Compile# July 07-12 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More into the Breach Day 4 Stardate: 2414.01.18 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 10.45) (USS Boudicca, Shuttle bay, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1214) (Runabout Lorimar Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1228) (Runabout - Science Officer Ensign JG Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1232) (Runabout Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1235) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - 2O/COPS Day 4 - 1240) (Runabout Crash site - Science Officer Ensign JG Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1241) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1243) (Dovek II - Runabout Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1244) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1255) (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CO Captain Durand – 1257) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1258) (Runabout Rosencrantz, SO, Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 4, 1259) (Runabout Blackwater, Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 4, 1301) (Runabout Blackwater, Lieutenant Steven Matrix , Day 4, 1303) (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1304) (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Day 4- 1305) (Runabout Blackwater - cockpit - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1307) (Dovek II, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1342) (Dovek II, SO, Ensign Eva Saint-Jean, Day 4, 1325) (Dovek II, ACMO Dr Candle, Day 4, 1328) (Dovek II, ACMO Dr Candle, Day 4, 1329) (Dovek II - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1330) (Dovek II, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 1331) (Dovek II, SO, Ensign Paulo Serrano, Day 4, 1340) (Dovek II, 2O/COPS, Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 4, 1343) (Dovek II, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1344) (Dovek II, Mine Team, Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 4, 1345) (Dovek II, Mine Team, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1346) (Dovek II, 2O/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson, 1348) (Dovek II, Mine Team, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2o/COPS Day 4, 1349) (Dovek II, Mine Team - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1351) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1353) (Dovek II, Mine Team - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1356) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CEO Lt. Steven Matrix - 1357) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1358) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1420) (Dovek II, Crash Team, SO, Taylor Dolan, 1430) (Dovek II, Crash Site, SO, Taylor Dolan, 1450) (Dovek II, Crash Team, SCI Officer, Ensign Maria Holly, 1453) (Dovek II, Crash Site, 3 of 17, Day 4- 1500) (Dovek II - Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1503) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 10.45) Detron sat on the bio bed while the EMH asked Signos of his behavior during a period of time. The EMH said that Detron appeared to be in normal shape for a Klingon of his age. The EMH then asked Detron why he tried to contact the Borg. "I tried to get information out of them and also to try to disrupt the collective mind." Detron waited for the next question. (Reply EMH) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Shuttle bay, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1214) Ben had just entered the shuttle bay when a call came from Salid. =/\=Salid to Soma and Sanok=/\= "Soma here Captain." Ben replied as did Sanok. =/\=The Boudicca and the Rosenante will be engaging the Borg tactical cube to draw it off-station. We're going to draw it away in the hopes that you will be able to enter Dovek II's atmosphere from the far side without being detected by the Pyramid. Notify Captain Durand when both teams are ready to launch so that we can optimize our attack timing.=/\= "Understood Sir." Ben replied glad that they would have a distraction, it would make things easier. Sanok responded aswell, Ben hoped his friend would make it and accomplish his mission to rescue the stranded officers. =/\=Good Luck Gentlemen and May Allah protect and guide you.=/\= "And you as well." Ben replied. When the com line went dead Ben moved to the Runabout and joined the assembled officers there. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1228) "The bone-mender isn't functioning," he informed the man. "I'll have to get Ensign Holly to reset your shoulder." "Here," Willowbrook pressed a hypo-spray against the Andrew's neck. "This should help with the headache and the pain. Stay here. Try not to talk." And the science officer walked off presumably to tend to the other sick, lame and injured. Maddox was not one to sit around and well, lay around when he could do something about it, pain or no. He reached for the pieces of the med-kit that Willowbrook had left behind, his ribs were screaming at him to stop despite the painkillers, the pain still pierced the narcotic's heavy fog. He took the two pieces that he could find, the auto-suture and the bone-mender and using his abdomen as a table he layed them down. He grabbed his tricorder and a smallish compartment off of his belt. Andrew took a moment to center himself. The pain was nearly unbearable. He slightly slipped back into the narcotic haze of the painkiller, then exhaled. ~Now, lets see if I can get these repaired.~ He picked up each instrument in turn and scanned them with his tricorder. Logging their damages and malfunctions. After they were complete, he placed them back on his abdominal shelf and picked up the small container. ~Now the tough part.~ He mused. Doing the others was relatively easy with only using one hand. He just layed the tricorder on his stomach and waived the instruments across it one by one. Now he had to attach the container near the front of the tricorder. He had tried several times unsuccessfully. (Reply Holly or Willowbrook) "I'm trying to attach, this container to the emitter housing on my tricorder. Something that would have taken an instant with two hands has now become extremely difficult with one." he said frustration in his voice. (Reply same as before) "Nanites." he said simply, "Specifically, nanites devoid of programing." The science officer Andrew had been conversing with attached the nanite storage container to the tricorder emitter housing as requested. "Well next you give it back to me. Because I have to program the nanites." he said holding his 'good' hand out. (Reply same Science Officer) "I'm sure you could, but my nanites, my idea, I'm going to do it." he said. Andrew knew full well he would probably not endear himself to anyone with that statement, and probably sounded like some kind of spoiled second generation know-it-all, but no one here had the same background as he did. (Reply same Science Officer) "Thank you." he said simply and proceeded to program the nanites. He hefted his tricorder to his field of view and very much like his recent encounter with the Borg began using his left hand to work the tricorder. It was slow going but he was able to quickly bring the nanites on line and impart simple instructions as he loaded the specifications for the medical instruments and their needed repairs into the nanites' simple circuit pathways. After their completion of the task they were to return to the container, wipe their memories and shut down. He started the program, and layed the tricorder on his stomach next to the medical instruments. ~Shouldn't be long now.~ (Reply any at crash site) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout - Science Officer Ensign JG Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1232) After a few moments, Joseph looked back to check on the talkataive ensign, whose name he still didn't know, and did a double-take when he saw that the man had de-constructed the medkit and was now waving some polarization instruments from a science kit over the tricorder, which lay on his stomach. ~You can't turn your head for a second!~ "What are you doing?" he demanded, still grumpy and impatient. He was in pain and anxious about the Borg, and really didn't want to have to deal with a grown man who took apart instruments like a child. "I'm trying to attach, this container to the emitter housing on my tricorder. Something that would have taken an instant with two hands has now become extremely difficult with one," Joseph got his reply, and frowned, the gears turning in his head. A container? For what? "What, exactly, does the container hold?" Willowbrook asked, slightly curious but unwilling to admit it. "Nanites," Maddox explained, "Specifically, nanites devoid of programing." Willowbrook stared for another moment before realizing that the nanites were going to enable a normal tricorder to become a crude but effective version of a medical bone-mender. He watched Maddox struggle, and then rolled his eyes. With a grunt and a wince, he got down on his knees and took the tricorder from the injured man. He attached the container with some difficulty himself, his previously dislocated shoulder still very sore. "Now what?" "Well next you give it back to me. Because I have to program the nanites." he said holding his 'good' hand out. "I can do it much faster with two hands than you could do with one," Joseph stated impatiently. "I'm sure you could, but my nanites, my idea, I'm going to do it," Maddox insisted. Willowbrook clenched his jaw. This man was infuriating. First he wouldn't shut up, then he happened to have a good idea that Joseph never thought of, and *then*, after Joseph had the social savvy to assist him, he ungratefully snatched the project away. But Joseph knew, however much it frustrated him, that he didn't know what to do next. If they were going to have a bone-mender, this ensign would need to construct it. He grudgingly handed it back to Maddox. "Thank you." the annoying man said simply and proceeded to program the nanites. After some programming (which Joseph watched intently, memorizing everything he saw), Maddox laid the tricorder on his stomach next to the medical instruments and started the program. After a moment of silence, Joseph found himself asking, "Is it working?" He very rarely interjected like that, but this was a brilliant engineering feat, and a non-obvious solution to a very complex problem. And his ribs hurt like hell--he wanted to use the thing after Maddox was done. (reply Maddox) He paused. "When you're