Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca – Mess Hall; Ens David Lynch; 12:35) David had a relatively easy time of it, all he had to do was steer the ship. That’s not to say it was a walk in the park, far from it, he had to keep making adjustments to their heading several times, but it wasn’t anything that exciting. He had spent several hours in the shuttle bay, trying to sort out one of the class 9 personnel shuttles. It had some plasma build up in it’s left nacelle, which was interfering with the propulsion system. And that was as exciting as it had gotten for him. Whilst others were busying themselves with preparing for the rescue of Captain Sevant, he was on the sidelines feeling like a third wheel. He had decided to take lunch in the Mess Hall today, he hadn’t been aboard two weeks and this was his second trip to the Mess Hall. He walked up to the replicators and requested a large steak and chips and a large drink of ginger beer. He sat at one of the large view ports staring out into the strange space. He was acutely aware of people talking around him. (Reply any, if you want a chat!) (Posted by John Gibson) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca - Officer's mess - COUNS- Dr. Domini Alizara- 1249) "I was just trying to get a poker game going. I know you don't particularly like it, but I sure would like you to join us. But no cheating." Domini sighed softly, "If you insist, beautiful. Anything for you." And Domini smiled down at her love, her eyes aglow with the feelings, the passion, that she felt for this young woman. Then Domini looked over at the other two officers. "I apologize, I don't know your names. When were we planning to play this poker game?" ::Madison, I have 15 minutes and I want to spend them with you, in my quarters, not sitting at a table with people who are lusting after you! God I've missed you, my beautiful one.:: Domini concluded, leaning back in her chair and sighing. (reply any) (posted by melinda :-) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 3 - 1315) Stolev hurried into the holodeck area and found Major Stratton conferring with some of her marines. "Major, I've got some new information you'll want to know about," he announced as he strode over to her. (reply Stratton) "I've just spoken with the senior officers on the science staff. They're in the process of compiling the data now, but they gave me a preview of what we'll find when we get to the planet where the Captain is being held." He paused. "You probably won't like it." (reply Stratton) "Well, there is an extraordinarily strong magnetic field around the planet. Transporters will be useless. Which means that these exercises," he gestured around to the holographic environment still surrounding them, "will prove to be of limited use once we actually arrive. I suggest we immediately reprogram the simulation to begin with a shuttle-based approach and landing." (reply Stratton, Drizzt, any) (posted by Aaron Scifres) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca, Holo-Deck 2, MCO, Major Straton, , 1317) Eva and Spider were standing to one side of a platoon of marines that were being drilled as back up in case the first group failed or needed bailed out. Eva felt, more than heard Lt. Stolev's approach. She had been familiarizing herself with the mental 'pattern' of all members on her team, even the large Brikar. That familiarity would allow her to sense any member of the away team and guide her to them, if for any reason they were separated. It was this same familiarity that she planned to use to locate Sevant if he was still alive. "Major, I've got some new information you'll want to know about," Stolev announced as he strode over to her. "Yes," Eva said simply, not turning to look at the ATAC. "I've just spoken with the senior officers on the science staff. They're in the process of compiling the data now, but they gave me a preview of what we'll find when we get to the planet where the Captain is being held." He paused. "You probably won't like it." "Get to the point," She said, a little harshly. "Well, there is an extraordinarily strong magnetic field around the planet. Transporters will be useless. Which means that these exercises," he gestured around to the holographic environment still surrounding them, "will prove to be of limited use once we actually arrive. I suggest we immediately reprogram the simulation to begin with a shuttle-based approach and landing." Now Eva did look at him, with one brow raised a look of disappointment on her face. "Oh? Would you now?" She said, before turning to Spider, "Major Drizzt, why don't you see if you can get a copy of this data. Then talk to either Lt. Fredericks or Ensign Siam to see if there is some way to modify the ships transporters to punch through the interference. Perhaps that little trick you came up with during the Sigma Epsilon IV mission a few years ago would work here as well." (Reply Drizzt) As Drizzt left the holodeck, Eva turned back to Lt. Stolev, her face impassive. "Never underestimate the ingenuity of determined Star Fleet engineers." She paused, staring at Stolev in silence for several seconds, before nodding and allowing one corner of her mouth to twist upward in a wry smile. She then opened a marine comm-channel with a flick of her eyes on the HUD on her Pallas Helmet. "Sergeant Ver'Kal, begin pre-mission checks on the Trojan drop ship. Turns out we just might need a ride to the surface." /=\Aye, Sir./=\ Came Ver'Kal's reply. Eva looked Stolev in the eye. "Never hurts to be