked.
"First off, it's Gunny, not Sir, secondly, why aren't your boots on?"
Rellam asked, his voice not rising above normal speaking level, but
the tone made the private move a little faster.
"Doing it now Gunny," the Private said quickly shoving his feet into
his boots. A Corporal walked up to Rellam and smiled.
"It's just a yellow alert Gunny, they happen all the time here, not
something to get all worked up over," The Corporal said.
"Actually, it is, and I expect all of you to be ready as of five
minutes ago. For the remainder of this mission, I am your temporary
Squad Leader. There is a better than even chance that we will need to
be ready to move out. The Captain doesn't go to yellow alert because
she likes the color of the lights. We're in a war, and there is a
good chance that Major Tirrel is going to tell me to load you all onto
a Trojan so we can secure a hostile ship and or base, so I want you
all ready," Rellam said, his face remaining calm, his voice level,
but his eyes hard, showing their years of experiences.
"Aye, Gunny," the Corporal said, turning to tell the rest of the squad
to get ready but seeing that they were already moving.
"Mortar team, Front and center," Rellam said, his voice carrying in
which had become very quiet, very quickly. When the PFC and Lancer
were standing in front of him, both of whom were fully ready besides
their mortar gear.
Rellam nodded to them, "If we go, it's going to be close quarters,
ship and or base combat, which means no room for Mortar fire. Go down
the Armory and check out close combat scatterguns for yourself, and
make sure you have back up power packs for both those and your
side-arms," Rellam said, then watched to two hustle out the door and
down the hall. "Ok folk, from now on, for the remainder of my time as
your squad leader, when that light goes yellow," Rellam said, point at
the light strip running around the top of the room, "I want you all
ready in case it goes red. I understand that a lot of the time
nothing comes of it, or we just aren't needed, but I will not have you
or I disciplined for not being ready the time it is needed. When the
CO calls for us, we are going to be ready," Rellam said. He got
affirmative responses from all of the squad, although some of the
Corporals grumbled a bit. Rellam would let them grumble, for now. He
wasn't actually asking for much more work out of them, and they would
get used to it and stop complaining. More than likely they had just
gotten used to not having a permanent Squad Leader. The Corporals
would understand when they were standing where Rellam was.
"All right, double check your gear and get down to the armory for
anything you need, pick up grenades, I want them for everyone."
Rellam said, after a minute of gear checking, the two mortar turned
scattergun Marines, returned. "Everyone listen up for a second,"
Rellam said, and watched as people stopped moving and looked at him.
"We have all fought in this little war of ours, and this mission is
going to be another one where we are up against our own. The whole
situation sucks, but we have to do what we have to do. If they send
us in, it will be long after talks have past, long after words have
failed. When we go in, it's because we have to fight for what we
believe in. We're gonna fight for what we were all taught as kids,
and at the end of the day, we are all going to be standing back in
this room." Rellam said. ~~and I don't need anymore names on my
back,~~ Rellam thought as he set the squad to work.
(posted by Patrick)
==========================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:48)
The Paladin slowed to impulse speed. On the main view screen the
USS Horizon and the rest of her strike team could be seen. All five
ships
showed the signs of heavy combat. The USS Mournblade had a tractor
beam on
the USS Witchfire which looked completely dead in space.
"Have the Kronos and S'Urak take up point and rear positions," Eva
ordered, from her command chair, "Have the Dragon Slayers and Fighting
Whatever's take up defensive positions on our Z and X axis. Mr.
O'Connor,
please signal the Horizon that we are ready to receive their wounded
and
to prepare to receive our engineering teams. Lt. Kerge, keep a look
out
for enemy ships that might still be in the area. Lt. Max, set a course
back to the battle group and proceed at the Horizon's best speed."
(Reply O'Connor, Kerge, Max)
Eva sat back and let her people do their jobs. Coordinating
between several star ships took a lot of concentration and focus. She
had
given her orders, now it was time to let her people do their jobs.
(posted by Wes)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0849)
Once the Paladin had met up with the USS Horizon and the rest of her
group, Michael was told to start organizing the transfers of crews.
He quickly set aside extra power to the transporters, just to make
sure the Transporter room crews had the power to compensate for any
fluctuations in the other ships transporters.
Michael tapped his comm badge, "O'Connor to Ensign Durron, you and
your teams are cleared to beam over to the Horizon and the other ships
in need of assistance in three minutes. Fabrication is working on
replicating what we didn't have in stores, everything else we knew we
would need has been assembled in Cargo Bay 2, and can be beamed over
as you need them," Michael said as setting the computer to record who
came and left and to keep a running list of who was off ship.
(Reply Durron)
"Aye aye, let us know what you will need. O'Connor Out," he said then
cut the line and opened another one. "Ensign O'Connor to Doctor
Keller, we have rendezvoused with the Horizon and her group, and they
are signaling they are ready to send over their wounded. Everything
all set down there, Sir?" Michael asked.
(Reply Keller)
"All right Sir, I'll them start sending them over. They should be
there anytime now." Michael said. "O'Connor out."
Finally, Jacob opened a ship to ship line to the Horizon. "Paladin
Operations to Horizon Operations, Engineering teams are standing by to
beam over and will begin transferring in one minute. Also prepare to
transfer what wounded you need directly to our sickbays...sending you
coordinates now." Michael said.