finished, could I use it?" (reply Maddox) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1235) After a moment of silence, Willowbrook asked, "Is it working?" Andrew looked up at him trying to contain his annoyance. "Of course it's working." he said. He paused. "When you're finished, could I use it?" "What the bone-mender?" he inquired almost a rhetorical question but he answered it just the same. "Absolutely, but the bone-mender won't be the first one done." he answered simply. (Reply Willowbrook) "The auto-suture, has a better chance of saving our sucking chest wounded friend over there." he said pointing with his right hand that just happened to be the injured side. He winced momentarily from the pain. "Or didn't you take first-aid in the academy?" (Reply Willowbrook) With the younger Ensign's reaction Andrew realized that how he's been acting of late may be coming off as a tad cross. "I'm sorry, do you mind if we start over again?" he asked apologetically. (Reply Willowbrook) "Well hello Joseph Willowbrook, I'm Andrew Maddox." he said offering his 'good' left hand to shake. (reply Willowbrook) "Yes that Maddox, he's my father." he said, "..and I know what you are thinking, no it wasn't as much of an advantage as you think. Yeah I grew up in some of Star Fleet's most state-of-the-art labs, but having Doctor Maddox renowned cyberneticist as your father, well, more was expected of me." (Reply Willowbrook) "Well I was kind of sheltered. I spent most of my childhood in what used to be called California. In and around San Fransisco mostly. When I got to the academy I knew my way around better then most of the instructors, hell I guess that could be a pretty decent advantage." he admitted. "Well enough about me, where do you come from?" (Reply Willowbrook, IYW) Andrew listened to Joseph for a little while before his tricorder beeped indicating the the auto-suture was completed. "Hey it's done." he said handing the auto-suture to Willowbrook. (Reply Willowbrook) "Quite simple really, I had the broken piece of equipment, I scanned it. Then I down loaded the equipment specifications from the runabout. Put those into the nanites and programed them to turn A into B. Considering it was a minor bit of damage, all internal, the nanites were the go-to repair devices." (reply willowbrook) "Please do, and hurry before our friend's cardio-respiratory system collapses from the pressure." he said. (Reply Willowbrook, any at crash site) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - 2O/COPS Day 4 - 1240) An Ensign Signos approached him and indicated she wanted to talk. "Hi Ensign. What can I do for you?" Jackson asked. Jessica asked about Eian O'Neil. She seemed particularly curious about Eian. Tom smiled down at the young woman. "He's fine. I made him an uncle to any kids my wife Dahlia might have" Tom said. (Reply Signos) He sensed her concern and said "I gave him strict orders to survive - he has to teach the kids to play hockey". (Reply: Jessica) (Posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Crash site - Science Officer Ensign JG Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1241) Joseph was used to rude answers, so when the ensign responded, "Of course it's working," in a less than friendly tone, he simply figured this guy was responding to his own foul mood. He wasn't unaware that he was even less charming than normal, if that was at all possible. "When you're finished, could I use it?" "What the bone-mender?" Maddox asked, and Willowbrook's jaw clenched. He hated rhetorical questions. "Absolutely, but the bone-mender won't be the first one done." "Well, what will be?" Willowbrook inquired, his limited patience oozing through his voice. "The auto-suture, has a better chance of saving our sucking chest wounded friend over there," the man said, and pointed with his right hand that just happened to be the injured side. He winced momentarily from the pain. "Or didn't you take first-aid in the academy?" ~He makes me feel like a jerk and then insults my intelligence?? In the same reply?!?~ Willowbrook's fist and jaw were clenched tight, and if his ribs didn't hurt so badly and his head didn't feel like it would explode if he shouted, he would have screamed--something very, very rare for him. Instead, what came through was in a seething, low tone. "Would you like to apologize, or do you want me to walk away and leave you with one arm to work with?" "I'm sorry, do you mind if we start over again?" he asked, and seemed genuine. Joseph looked into the man's eyes. He was terrible at reading people. But he thought, perhaps, they were both irritable. They were both in pain. It was possible, even if unlikely, that he had been in error. He looked down, and brought himself to say, "I'm Joseph Willowbrook." "Well hello Joseph Willowbrook, I'm Andrew Maddox." he said offering his 'good' left hand to shake. Joseph looked up, a curious expression on his face as he shook Maddox's hand lightly with his left hand. "As in, the cyberneticist Maddox? Are you related to him?" "Yes that Maddox, he's my father." Andrew said, "..and I know what you are thinking, no it wasn't as much of an advantage as you think. Yeah I grew up in some of Star Fleet's most state-of-the-art labs, but having Doctor Maddox renowned cyberneticist as your father, well, more was expected of me." "What was it like growing up around those facilities? I would imagine you got exposure to a lot of interesting experiments," Joseph said, all anger and annoyance gone. He was fascinated--he never knew the famous Dr. Maddox had a son. The scientist in Joseph was in full gear now--it was time to get answers. "Well I was kind of sheltered," Andrew explained. "I spent most of my childhood in what used to be called California. In and around San Fransisco mostly. When I got to the academy I knew my way around better then most of the instructors, hell I guess that could be a pretty decent advantage." he admitted. "Well enough about me, where do you come from?" Joseph hated talking about himself. He wanted to know more about Maddox. "I grew up on Earth as well, in Canada. My parents were working on interdimensional analysis of spherical particles for most of my childhood...they worked together in the Vancouver facility but we would occasionally go out to M-51 for black hole testing." The tricorder beeped indicating the the auto-suture was completed. "Hey it's done." Maddox said handing the auto-suture to Willowbrook. "I'll take it to Maria." He was going to get up, but then the construction of the device caught his eye and he couldn't help but ask, "How did you do this?" "Quite simple really, I had the broken piece of equipment, I scanned it. Then I down loaded the equipment specifications from the runabout. Put those into the nanites and programed them to turn A into B. Considering it was a minor bit of damage, all internal, the nanites were the go-to repair devices." He wanted to know more. But a man was bleeding to death. "I'll take it to Maria," he stated again, and got up with a wince and small yelp. "Please do, and hurry before our friend's cardio-respiratory system collapses from the pressure." Andrew said. He made his way over to Maria and didn't explain much, but simply handed her the device. "This is an auto-suture device," he said in his signature brevity. "It should be able to seal his wound." (reply Holly) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1243) Tom smiled down at the young woman. "He's fine. I made him an uncle to any kids my wife Dahlia might have" Tom said. Jessica smiled at that, but did little to sway her concern; "That's good to hear, just haven't heard from him much since we got into system." He sensed her concern and said "I gave him strict orders to survive - he has to teach the kids to play hockey". She nodded, and accepted his answer, has she headed to the Shuttle. ~ In this mission there are fates worse that death.~ (reply Jackson, iyw) (post Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - Runabout Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1244) Andrew's tricorder beeped again signaling that the second repair was complete. Maddox smiled as he picked up the bone mender. He worked quickly remembering his first-aid class at the academy, but only barely. He guided his work using the tricorder monitor to guide his sweeps with the bone mender. There was a little pain, but mostly itching and tingling. ~Should have paid more attention in class.~ After he was finished. he looked to the other science officer with similar symptoms. "Willowbrook, did you get your shoulder set yet?" he asked. (Reply Willowbrook) "Good, here's the bone mender." he said. It was obvious with his ribs on the mend, that his mood was improving. (Reply Willowbrook) Maddox nodded in agreement. It was good that most of their group was back on the mend. Maddox heard something from the cockpit of the runabout. (Reply someone in-charge, room for more) After a small conversation Maddox was put in charge of getting some of the shuttle ready for the team's movement. He returned with orders fresh in his mind. "Willowbrook, Holly, we have new orders." (reply Science team) "Well, we are leaving. It's been deemed too risky to stay put. The crash of the shuttle is bound to draw the attention of the Borg in the area. We've been ordered to accomplish three tasks before we leave." he said. (Reply any) "Well there are three of us and three tasks, so we each will take a task to help speed their completion. We need to wipe the memory of the computer. We need to secure two viable power cells from the runabout, and we need to remove the flight recorder and take it with us, so the Borg cannot use it to find where the Rose and the Boudicca are. Who wants what? I was told to take volunteers first then assign at random." (Reply Willowbrook, Holly in turn room for more.) "Ok, the one left is for me. Lets get to work, we don't have a lot of time." (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1255) “I’m... fine, thanks.” Isra replied, taking in the short and young tactical officer. “I’m... assuming you’re not as young as you look?” she asked, scratching the back of her head in a slight confusion. She did know full well that Starfleet wouldn’t allow a child to serve, however. Jessica looked over to Isra, " No I am not has young has I appear to be my age however, is something one should never ask a girl." Jessica smiled has she made her final preparations. (reply Isra, iyw) I wasn't long that till the rest of the team was assembled, and the Blackwater, was ready to go. Jessica noticed a small group of well wishers had come to wish them luck