prepared either," She said, "Let's allow Major Drizzt and the engineers have a crack at the problem first. If they too deem it impossible, then we will alter our plan accordingly." (Reply Stolev, Drizzt, Any) (Posted by Wes) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca - Engineering - ACEO Enaj - 1330) Having recently received Drizzt's request to come up with something to overcome the transporter difficulty Saim was staring at the data she had on the magnetic fields. They were indeed very strong but they had an interesting pattern. Looking closely Saim decided that if the team did not mind being slightly off traget she could get them in, following the field. It could be a rough ride and the systems would need some rehauling, but it looked quite possible. With the course of action decided upon Saim set to work. First to get to the transporter relays. Saim stopped herself just by the door. "Major Drizzt, I think I may have a way out of our problem" (reply Drizzt) (posted Saim) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca, 10 Forward, MCO, Major Straton, 1935) After a grueling day of training on the holodeck, Eva entered 10 Forward in search of someone she already knew was here. Of everyone on board the Boudicca, Domini's mind was the one Eva was most familiar with. In many ways, they were different sides of the same coin. Domini was a 'Mind Healer'. Eva was a 'Mind Killer'. Domini nourished life, embraced it, allowed it to flourish. Eva was a killer of both mind and body, and she was very very good at it. She could snuff out life in the blink of an eye. Had trained since her early childhood to kill, with her mind and body alike, but only in the defense of the greater good. She was a paradox. A killer whose sole purpose was to protect the life and safety of her people from those who would threaten it. ::Domini, I would speak with you,:: Eva said, telepathically from across the room, seeing that Domini was not alone. (Reply Domini) A few seconds latter, Domini joined Eva at the door. Eva turned and lead the way out into the corridor. ::I must make a request of you Alkurite,:: Eva said, using the ancient title of Domini's Order, denoting respect and honor. (Reply Domini) ::I want you to join the away team going to rescue Sevant,:: Eva said, getting right to the point, ::It will be dangerous and I can not guarantee success, but I believe your presence could mean the different between success and failure.:: (Reply Domini, Any) (Posted by Wes) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca, 10 Forward, COUNS, Dr. Domini Alizara, 1936) Domini laughed at the silly Ensign who was regaling her with a story of how he had won the Academy Pereses Square Tournament. She had felt Eva's presence in the room like a contained fire that warmed her. Therefore, Eva's mental contact was not unexpected. Domini smiled down at the Ensign. "Please excuse me, I need to speak with Major Straton." The Ensign looked over, yelped at the look on Eva's face and stammered out an apology. Eva certainly had a reputation of eating Ensigns for breakfast. Domini could tell that Eva was very serious about whatever it was. ::I must make a request of you Allurenate,:: Eva said as they walked down the hall. Domini nodded, not knowing the name of Eva's order - all of that was secret. ::As you will, Mind-Warrior.:: Domini replied serenely. ::I want you to join the away team going to rescue Sevant,:: Eva said, getting right to the point, ::It will be dangerous and I can not guarantee success, but I believe your presence could mean the different between success and failure.:: Domini stopped and stared at Eva, losing her equilibrium. ::Warrior, I am not like you, I can not take care of myself. What safeguards will be in place to protect me ? I am not brave.:: Domini finished, falling back into step with Eva as they rambled down the corridor. After a moment of silence, Domini said ::I agree, Eva.:: She sighed softly. ::My intuition says that it would be wise to include me. I had plans to speak with our Acting Commander about it, but I was not sure that I would be the wisest to include. I think that our enemy will be expecting you, Eva, and will have telepaths there to wreck havoc upon us. We have honor, and morals, but he has shown himself to have none.:: (reply Eva, any) (posted by melinda :-) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca, Corridor outside 10 Forward, MCO, Major Straton, 1937) After a moment of silence, Domini said ::I agree, Eva.:: She sighed softly. ::My intuition says that it would be wise to include me. I had plans to speak with our Acting Commander about it, but I was not sure that I would be the wisest to include. I think that our enemy will be expecting you, Eva, and will have tellepath's there to wreck havoc upon us. We have honor, and morals, but he has shown himself to have none.:: ::You may be no warrior,:: Eva said, nodding as they continued down the hall way, ::but you are well able to defend yourself and those near you. Your presence in the team, will free me to fully engage any telepath that attacks any member of the party. I will not need to hold back in order to defend the non-tellepaths in the group. I have included another Betazied in the extraction team. He is not as strong, nor as skilled as you and I, but he will lend you what aid he can. While you protect the team from telepathic assault, they in turn will protect you from physical harm. Defense, however, is not the only reason I have asked you to join. As a doctor of both body and mind, you