=/\=Thanks, Paladin, orders to begin transferring wounded has been
sent to the transporter rooms, and we are ready for those engineers as
well. What's being done about the Witchfire, she's floating dead in
space, and the Langley...=/\=
"They will be taken care of once we get back to the fleet. We just
need you up and running to help in case the group of us are jumped
again before we make it back. Once we get you squared away we will
assist where we are needed on the Langley and the Witchfire. I've
already been given requests for our Industrial Replicator from the two
ships. We'll get to everyone Horizon, no worries." Michael said,
trying to reassure the person on the other end of the comm line.
=/\=Thanks Paladin. We will keep you informed,=/\= the Horizon Ops
officer said, sounding a little more relieved. =/\= We're starting to
receive the Engineering teams. Thanks a million Paladin, Horizon
out.=/\=
Michael shut the comm line down and brought up the list of off ship
personnel, and watched as it slowly grew as various teams beamed over
to the Horizon, and watched as another list grew as wounded were
beamed to the Paladin. Michael spun in his chair, and looked at the
Captain.
"Sir, Engineering teams are away and the Horizon's wounded beaming
over as we speak," Michael said, updating the CO on the situation.
(posted by Patrick)
============================================================================
(USS Paldin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850)
Calvin found what he wanted. "Captain, Lt. Kerge, I believe I have found something."
(reply, Straton, kerge, any)
"The area where our ships were attacked were close to a Class O planet. That in it self is not unusual but the mass
surronding that planet increased by 2% in the past two hours, meaning Doentz ships were hiding behind the planet."
Calvin then tapped a few commands in the console and brought up another screen. "Our sensors did not pick them up
because the Planets Satilite has a close orbit and it was interfering with complet scan of the class O planet."
(reply Straton, Kerge)
"There is one more thing...the enemy ships we destroyed today does not add up the total increase in mass. I believe
there are still more ships hiding behind that planet."
(posted by Calvin)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:50)
"Captain, Lt. Kerge, I believe I have found something.", said the FO.
Kerge imediately turned to face the man as he spoke & then imediately checked his board, nothing other than what had
already been reported had come to light, the FO however had been researching on his own.
"The area where our ships were attacked were close to a Class O planet", said the FO. "That in itself is not unusual
but the mass surrounding that planet increased by 2% in the past two hours, meaning Doenitz ships were hiding behind
the planet.", he added.
"Our sensors did not pick them up because the Planets Satalite has a close orbit and it was interfering with a
complete scan of the class O planet."
"I will attempt to boost our scans to take into consideration these effects", said Kerge as he quickly returned
his attention to his console to do just that.
"There is one more thing...the enemy ships we destroyed today do not add up the total increase in mass. I believe
there are still more ships hiding behind that planet.", said the First Officer.
"If they are there", said Kerge, "they will not remain hidden for long", he added.
(posted by Alan)
===============================================================================
(USS Paladin - Deck 4, Transporter Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 08:50)
The other engineering teams had left already, and Kyp was about to take his rather large team of engineers to the
Witchfire.
He wasn't exactly sure how he felt on his first mission away from the ship. He thought he should feel nervous, but
he didn't. He thought he should feel excited, but he wasn't. He was rather surprised to see that he was sad; sad
that he had to go help repair a ship of Federation citizens that had been killed by other Federation citizens.
Kyp hated this war. He hated how Starfleet had to kill it's own in the pursuit of an ideal, no matter whether that
ideal was good or not.
He resigned himself to his duty and shoved all of those distracting thoughts to the back of his mind. He was glad
that he had learned mental discipline when he was little.
The transporter chief gave him a farewell wave, and the scenery changed to that of a battered engineering deck.
Kyp shook off the weird feeling he felt whenever he was transported and stepped forward to find whoever was in
charge of engineering here.
(posted by Ben)
================================================================================
(USS Horizon, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Shan Telar - 0850)
"Chief!" Telar yelled, trying to find the Damage Control Chief.
Engineering was chaotic, to say the least. The ship was in shambles,
parts were in short supply and the Warp core was making some noises
that worried Telar. The Bajoran worked his way across the room as
best he could, finally finding him cobbling together a DC team from
the fragments of various teams. "Chief!"
"Teler...Where do you need us?" the Chief asked.
"The primary shield generators, we need them working fast. We just
put out a plasma fire in the EPS relays on deck 5, start there and
work your way to the generator room, get the generators up and
running, I do not like being a sitting duck." The Senior Chief turned
Ensign said. Oh how glad he was that he he taken Officer Candidate
School courses, and made officer. He did not envy the engineering
chiefs at the moment, although with the ship like it was, everyone was
doing every job at the moment.
"You got it Telar," the Chief said then turned to his team "You heard
the Ensign," he said, putting way to much emphasis on the rank, "Lets
see if we can at least make sure the enemy has a challenge when they
attack us next." And with that the team moved off, kits in hand to
try and get something working.
Teler turned around to see people he didn't know in engineering
uniforms walking into the area.
"Thank the Prophets," Teler said to himself and rushed over to meet
them. "Ensign are we ever glad to see you, I'm Ensign Shan Telar,
and we could sure use your help."
(Reply Durron)
"Any where you want. Primary power inverters are shot, Secondary
power generation is in shambles, we are still putting out plasma fires
throughout the ship, and as you can hear, something seems to be wrong
with the Warp core, and that is just the beginning of the list."