on their mission. She was grateful for there support, they were gonna need all the luck they could muster. Jessica made her way to the tactical and weapon controls, has the shuttle lifted from the ground and made it's way out the the protective shields of the Boudicca and into open space. (reply, any who want, none needed though) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CO Captain Durand – 1257) As soon as they had been made aware of the plight of the Lorimar, Durand had instinctively wanted to engage the Borg. Intellect prevailed – to say nothing of the fact that the far wiser of the two Captains was also the senior one – and they had held off. Such a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction had nearly led to the loss of the Denver so many years ago. His old shipmates had been much on his mind the past few days, perhaps as much as dealing with the Borg had been. After Captain Salid had formulated what everyone hoped would be a successful rescue plan, the time had come to act. In the overall scheme of things, the mission was of paramount importance. To that end, Salid had also ordered a second (actually, third) away mission aimed at applying a bit of ‘scorched earth’; that is, denying the Borg access to the device they sought. Whatever the Tkon had left behind, its mere existence, and possible acquisition by the Borg was potentially disastrous. Denying it to them was now the primary objective. Which justified risking several hundred souls and two starships in order to cover the flight of two small auxiliary craft. Capital ships screening shuttles would make an interesting tactical report, he thought idly. ~Assuming someone lives to write the report…~ He glanced briefly around the bridge proper. His only regular watch-standers were at OPS, Conn, and Engineering. Selek, Roberts, and Gesar – the acting Chief Engineer – were at their respective positions. His focus was on tactical at the moment, however, as that spot would be key to life or death of so many in the next several minutes. Ensign Kearney at the tactical station had gotten the position by default. The Boudicca’s most experienced – and arguably up until recent events, most talented – tactical officer was in the ship’s Brig, by order of Salid, and concurrence of Durand. Signos, who showed great promise, had been tasked for the away team. How much a handicap these changes would be remained to be seen. Shortly. ~Here we go…~ “Roberts, signal the flagship that we are starting our run.” “Aye sir.” He jabbed the switch on the arm of the command chair which seemed to be getting a workout of late. “This is the Captain speaking. We’re starting an attack run on the Borg vessels. We will be drawing their attention away from the away missions, in order to effect rescue of the Lorimar crew, and enable the other away team to accomplish their mission at the excavation site. Prepare for damage and casualties. We *will* give better than we get. Durand out.” He was ready, as was the ship and her crew. He crossed his legs, right ankle over left knee, and leaned back in the command chair. He cupped his chin in the fingers of his right hand and spoke to Selek at the helm. “Go.” The attack pattern was non-standard, but still Starfleet. He and Commander Sullivan had discussed innovation at length, and together they had formulated a variety of options. This was but one. He raised his voice enough to be heard by the tactical officer, and spoke quickly. “Mister Kearney, stand by to execute attack pattern Sigma. Monitor both ships, but concentrate your fire on the cube… we need to draw them off. Roberts, stand by intruder countermeasures; I want tactical to focus on the external situation. Mister Gesar, work with tactical on varying shield modulation, and whatever energy issues crop up. Selek, go to three quarters impulse. All stations, stand by for attack.” A chorus of acknowledgments followed. “Optimum weapons range in twenty seconds, Captain.” ~Good. Whatever else Trei turned out to be, he trained his people well.~ The only outward sign of tension was a quick drumming of his fingers on the arm of the command chair, which Durand stopped as soon as he realized he was doing it. “Ten seconds sir. All weapons hot and locked.” A heartbeat. A breath. Two more. Three. “In range sir.” The Borg cube loomed huge on the viewscreen, its menace amplified by the tactical data overlay superimposed on the visual image. The thing fairly bristled with weapons, like some silent, deadly predator. “Fire all phasers. Launch photon torpedo spread, and reload with quantums.” Deadly beams of energy lanced across the rapidly shortening void, scattering – mostly without effect – against Borg shielding and armor protection. A volley of torpedo fire followed immediately, all streaking toward the huge target. Several were intercepted by Borg counter-fire, the rest all hit, doing little visible damage. “Selek, one quick pass, evasive pattern beta two. Just enough to rattle their cages.” “Acknowledged.” “Minimal damage to the Borg cube sir, they are –“ Returning fire. The Boudicca rocked violently as her shields were hit. Hard. Battle illumination dimmed, then returned to a normal level. The red glow lent an otherworldly quality to the entire scene, as the dance of deadly pyrotechnics flashed from the main viewer and played upon the faces of the bridge crew. Roberts spoke without taking his focus from his console. “Sir, the Rosenante is engaging as planned. Minimal structural damage to the cube. Our shields are holding, but weakening.” “Mister Gesar, Keep those shields up. We don’t want to deal with any uninvited guests.” Gesar spoke over the background noise. “Shifting shield modulation Captain. Engineering, divert power to secondary –“ Precisely what the Chief Engineer was about to do, they would not soon know. A feedback pulse from the hammering fusillade of Borg weaponry made its way past several redundant safeties, and before automatic damping could compensate, the console before him exploded in a shower of sparks and a gout of flame. Gesar crumpled to the deck, and the tactical officer with him, both of them caught in the small but powerful blast. Durand felt the pressure of the blast on his back, though it was mostly blunted or deflected by the structures behind him. He jumped from the command chair and was galvanized into action. “Engineering! Re-establish control. The bridge station is destroyed! Sickbay, medical emergency on the bridge, two crewmen injured!” he roared into the comm. system. “Selek, execute our withdrawal as planned, and signal the Rosenante.” As he was speaking, he vaulted the low railing and moved to the tactical station, now unmanned. With familiarity born of long practice, his fingers played the controls, reinforcing the facing deflector shields, while simultaneously loosing a full volley of torpedoes from the aft launchers. He felt the ship… *his* ship… stagger like a drunken prizefighter under the withering fire from the Borg. He knew that strong as she was, if the Borg had concentrated fire on the Boudicca, rather than dividing it between both ships, they would not long survive. He glanced briefly down at both injured officers. At a glance, they were both breathing, unconscious but alive. The whole ship was at stake; he couldn’t move away from tactical to care for them. The immediacy of the problem kept him from feeling guilty. Even though he could never, would never, admit it, the needs of the many taking precedence over the needs of the one – in this case, two – drove him toward madness. In seconds they were out of weapons range and the ship stabilized to her normally silky smooth flight. The turbolift doors opened, and a relief officer that someone had called for stepped out. . “Take tactical,” the Captain barked as he knelt quickly over the two downed officers. Closer examination revealed his first impression had been correct; No visible external injury, save a few cuts and contusions, but both men were knocked out cold. He would need a medical tricorder to tell more, and time and focus he simply did not have. “Roberts, report!” “Rosenante is damaged as we are sir. Our shields are holding… forward shields forty seven percent, after shields at sixty. All weapons operational. Tactical datalinks are operating, we will know more about the Rose in a moment.” He paused, then the disappointment was clearly evident in his voice. “Sir… the cube is holding position. They are not, repeat, not pursuing.” The Captain swore, something short and inaudible. “Casualties?” “Light, no fatalities as yet. Damage control parties deployed along with medical teams Captain.” “Very well.” ~Now what? You’re the damned Captain… *what* are you going to do?~ The choice was not a good one, but in truth, there was really no other. For the second time in his career, Alan Durand was about to violate an order. He hoped Salid would see and understand. “Selek, come about… new course one four eight, mark three. We’re making another run. Go to maximum speed.” Roberts turned in his chair, *almost* questioning the Captain, but stopping short. His look said enough. Durand offered a thin smile in return. “A fool’s errand, Mister Roberts. That course puts us right between the proverbial rock, and a hard place. But we need to draw that cube off… and they don’t seem to be paying attention. We are going to change that. There’s also the benefit –“ “—that if they miss us, they may hit each other. Sir, that’s insane. With all respect… uhh, sir.” “I’m counting on precisely that Mister Roberts. No sane Captain would run his ship in there. The Borg won’t expect it… it’s never been tried. And we have an ace in the hole… we have the Rosenante backing our play.” ~I hope!~ “Engineering, this is Durand. We are going back. We’ll be taking… I hope… twice the volume of incoming fire. We need a small miracle, do your best.” Durand stayed at tactical with the replacement and watched the recently arrived medical team working on his downed officers. “How are they?” he queried quietly. “They should both make it sir… internal injuries, blunt trauma from the concussion. We’re beaming them to sickbay now Captain.” “Keep me posted,” he replied as they shimmered out of existence. He returned his full focus to the critical issue. The replacement at tactical was a senior chief that he had seen several times during the time he had been in command. Her coppery red hair was closely cropped, her attitude all business. PO Myers was a fortunate choice indeed. “Okay Chief, you know the objective here; we’re drawing that cube off so the runabouts have a clear shot at the surface. They ignored our first pass, so we’re changing the game. Open up with everything that will shoot when we are in effective range. We’re bound to take some heavy counterfire. Keep shooting as long as you can. Split your fire -- phaser banks as they bear... even tubes to port, odd to starboard. If that cube really is escorting the pyramid, they ought to react when we damage it.” ~*If* we can damage it. No one has even seen one of those before...