are the most qualified to quickly ascertain Captain Sevant's mental as well as physical state. To make sure he can be moved safely and poses no threat to either himself or the rest of the team. If he is a threat, his will and mind broken, then you are better qualified deal with that without causing him any permanent harm. I would have to break his psyche completely from which he may never recover. Not acceptable. I will have security issue you a suit of armor, and give you a refresher course in the finer points of using a phaser rifle, so that you can help defend the team in that regards as well. We still have over a day till we arrive, so there will be time to include you in a few training scenarios, so you have some idea what to expect when we arrive. We will begin early tomorrow morning, if you have no objections.:: (Reply Domini, any) (Posted by Wes) Stardate:2406.11.27 (USS Nimitz- Crew Quarters - ACSO T'pau Vorik - 0805) Ensign Vorik was in his quarters preparing a message to be sent back to his parents on Vulcan,just a short note to inform them of his progress. It had been his mother's idea for him to go into starfleet and his secret wish also. His father had wanted him to join the Vulcan science institute but once his father realized he was intent on going to starfleet academy he reluctantly agreed. The comm activated. =^=Mr. Vorik please come to my office, it's time I updated you on the strategy Paul Casely and I have worked out for the coming confrontation.=^= "Very well Sir, I shall be there shortly." Stardate:2406.11.27 (USS Nimitz - en route to holodeck 1 - ACSO -Ensign Vorik 0807) If T'pau was human he would be feeling rather stupid,he should have went to Gralen in the first place with his plan but he wanted to let the Captain know he was a competent officer even though he was rather young.T'pau arrived at the holodeck and steeped in. The ACSO was sitting in a small holographic chair behind a holographic desk, the vulcan approached him and tried to smile knowing it made humans more comfortable. "You wanted to see me Sir" (Reply Gralen) (Posted by Scott Hepburn) Stardate:2406.11.27 (USS Boudicca- Crew Quarters - MO Farley - 0808) As Natalie Sat In her Quarters she began to think a little, and then some more. She stood up and left her quarters. Heading for the Turbolift she was feeling anger, an overwhelming anger and hatred, she entered the Turbolift and said Stardate:2406.11.27 (USS Nimitz - Deck 4, CSO's office - CSO Ens. (sg) Holis Gralen - 0809) "You wanted to see me Sir" Holis stood up as the Vulcan entered his office, the attempt at a smile was... well it was strange if not shocking, Holis recovered his composure quickly though. "Come in Mr. Vorik and sit down please." (Reply: Vorik) After they were both seated Holis got right to the point since Vulcans weren't known to be much for small talk. "The tourney lasted rather late Ensign so I wanted to start out early this morning and get your briefing on current activities out of the way." The Betazoid scientist spoke to the computer whose monitor was already protruding from his desk. "Computer retract screen and go to holo-display." [Affirmative] As the scren disappeared back into the desk Holis said. "Display target system." A holographic image of the Kenaris system appeared above the desktop in a cube 18 inches square . The bluish white sun was centered among the 5 jewel like planets with their respective moons as well as an inner and outer asteroid belt and a comet tracing its way through the system. "Add the locations of the satellites comprising the sensor and communications net within and around the system as red dots." An impressive array of red dots appeared with some overlapping redundancy around the system and linking them to the satellites in orbit around the third planet. "As you can see Mr. Vorik their sensor net is in a standard Star Fleet array. The Boudicca using her cloak will be able to penetrate it but the Nimitz without one of course will not without being detected... and therein lies the crux of our situation. While the Boudicca penetrates the system and affects a rescue of her captain we will be drawing the attention of the defensive garrison." (Reply: Vorik) "Computer display solar electromagnetic affects as green distortion ripples." After an instant the holographic display began to show the flourescent green ripples emenating from the sun and in a large wedge outward, engulfing the third and fifth planets as it spread toward the outskirts of the solar system and swept over a large swath of the sensor net. "As you can see the sun is in a period of intense electromagnetic activity in the form of solar flares which as you know are cyclical in nature. The flares intensity is heightened with the hotter blue wavelength suns and is strong enough to have a slight degrading effect on their communications and sensor equipment which we are going to take advantage of." (Reply: Vorik) "Paul and I have worked on a two pronged attack on their information gathering systems to confuse and disorient the defenders. A number of type 3 probes are going to be released armed with holographic projectors and will be showing the signatures of several sovereign class vessels each as they approach the sensor net. The enemy ships garrisoned within the system will naturally be drawn out to meet the attackers thus leaving the Boudicca with a free hand to come in the back way. When the ships arrive to engage the threat I have another surprise in store for them." (Reply: Vorik) "Based on the most likely ships