Compile#13 June 14-15 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day: 4 Stardate: 2414.1.18 Compile Summary (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - Day 4- 0903) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly - Day 4 0907) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0914) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - Day 4- 0914.5*) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 0915) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 0918) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 0919) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 0919.5*) (USS Boudicca, Transporter Room, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 0920) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 0921.5*) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - SciO, Ens jg Narvak - Day 4 - 0922) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - CO Captain Durand - 0923) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - Day 4- 0925) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 0928*) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant SG Detron Trei - Day 4- 0930) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 0934*) (Runabout Lorimar, ATT Cmdr Matthew McLaren- Day 4, 1010) (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1016*) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign Maria Holly - 1018*) (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Flashback) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - Day 4- 0903) Since Science station 2 was taken Andrew began to set his equipment up at station one. He knew it shouldn't take long but he definately wanted to get it set up before they shoved off. He hadn't started early enough. They were already asking for status reports. “Right all... here we go. Status check from all stations, please.” Bob ordered. All the other stations reported in, engineering, communications, and the other science station included. "Science one ready to get underway." He reported. He wasn't mission ready yet, but he had plenty of time between now and when his equipment would be needed to make it that way. (Reply any) Once the vessel was lifted off the deck by tractors and pushed through the shield of the shuttle bay they were officially underway. Maddox went back to work setting his equipment up. Most of it was overlays and downloading programs from his PADD to the Runabout's systems. Only once did he actually have to get up out of his chair and under the console to enstall a piece. It was a more sophisticated sensor actuator. He hoped that it would enable the runabout to tighten their sensor beams and maybe do some focused scans undetected. (Reply any in runabout) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly - Day 4 0907) As the run about lifted off, Maria turned to Andrew Maddox. She wanted guidance as to what things she should be looking for. "Mr. Maddox, in order to avoid duplication of effort, how shall we divvy up the assigned tasks?" (Reply Ensign Maddox) Maria nodded as Maddox gave her his ideas. (Reply; any on Lori mer) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0914) T'Larah was present when the message came in from Captain Durand that someone from the Boudicca had attempted and succeeded in contacting the Borg, which alerted them to the presence of a Star Fleet vessel in this system. ~Hopefully the communicator of this has only revealed on vessel and the Borg believe it's just one ship and dismiss us as a threat and schedule our assimilation until after they're finished doing what ever it is they are doing. Their underestimation will buy us time.~ Then the chief tactical spoke up with more disheartening news, "I've lost one of the probes Captain." He reported. "It's likely the Borg have taken it aboard for assimilation. They will be able to track it's origin back to us Sir." "Lost the probe, Lieutenant or just lost contact? Please do not presume anything, at this instant facts are what we need." (Reply Lt JG Soma, any) "Very well, Captain I'd recommend a course correction to make it more difficult for the Borg to trace the probe back to us." (Reply Captain Salid, Lt Soma) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - Day 4- 0914.5*) "Lost the probe, Lieutenant or just lost contact? Please do not presume anything, at this instant facts are what we need." Ben was a little taken aback by the Commanders statement, he hadn't presumed anything. The probes had been transmitting intermittently but the homing beacons had remained stable, now he had only one instead of two. "The probe is gone Commander, I've lost the beacon." Ben replied. "Very well, Captain I'd recommend a course correction to make it more difficult for the Borg to trace the probe back to us." Ben didn't like it, they lost the probe and someone in their great wisdom had contacted the Borg. The Borg were more then aware of their presence now, they would soon come looking for the source of the contact as well as the origin of the probe. Things were going from bad to worse, it was only a matter of time now. An engagement with the Borg was