~ “Aye, aye sir. Fifteen seconds to optimal range.” Seconds crawled, telescoping into days. As the Boudicca moved into optimum range, Durand smacked the tactical console hard with his hand. “Alright Chief, open fire, all weapons as they bear! Shift phaser frequencies up and down scale at random. Maximum sustained firing rate... they can’t ignore us this time!” Roberts reported the Rosenante was engaging, and the tactical displays automatically updated to reflect that. The flagship was taking, and giving, a tremendous amount of punishment. As was the Boudicca. “Damage and casualty reports coming in from all decks Captain!” “Very well Mister Roberts, keep your reports coming. Selek, maintain course.” “Forward shields down to seven percent.... forward shields failing! Port dorsal phaser array is hit. Secondary hull ventral array as well. Ventral shields failing on the primary hull! Power reserves dangerously low Captain!” Durand let out a low throaty growl, silently cursing the Borg and all they represented. “Engineering, tactical systems have unconditional priority. I don’t care where you have to rob the power from, weapons and shields have to stay online!” =^=Bridge, we’re doing our best! Engaging secondary shield system, diverting power from damaged systems to compensate!=^= “Very well engineering, do whatever you can... we won’t get another shot at this.” “Sir, multiple hull breaches and armor penetrations. Borg cutting beam is slicing through the armor protection. Hull breaches on decks 7,8,9 and 13. Emergency forcefields are in place. Deploying damage control and medical teams. We have reports of heavy casualties in the affected sections.” ~Come on, dammit! Take the bait!~ And they were through. The volume of fire diminished considerably, and then... “Sir, the Rosenante is heavily damaged... showing multiple hull breaches... including one on their bridge.” Durand felt a knot tighten his stomach. Was anyone... “The Borg Cube is breaking orbit Captain... they are moving to engage us.” “Very well! Begin our withdrawal as initially planned. We may have to draw the Borg away from the flagship, look sharp.” “Sir, the Rosenante is signaling they intend to seek cover at Dovek IV.” “Thank God,” he said to no one in particular. “Someone aboard is still with us. Get us out of here, but maintain a covering position for the Rosenante... and get me Captain Salid.” ~If he is still alive...~ (Reply Salid, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1258) T'Larah exited the center chair as the Captain came onto the bridge. Captain Salid re-gained the center chair. "Commander Sullivan, have Lieutenant Dralar report to the bridge to take the Helm. Mister Nunez, you will shift over to the security station, Mister Xim will take the Science Station. I'll need Mister Yalix on Operations and you commander on Tactical." "Lieutenant Dralar report to the bridge. You are needed at the helm." she said using the ship's intercom. (Reply Lt. Dralar) As Lt Dralar reported in that he would be on the bridge momentarily T'Larah resumed her old station at tactical. "Sir, you do remember how to fire phasers?" one of the Tactical Petty Officers joked. "Yes, Chief. Do you remember the way to the brig?" she chided back straight faced. The Petty Officer's eyes were as wide as saucers. "I know you meant no disrespect, Petty Officer, as you were." she said believing she had made her point. ~It seems everything is as I left it.~ she mused to herself. "Mister Sullivan activate the TIHS System and stand-by for imminent Tactical contact with the Borg. Bring Primary and Secondary shield systems on-line." the Captain ordered. A few touches of the proper key commands brought the primary and secondary shields as well as all weapons on-line. The holographic displays of the TIHS immediately sprung to life as well. Holographic representations of the planet, moon, both Borg vessels, and the Boudicca materialized into T'Larah's field of view. "Tactical station ready." T'Larah reported. Ahmed gave several more orders, and just as quickly the image of the Boudicca moved just to the left and above center in T'Larah's field of view. The Rose followed to the Boudicca's ventral starboard as the pair came around the moon, ready for their attack run. "Mister Dralar, three degree roll to port side on my mark." "Ready Sir." Dralar replied. "Mister Sullivan, let's get their attention. Full spread quantum torpedoes into that tactical cube. Follow it with a full spread of phasers, all available banks." "Now Mister Dralar" At the Captain's command T'Larah's palm pushed out towards the Borg cube. Five points of light issued from the Rose. They slammed into the cube's shields and an explosion issued forth of raw energy, but even with the Boudicca's firepower too it wasn't enough. "Borg near shields at 75%" T'Larah fired phasers from their Starboard arrays, each beam striking the much larger vessel's shielding, but seeming to have very little effect. "Borg near shielding at 71%!" The Borg responded back with a volley of their own. The vessel shook like the deck plating was grinding together like tectonic activity. "Captain, that was a tractor beam. It failed to get a lock on us. Still Engineering is reporting damage to the dorsal primary shield generator." Yalix reported. T'Larah let loose with another volley of phaser fire attempting to penetrate their shields. ~Weakening but not through yet. 65% and hopefully falling.~ The beam burst through their shields as if they weren't even there and gouged a massive tear in the hull of the Rosenante class starship. "Breaches on Deck 5 sections 22-36. Containment fields are holding. Shields are still at 100% in that section." Yalix reported. "Evacuate those sections and seal them off." Ahmed commanded. "Mister Sullivan, rotate our shield frequencies after every strike by the Borg. Keep up our volume of fire." "I will keep the shields as random as possible. Firing all weapons." she responded. The Borg continued to return fire as the pair of Federation ships continued their assault. "Boudicca indicates that they are withdrawing as planned, Captain." "Mister Dralar, follow them." "Aye sir." The image of the Boudicca pulled away pulled away from the geometric Borg ships, firing torpedoes into the industrial looking superstructure of the Borg Cube. She had taken some damage, as had the Rose, but each vessel looked to be in good fighting order. T'Larah continued to pound the cube with weapons fire as long as the Borg ship was within range. The Borg beam weapons continued to strike both Federation ships as they withdrew. The lights dimmed momentarily as the Borg weapons hit an unlucky power system. The power fluctuated as the Rose struggled to keep the systems running. The TIHS flickered only briefly, and was back on-line. Smoke had already wafted into the bridge from fried circuits and panels. "Medical is reporting casualties captain." "Borg Cube Mister Xim?" "It hasn't moved sir." Ahmed looked up at the screen, and whispered something even T'Larah's keen ears couldn't hear, but he was obviously tense. Perhaps because the cube didn't follow as planed. "The Boudicca has signaled that she's headed back in on another attack run." Ahmed nodded in acknowledgement. "Stay with them Mister Dralar." "Happily Captain," the Skorr helmsman responded as he banked the Rosenante into a swift high-speed 180-degree turn. It was obvious that the Boudicca was leading the pair right between the two Borg vessels. "You clever sonuva..." Ahmed commented. "Mister Sullivan split your targets. Engage both Borg vessels as frequently as possible on our fly-by." He ordered. "Aye, sir, pattern Sullivan-Beta-One." she reported. As the Boudicca moved into her weapon's range, she unleashed a virtual hell storm of torpedoes and phaser fire that would have seriously wrecked a normal aggressor's day. Torpedoes slammed into both Borg vessel's with a vengeance and both enemy ships responded with a blistering field of return fire. The Borg vessels were relentless in their attack against the Boudicca. "Let them have it all Mister Sullivan." T'Larah fired all weapons in a rapid cyclic fashion. Ensuring that all weapons systems were trained at least once on each target and that with the Rose's rate of fire that the attacks didn't let up because of pauses for reloading torpedoes, etc. The Borg retaliation was brutal, making mince-meat out of the shields. Cutting beams ripped ragged gaping rifts in her outer hull as they managed to gain enough energy bleed through to burn through the secondary shields. Suddenly a brilliant green light illuminated the bridge, as a Borg cutting beam ripped it's way through the ship's command center. In an instant, three bridge specialists were vaporized as the green beam violently brought their existence to an end. The sudden decompression almost ripped the Captain from his chair, and he struggled to maintain his grip on the arm rest of his command chair. Had the rest of the crew not been doing the exact same thing, people would have started coming to eachother's aid. One of his security officers assigned to protect the bridge wasn't so fortunate. He was ripped free of the console he was frantically trying to stay in contact with, and his body was forcibly jettisoned through the scarred gap. Just as it seemed the rest of the bridge crew would follow the last poor security officer's example, the emergency force fields snapped into place and the air pressure quickly normalized. The blast had been a glancing blow, ripping through the starboard side of the bridge, beginning just to the right of the center seat. The path had vaporized the First Officer's chair, and cut straight aft through the engineering station and between the two turbo lifts. ~Good thing I was directed to take up tactical.