we shall find awaiting us I have programmed the probes to release all of their remaining energy in an electromagnetic pulse when the enemy ships are close enough, a maximum of 83,000 kilometers. Coupled with the solar activity already under way the EMP pulse should take out not only the sensors on the ships by overloading their system buffers but also a good portion of their sensor net. They should be frantic at this since the burst will have such a short lag time, approximately 1.3 milliseconds that it is likely they will not know that the ships are phonies. They will be blind, deaf and dumb with a whole fleet on their doorsteps." Holis grinned in satisfaction and punctuated the last point by slapping his hand on the table. (Reply: Vorik) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room - COUNS - Ensign John Harrison - 0750) "Morning all," said Harrison, perhaps a bit too cheerfully. "Good morning Counsellor," said Paul back, "How are you this morning?" Paul's voice was obviously tired and the slight edge of stress was probably creeping through. "I'll be better when the day's over, but I'm alright for now." Harrison took a seat and listened to the captain's briefing and the reports of his colleagues. After the engineering report, the Captain turned to him. "How is the crew holding up, counselor?" "Aside from a minor incident in Ten Forward, there hasn't been many problems. I wandered the ship this morning, and the only thing bothering the crew at the moment is the usual anxiety before a combat situation." (reply sash, casely, iyw) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room - CO - Captain Devan Sash - 0759) The meeting went quickly, which was to Sash's delight. Casely's report on the probes was promising, although it didn't appear that they were going to be as big a distraction as he had hoped. The trick would be in the deployment. What they really needed was a cloaking device. He had to smile at the reference to a glactic event. He was almost afraid of what Galen would have to offer. K'ven reported that everything was ready. He could tell by the look on his face that the idea of running from a fight was distasteful, but their purpose was to be a distraction, not a sacrifice. Harrison reported that the crew were in good spirits, but anxious. A fairly normal reaction, Sash thought. He had heard about the incident in 10 forward but hadn't done anything about it. He planned to have the counselor deal with it and see what happened there. As he dismissed the meeting he looked at his chronometer. "Let me make a little adjustment. We'll coordinate with the Boudicca and cross the border of the sensor grid at 0830. Let's get ready , it's going to be a bumpy ride. Dismissed." Sash was still looking at a PADD when Vorik almost walked into him. If the captain didn't know he was a Vulcan, he would have thought the ACSO was daydreaming "I'm sorry Captain I did not see you there," Vorik said with a grin. There it was again. A very unVulcan like behavior. Sash decided that when this was over he was going to need to liik into our new ACSO. "That's alright ensign. Is everything alright?" "Captain while I have your attention could I please see you in a few hours. I may have a way to disable the satellite network?" Vorik asked. "I'm hoping you'll have that information a lot sooner," Sash replied. "In a few hours we may be in the throws of battle. Once we cross this line, we WILL be in the range of their detection grid. Let me know what you get as soon as you can." Sash watched as the puzzling Vulcan made his way towards the turbo lift. (reply none) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Cmdr Trevan West - 0900) "Sensors report no unknown vessels in our immediate flight path," he reported. "Very good. All departments report combat readiness every 25 minutes and don't stand on protocol if something shows on your screen." (reply: Any) The Commander, who was doing his best not to fidget as the ship ran silent, kept looking at the monitor with the mission plan on it. Every since the sensor scans had come in and the exact nature of the planet had become known, West had been shaking. He had read the status reports from the simulation teams, they tended to get hurt bad even with the element of surprise. The planet that Sevant was being held on made surprise a moot point, the Extraction team would have to go in on shuttles. The Nimitz was going to be playing rat, but the Boudicca would be into combat almost the moment she de-cloaked and the Marine transport left the bay. Even better, all the Boudicca's primary combat officers were already assigned. Trevan's own experience would have to suffice for as long as the Away Team needed to get onto the surface... Trevan's experience and the steady eye of the backup Tactical Officer. Not good. Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz- Captain's Ready Room - Captain Sash & Lt Cmdr West- 0805) Sash was feeling quite proud of his crew. They had come up with several, quite ingenious ideas. He was always astounded by what people could come up with, when they had to. He tapped the communication console on his desk. "Priority message to USS Boudicca. Captain Sash to Commander West." West, looking over the plan in the silence of the ready room with two guards Melody had assigned to him, one Marine and one Security, tapped a button and engaged the screen. =^=Um, Good Morning, Captain.