unavoidable, they would come and the crews would be assimilated or killed. Ben fully intended to take as many out as he could before he committed ritual suicide, there was no way he'd allow himself to be assimilated. A flash of a distant nightmare penetrated his thoughts, what if he encountered his parents? Would he be able to destroy them? They were drones if they had survived the attack, but they were still in there somewhere locked inside their own minds. It wasn't a thought that appealed to him. He thought of the rest of the crews, how would they react to assimilation? Would some of them decide life as a drone was better then death, how many of them though as he did. What would happen to his friend Sanok, Ben would willing give his life to protect his friend. He would give his life to protect the crew, but the bond was stronger with Sanok. They had been through alot together, now this could be their final hour. He couldn't help but wonder just what would happen if the Rose rammed the Borg pyramid or the cube, would it be enough to destroy them? (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 0915) Ahmed sat anxiously in his center chair watching what little telemetry that he could pick up from the Lorimar as it headed into the interference generated by the antiproton weapon used by the Borg pyramid. He watched and inwardly sighed as the last bit of data flow degraded completely leaving the Lorimar and the small Federation task force unable to communicate. There was nothing to do now except wait for the runabout to return from their mission and report on their findings. ~If they return~ Ahmed reminded himself morosely. "Captain I am receiving a tight beam signal from the Boudicca. It's Captain Durand." "Put him on screen." Ahmed replied. The man on the screen looked angry, near violent and Ahmed could almost swear that there was a vein bulging in the man's forehead. =^= Captain Salid, this is Durand. We have a major problem. One of my *officers* has seen fit to contact the Borg. Be aware that they are now alerted to our presence. I'll have more information as soon as I question my officer. Any other orders, sir?=^= Ahmed did a double take. "I'm sorry captain, say again I thought I heard you say that one of your officers *contacted* the Borg?" he replied, the disbelief in his voice apparent. (reply Durand) "I see," Ahmed replied as disbelief gave way to shock, which in turn began to smolder into outright anger. "Would I be correct that you have secured the individual responsible *Captain Durand*?" The senior captain all but bit off the junior officer's rank and name, making it clear that as captain of that ship, Salid was holding him at least partially responsible. He was certain that his own face mirrored that of his counterpart nearly perfectly. (reply Durand) "Good, keep them detained and under constant guard and observation. Revoke all security codes and ship's systems access, then meet me in your transporter room in five minutes captain. I want to speak with this traitor personally." (reply Durand) "You have your orders captain, Salid out." Ahmed rose from his chair on anger fueled muscles. Once the channel closed he turned to Jackson. "Lieutenant Jackson you have the ship. Commander Sullivan is still working on the tactical plans and is not to be disturbed. I will be beaming over to the Boudicca. Let's be certain that none of our crew follow the Boudicca example and try to contact the Borg, shall we? If either of those Borg ships appear, you are ordered to withdraw the ship to a safe distance and to avoid engagement if at all possible." Ahmed ordered even as he was crossing the bridge and heading for the Turbolift. "Do you understand me Lieutenant?" (reply Jackson) "Sanok you're with me." (reply Sanok) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 0918) He almost cringed inwardly at the implied -- and nearly direct -- dressing down he took from Salid. ~Trust me Captain, you are no angrier than I am...~ “He is under armed guard at the moment, awaiting questioning.” He looked at Roberts, who confirmed that Durand’s previous orders had been carried out completely with a curt nod. “Captain, all access has been suspended. He has the same levels set as a civilian guest... minus the freedom of movement.” Salid indicated he was beaming over. Personally. ~This should be pleasant...~ "You have your orders captain, Salid out." “Aye, aye, sir.” He sprang from the command chair with a purpose, and there was cold fury in his eyes as he spoke. “Mister Gesar, you have the bridge. I expect to be informed *immediately* of any status changes. While you are at it, find out just how in the *Hell* Trei managed to power up a holodeck and make his signal during a red alert without anyone noticing. I’ll be with Captain Salid.” ~Getting a new orifice installed somewhere that my body doesn’t need one, no doubt.~ (Reply Gesar, Any) He headed for the turbolift without further comment. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 0919) Tom was scanning his readouts when the call from the Boudicca. Tom Jackson watched as the CO turned beet red with anger. Over hearing snippets of the conversation, Jackson winced inwardly. Durand must be furious! Tom was new to the command side of things but he never liked getting dressed down. He never enjoyed dressing down subordinate staff but he did when necessary. Captain Salid issued terse instructions to his opposite number and informed Durand he was beaming over right now. Tom was shaken by Salid's next order. "Lieutenant Jackson you have the ship. Commander Sullivan is still working on the tactical plans and is not to be disturbed. I will be beaming over to the Boudicca. Let's be certain that none of our crew follow the Boudicca example and try to contact the Borg, shall we? If either of those Borg ships appear, you are ordered to withdraw the ship to a safe distance and to avoid engagement if at all possible." Ahmed ordered even as he was crossing the bridge and heading for the Turbolift. "Do you understand me Lieutenant?" Tom had what used to called 'the deer in the headlights look' and replied " Yes Sir" and motioned Ensign Smith to replace him at OPS. Jackson assumed the captain's chair. Quickly scanning the readouts he things so far were normal. "Lieutenant Soma, I want to know the moment the Borg do anything - understood?" (Reply: Soma) Tom turned next to Engineering and messaged Steve Matrix. "Engineering Lieutenant Jackson. What's your status?" Tom asked. (Reply; Matrix) "Sick Bay this is the bridge. We need your status please" Jackson ordered. (Reply: sick bay) (Posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 0919.5*) Though Vulcans were capable of going long periods without sleep, because of the Borg threat, Sanok had wanted to be at his fullest capabilities. Therefore, while the small Federation task force was observing the Borg, he had taken the time to go to his quarters to mediate and sleep. Having recently awakened, he had returned to the bridge, once again assuming the secondary tactical station. He had made it back in time to hear the call from the Boudicca that someone in one of its holodecks, had contacted the Borg. The shocked and stunned reactions Sanok observed from the bridge crew, though no one complained aloud, spoke more than anything anyone could have said. Sanok inwardly commended them all, especially Captain Salid. Things had been tense since the two Starfleet ships had arrived, but no one expressed what they must surely be feeling. Sanok wondered who had contacted the Borg, how they did it, and why. What could possibly have been gained by such a thing? Surprise and secrecy was pretty much the only advantage they had, but that was gone now. Sanok was expecting to see the geometric ships coming to assimilate them, but thus far, they had not. Doing a Vulcan breathing technique, Sanok cleared his mind and focused the fullness of his faculties on the matter at hand. In this dangerous situation, seconds could mean the difference between survival and assimilation. He would not be the cause of the latter, if it came to that. (reply any) (posted by Bob) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Transporter Room, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 4 0920) The pair from the Rosenante materialized on the transporter platform. By this point, the Captain was all but seething with Righteous Anger. As he materialized, he secretly hoped that the situation wasn't as bad as it seemed. As a captain himself, he was having a difficult time understanding how Durand could allow such an event to happen in the first place. Did the officer not vet his people before placing them in an critical position? And the traitor? What sort of dishonorable, coward would dare place his shipmates and possibly millions of Federation lives on the line for such a silly stunt? It was so inconceivable to him that he was having a hard time grasping that level of idiocy. He took three deep breaths and determined himself to avoid jumping to any further conclusions until he had a chance to hear everything for himself. (reply Durand, Sanok, Jackson, Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 0921.5*) Sanok continued to think about the Borg now knowing the two Starfleet ships were heading their way. He understood all their lives were in jeopardy, but the person about whom he was thinking the most, was Ben. Of course his friend would do his duty, even to the point of sacrificing his life, if it came to that. However, Ben didn't even need to be in this situation. After everything that had happened on Axtis; the tournament, the murder of Kavol, Ben meeting Marah, his friend had the opportunity to leave Starfleet and settle into his family home on Earth, making a life with the woman he loved. Sanok understood Ben's decision to remain in Starfleet, but had he decided to go with Marah, he wouldn't be facing the Borg now. Sanok would have missed him, but he now wished Ben had chosen to go. Sighing quietly to himself, Sanok conducted another scan and waited, though he was much more alert now for anything to erupt without warning. They still had a long way to go before they were out of this mess. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - SciO, Ens jg Narvak - Day 4 - 0922) Narvak examined the data pulled in from long range sensors, there was precious little change and most of the computer resources were diverted to tactical systems; not that he should mind, tactical info was always better then research when Borg were in the neighborhood. ~However, I would love to get a good scan to that scaring on the moon. Interesting~ The Tellarite keyed another command into is system. The trench looked old and artificial and while there was no structures on the surface, he was getting an indication that there were processed ores on the surface. He opened the log to notate the potential find, when he heard semi-secure announcement that someone on the Boudicca had contacted the Borg. ~What in the ten frozen zhorles~ Narvak thought ~Why, we were just to powerful and needed a handicap or the Borg did?~ The science officer was sure about that particular system since it was a wholly human construction, if you weren't good enough to play then either you didn't or you got beat and didn't whine about it. Narvak found that he wasn't too mad about the idiot one ship over, mostly because people far more highly placed were most likely more then a little upset and in a better position to make their displeasure known. Narvak remembered certain aboriginal tribes practiced a technique called 'counting coup.' Apparently at was an act of bravery just to touch the enemy and escape. If someone got him killed because they wanted to get in touch with his roots, Narvak would be very annoyed. "Are we going active?" Narvak asked. (Reply Salid) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - CO Captain Durand - 0923) Durand had arrived prior to Captain Salid’s party beaming over, which was just as well. He knew Salid must be in a foul mood, nearly as much as he himself was. ~What had Trei been thinking? So soon after Captain’s Mast... on probation... on a mission that could determine the security of the Federation...~ He watched, stone faced, as Salid and one of his officers materialized. Durand brought himself stiffly to attention, but dispensed with the normal social niceties. “Sir, the prisoner is in the Observation Lounge under guard. It’s the former TAC/SC of this ship, Lieutenant Trei.” (Reply Salid, Sanok, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - Day 4- 0925) Detron was escorted to the Observation Lounge by Ensign Signos with a great deal of anger connected to it. Detron didn't blame her for that because he compromised their position. Detron went over to the replicator and ordered blood pie with a side of Gagh plus some Earl Grey to drink. After he ate that, he moved from the table to a space big enough to prepare for battle. He began to shadow fight the Borg and practice using a Bat'leth The Borg were getting a Klingon Warrior to deal with now. (Reply Signos) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 0928*) She watched the Lt. has they entered the Observation Lounge, it was easy to see that he was angry. It's always easy to see when a Klingon is angry. Jessica however cared little on Trei's mood. The fact he acted so angered and showed little remorse for his actions bothered her more than his anger. She watched has he went to the replicator and got his meal, and ate. She wondered were the batlaf came from that Trei was putting though the motions of battle. ~ No remorse, no regret, no regard for the consequences of his actions and how what he done has endangered them all, or maybe I am wrong about him.~ "Who do you fight," Jessica asked the Lt. has he went though the motions of attacking some unseen opponent. " Is it the Captain, Your insecurities, Your faults, or perhaps it is anyone who has stood in your way?" (reply Trei, iyw) She shrugged in indifference. "If it's any thing other than what deals with in yourself, your wasting your time. You might try to convince yourself that this was all the Borgs fault. That you will make them pay for this embarrassment, this dishonor." She walked around the table quite confidante, even though what she said would probably provoke Trei. She felt these were words that had long since needed to be said to the man. "Have you stopped to think that you battle with the Borg here could already be over. Trei, do have any recollection on the amount of shit you are in, the people you have put in danger, and the preparation that everyone have done over the last several days that, thanks to you could now be in vain." (reply Trei, iyw) She stood her ground against the taller man, no fear showing with in her eyes. " I don't care whether your intention's were good or not. The fact stand, you abandoned your post, you needlessly put lives in danger, you gave away tactical information... the list goes on, and you want to blame the Borg. Blame yourself, the borg only did that tactically sound thing and capitalize on your stupidity." (reply Trei, iyw) The Observation Lounge got very quite after that, tension were high. Thoughts ran though Jessica's mind none of them pleasant. When next she spoke again it was the voice that ever man fears. One of a woman hurt deeply and willing to though any length to make what