~ she thought to herself. The First officer's office, as well as the Captain's mess and observation Lounge were gone, atomized by the Borg cutting beam. "I need a damage report." Ahmed called. Almost a third of the bridge was black as a result of interrupted power supply. "Looks like, we've suffered multiple hull breaches, Decks 1, 2, 3. Possible damage to secondary sickbay. Power is out on decks 9 and 13. We're venting atmosphere from our dorsal area deck 4, emergency forcefields in that area are off-line. Emergency bulkheads are closed." Yalix reported. "Internal sensors are off-line," Nunez added. "Security teams are making intruder sweeps as we speak Captain." "We've taken damage to our port Nacelle. We can not go to warp." Dralar said grimly. "We are also suffering some thruster drop out and there is damage to the impulse engines." "Tactical?" Ahmed asked. "The resulting power loss and structural damage has damaged our aft-ventral saucer phaser array. I will take the power alloted to those phasers and divide them into other arrays to compensate. Shields are understandably damaged, damage control crews are reporting on it." she reported. "The cube?" Ahmed asked. "They are leaving orbit on a pursuit course." someone reported. "Mister Yalix, maximize power to the shields, and to impulse engines." the Captain said. "Aye sir." "Mister Sullivan, Stand by torpedoes. Hold your fire until we've no other choice." Ahmed ordered. "Understood." she replied. "Mister Dralar, make best course for Dovek IV. We need a place to hide." (reply Dralar) "Mister Yalix notify the Boudicca our situation and our course. Best Encryption we have. Tight beam only." "Aye sir." T'Larah kept 'her finger on the button', ready for anything. (Reply any on bridge) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, SO, Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 4, 1259) Mike had settled into the pilot's seat of the Rosencrantz with a familiarity that he didn't actually expect. It had been at least a year or more since he'd done any real flying outside the prerequisite hours to maintain his rating. Somehow he hadn't really expected to be back in the pilot's seat on an away mission. He had quickly cycled through the pre-flight checks and diagnostics like a professional pilot, which to anyone watching, he might actually appear to be. His training predated his Starfleet days, originating with his time in the Starfleet Rangers. The training, while it covered the same basic processes, were geared more for a quicker smoother pre-flight and a shorter on-ground time. Mike's old habits died hard and he was actually lifting off the deck, once Sanok had authorized departure, before he had even completed all the pre-flight checks. He had completed the last of them as the runabout slipped through the shuttle bay's force field, which gave him a much better sense of satisfaction than he would have thought possible under the circumstances. He brought the Rosencrantz into position near the Blackwater, the older Danube class looked almost archaic next to the newer sleeker Runabout. They had just reached their assembly position when the Rosenante and the Boudicca pulled away from them at full impulse. Once they had a sizable lead, the two smaller vessels began their own difficult journeys. They slid out from behind the Disk of Dovek II's moon , which Mike referred to as Home Plate amongst the team, and vectored their ship's away from the planet on a wide parabolic course, that would allow them to approached Dovek II from the side directly opposite the Borg pyramid. Of course, if the Rosenante and the Boudicca couldn't draw off or destroy the Tactical cube sitting in high polar orbit, the mission would be detected and most likely failed. The entire success of these two missions hinged completely on the ability of the two captains to piss off the Borg. Considering the Borg's history, Mike felt it was a bit of a long shot. "Our ships have engaged the Borg." Sanok reported. "Let's hope they pull it off," Mike replied. He wasn't watching the sensors with the intention of determining the outcome of the fight. In fact, Mike didn't really want to see any indications of the damage that he knew both ships were suffering. He needed to stay within his 'Game Zone' and dismiss any feelings of misgivings that might develop as a result of witnessing any sort of battle damage. He simply had to have faith that both Captain Durand and Captain Salid, knew their jobs well enough to keep an escape plan viable, and not to risk their ships any more than they could suffer to be risked. He had confidence that they wouldn't have selected such a risky course of action if there had been any other choice. "The Borg Cube is moving off in pursuit of the fleet." Eva advised, obviously not sharing Mike's desire not to watch the details as they unfolded all around him. "Now is our chance sir." Mike reported. "We should make a steep vector entry to minimize approach time. The planet should shield the ion flare of our entry." (reply Sanok) "Aye sir." Mike replied as his fingers tapped out the commands on his console. "Hold on everyone, we're going to get some chop on the way in." The shuttle rattled and bounced as the small craft shot downward at 15 gees into the thin atmosphere of Dovek II. The forward pressure wave built up around the vessel's nose, giving the appearance of a meteoritic flare as the runabout cut through the clouds on a course for the planet before. They had the latest estimated position of the crash site, but even cutting through the atmosphere with a runabout would be detectable to the Borg Pyramid 65-kilometers above. They'd have to land some distance away and hoof it into the site, hopefully without letting the Borg know they were anywhere around. Mike leveled off the Rosencrantz's descent. shifting the pressure wave such that it exploded into a series of sonic booms as the ship decelerated to subsonic speeds in the span of a few short minutes. far below them, the scorched remains of Ancient Tkon metropolitan sites reached out of their open graves like bones burnt by atomic fire. Patches of antiproton radiation interfered with the flight controls, making the flight a little rougher than Mike would have preferred. The urban graveyard ended abruptly, metamorphosing into a sparse desert world covered by intermittent hardy vegetation, punctuated by jagged rocks and broken cracked soil. Mike dropped altitude rapidly, losing height in favor of disappearing from sensors by getting exceptionally close to ground cover. Small rock outcroppings slipped past the windows of the shuttlecraft at surprising speed. The shuttle was moving at subsonic speed, but only just so. The vessel rose and fell slightly as it sought to gain or lose altitude to conform with the topography of the planet. The Blackwater had peeled off on her own mission vector some time ago, and Mike hoped that the team in that ship would be able to get close enough to the Sphere to be able to deploy that weapon quickly enough. He knew that the device was anything but light and small. But he also knew that the antigrav units would make moving it to it's target a great site easier than trying to muscle it into position. Mike banked slightly to the ports side and gained a bit of altitude as the Rosencrantz slipped between a pair of jagged rugged-looking mountain peaks. On the other side, he dropped altitude rapidly, almost as fast as some of the world renowned roller coasters on Earth, although the Inertial Dampeners on the ship allowed them only the most slight indication that such a movement had even taken place. They were rapidly approaching the landing site. A position just two-and-a-half kilometers from the supposed site of the wrecked Lorimar. He hoped that the data was accurate, since he didn't feel much like walking around a great deal looking for crash survivors on a planet infested by Borg. Mike cut speed quickly, and he was already lowering the landing struts before the vessel had settled into their final hover for landing. He smiled as he adjusted the vessel's coordinates to place it firmly behind a cluster of stones deposited millennia ago by some long extinct glacier. A few additional taps of the console brought the Rosencrantz down onto the ground with barely a nudge to indicate that they had landed. He quickly powered down the ship's systems to complete standby to reduce the odds of detection and announced, "Ground Floor... Borg, sand, rocks and a few tree-like plants for your viewing pleasure. Please collect all personal affects before proceeding through the exit." (reply Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Blackwater, Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 4, 1301) Isra shuddered with anticipation as the Runabout shot through space towards the atmosphere of the planet below. "Ion trail is..... masked." she said, hitting the last button with gusto. She then turned towards the other terminal she was near, and tapped a few buttons on that one. "Our ships have engaged the Borg... Dammit! They're not moving." She said (reply anyone onboard) With a glance to the first terminal again, she looked up towards the helm of the Runabout. "Sorry, who's on Helm?" she asked, not really paying attention. (reply current helmsman) "Sorry... I'm reading an electrical storm starting below us... If you change our course by one degree starboard, and two degrees positive Z, we can use it to mask our trail even more. I'm passing this on to the Rosencrantz too." She said, returning to the sensors pointing at the battle. (reply Helmsman, anyone) "The Rosenante is damaged! She's taken several direct hits that bypassed shields..." she said, focusing the sensors a bit more to compensate for the atmospheric issues. "She's venting atmosphere!" The sensors were still crisp, clear and easy to read. It was almost as if she could see it all unfolding in her mind. The glow of the Borg's green glare, the pulsing of shields as they fought to push back the encroaching energy... All so that they could sneak below the radar. (reply anyone) "The Boudicca is.. Wow... That's nice." she began, watching its movements. "She's taking damage too... Not as badly damaged as the Rosenante, but she's venting plasma. I'm losing sensors... Atmosphere is too thick." she said, looking up at the viewscreen to see the clouds of the upper atmosphere as they enveloped the small craft. Electrical energy surged around them, the crafts shields keeping it all at bay. If the shields could take a phaser blast, a little lightning wasn't going to touch them. "Two minutes to target level." Isra said as the clouds began to part, and the ground below of a ruined civilisation came into view. The pockmarked flats of a war-torn world, stretching up to the open desert gave an impression of the Post-Apocalyptica everyone was worried about hundreds of years ago. "Woah.. I am totally using this place in my book." she said quietly, just as a bubble of antiproton radiation shifted the runabout violently, throwing her from her reverie, and onto the floor. "Thanks