(posted by Patrick)
================================================================================
(USS Horizon - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 0851)
Kyp stepped forward after beaming directly to main engineering (the transporters on the ship were damaged) to see
an engineering officer yelling out orders. Kyp wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but the engineer had finished
giving out orders and turned to face them.
"Ensign are we ever glad to see you, I'm Ensign Shan Telar, and we could sure use your help."
"Well, that's what we're here for," Kyp replied. "Where do you need us?"
"Any where you want. Primary power inverters are shot, Secondary power generation is in shambles, we are still
putting out plasma fires throughout the ship, and as you can hear, something seems to be wrong with the Warp core,
and that is just the beginning of the list."
"Hmm, I think we'll split the team." He turned to face the engineers with him. "Geraldson, I want you to take six
engineers with you to help fix the power inverters. The rest of you are going to stay with me to see if we can
repair the warp core. Hopefully, it's not too damaged to repair. They're not exactly easy to come by."
He turned back to face Ensign Telar, "Okay, let's go see that warp core."
(reply Telar)
"Okay, what do you think is wrong with the warp core. Could it be a little unstable from the battle, or do you think
it's something else?"
(reply Telar)
?I think we should try reconnecting all of the plasma injectors first and repairing the damage to the cooling system.
It could be as simple as that. And since the universe has a sense of humor, that?s probably all that it is.?
(posted by Ben)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 08:52)
Eva listened to Commander Capps and Lt. Kerge, not liking what they
were telling her.
"Can you extrapolate how many more ship could still be hiding
behind the planet?" Eva asked Commander Capps.
(Reply Capps)
(NRPG: Assuming a yes)
Eva then turned to Ensign O'Connor at OPS. "Ensign, prepare a Class
5 reconnaissance probe for launch. Let's have us a closer look at that
Class O planet, shall we. Have the data transmitted to Lt. Kerge's
station."
(Reply O'Connor)
Eva then moved back to her command chair and sat down pressing a
button to open the dedicated comm-line with StratOps.
"Commander Rulestaad," Eva said, "There is a good chance that we
have enemy ships in the area. The Battle Groups location may already
be
known to the enemy. Make preparation to relocate the entire battle
group.
We are investigating now and should know shortly."
(Reply Rulestaad)
Eva took a moment to consider the her options. ~The Horizon and
her strike team are in no condition for another fight. Yet I can't let
enemy ships that may know our location or even our presence make it
back to
report in.~
"Have Shark Bait prepped for launch. Contact the S'Urak and the
Kronos and appraise them of our situation and be ready to move out as
soon
as we have confirmation and get me Captain At'Terk on the screen," Eva
said. Within seconds the image of the Andorian Captain At'Terk
appeared on
the screen.
=/\=Commodore,=/\= He said questioningly.
"Captain, it appears that the ships you destroyed might not have
been all of the enemy ships in the area. We have detected the possible
presence of more enemy ships hiding behind a class O planet. Once we
receive confirmation, we will move to engage the enemy to prevent them
from
reporting our location back to enemy command."
=/\=My ship and crew are ready to meet the enemy Commodore,=/\=
At'Terk said, his voice hard and determined.
"Negative Captain," Eva said firmly, "Your ship is in no condition
for another fight at this time. Neither is the rest of your strike
team.
Your orders are to make best speed back to the Battle Group. Our
engineering teams and medical teams will remain where they currently
are to
assist. Once the Paladin, S'Urak, and Kronos have taken care of any
Doenitz ships we will rendezvous back up with you. Is that clear
Captain."
At'Terk looked as if he was going to argue, but the look on Eva's
face convinced him not to.
=/\=Understood Commodore,=/\= At'Terk said reluctantly.
"Don't worry Captain," Eva said, "You and your brave crew will have
plenty of other opportunities to engage Doenitz's forces. For now,
repair
your damaged ship and tend to your wounded. Paladin out."
At'Terk's image faded from the view screen and was replaced once
more by the image of the Horizon and the rest of her strike team. Eva
leaned back in her chair and laced her hands before her waiting for
Kerge
to report on the probes finding.
(posted by Wes)
======================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0853)
Jared started toward the other end of the ward but stopped when the beep of the combadge broke through his concentration.
=^= Ensign O'Connor to Doctor Keller, we have rendezvoused with the Horizon and her group, and they are signaling
they are ready to send over their wounded. Everything
all set down there, Sir? =^= Michael asked.
"We're ready Mr. O'Connor, tell the Horizon to start beaming the wounded to cargo bay three." Jared said as he signaled
for the duty nurse to hurry over.
=^= All right Sir, I'll them start sending them over. They should be there anytime now. O'Connor out.=^=
(posted by Charles)
=====================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0855)
Michael listened to the reports from the XO about the possibility of
more ships, and turned when the Captain addressed him.
Eva then turned to Ensign O'Connor at OPS. "Ensign, prepare a Class
5 reconnaissance probe for launch. Let's have us a closer look at that
Class O planet, shall we. Have the data transmitted to Lt. Kerge's
station."
"Aye, sir," Michael said, turning back to his console. He quickly
called up the probe operations screen, and tasked a class five probe
to be readied and launched. Setting up the flight programing, he set
the probe to do a tight pass of the planet, and used the moon's
gravity to slow down the approach so the probe could swing back and go
into a tight spiral surveying pattern of the planet. This allowed him
to get the probe to the target site slightly faster than if he had to
slow it down prior to arrival so he wouldn't over shoot the planet.