=^= Sash leaned forward to his terminal, his face serious. "Well, Lt. Commander, looks like this is it. Are your people prepared?" Several thoughts crossed Trevan's mind, none of them the Captain would want to hear right now. So, playing a poker face, he sat forward himself. =^=The team is undergoing its final preperation, the Boudicca is swept for battle. We're as ready as we're going to get, Captain.=^= Sash stopped for a moment. West would make a most adequate poker player, eventually. He just needed a little more experience. But he didn't want to shake the man's confidence, so he continued on. "Good. I got Dr. Munroe's final report on the planet. Dr. Gralen has confirmed her conclusions. The planet's proximity to the pulsar, has given it a most unusual electromagnetic field around it. The shuttle based assault is the only plan. Do me a favor commander." Trevan quirked an eyebrow, =^=A favor?=^= Sash nodded. "We are about to take a serious beating. Instill upon your team the importance of time." =^=Will do.=^= Trevan said. =^=We're going to take one ourselves, looks like. We can't exactly leave the shuttle alone while it's traveling through the atmosphere.=^= His bluster, shown to Sash when the Nimitz had first showed up, was gone now. They were certainly going into combat against forces that a battleship alone couldn't defeat, only delay. =^=We'll be ready, and we won't move until you're engaged in combat. So... try to wait long enough for us to get into position, if you don't mind.=^= he finished dryly. Sash suddenly relaxed. West had grown up a lot in the past few days. The Angossian had been a little tough on him at times, and the Boudicca's FO had taken it all in stride. He hoped that he would not hold it against him when they met up in the aftermath. Besides, it was pointless to worry about them now. he had his own worries. "Consider that a deal Lt. Commander," Sash smiled. "We'll shake on it when we meet up at the end of this thing. Good luck to you and your crew. May the Gods protect you." =^=And you.=^= Trevan said, =^=Godspeed.=^= The channel closed and Sash sat back in his chair, taking a deep breath. Were they really ready. he hoped that he wasn't sending the Boudicca to a most untimely end. What other choice did they have. His confidence level in West had grown immensely over the last couple of days. It was now or never, and Sash was sure that Sevant didn't have the time to wait for the never. Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca- Ready Room- Lt. Commander Trevan West- 0810) He cut the channel and sat back while rubbing his temples. After a few moments he tapped his badge, "Trevan to Straton. Captain Sash would like to impress on you that the Nimitz is going to take a beating, so time is of the essence. I would like to add that the Boudicca is also going to get her butt slapped... same message." (reply: Straton) (posted by Al Muir and Jeremy Trout) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - staging area - Private Kane Curtis - 0820) Kane was still in the staging area as Captain Sash told him to. He slept on the bench, used to push weights for about four hours. His food, he got from the limited replicator in the staging area itself. Noticing the smell he gave out, he went to take a sonic shower and train again after, until the Captain would come to him for the talk he wanted with him and lift the confinement. (reply any, Sash) (posted by Anthony Struelens) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Ready room - ACSO - Ensign T'pau Vorik - 0822) =^=Captain this is Ensign Vorik I need to speak with you straight away.=^= Sighing, he sat on the edge of his desk. "Very well, Ensign, come to my ready room." Ensign Vorik began to feel very uneasy. He had come up with his own plan in an attempt to gain the respect of his peers, but unintentionally he had overstepped his authority and now hoped the Captain would not be too angry. His attempts at fitting in with the humans by smiling and so forth had been lacking in results another factor he believed was not helping in his attempts to fit in. T'pau arrived at the Captain's ready room and chimed the door. (Reply Sash) The Vulcan sat down and began to tell the Captain of his plan. "Captain I believe that the satellite network is operating on a lattice network each one being connected to the other, most of which I have confirmed from the CSO. I know that a plan has already been presented and accepted but there may be unseen traps in which my plan could be used. If we direct a biometric pulse at the lead satellite I have calculated that each satellite will then be unable to function." (Reply Sash) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Ready room - CO - Captain Devan Sash - 0823) Sash had just finished his conference with Lt. Commander West. The two ships were about to part ways. Once the Boudicca went to cloak the next words that he would hear from them would be the call to retreat. He had wished West luck, but he knew that it was well beyond luck. They probably needed some divine intervention. =^=Captain, we are crossing into the detection grid.=^= "Thank you, Sash replied, "I'll be right there." As the captain stood to go to the bridge another call came in. =^=Captain this is Ensign Vorik I need to speak with you straight away.