for the warning..." she said, clambering back to her post. (Reply anyone) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Blackwater, Lieutenant Steven Matrix , Day 4, 1303) "The Rosenante is damaged! She's taken several direct hits that bypassed shields..." said Ensign Caliel. Bleeding and already with a sizable headache Matrix thought he was hearing things, "ENSIGN! Did you say the Rose is taking damage?" shouted Matrix. (Reply Caliel) "Damn it...and I'm stuck here!" Matrix said fuming as he stood up in the runabout, trying to hang on to anything to steady his balance. (Reply Caliel, any) "Now I'm pissed...damage my ship will you?! Bastards! Ensign get this vessel on target and lets complete this mission so I can get back to the Rose and kick some Borg butt!" shouted Matrix. (reply anyone) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay 2 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1304) Henry Jacobs asked Tom "Orders Sir?" Ben wasn't surprised that Jacobs had asked Tom for orders, Tom was the highest ranking officer present and the Rose's second in command so it wasn't difficult to see why one would look to him for instruction. "let's go if that is ok with Mr Soma". Tom replied. Ben nodded to Tom. "You heard the man." Ben said. "Everyone aboard." When everyone was on board he turned to the pilot and said. "Notify the bridge that we are ready to depart." He then addressed everyone and explained what they were there for. "We've been tasked with destroying the Tkon sphere, it cannot fall into the Borg's position. We are to assist Lieutenant Jackson in planting an antimatter mine. We have to watch his back at all costs, he has the arming codes and the detonation codes." Ben explained. "Both the Rose and the Boud will be running interference to give us the best possible chance they can, you all know what's at stake here and I'm sure everyone feels the same when I say failure is not an option. The Borg are the greatest threat that the Federation has ever faced, we all heard the stories and most of us know someone who has been affected by them. Lets do this for those who have fallen and ensure the Borg advance no further then they are now." (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Day 4- 1305) Volus watched as the smaller Federation craft spun out of control towards the surface of Dovek II. In the back of his head the Collective was calculating intercept courses, probability of life forms surviving the crash and other similar statistics. When the impact finally took place, there were hundreds more voices looking over the variables, fine-tuning the calculations in order to be able to better predict the outcome of the next similar encounter. While Volus realized it was an exercise in futility, the Collective as a whole saw it as putting together a viable model to predict the outcome of a similar crash. They felt the need to quantify everything, even a shuttlecraft crash, while Volus seemed more inclined to consider that luck and even skill played a part in the outcome. To him, those were still factors that couldn't be quantified by any Collective consciousness. They were amorphous acts of chaos in an otherwise ordered and predictable universe. To define them accurately was to deny their existence as randomness incarnate in all actions and things. It simply wasn't possible because of their very nature. He turned his individual attention back to the space immediately surrounding the Pyramid. He allowed himself to pick up on the hundreds of thousands of voices as they went about their tasks for the benefit of the whole collective. Thousands were focused on the minutest details surrounding the Tkon sphere, while still more were accessing the collective memories of assimilated crew members from the USS Denver, assimilated all those years ago. Alongside the memories was the computer data assimilated from the Denver's computer core at Beta Corvallis. The arming code was quickly retrieved from the data, although Volus doubted that the Federation even knew what they had at the time. Along with that tiny spec of data, the detailed memories of the assimilated Captain, Science officer and First Officer of that ship had proven very valuable to Volus over the course of his investigation. It had been a stroke of genius to draw the denver into the trap that allowed him to gather the individuals and data that he truly wanted. From that data his true tasks had begun, tracking down the possible sites of the Sphere across thirty-three planets. Eventually Volus had put together a great many facts, after getting hints to the sphere's location from those assimilated Federation officers. They had seen the data, even if they couldn't understand what it had been at the time. That meant that they held a record of it. The fact that Captain M’ubarek had been on Dovek II once prior to his assimilation as part of a colony survey team had added value. It was his first hand knowledge that had allowed the Borg to assemble a reasonably accurate map of the planet's original habitable cities. A map which had allowed the Borg to systematically excavate all of the old ruin sites until they uncovered the Sphere. And now that they had that piece of information, his plan to assimilate Earth and the rest of the Federation would be an easy task. Already the drones were dissecting the sphere's functional systems with detailed scans and attempting to unravel the mysteriously complex Tkon technology. Volus' attention was suddenly shifted as the Collective urgently advised him of a new development. A pair of federation Starships, One Immediately identified as the USS Boudicca and the other as the USS Rosenante left the relative cover of Dovek II's moon on an intercept course towards the Borg Tactical Cube. All pertinent data concerning the two vessels was quickly reviewed by the Collective. In an instant, he knew a few more facts. Only those gleaned from recent assimilations. The ships were part of the 52nd fleet, the same designation as the USS Spectre, which had presumably rendered the plan to subvert the Subspace River to Borg Control inert. He had recent crew manifests and he immediately knew the names of the Commanding officers of those two ships. He found it interesting that Captain Durand had once served under the Command of captain M’ubarek all those years ago on the Denver. ~Perhaps they understand more than I realized~ he thought. {{They are moving to attack the Cube}} a sea of voices sounded in his head. {{Charge weapons and engage them. Remain in position. It may be an attempt to draw the Cub away so that a larger force can assault the Pyramid}} He ordered. He could feel the commands as they were fulfilled and the Borg ship powered up it's weapons in anticipation of the coming attack. Internal forcefields snapped into place and the pulses of energy almost excited his conscious mind as they built up and released across the space between the Borg Cube and the aggressive Federation starships. He watched with a mix of interest and confusion as the two vessels poured an insufficient amount of phased energy fire into the tactical cube followed by spreads of photon and quantum torpedoes. The statistics were clearly in their favor and the Collective had no concerns about the likely outcome of the conflict. The Borg beams slammed into the Federation vessels' shields, and Volus could hear the collective analyzing and adjusting their weapon frequencies to by pass the starships' defensive screens. Blisters formed on the surface of the ships, who must have realized the futility of their attack, because they broke off the engagement quickly after dealing no significant damage to the Borg vessel. Damage reports were quick and efficiently indexed. The damage was so nominal that it was hardly worth noticing. All of the destruction was isolated to armor or redundant superstructural systems. NO core systems of functions were in any way disrupted. The same could not be said for the two Federation Starships. {{We Must pursue them.}} {{Yes. Assimilate them.}} {{You will hold your position.}} Volus commanded. {{They are returning.}} Volus shifted the main view screen with a single mental command and watched as the Two ships were once again rushing in towards the Two Borg ships. Their vector was quickly calculated. Their maneuvers deemed irrelevant to the outcome of the battle and so it was dismissed. He should have known better. The Two Federation starships moved forward, this time directly between the two Borg vessels. They spit forth brilliant beams of phased energy and a myriad of swarming torpedoes. While not a significant threat to the Borg Cube, the Pyramid was not as well armed, and she shuddered heavily when the weapons impacted against her super structure. Still, the two small starships were no real threat to either Borg Ship, especially in the condition that they were in. The Cube had dealt them a heavy-handed blow, one that would eventually lead to their destruction or assimilation. It was the same outcome that had been repeated time-after-time when a species decided to attack the Borg. With very few exceptions, they simply prolonged the inevitability of assimilation. Now that he was threatened directly, however, Volus had a different perspective. He suddenly realized that he was vulnerable to some degree, even if that degree was statistically insignificant. And while a single Borg Drone may be nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded, Volus was so much more than a pawn. He was an individual who understood the Borg like no one before him could. He was the mastermind of the Borg's newest plan to assimilate a greatly distinctive collection of humanoids. He was invaluable, even if the Collective as a whole couldn't understand that. {{Pursue them}} he commanded the Cube. {{Destroy or assimilate them.