It would also, hopefully take any one hiding behind the planet by
surprise, while still convincing them that they were just checking out
the planet for some unknown reason. He was in the middle of
programing the probe when the Captain asked for the Horizon's CO on
the line. Michael took enough time from his other job to quickly open
a line to the Horizon, before finishing up on the probe and launching
it. He also quickly set up a sub-routine to copy the incoming data
stream and send it to the Tactical station. Michael quickly estimated
the time to arrival of the probe, and figured Lt. Kerge should be
getting the data he was looking for.
"Probes on course and transmission is clear, we should be getting that
data we need very soon." Michael said once the Captain was done with
the Horizon.
(posted by Patrick)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:00)
With the probe away & en route to the class O, Lt Kerge began correlating the data as soon as it came in. At first
there was nothing definate to report on but the TAC/SC read it all off for the CO`s benefit anyway.
"Telemetry confirmed sir, the probe is reporting......high concentrations of residual ion packets, this could be
weapons exchange though.....probe now entering the planets corona", said Kerge as he again watched the levels rise
& fall on his tactical console.
Imediately Kerge turned to face the Captain as she leant into the side of her chair, nervous & aprehensive of what
they might find. Her wait however had just come to an end.
"Two vessels sir, unidentified class....warp capable, their shields are down & systems are on standby...they are not
aware that we have seen them", said Kerge.
(posted by Alan)
==================================================================================
(USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0900)
"General, we're coming up on the Paladin."
Michelle looked up from her station and at the Captain of the Patton,
"Very
well Captain, send the pass codes and bring us out of warp." she
muttered to
herself, "No reason to give a flying battle-wagon a reason to target
us."
She punched a button and brought up a scan of the Area. The John J
Pershing
was close behind; they were flying in standard defensive positions
against
the possibility of ambush.
Seconds later the ops officer said, "We're receiving updated orders and
a
demand by Stratops for General Roberts to come aboard."
"Figures." she said as she stood. "Hail the Paladin."
"Channel open General."
"This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group,
requesting
permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and
Fleet
Stratops."
(posted by Trout)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:01)
Almost in an instance, two ships flying a standard configured formation appeared on the TAC/SC`s long range sensor
panel, Lt Kerge wasted no time at all of course in reporting the contact to the CO as he swung about to face her.
"Sir, I have two vessels closing at warp, bearing one nine four, mark two zero", said Kerge, "they are transmitting
starfleet registrys", he added quickly.
(Reply CO)
"Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the
USS George S Patten Jr & the USS John J Pershing sir", he added.
"They are hailing us sir", said Kerge.
(Reply CO)
"Aye sir, patching it through now", said Kerge as he ran his fingers across the required activation points of his
console until the forward viewscreen suddenly filled with the interior view of the approaching vessels bridge.
"This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group, requesting
permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and
Fleet Stratops.", said the woman sitting imediately next to the Pattons CO.
(posted by Alan)
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 09:01)
"Two vessels sir, unidentified class....warp capable, their shields
are
down & systems are on standby...they are not aware that we have seen
them,
"said Kerge, reporting on the probes findings. Eva sat up straight in
her
chair eyes on the main view screen and the damaged craft still shown.
Eva
opened her mouth to issue orders when Kerge interrupted her.
"Sir, I have two vessels closing at warp, bearing one nine four,
mark two zero", said Kerge, "they are transmitting star fleet
registry's",
he added quickly.
"Identify," Eva said, smartly. Nodding toward O'Connor to put them
on screen.
"Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge
pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the USS George S Patten
Jr &
the USS John J Pershing sir", he added.
"The MEF," Eva said, to no one in particular.
"They are hailing us sir", said Kerge.
"On screen," Eva said, standing.
"Aye sir, patching it through now,"said Kerge.
=/\=This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary
Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with
the
Commodore and Fleet StratOps,=/\= said the woman sitting immediately
next
to the Patton's CO.
"Encode that signal," Eva said sharply, looking down at O'Connor.
(Reply O'Connor)
When O'Connor nodded back that the comm-signal was now being
encrypted, Eva turned her eyes back to the screen.
"Belay that General," Eva said, "We have a pair of snakes close by.
We were just about to flush them out when you arrived. Make for the
main
Battle Group. When we have taken care of the snakes we will meet up
with
you and have that meeting. Paladin out." Eva made the motion to cut
the
transmission.
(Reply Roberts)
Eva looked down at O'Connor and the main view screen went back to
the Horizon and other damaged ships.
"Inform the Dragon Slayers and Fighting Whatever's to form up
around us and be prepared to jump to high warp," Eva said, then looked
over
at Lt. Max at CONN. "Lay in a course to bring us around that class O
planet right behind those two ships and prepare to engage at warp 9."
Eva
then looked over at Kerge. "Charge phaser's and load quantum
torpedo's,
but keep shields down. If I'm right those two ships are watching and
waiting for us to move out of the area to report back what they've
seen.
You will have to wait to the very last second to raise shields and lock
targets. It will be a damn tricky shot, but do your best." Eva looked
back over to O'Connor. "Have the S'Urak and the Kronos plot similar
but
opposite courses to us I want them coming around the opposite side of
the
planet from us and a few seconds behind us. We will sling-shot around
the
planet and come up behind the two ships and hopefully catch them
unawares.