she says next a reality. She stood before the Klingon/ Batazed " If I lose someone precious to me due to your actions..." tears welled in her eyes and started there trek down her petite face. ".... you will pray for the Borg to assimilate you before I'm done." Jessica turned and made her way to the door, she hoped the Captain would show himself soon there was now hundreds of things to be done, to damage control this debacle. She was sure the Borg were coming, and they were blind to it. It was the tactically sound thing to do. They had to be ready, She had to be ready for her and Eian's sake. (reply Trei, iyw; any others always welcome.) (posted by Matthew Locke) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant SG Detron Trei - Day 4- 0930) Detron listened to what Signos gad to say while continuing with his battle preparation. He understood all her anger and her opinion of his character, but she was wrong about the will of a Klingon Warrior. "You have a right to feel the way you do. If you must know the meal I ate was Blood Pie and Gagh. They are to give a Klingon Warrior strength for the coming battle. As far as wishing to be assimilated before you tear me apart, that will never happen because I would die in battle before that. A Klingon Warrior must fight when faced with the opposing force against him. If I have to take out 100 Borg alone, I will. I suggest you prepare as well for hand to hand. They are weak against physical attack." Detron went back to fighting the air. (Reply Signos) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 0934*) "That they may be, weak to physical attacks," She spoke shaking her head seeing what she just told the former Security Chief went right over his head. "I wish he would disengaged the Klingon side of his brain and engage the Betazoid half, and think about his the possible out come of his actions before committing himself to them." She continued in a low voice speaking to herself. =/\= Security team Alpha 113 to Signos. =/\= the voice of the team leader rang into her head from the tactical circlet. "Go for Signos" was her quick reply. =/\= Ma'am we just saw Captain Durand and Salid heading your way from teleporter one. =/\= The team leader responded. "Thank you for the update," She turned to the Chief "Chief Krugor, I understand you have some familiarization with the tactical station on the bridge. I need you there bring the station online and transfer the battle database I was working on from the battle bridge. You can bet the Borg will be here sooner than we care to have them lets not be caught with our pants down." "Yes, Ma'am" The master chief answered and left the Observation lounge. She turned again facing Trei and just shook her head. before pushing the comm button on the circlet. The in low tones. "Captain Durand, Ensign Signos here, prisoner update..." She paused for a moment "Prisoner shows little remorse or care for action committed against the ship, seems to blame the Borg for his being under custody. Prisoner is currently Shadow boxing and has been isolated to the far end of the observation lounge for safety of security staff." (reply Durand) She watched Trei, waiting for the Captains to arrive. Has she was suddenly overwhelmed with the enormity of the task that was just dropped in her lap by Trei's inability to govern himself. There was so much that needed to get done to prepare the ship and time was vastly against her. She hoped the Captain Durand and Salid got there soon. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar, ATT Cmdr Matthew McLaren- Day 4, 1010) Matthew watched with some semblance of trepidation as the signal between the Lorimar and the Boudicca degraded to the point of vanishing. He knew that it would happen, but there was nothing that he could do to prevent it. The subspace interference caused by the antiproton beam used by the Borg was just to prevalent to work through or around. He glanced up at the cockpit windows, watching the scenery for a few moments as the runabout slid past the rocky moon's terminus and into plain view of the two Borg ships. "We've lost contact with the ships." Matthew said non-chalantly, as if it happened all the time, "The antiproton beam's subspace interference has overcome our communications integrity threshold as expected." (reply Any) He noted with some interest that the Borg Tactical Cube seemed to be shifting their position. At first he wondered if they had already been spotted until he realized that the cube was moving away from the runabout and into an even higher polar orbit over Dovek II. The Pyramid remained geosynchronous over their activity zone, their antiproton beam scouring away a tremendous amount of planetary build-up over what appeared to be an ancient city site. Lt. Major Shae was a steady hand at the stick, making the Lorimar almost float towards their target area. Matthew glanced at his console and noted that the Lt major was allowing the ship to coast in on their own inertia rather than actively engaging their impulse drives. That significantly reduced their energy signature and Matthew nodded in satisfaction at the shrewd ability