=^= Sighing, he sat on the edge of his desk. "Very well, Ensign, come to my ready room." (reply Vorik) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Savana - Bridge - CO - Captain Curt Delano - 0825) Curt knew that the battle would be happening soon as the execution of Captain Sevant would not be too long from now. He had intentions to pipe the traitors execution all over the ship, so, his crew could revel in knowing that the USS Alamo had not gone down for nothing. The Captain of the Alamo had been a good friend of his and Curt had taken his friends death personally. Curt and La Beau had went through the academy together, had basically been promoted to captain at the same time. They had went to each others weddings and their wives had children in the same month. It had been a real coincidence that La Beau's wife had a girl and his had a boy. The running joke was that as close as the two captains were, the kids were born to carry the link into the future. Now, he had to be father to both children. The more he thought about that, the more he wanted revenge on this so called Captain Sash that had turned his back on Starfleet and it's regulations. Curt would have his revenge soon. Curt was confident that two Intrepid class starships in the very capable hands of seasoned captains, could take whatever the nimitz could dish out. He also had the forward screen of five makos to make life nasty for the intruders also. The makos had their orders as to what they were to focus on and with the two starships, it would not be a long battle. (reply from none.) (posted by Frank) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Strat Ops - Sogh la' K'ven - 0830) K'ven had returned to his position on the bridge, the Mission control center, to keep his eyes on the surrounding area. He felt itchy as if someone was either watching him or was about to watch what he does. He had gotten use to that feeling over the years as a tactical officer and it had proven right most of the time. The crew were at a point of wanting something to happen or for us to leave. He knew that feeling except he wanted the battle badly and soon. All Klingon Warriors lived for the battle and this one looked like it was going to prove to be a glorious one. The only thing he wondered was just how good the Nimitz would be in battle. Did the Nimitz have what it takes to win the battle of the day. He knew that the crew was basically up to the task, now would the nimitz let them down. K'ven had made sure that Sash had gotten in communication with the Boudicca's acting Captain. Sash had taken the conversation into his ready room and K'ven could only imagine what two captains would be talking about; the battle to come. While Sash was away he had made sure that there would be a tight communications beam to the Boudicca and back for the mission. K'ven's only problem had been when the Boudicca cloaked he would lose his connection, so, he had managed to get the Boudicca to ensure that they continued the beam while cloaked. Also, there would be no uncoded messages going back and forth. The only message that he would be looking for would be the call that they had Sevant. Then they would only need the route of escape that he would send to them. Once he had gotten all his work completed and installed, he turned to searching the area ahead of them. He did not want the Nimitz to come across the enemy before they knew exactly how many and what kind of ships they would be facing. "Ensign Bixx, I need you to boost the forward sensors as much as you can, now." K'ven said in his battle gruff voice, which, probably scared her but he did not care at this time. Efficiency at this time was all he would accept. (Bixx) "That would be fine, any is better than none. You work is satisfactory Ensign." K'ven replied K'ven knew when they hit the detection zone when an alarm sounded. He began an urgent sweep of the area that had been reported a good probable spot that they would be holding Sevant. At first there was nothing to report, then, he thought he saw something. Some small blips, first only one then several that were smaller than a starship. Then he the computer identified them as Mako fighters and he counted five of them moving in a focused pattern as if they were guarding something; he knew he had found them. He was about to alert the captain when the screen lite up with two more objects that were bigger and when the computer identified them as Intrepid class starships, he knew that the Captain had to be informed. He had thought it odd that the area identified was guarded by two Intrepid class starships and five Makos. To him it seemed like a cake walk to go in and take Sevant. "K'ven to Captain Sash, I have identified what we will be facing. I do think you need to come to the bridge." K'ven announced after he had tapped his combadge. He continued working to get the computer to identify which intrepid class starships they were. (Sash, any) "Aye sir" K'ven replied and waited for Sash to arrive. (Sash, any) K'ven watched as Sash hurriedly came back on the bridge just as the identification of the ships came through. He saw that the ships had placed themselves completely where they had thought the entrance of the base would be. Now he had a route projected that would take them in far enough to possibly draw them out for the Boudicca. (Sash) "Sir, as you can see, there are five makos taking up the lead defense and there are two Intrepid class starships, the USS Georgia and the USS Savana, taking up positions behind them. The sensors have not detected any other ships in the area, but, as I have said before, I would have some on stand by very close just in case." K'ven replied to Sash. "Also, Sir, here is my proposed path to draw them off." He had the computer lay in the course for Sash and the bridge crew could see. "Your orders sir!" K'ven asked in his battle urgent voice. (Reply from Bixx, Sash, any) (posted