They will try to flee, right into the open targeting sensors of the
S'Urak
and the Kronos."
(Reply Kerge, O'Connor, Max)
Eva moved back over to her chair and sat down, pressing the comm
button on the arm.
"Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Sarouk prepare for emergency warp
acceleration to warp 9."
(Reply Sarouk)
"Bridge to Lt Tirrel. I want two companies ready to deploy to
capture an enemy ship in five minuets."
(Reply Tirrel)
Eva leaned back in her chair, fingers interlaced before her. Her
face a grim mask waiting while her crew carried out her orders.
(posted by Wes)
=================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:02)
"Charge phaser's and load quantum torpedo's, but keep
shields down. If I'm right those two ships are
watching and waiting for us to move out of the area to
report back what they've seen.", said the CO.
"You will have to wait to the very last second to
raise shields and lock targets. It will be a damn
tricky shot, but do your best", she added.
Kerge was on it imediately, tricky shots were indeed a
speciality of his. As he turned to enter the
prerequisite instructions into the console before him,
he thought back to the time he had taken command of
the Q`Tang when his Commanding oficer had been
mortally wounded in a particularly nasty firefight
with two Breen vessels.
The Q`Tang had been dealt a savage blow that had taken
a fair few of their crew compliment to Sto Vo Kor on
that day & Kerge was determined to avenge them. As the
Breen vessel closed in for the kill, Kerge dealt them
a tricky shot they would not forget as the apparently
dead in the sky Q`Tang opened up into their
unprotected underbelly with all disruptors to scatter
their dishonourable, burning ashes into the void of
space.
It was indeed a glorious victory....
Kerge however was brought quickly back to the here &
now as his console signalled that they were ready for
combat.
"Fore & aft quantums loaded sir, phaser banks charged
& ready, we are ready for combat", said Kerge.
(Reply CO, IYW)
Captain Straton then called on the MCO.
"Bridge to Lt Tirrel. I want two companies ready to
deploy to
capture an enemy ship in five minutes.", she said. The
reply was quick, an indication that the marines were
already at operational readiness.
=/\=I`m on it as we speak=/\=, said the MCO....
Kerge then turned to the forward viewscreen to see the
stars shifting smoothly to the left as the Paladin
swung about through one hundred & eighty degrees to
bring the class O onto her screen, the S`Urak could be
seen coming about also as she prepared to execute the
pincer move on the unknown vessels. All they had to do
now was wait.
(posted by Alan)
================================================================
(USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0902)
=^=Belay that General, We have a pair of snakes close by.
We were just about to flush them out when you arrived. Make for the
main
Battle Group. When we have taken care of the snakes we will meet up
with
you and have that meeting. Paladin out.=^=
Michelle narrowed her eyes and wasted no time as she swung her head
around,
"Bring us about Captain, both ships to yellow alert."
"Aye General!" The Captain started barking orders as Roberts turned
back to
the screen. "Acknowledged, Roberts out." She made a slicing gesture and
turned her back on the screen. "Bump the pilots and get any craft
capable of
ship-to-ship combat prepped for battle... now." She barked at an aide.
"We
might need them if the enemy is close."
"General." The aide nodded sharply and turned to start giving orders.
Michelle crossed her arms behind her back and turned back to the screen
as
the ship went to yellow alert. She was a Starfleet vessel, and she was
heavily armed, but they were only two ships and vulnerable until they
came
within range of the battle-group. What's more, her Marines were
ground-pounders, they didn't train endlessly for space-Bourne combat,
and
the regular crew of the Gator Freighters was small... and hadn't had
the
time to train contingents for various necessary duties around the ship.
Ships of this class usually had standing compliments, Marines that
served
full time and had secondary ship duties in times such as these.
Since the Expeditionary Force hadn't been able to fully train, they
were at
a natural disadvantage. The greatest portion of her troops had never
served
on a Roger Young class ship. Those that had were, for better or worse,
in
charge of doing what they could while the rest of the troops were
brought up
to speed.
"We're receiving a heavily coded transmission from Stratops, the
position of
the Battle-group, Captain."
"Very well." The ship's captain said. "Set course and pass the
coordinates
along to the Pershing. Engage."
(posted by Trout)
======================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0903
"Identify," Eva said, smartly. Nodding toward O'Connor to put them
on screen. Michael tapped out the command and brought up the two
approaching vessels on the screen
"Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge
pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the USS George S Patten
Jr &
the USS John J Pershing sir", he added.
"The MEF," Captain Straton said, to no one in particular.
"They are hailing us sir", said Kerge.
"On screen," The Captain said, standing.
"Aye sir, patching it through now,"said Kerge.
=/\=This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary
Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with
the
Commodore and Fleet StratOps,=/\= said the woman sitting immediately
next
to the Patton's CO.
"Encode that signal," Eva said sharply, looking down at
O'Connor.
Quickly Michael tapped out the commands to encrypt the signal.
Michael didn't say anything when he was done, he just looked at the
Captain and nodded.
Michael listened to the conversation between the General and Captian
Straton
Eva looked down at O'Connor and the main view screen went back
to
the Horizon and other damaged ships.