of the marine pilot. Around him the science teams were working feverishly to gather as much data as they could. It was obvious that the subspace interference wasn't making things easy for them. (reply any on Away Mission) Suddenly there was a spike in subspace activity followed by a deep decline in interference. Things had become easier by a factor of ten as the Borg disengaged their Antiproton beam. That still didn't make things easy, they still couldn't reach the ship in the heavily disrupted area of space that they occupied. "Commander, I'm picking up a huge number of individual energy signatures on the surface of the planet. It looks like the Borg are transporting down Drones." (reply Lorimar) "Hard to tell sir. perhaps a few hundred maybe as many as a thousand. The interference is making it hard to be certain. I'm also detecting a moderately powered energy signature on the surface. It is distorted, but it seems to be emitting an unknown particle and Seylerions as well as chronometric particles." (reply Lorimar, Any on Away Mission) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1016*) Bob noted with quiet amusement that his friend Matt was playing the ‘cool game’ -- that thing that Starfleet officers nearly always did, hiding their emotions and pretending not to be upset or daunted in a situation -- and the balance of the crew were so busy even if they were scared they didn’t have time to notice. Bob, on the other hand, was not busy. And he was scared beyond reason. Not that he was not fully in control of his faculties or his actions... far from it. He was terrified of the situation they were in, and his fear was amplified greatly by the fact that he had been placed in command. He had on numerous occasions risked his own life. Sometimes in a calculated fashion, sometimes not. But this was entirely different. Here, the lives of the runabout crew, and possibly all those aboard the Boudicca and Rosenante might hinge on what happened during this mission. *His* mission. It was a weight that might be unbearable, save for the faith he had in the others to do their duty. Matt’s report that they had lost communication was not unexpected, but it was disconcerting nonetheless. ~Nae help for us, if anything goes wrong. An’ we cannae warn them if we spot something happenin’ fast. Bloody Hell!~ With most active systems shut down to minimize the energy signature of the runabout, their was precious little for Bob to do, save worry. He did find himself admiring the piloting of Shae. Such an unfamilair craft, on her first flight at the helm... she was doing very nicely. “Fair flyin’ Lieutenant Major. As guid as yer word indeed.” (Reply Shae, Any) He turned in his seat to face aft. “Any station wie information, report immediately, please.” (Reply Any aboard) Shortly thereafter, a series of beeps sounded from Matt’s console. Bob was about to inquire when his friend filled him in without being asked. "Commander, I'm picking up a huge number of individual energy signatures on the surface of the planet. It looks like the Borg are transporting down Drones." At least thinking helped calm the fear. “If they shut doon that antiproton beam... an’ assumin’ they were *looking* for something... ah wonder if that means they found it? Can ye estimate how many drones, Commander?” "Hard to tell sir. perhaps a few hundred maybe as many as a thousand. The interference is making it hard to be certain. I'm also detecting a moderately powered energy signature on the surface. It is distorted, but it seems to be emitting an unknown particle and Seylerions as well as chronometric particles." ~Seylerions? Why?~ He considered the relevance quickly. He knew they were a companion particle to chronitons, and tended to stabilize the existence of chronometric particles, damping their decay rate. Beyond that, he was a bit out of his depth. Particle theory was a distant memory, and not information he employed everyday. “Can ye refine that scan at all without going active?” (Reply McLaren, Any) He mused aloud. “Does anyone have any ideas? Even speculation at this point? And why would that cube be moving into a higher orbit? A tactical move? High cover position?” (Reply Any) A thought occurred to him, which also brought back memories of a previous flight in the Lorimar. “Would it be possible tae launch a recorder marker/comm beacon on a low energy trajectory to clear the interference and report back tae the ships? Without givin’ away either our position or that of the ships?” (Reply Any/All) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign Maria Holly - 1018*) Maria checked her station quickly. She quickly looked about the cabin. The two senior officers upfront were deep in conversation. Maria kept her eyes on the console but her ears tuned to their conversation. Bob Lorimar turned in his seat to face aft. “Any station wie information, report immediately, please.” Maria glanced around quickly, waiting. No one wanted to speak. She spoke up "I confirm those readings . (Reply: Commander) It seemed things were accelerating at warp 9! Maria was scared while at the same time thrilled. (Reply: any on board