by Frank) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - TAC/SC - Ensign {SG} Paul Casely - 0843) Paul listened to K'ven inform the Captain of what was going on and started the readouts of the vessels on the screen. He started calling up the Intrepid Class starship references. The Intrepid class ships were created to fulfil a perceived need for a fast ship capable of deep space exploration and warfare. They were quick, well armed and in a pinch fairly deadly. They didn't have the firepower of a Sovereign class, but more than made up for it with their speed. Paul cleared his throat, "Captain, the probes are ready for deployment on your mark." (Reply Sash) "Yes Sir, the Intrepid Class starships are small, and therefore not heavily armed, but they are extremely maneuverable. They'll likely target the engine nacelles first chance they'll get. If I were piloting them, I'd send the Makos down the center to lay covering fire and bring the Interpids on the sides to blow the hell out of our engines," stated Paul. He could feel his pulse quicken. His first true combat mission, something he never really wanted to see but knew he would. Now things moved out of the theoretical and into the practical. (Reply Sash, any) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Acting TAC/SC Lt. Stolev - Day 5 - 0901) His fingers nervously tapping the tactical console, Stolev ran yet another advanced sensor sweep of the forward area. They would be at the destination planet within hours. He would ordinarily have been immersed in final preparations for the away mission, but with Lieutenant Skylynx having been placed on compassionate leave following the death of his fiancee -- a situation with which Stolev could unfortunately sympathize all too well -- he had been appointed acting TAC/SC and was therefore required to man the bridge since they were preparing to enter a hostile environment. "Sensors report no unknown vessels in our immediate flight path," he reported. (reply West iyw) The hiss of the turbolift doors caught Stolev's attention. He turned to see the Vulcan CMO emerge and head for the medical station. After a few moments of typing at his console, Mor'rel looked up from his station and glanced around the bridge. Stolev nodded in greeting as the Vulcan's gaze met his own. "Good morning, Doctor," he said. (reply Mor'rel, West, any) (posted by Aaron Scifres) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CMO, Ensign {SG} Doctor Mor'rel - 0909) Mor'rel glanced up and his eyes caught those of the man on the tactical station. He still had not met any of the bridge crew as he had missed the last meeting due to surgery. The man nodded and stated, "Good morning, Doctor." Mor'rel raised and eyebrow and considered this. "We shall see," stated the doctor. (Reply Stolev) "Logically, this is little chance that I can judge this entire morning 'good' as it is not finished yet. A good deal could still happen to make this morning no very good. Of course, these are subjective terms. What is good for you, may not be for me," stated Mor'rel in an even tone, "It is my hope that the morning, and the day in fact, will be good for me in that I will not have to operate on many of the Boudicca crew due to the current mission. This does not mean that I do not wish to do my job, but logically if it is not necessary for me to do my job, it means that few of our crewmates are being injured or killed." (Reply Stolev) (posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Acting TAC/SC Lt. Stolev - 0910) "Good morning, Doctor." Mor'rel raised and eyebrow. "We shall see," stated the doctor. Stolev mentally chided himself. He knew quite well that Vulcans tended to take figures of speech literally. A small smile began to play at his lips. ~In for a penny, in for a pound.~ "We shall see?" asked Stolev innocently. "Logically, this is little chance that I can judge this entire morning 'good' as it is not finished yet. A good deal could still happen to make this morning not very good. Of course, these are subjective terms. What is good for you, may not be for me," stated Mor'rel in an even tone. "It is my hope that the morning, and the day in fact, will be good for me in that I will not have to operate on many of the Boudicca crew due to the current mission. This does not mean that I do not wish to do my job, but logically if it is not necessary for me to do my job, it means that few of our crewmates are being injured or killed." "Ah. Well, I suppose you are correct." He tapped a couple of keys and nodded to the officer at the secondary console, who moved over to the primary tactical station to take over. Stolev needed to go check on the away mission preparations, but he decided to take a moment to chat up the CMO. He wandered over to the medical console and leaned against the edge of it. "So, Doctor, have you spent much time around humans?" he asked. (reply Mor'rel, any) (posted by Aaron Scifres) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CMO, Ensign {SG} Doctor Mor'rel - 0914) After his response, Mor'rel heard the other officer begin tapping at his console. Many humans had difficulty dealing with Vulcan forthrightness and honesty. They also had problems with the fact that responses were not emotional. Perhaps this officer had felt the same way. Mor'rel was mulling this possibility over and checking his station when the officer entered Mor'rel's personal space. "So, Doctor, have you spent much time around humans?" asked the officer who had still not identified himself. Mor'rel considered this