"Inform the Dragon Slayers and Fighting Whatever's to form up
around us and be prepared to jump to high warp," Eva said, then looked
over
at Lt. Max at CONN. After orders to Lt. Max and Lt. Kerge Eva looked
back over to O'Connor. "Have the S'Urak and the Kronos plot similar
but
opposite courses to us I want them coming around the opposite side of
the
planet from us and a few seconds behind us. We will sling-shot around
the
planet and come up behind the two ships and hopefully catch them
unawares.
They will try to flee, right into the open targeting sensors of the
S'Urak
and the Kronos."
Micheal got to work, opening up a secure line to the two fighter
wings. "Paladin Ops to Dragon Slayer Alpha and Fighting Whatever
Alpha, form up on us and prepare for high warp maneuver. Link to
Flight Control for course." He received affirmative responses back
from the two flight leaders, and watched as the two wings moved in
closer to the Paladin.
Next he pulled up the fight plan that Lt. Max had programmed and
compiled the orders that Captain Straton wanted carried out. Quickly
he sent an encoded burst transmission to the Kronos and the S'Urak,
sending the orders and requesting confirmation and flight plan from
them. A minute later he received confirmations from both ships that
they were ready, and logged their flight plans for Conn. Spinning his
chair around he looked at the Captain.
"Sir, Fighter Wings have formed up and the S'Urak and the Kronos have
confirmed orders to proceed to the opposite side of the planet with a
delay of five second from us." Michael said.
(posted by Patrick)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Marine Hanger deck - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:04)
"Marines, we have a go, we....are....moving", cried
the MCO in clipped authorative tone as he made for the
Trojan with a squad of fully kitted out marines.
Adrenalin was flowing now, this was what they had been
waiting for.
The Trojans pilot had already initiated an engine
startup in readiness the moment the word had come down
from the bridge, as the MCO approached him at the
flightdeck however, he quizzed him for further news.
"Sir, what`s our target", said the pilot as the MCO
read off the suborders as they came through on the TAC
console.
"Two ships hiding behind a planet", said Conner, "we
take the first we encounter & board her if possible",
said Conner. "We just have to wait for the word"
(posted by Alan)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0905)
Cargo bay 3 was already filling up and the worst of the wounded had been trickling in, Jared slapped the sterile
field to life over biobed 12 as he reached it, the young mans right arm looked like raw hamburger and there were
extensive burns over his upper boby and face, he was screaming at the top of his lungs. "Nurse give him a shot of
tricordrizol, 200ccs." Jared had to almost shout over the young man to be heard.
The duty nurse was elsewhere, she was needed far more to oversee the operation of the staff while Jared was busy.
Nurse Calloway was a male nurse, he grabbed a hypo quickly and pressed it to the mans neck, it seemed to take forever
before it took effect and had placed him in a light sleep. Jared activated the clamshell as he savored the silence
except for the fellows labored breathing.
Jared stepped back as the nurse cleaned up the mans arm preparatory to surgery and surveyed the controlled chaos of
sickbay, while it was still early things were going to get much, much worse. Fortunately the other ships had some
medical personnel still active who were helping to triage the injuries, those that didn't had already received emergency
teams from the Paladin to help.
(posted by Charles)
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:05)
"Sir, the MCO is signalling that the marines are ready
for launch", said the TAC/SC.
(Reply CO)
Kerge then returned his attention to the tactical
console to oversee their approach.
Imediately they had cleared the planet, the two hidden
vessels came into view & imediately brought their
systems online. It seemed the CO had been right, both
ships on seeing that they were now massively outgunned
made a run from the behemoth that was the Paladin,
straight into the active targetting of the S`Urak &
the Kronos. They really didn`t stand a chance as the
two ships opened up on their targets & the command was
issued for the marines to fly.
(posted by Alan)
==================================================================================
(USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0905)
Rellam walked into the bunk room and looked at the squad. "Time to
move, get to the hanger-bay on the double and bring your Pallas
helmets." Rellam said, then watched as everyone raced out of the
room. Rellam let the hint of a smile touch his lips, the squad would
remember this, and wouldn't slack off for a long while to come.
Rellam jogged out the door after the squad, moving quickly down the
hall.
(posted by Patrick)
================================================================================
(USS Paladin - Trojan Two Zero - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:08)
The moment the command had come down, the Trojan was
airborne & heading out through the forcefielded hanger
bay doors to enter into the cold inky darkness of
space & the impending firefight that now faced them.
Their advance was quick, the two vessels now having
nowhere to run as their systems were taken down one by
one at the hands of the Kronos & S`Uraks phasers.
Their orders were to halt the ships rather than
destroy them in order that the marines could board
them & move up to take deck by deck until they held
the bridges of each.
Conner was more than capable of this kind of work, he
had done it a hundred & one times already, the
proceedure was always the same. They would board low &
take the EPS systems temporarilly offline & then work
upwards deck by deck, securing the crew & sweeping up
until the bridge was under their control.
Piece of cake....
After looking out briefly at the scenario unfolding,
the MCO turned about & walked purposely down towards
the troop compartment, then he turned to face the
gunnery sergeant, his face as calm & placid as it ever
was on each & every occasion he had seen him.
~I know your look, seen it a thousand times~
"Tamm, you know the drill on this one, we board & we
disable, I know this isn`t your usual line of work but
this ones by the book, once your on the bridge I want
you to secure the command staff & signal the Paladin,
our mission is to incapacitate, no fatalities unless
absolutely necessary", said Conner instinctively
knowing that he was touching a nerve in the gunny`s
mind.