shuttle) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Flashback) Volus sat in the command chair being held in place by the zero-tau field that counteracted the bone-breaking deceleration as the Bolma dropped out of the quantum interstice into the Carbella System. Already the Bridge was awash in the pale blue lights that indicated full combat alert status. He turned his head, noting the visual compression of the space-continuum as they rapidly dropped back into sub-light speed. The dimensions of the bridge seemed compressed and blunted by the bending of space and time as the temporal dilation affects of the interstice jump began to subside. He understood that the appearance was simply caused by the distortion of photons as they were forced to travel at a speed other than that of normal light. The spatial and gravimetric affects were immensely powerful forces not to be trifled with. His fragile body would have been crushed a billion-trillion times over if it were not for the zero-tau field being generated by his command chair. Each member of the crew was encased in a similar field at their jump stations ready to undertake the business of manning the critical stations on the ship. Directly in front of him, the holographic display revealed the star system that they were dropping into. The Carbella System was twenty-three domeks from his home world, which in astronomical terms made the two systems practically living in each other's back yard. Yet despite this proximity, the Tarn had been completely unaware of the existence of the Carbellans until the day, three domeks ago, that they had suddenly appeared and eradicated the orbital research station at the outer edge of the Tarn star system. Violence had beget violence, and Volus had been drafted into the fleet, where he rose to the position of Grand Admiral. He had fought thirty-two battles against the faceless Carbellan fleets, and had managed to reverse the tide of the war until it finally favored his people. Now he sat on the Bridge of his flagship, full of stolen technology, leading a fleet of twenty-nine starships in what he hoped would be the final decisive battle against a bitter foe. The system was sparse. Four planets, two uncomfortably close to the system's parent star, the third, just barely within the habitable zone and the fourth much closer in size to that of a dwarf planet than a real planet. Of the four, the third had a legitimate satellite, while the fourth had managed to capture a few stray chunks of rock from some previous stage of the system's development. He dialed up the reverse view and watched as the remainder of his fleet dropped into normal space, each exiting their own artificial quantum interstice. One-by-one the ships decelerated, the thermal dumps radiating excessive amounts of ionized particles and thermal energy away from the ship's hulls that had collected as a result of the quantum inversion frictions built up inside the interstices. Already his high-speed attack frigates were racing forward to form a screen ahead of his primary capital ships, while the heavy lumbering Battle carriers slid into formation behind the slightly lighter battle cruisers. The optical relays began to bend space along their axis, reducing the drag on the photons along their path. The result was a brilliant and relatively instant visual image of the system, in fine holographic detail. His augmented interface cortex sensors had already identified the thirteen enemy starships at the far side of the system, and the on-board tactical resolution programs had datavised the intercept vectors and maneuvering projections for both fleets faster than he could inquire. It seemed that the limited intelligence that the Chamber of Secrecy had collected was accurate, at least enough so to put Volus' mind at ease. "All ships have exited the interdiction zone Admiral, we are reading complete fleet emergence at their specified coordinates." his Strategic officer reported. "The Frigates Plok and Cordal report a damaged enemy battle carrier limping along a vector to take it behind the moon orbiting the third world. It appears to be attempting to hide." Volus smiled. It was the elusive Grov. The last enemy Battle carrier remaining in their fleet. It was a high value target, and one that had done its fair share of damage to Volus' fleet in prior engagements. "Can we intercept it?" he asked. "With the main fleet, perhaps. The frigates do not have enough firepower to overcome her, even in her current condition. I recommend that we use them to harass the enemy guard fleet. While our capital ships move in to engage the battle carrier. We can then maneuver to engage the guard without worry of a battle carrier at our rear." Volus nodded. "Very well." he replied, "Have all the capital ships maintain formation on the Bolma, leave the Loca and the Fronax as a screening guard for our battle carriers, have them retrograde their course and move to engage the enemy guard fleet. Have the frigates join them. Once we've finished with the Grov, we'll catch the enemy fleet in a pincer maneuver and destroy them once-and-for-all." "Understood