question for a moment and pondered motivation of the question from the Lieutenant. Humans often attempted to intone a point of view in their line of questioning... of course, the Lieutenant may simply be asking a factual question, in which case he would have to moderate his response. "Lieutenant, Starfleet Medical is quite full of humans. After I completed my education there I was posted on Starbase 221, which also had many more humans than Vulcans. Upon completion of my tenure on Starbase 221 I was posted on USS Prague where I worked under Doctor Philips, who was also human. Does that answer your question sir?" said Mor'rel in his regular emotionless tone at the same time as he slightly adjusted the biofilters and added a few new virii for it to screen for. (Reply Stolev) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.28 USS Boudicca - Bridge - Acting TAC/SC Lt. Stolev - Day 5 - 0918) "So, Doctor, have you spent much time around humans?" asked Stolev. The Vulcan seemed to consider this question briefly before responding. "Lieutenant, Starfleet Medical is quite full of humans. After I completed my education there I was posted on Starbase 221, which also had many more humans than Vulcans. Upon completion of my tenure on Starbase 221 I was posted on USS Prague where I worked under Doctor Philips, who was also human. Does that answer your question sir?" Stolev smiled at the Vulcan. "Indeed it does. No need to call me sir, it was not a command quesiton. Just trying to get to know my fellow officers better, that's all. I've served with many Vulcans in my time and they tended to have varying grasps of colloquialism and figures of speech common to humans, based on the degree of their exposure. Since you didn't take my greeting in the spirit in which it was intended -- as an expressed desire for you to have a good morning, rather than an assertion that it is in fact a good morning -- I assumed that your past exposure to humans was rather limited. My apologies if my assumption was incorrect." Stolev hoped that his aptitude for logical debate hadn't completely failed him -- it had been several years since he'd regularly gone several rounds with Virtock, his old CO on the Discovery. (reply Mor'rel) It suddenly occurred to him that not only did he not know the name of the Vulcan doctor, but that he had not introduced himself either. "Oh, by the way, I'm Aleksander Stolev. Acting tactical and security chief." He didn't bother extending his hand -- he knew most Vulcans would view that as an uncomfortable overture at best and an affront at worst. (reply Mor'rel) (posted by Aaron Scifres) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Cmdr Trevan West - 0935) "Five minutes to the target, Sir." West took a deep breath and turned to the acting Security Chief. "Better get with your team, Lieutenant." (reply: Stolev.) He turned back to face the screen, "Bridge to Extraction Team, approximately fifteen minutes until launch." (reply: Straton, any) Trevan sat back in his chair, "Take us out of warp once we're within 300,000 kilometers of the planet and rig for silent running." (reply: Ops/Conn) "Bridge to engineering, I want a careful watch kept on our emissions starting now, we're already in their close sensor nets. We'll be vulnerable once we're orbiting the planet." (reply: CEO) "Everyone, stay on your toes." (reply: All Boudicca!) (posted by Trout) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 0940) Melody braced the phaser-rifle on her shoulder as she looked up at the single most massive shuttle in the Federation fleet to date, a Marine Stallion. She made no effort to hide the frown on her face as she watched members of the team board up while Straton gave orders. This shuttle was big, sure, supposedly strong enough to take a few hits from a full phaser emitter before she burst into spare parts... but she was a lot bigger then the average shuttle, making her a much better target. She would rather have taken a smaller shuttle like the Type 9, which Drizzt and the backup team were already loading into in case Straton and the primary extraction team failed. Failed, meaning 'having been killed'. ~About time.~ she thought to herself as she stepped into the Marine personnel shuttle behind one of the Combat Engineers. This is what they had been training for; this was now do-or-die. They didn't know exactly when they were going to launch, only that the Nimitz would precede everything by a few minutes by engaging the defense forces. Once a few ships had cleared out, Boudicca would decloak while this shuttle... the USS Rampant... blasted out of her shuttle bay. With any luck, dear Trevan would be able to keep some of the bigger guns off of them while they got into the compound to break out Sevant. She took a breath and laid the rifle across her knees. She wasn't quite as heavily armed as the Marines, nor did she have the impressive armor they did, but she was still armed for war. Security Guards were trained to act as troops in warfare, they were the infantry. There weren't enough Marines to take the job on totally, the Marines tended to be shock troops and Special Forces in heavy engagement. Melody was perfectly comfortable with the gear she had, or she would be once combat started. IT was the time just before combat that she tended to fret about sticking her fragile neck into harms way. The door to the shuttle closed and sealed, leaving everyone quite comfortable as the Stallion was designed to hold many more fully armored Marines. Now, they waited. (reply: any) (posted by Trout)