(Reply Tamm)
The pilot then shouted back to the crew compartment
that they were coming up on the first of the vessels.
"Standard LBH access", said Conner turning to the
front again, "once we`re in position & the hull is
breached & sealed we go, you know your jobs lads", he
added as the Trojan swung about to assume a parallel
aspect to the engineering hull of the vessel in
question.
"Twenty metres sir......Ten metres........Five
metres.....Contact", said the pilot as the assault
vessel attached & imediately deployed the LBH.
Within seconds, the hull had been surgically incised &
sealed & the hull plating forced out with a hiss & an
escape of smoke as the marines promptly began
scrambling through the hatch & into the first coridoor
of the stricken vessel.
The ship was now at red alert just as expected, the
klaxons sounding & the red pulses running along the
walls of the deck as they entered. A few stunned
crewmen, stood rivited to the spot in fear as the
menacing looking marines poured into the deck, rifles
at the ready.
The few crew that were unfortunate enough to find
themselves at the breach point were quickly rounded up
& confined to storage until later. The marines then
began their move upwards through the ship.
(posted by Alan)
===============================================================================
(USS GS Patton Jr - Heavy Weapon Armory - Act 3rd Lieutenant 'Gandhi'Fillmore - 0910)
"Do you have the slightest CLUE what you are doing?" Gandhi growled in
a
voice he had long perfected as a Sergeant, well before he had been
given a
battlefield Commission. He grabbed the Marine in question by the back
of his
uniform and lifted... dragging the Marine off his feet, and carried the
man
over to the stacks of heavy weaponry. "These weapons are NOT properly
stowed!" he growled with even more menace. "The Old Man must be turning
in
his grave to see his wayward children sinning in such a horrific way!"
"Oh come on Gu..er... Lieutenant!" the Marine said when Gandhi dropped
him
to the deck. "It's just..."
"MARINE!" Gandhi bellowed, now starting to get genuinely perturbed.
"Were
you about to make an excuse?"
The man paused, "Nosir, and I'll get right on it."
"Better." Gandhi said. "I want it all polished, charged, checked and
stowed
by the time I get back." He eyed the Marine and turned away. Such was
the
job he had long had as Gunny of his old squad, he continued the job now
that
he was acting squad CO with a commission... they didn't have a senior
NCO
yet. Odds are they wouldn't until Gandhi's commission was either
confirmed,
or he was replaced and could take the position up himself.
That confirmation or demotion could come at any time, so he hadn't done
much
with the squad except keep them together and do the necessary
paperwork. It
was, all together, unsatisfying... he hated waiting. He didn't
particularly
want a promotion, he was happy being a senior NCO, but someone had to
step
up to the plate and he'd never been one to shirk. Of course, one didn't
deny
a Colonel either, and Col (now General) Roberts had knighted him with a
commission herself after the storming of that bugger-all forward base
the
Traitors had decided to put up.
When the Queen spoke, people jumped. As it should be.
He stepped up to his platoon commander and came to attention, his huge
bulk
almost graceful in the long practiced move. "Sir, all equipment checks
out.
Permission to run wargames to keep the squads edge."
"Denied, for the time." the boss said. "We'll be getting orders soon; I
won't risk injury until we know a time-frame."
Gandhi mulled over that a moment, then nodded. "Aye Sir, understood."
He
frowned as he walked away, already planning ways to keep the men busy
while
they hurried up and waited for battle.
(posted by Trout)
==================================================================================
(Trojan Two-Zero - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0910)
Five minutes later the Trojan was space bound, and the Marines were
sitting in the troop compartment. Rellam rested his head against the
bulkhead and closed his eyes, he had done this so many times before.
Board... Clear... Shoot... Kill... Advance... Repeat, Rellam knew the
routine, ship board of planet bound, it was all basically the same.
The Marine had been doing it for centuries before Rellam's time, and
they would be doing it long after he was dead and gone. Rellam
blocked out the drone of voices and metallic clicks and snaps as
people checked and rechecked their gear. Rellam knew his was working,
he had checked it when he woke up that morning, he checked his gear
every morning, checked it every morning for the past 17 years of
service. If they lived long enough, they'd get used to the ins and
outs too, but then no one seemed to live long enough anymore. Too
many good Marines died, too many that Rellam knew. He was pulled out
of his thoughts by the MCO walking up to him.
"Tam, you know the drill on this one, we board & we
disable, I know this isn`t your usual line of work but
this ones by the book, once your on the bridge I want
you to secure the command staff & signal the Paladin,
our mission is to incapacitate, no fatalities unless
absolutely necessary", said Conner.
~~It is possible for me to do things other than kill~~ Rellam thought
somewhat defensively. "Aye sir," Rellam said, and picked up his
helmet. The MCO turned to talk to the pilot and Rellam stood up.
"All right boys and girls, lets put on our party hats. Once his squad
had put on their helmets and gotten them sealed, Rellam switched his
matte black Pallas helmet from his regular sniper set up to that of
squad leader, and quickly grabbed the signals of the other 11 members
of the squad and opened up the squad wide comm line, encrypting it.