}} The Cube quickly slid out of orbit, moving quickly in pursuit of the two federation ships. They didn't stand a chance, and now Volus somehow felt as if there really was no other federation Ships in the area. He once would have called it instinct, but now members of the collective had calculated the statistical probability of there being more Federation vessels in the area. He recognized at once that the two attacks had been nothing more than an act of desperation. A feeble attempt to do enough damage to one or both of the Borg vessels in the hopes of dissuading them or destroying them. Those Federation Officers had no idea that the Borg were not being commanded in the normal manner. Volus would see them added to the collective or he'd see them destroyed. His plan to assimilate Earth would succeed, and he was not about to allow them to stop him. He would have all the knowledge of the federation at his fingertips soon enough. He never even stopped to consider that the maneuver was nothing more than a diversionary tactic that was shielding two runabout as they entered the atmosphere of Dovek II. (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Blackwater - cockpit - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1307) Jacobs was steadily taking the Blackwater down through the atmosphere of Dovek II when from the cockpit view port he could she the rescue shuttle peel off and head to the crash site. From the back of the shuttle he could hear someone ask, "Sorry, who's on Helm?" "Jacobs, your pilot speaking." "Sorry... I'm reading an electrical storm starting below us... If you change our course by one degree starboard, and two degrees positive Z, we can use it to mask our trail even more. I'm passing this on to the Rosencrantz too." She said, returning to the sensors pointing at the battle. "Roger than making suggested adjustments. Just as Ensign Caliel had said, the ion trail was greatly masked and the runabout continued down to the planet surface. The landing zone came into view and without effort Jacobs circled the area before landing and commencing the mission. (Reply any) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1342) After they had touched down Ben gave the order to deploy, they had some ground to cover and from the looks of things the going wasn't going to be easy. The terrain was anything but flat and they had a couple kilometers of it to traverse. They filled out of the Runabout and began their trek across the alien planet. Was it always like this or had some disaster been the cause. It was hot, occasionally a sand squall would blind them. Ben hoped they would be here too long, a couple hours in this temperature would lead to severe dehydration. There was little to no vegetation which meant no shade. He wondered how Sanok and his team were faring, the Vulcan probably didn't mind the heat. It was most likely the closest to home he'd felt in some time. "Let's get moving." Ben said. The going was slow, you couldn't move quickly because of the terrain and if it were level you wouldn't want to move quickly because you would soon become exhausted in the thin atmosphere. "Mr. Serrano take point." Ben said as the others fell into line. "Don't bunch up." He pulled out his phaser and fell into line himself. "Signos cover our rear, Narvak begin running some scans." He said. "The tricorder can see further then we can." He moved a little closer to Tom and said. "How long do you estimate you'll need to set the mine and activate it?" He sheilded his face from a hot gust of wind and sand. (reply Jackson, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, SO, Ensign Eva Saint-Jean, Day 4, 1325) Eva was the first out of the runabout's hatchway as it slid open, the Angel Mark II weapon raised to her shoulder in fire-ready position. She made her way immediately forward to the convenient pile of boulders Mike had selected and peeked up past them carefully. A quick mental command to her cybernetic eyes allowed her to shift her perception from the visual spectrums of light to those of the EM band. She could make out the various EM field transition bands caused by the rapid ionization of the Antiproton radiation used by the Borg weapon. Finding that view both disconcerting and not particularly helpful, she shifted over to the infrared spectrum where things were only marginally better. The planet was hot, not just in temperature, but also radioactively. The world died a radioactive death a thousand years ago, and some of that ambient thermal energy had been present even before the massive amounts of thermal radiation had been dumped into the atmosphere by the Borg weapon as it vaporized solid matter into thermal energy during their excavations. Still it wasn't hopeless. Eva's discerning eyes could make out the majority of the vegetation and even a great deal of the background surface of the planet, because they were thermally less radiant than the general atmosphere that wrapped itself around the planet. While normally the stones and soil would appear hotter than the surrounding air on a world such as Dovek II, the exact opposite was the case here, thanks to the Borg. Another shift into Ultraviolet before returning to visual spectrums of light didn't give her any additional information to work with, and so she gave the away team the all clear. She moved quickly, using the uploaded topography software in her taccorder to help her quickly identify any major landmarks for navigational assistance. It took only a moment before the software recognized their true location and provided her with a travel vector and distance. "The crash site is estimated to be 2.54 kilometers along this vector." She reported. "Looks like some rough terrain, a lava field between us and our destination, so we'll have to watch for fall-throughs into subsurface lava tubes." (Reply Any) "At least there's no indication that the fields are still live. They've been hardened and cool now for decades." She replied. "Ready to lead the way Lieutenant Sanok" (reply All on the Rosencrantz Rescue Team) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, ACMO Dr Candle, Day 4, 1328) Basil had listened to the briefing and wasn’t quite sure where to focus his fear, the Borg or the planet. He has always been a spacer, born, raised, worked and … he would rather not think about the next one. He was never happy on a planet and was constantly surprised he made it through the academy. As the planet approached he could feel his tension rise and the thought flashed through his head as to why he was here. The last mission he had on a planet didn’t go down very well and the aftermath involving his incarceration was not the best either. He was trying to quell the rising panic - there were a lot more people that needed his help. He needed something else to focus on, he thought back to what the Borg are looking for. T’kon technology to be sure but what? Solar technology …. The shuttle bumped shaking Basil from his thoughts. He looked out through the front windows at the planet rapidly approaching. He could make out scorched remains of what was probably cities or at least a large complex. It was too difficult to make out too anything concrete from their speed and height. The journey to the landing point was, according to Basil, pretty smooth. The pilot was good, managing to land the shuttle with nary a bump. Grabbing his pack the dreaded moment came, after most of the others have left, as Basil stepped out onto the planet’s surface. The plant life was unusual, the planet had been subjected to different types of radiation over the years .. Centuries even. But nature finds a way. A lot would have died off but there would be those that would thrive, adapt to the environment and grow. Fungus, mosses vast jungle spores, all a botanist would adore to spend time with. To Basil the least amount of time they were on this planet the better. He used his medical tricorder partially to stop his thoughts from going down dark areas, to scan the environment. ~By my stars and garters this planet is a mess~ “Lieutenant Sanok stating the obvious but staying on this planet longer than we need to is not the wisest of things. This planet is saturated in radiation, which way do we need to go?” (Reply Sanok, any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, ACMO Dr Candle, Day 4, 1329) Basil had listened to the briefing and wasn’t quite sure where to focus his fear, the Borg or the planet. He has always been a spacer, born, raised, worked and … he would rather not think about the next one. He was never happy on a planet and was constantly surprised he made it through the academy. As the planet approached he could feel his tension rise and the thought flashed through his head as to why he was here. The last mission he had on a planet didn’t go down very well and the aftermath involving his incarceration was not the best either. He was trying to quell the rising panic - there were a lot more people that needed his help. He needed something else to focus on, he thought back to what the Borg are looking for. T’kon technology to be sure but what? Solar technology …. The shuttle bumped shaking Basil from his thoughts. He looked out through the front windows at the planet rapidly approaching. He could make out scorched remains of what was probably cities or at least a large complex. It was too difficult to make out too anything concrete from their speed and height. The journey to the landing point was, according to Basil, pretty smooth. The pilot was good, managing to land the shuttle with nary a bump. Grabbing his pack the dreaded moment came, after most of the others have left, as Basil stepped out onto the planet’s surface. The plant life was unusual, the planet had been subjected to different types of radiation over the years .. Centuries even. But nature finds a way. A lot would have died off but there would be those that would thrive, adapt to the environment and grow. Fungus, mosses vast jungle spores, all a botanist would adore to spend time with. To Basil the least amount of time they were on this planet the better. He used his medical tricorder partially to stop his thoughts from going down dark areas, to scan the environment. ~By my stars and garters this planet is a mess~ “Lieutenant Sanok stating the obvious but staying on this planet longer than we need to is not the wisest of things. This planet is saturated in radiation, which way do we need to go?” (Reply Sanok, any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1330) Dovek II was like something out of an ancient Earth myth about hell. Desolation everywhere. Hotter than...well, hotter than hell, as the saying went. Eian hated the heat. He was a cold-weather person, preferring the cool, misty air of Ireland or the sometimes biting but invigorating wind along the Great Lakes or northeastern North American coast. He liked hiking, but this was more like a death march. With a Christian background such as his, he couldn't escape the imagery everywhere. The knowledge that his humanity could be stripped from him at any moment accompanying him as he walked through a scorching-hot wasteland didn't make for pretty pictures in his mind. He tried to focus on the mission at hand, keeping his eyes peeled for danger. His ADHD was just about nullified in this environment. There were so many stimulating factors--the heat, the surroundings, the inherent danger, thoughts of the crashed away team, thoughts of