Admiral." Tovaz replied quickly and began to send out the orders. A few minutes later, the capital force was racing through the system so fast that they were almost at light speed. Despite their advanced sensors, the Tarn had never encountered stealth technology. The lead elements of the Tarn fleet reached the cloaked minefield in a dazzling array of brilliant explosions and expanding debris that rebounded from the shields of the following vessels. Those debris collisions had caused a considerable amount of damage to the defensive screens that would have otherwise been a match for the weapons of the enemy fleet. Those ships most eager for combat were the first to be destroyed, as their hulls split open spilling their crews and atmosphere into the dark void of interplanetary space. Those ships that managed to make it through the minefield, faced an even worse fate. The Grov had been nothing more than bait and Volus realized the fact a moment too late. His forces were so committed that there was nothing he could do to stop them. They swarmed around the moon at speeds approaching the speed of light, directly into an incursion field of waiting combat drones, backed by twenty-two enemy capital ships. Particle weapons lanced between the ships, as Combat drones rammed into the lead elements of Volus' force. Once impact was achieved, they exploded in an almost hypnotic pattern of brilliant energy bursts, that blinded ship sensors in pulses of electromagnetic radiation, even as they ripped massive holes in their target’s hull. At near-light speed, the two fleets flew through each other, with the Grov providing fighter support for the enemy fleet. Three ship's collided with enemy vessels, leaving a field of expanding debris that rippled through both forces, leaving a wake of destruction in that rebounded from shields, hulls and deployed weapons. He would have had tactical superiority if he had the ability to deploy his three battle carriers against this hidden force; without them, however, Volus' fleet was destined for failure. "Helm does not answer to control!" Volus' Pilot announced as he fought to regain some semblance of control. The Fleet Admiral looked up at the primary holographic display in time to see an enemy starship looming large ahead as the Bolma bore down on them at 0.99c. "Rapid decompress the portside shuttle bays!" He screamed. "We have crew there, they'll be killed!" the flight operations officer replied. "You have your orders, do it now or we all die!" Volus commanded. The Bolma slid violently sideways as the atmosphere and unfortunate crew were forced out of the now-open shuttle bay doors. It wasn't fast enough to avoid the collision entirely, but it was enough to prevent complete destruction. The two ships collided; the Bolma striking the enemy vessel with its starboard side weapon's blister. The blister disintegrated under the strike, as did the nose of the enemy cruiser. The Bolma slid into a flat spin- her nose barely missing the stricken cruiser as she spun dangerously fast along her path of travel. The zero-tau fields flickered under the strain and one of the fields on the bridge failed. Volus watched as the body of his weapon's officer was alternately crushed and then liquefied under the immense forces caused by the failure of the field at this speed. "Fire starboard thrusters, stop our spin!" he ordered. "Helm is still not answering to control Admiral!" the Pilot screamed, even as he struggled to stay firmly planted in his chair. Then there was an incredible jolt. The sudden impact warped the support plinths on the bridge, causing them to groan and nearly collapse. The rapid spinning of the Bolma stopped and the zero-tau fields stabilized. "Report!" Volus screamed. "We have impacted another enemy vessel, a... frigate, it has been destroyed. We are still moving at 0.89c out of the system." "The rest of the fleet?" He asked. The report was grim. The first pass left three quarters of his capital ships destroyed or disabled, several had no helm control and continued forward at high speed out of the star system- moving too fast for the gravity of the native star to slow them adequately. The Bolma was one of those lucky few. Unable to do anything, Volus watched as the mostly intact enemy fleet destroyed his battle carriers and frigates with little effort. His fleet had been defeated while doing hardly any damage. It was a very one-sided victory. The Carbellans didn't pursue those ships that were flung out of the system. Perhaps they believed another Tarn fleet was on the way and they were being particularly cautious. Volus understood though, that if they had just pushed their advantage the war would have ended in the enemy's favor. All because of his lack of vision. As it was, the war drug on for another four years before the Tarn were victorious and peace was forced on the Carbellans. But those four years would never have been necessary had Volus only exercised a little caution. He swore that he would never again be so impetuous. He would never repeat that mistake and fall for such a simple trap. (Reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------