"Here's the deal. The enemy ships, the Paladin Marines have the honor
of taking them both. Our squad just has to worry about taking this
one. We will be going in with everyone else, our target in the
bridge. We will have squads following us to take other area, but we
are at the front. Bring your flex cuffs, we secure, or stun if
necessary anyone we see and leave them for the tails to clean up. Set
your weapons to heavy stun, shoot if they resist, but lets give them a
chance to do the right thing. Other than that, keep your head down,
think smart, and lets not tarnish the BDU's, unless you want to
explain it to the armorer." Rellam said, then turned towards the
airlock with the other squads were already stacking. "Fire and
Brimstone" would be the last through the door as the entry squads
would bust through, hold the entrance, and let the rest of the squads
move out. "Stack up," Rellam said calmly and watched on his heads up
display as the rest of the team formed up on him. He marked the teams
corpsman in blue, and the rest of the squad in green as he watched the
first squads rush onto the enemy ship. Once it was clear, Rellam and
his squad moved out.
Slowly they made their way towards the bridge. As they moved forward,
they paused to let other squads push up behind them to clear up,
picking up prisoners, and clearing side rooms that Rellam was
skipping, then they would move again. They had taken little to no
fire as they moved, except for a security patrol they had run into.
One of his Grenadiers took a hard blast to the arm that their BDU
absorbed most of, and the corpsman administered medicine to keep the
swelling down, and quick action from one of the scattergun wielding
Mortarmen took that target down. When they got to the bridge door,
Rellam wasn't about to take any risks.
"Corporal, prep a grenade, low yield, I just want to daze them when we
rush in. You roll, I'll toss. Once they go off, fire team alpha
follows me to the front of the bridge, Bravo to the back. Anyone so
much as reaches for a weapon, put them on the ground hard. One my
command." Rellam said, prepping a grenade of his own. A private
popped the emergency access hatch off the wall, and pulled the power
to the door, then prepped the emergency opener. With a nod from
Rellam he popped the door a crack and two grenades made their way onto
the bridge. After they went off the door was forced open the rest of
the way and the squad rushed in. The Tactical officer was leaning
against a console and the rest of the bridge crew was still dazed from
the concussion. Two security officers tried to pull weapons and were
stunned unconscious for their effort.
"Everyone is to place their hands on their heads and get down on their
knees, any movement other than that and you will be stunned as well,"
Rellam said, turning on his helmet speaker. He had set up at the edge
of the room, with a clear shot at 90% of the bridge staff, his rifle
leveled and slowly sweeping back and forth. Once the bridge staff was
restrained and searched he lowered the muzzle of his rifle. Quickly
indicating on the company wide system that his squad had accomplished
their objectives, he moved to finish the rest of his orders.
"Corporal, get me a comm line to the Paladin. Morgan, S'Kar, crack
the computer and get us control of the ship." Rellam said, popping
the seal on his helmet and taking it off. A couple of moments later
his Corporal nodded back to him.
"Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, Identification Code
'Eagle-1-4-3-2-Sigma-7', to Paladin."
(Reply Straton)
"Captain, Hostile One bridge and command staff secure attempting to
gain computer access now." Rellam said, standing at attention, his
voice the epitome of calm, even if his adrenaline was pumping.
(posted by Patrick)
==============================================================================
(USS GS Patton Jr - Office - 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Darren Jackson- 0915)
"Joe" Jackson grabbed another cup of coffee and took a sip before walking back to the desk where he set the
steaming mug down and began to pace a bit before returning to his chair. The commanding officer of the "Hellwraiths"
recon squad was running over in his mind what they might be getting their asses into soon and he was none too happy,
his Klingon 3rd Lt. had been WAY too quiet lately since disappearing during the last battle due to a proximity explosion
that had knocked his lights out and he had woken up to find the Federation compound already taken. While he had been a
member of the KDF and after the incident where he had been cited for being too slow in targeting an enemy vessel he had
carried the stigma of losing honor and trying to regain it, this latest incident seemed to have driven him to the verge
of giving up which wasn't good, not good at all. Joe was going to have a talk with him and soon.
Joes troubles with Klingons didn't just run to his second either, a Klingon member of the heavy weapons grunts on the
troop carrier had gotten two things wrong about Joe, one that he was susceptible to being stared down and the second
that he enjoyed being lectured by someone who didn't have a clue. Joe didn't fight because he loved fighting but because
if he didn't fight hard enough to stay alive he wouldn't see tomorrow... that was the reason Joe was eager to get this
war over with, he wanted to get out the other side cleanly.
He rubbed his left arm just below the elbow unconsciously, that grenade he had barely avoided had not only blown out
most of his BDUs capability but had had enough force to fracture the radius, it was only after the battle when the
adrenalin had worn off that he had realized he was injured, he had a high tolerance for pain anyway so that was no
surprise and the break had been clean...
Joe sat down in the chair and brough up the roster of his squad and looked it over one final time, half the men in
this already cobbled together squad were replacements, there was no cohesiveness in the Hewllwraiths and hadn't been
from the beginning. ~Hopefully I'll take enough men through this one to begin to form a real unit, these guys have
trained well together and we do have some veterans now but... I won't be satisfied till I can say we have had a
successful campaign. And I don't consider 50% casualties successful.~
He shut down computer access as he leaned back in his chair with the rapidly cooling coffee and took a big gulp.
(posted by Charles)
==================================================================================
End Compile