the Borg in general--that he was basically like everyone else. Perhaps he could focus a bit better than others due to the overstimulation, but he had no need to invite other mental distractions into his consciousness. There was to be no day-dreaming of times long past in history, no narratives of the American Revolution or the Second World War playing in his head...and in a way, that made this mission all the more terrifying. As he was adjusted to living everyday life with those unrelated background thoughts, they provided some comfort to him. And in general, whenever he was engrossed enough in what he was doing that they faded away, it didn't matter because the action was moving fast enough that he didn't even notice the difference. But this waiting game, this prospect of impending doom, of losing his humanity, of the Borg conquering the Federation with an ancient weapon...it put a new spin on things. Sure, working to solve a murder mystery and having to disable a homicidal holographic program before it killed Sanok was pretty exciting. And of course he found it thrilling to expose a deranged ex-Starfleet officer who had managed to become the dictator of a pre-warp society. It was adrenaline-inducing to nearly be killed by a bunch of space-insects that had latched onto his brain stem (the thought still sent a shiver up his spine), and it was more than rewarding to have met Jessica and look forward to the long-term relationship they were building... All of these things had been exciting, but they paled in comparison to this. So much was at stake. A huge responsibility rested on these two crews' shoulders. And there was a better chance for failure than success. ~Half of life is showing up,~ his father's words entered his head. ~The other half is playing to win.~ With that in mind, he continued the hike toward the crash site. (no reply necessary, any welcome) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 1331) The runabout set down on the planet and the team disembarked. Saint-Jean moved quickly and began scanning the area. "The crash site is estimated to be 2.54 kilometers along this vector," said Saint-Jean. " Looks like some rough terrain; a lava field between us and our destination, so we'll have to watch for fall-throughs into subsurface lava tubes." ~Of course,~ thought Sanok. ~Why would getting to the crash site be anything but difficult?~ He wondered when he had become so cynical. "At least there's no indication that the fields are still live," said Saint-Jean. "They've been hardened and cool now for decades. Ready to lead the way, Lieutenant Sanok." "Proceed at the point position," said Sanok. "Mister O'Neill, you will go next and provide security for Ms. Saint-Jean." He turned to the two doctors. "I will go next. I want the two of you a few paces behind me. Mister Rosenbauer, you will provide rear security." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Our people need us, so we must move as quickly as we can. The Borg are surely on their way as well, so be ready for anything to happen at any moment. Move out." As each person was taking their position, Doctor Candle approached him. “Lieutenant Sanok. Stating the obvious, but staying on this planet longer than we need to, is not the wisest of things. This planet is saturated in radiation. Which way do we need to go?” "Doctor, it is not wise to be on this planet at all," said Sanok. "However, we do what we must. When we return to our ships, I trust your comrades in Medical will be ready with their supplies of hyronalin." He paused, realizing Candle was probably nervous about being on this dangerous mission. "Take your position behind me. We will follow Saint-Jean's lead. Stay alert and we'll be fine." The rescue squad began their trek across the Dovek wasteland. (reply any on team) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, SO, Ensign Paulo Serrano, Day 4, 1340) The trip down to the surface of the planet had been exciting for Paulo. The chance to bust some Borg skulls for all the trouble they had caused the Federation since their attack at Wolf-359 had him worked up. As a security Officer on the Boudicca, he had been lucky to be assigned to Signos' team when the call had come to transport an antimatter mine down to the surface. A scorched earth policy, or in this case a scorched Dovek II policy, was a suitable and equitable solution for him. After all, he'd been assigned to join the team on the deployment mission. At the very least, he'd get an opportunity to kill a few Borg Drone, at best he'd help foil their entire plan. At first glance it might seem that he'd be worried or depressed with the premise of dealing with the Borg on a personal level. The truth was that he wasn't afraid of the Borg, or assimilation or any other number of things that might go wrong. It was the result of a clear and focused sense of self importance and determination that led him to this point in his existence. And no one, especially some cyborg freak, was going to keep him from completing his mission. A mission that had brought him to the armpit of the universe. A small radiation pocked, pit of rock that could barely support life. He was on point, leading the away team ahead towards the target area. The unevenness of the ground was anything but pleasant, and he could only imaging the difficulties that the engineers were having maneuvering the antimatter mine over such rough terrain. He used the optical enhancements embedded in his tactical loupe. Scanning the horizon and foreground for any sign of movement indicative of Borg activity. The only sign that there was more to this world than rocks was the occasional gust of sand filled air which disturbed the small radiation stunted plants. He knew that the rescue team was somewhere to the south of them, roughly ten-kilometers away. Their task was just as dangerous, or at least seemed to be, since they would most likely be dealing with the Borg who would want to assimilate any crash survivors. Behind him, Soma, Jackson and the others were following along, although with a little bit of a span between them; as it should be. He turned back to them and gave them a quick signal that they could get underway once again. Only a few kilometers ahed of them were the remains of the Tkon City and the Sphere that they were ordered to destroy. The chance of encountering the Borg was growing more likely and as it grew so did Paulo's smile. He could hardly wait to kill himself some Borg Drones. (reply All on Blackwater Away Team) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, 2O/COPS, Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 4, 1343) Ben Soma was setting out his decisions about their deployment. Ben was much better at ground deployments than Jackson. The spacing out of the team members as they moved out. Tom thought that made sense. Soma turned to Tom Jackson and asked Jackson how long he thought he'd need to arm the mine. Tom had not been able to run any simulations to determine that information. Sighing, he made the best guess he could. "Ben, the activation and detention sequences run about five minutes total" Tom replied. (Reply: Soma) Tom wondered if Soma realized anything about Jackson's orders. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1344) Tom sighed before he answered. Ben knew he was putting the 2O on the spot with the question but he needed an estimate so he knew what time frame he was working in, how long they had to last to see the mission through. "Ben, the activation and detention sequences run about five minutes total" Tom replied. Ben had been hoping for a shorter time frame, five minutes for the sequence to run, add a few more for set up and then throw in the margin for error and chaos. "We'll have to give you as much time as possible then." Ben replied. "Your going to need a minimum of about ten minutes to set up, run the sequence and set the delay." (reply Tom iyw) Ben had been in tight spots before but he didn't like this one, there were too many uncertainties. Once the Borg figured out what they were up to there would be hell to pay, and there were a lot more drones then there were phasers. Ben had to make sure Tom survived long enough to plant the mine and activate it, even if it meant the others had to perish. This troubled him, it went against the grain. He was supposed to preserve life, he was trained to do so. ~Marah, I hope the Prophets are looking after us all.~ Moving closer so the others wouldn't overhear he said. "Considering what's at stake I assume this is considered to be a kamikaze run." (reply Tom) "Guess I'm gonna be your guardian angel." Ben said. (reply Tom, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team, Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 4, 1345) Ben and Tom discussed the mission scenario. After a few moments Soma spoke with determination "Your going to need a minimum of about ten minutes to set up, run the sequence and set the delay." "Agreed Ben. We both know this for all the chips" Tom said quietly. Isra walked along behind them, her tricorder in hand. She was barely looking at the other people, but could definitely tell what was going on. Her first mission from a ship, and she'd been sent on a suicide mission. The Borg were relentless, never stopping until they had what they wanted. In this case, it was the T'kon sphere... They were trying to destroy that item, which meant the Borg would likely want to destroy them so they could get to it. Either that, or Assimilate them. Either way, it wasn't looking to be a very nice day. "Guys." she said, eyes opening wide. "There's a chasm on the other side of this rock..." she said, patting the rock that turned this path into a corridor. "About three hundred metres on, there's a gap in this wall, which opens to what looks like a bridge. If it's in good enough condition, we could cut about a kilometre from the walk." she added. It wasn't the most interesting job she'd ever had, but if they were going to get themselves killed, might as well get it over with now. Taking the time to glance up from the tricorder, she took in the surrounding landscape for a moment. In the distance, she could see eruptions of lava and steam shooting from the ground. The planet looked to be a touch more unstable than they first thought. Electromagnetic activity was through the roof, and the planet itself was coming apart at the seams. The Borg had cut it a bit fine... Any longer and the planet would risk exploding on them. She glanced down at the tricorder again, and tried to amplify its output. ~I just hope it's strong enough to carry the mine...~ (reply anyone) "Sorry, I can't tell if it's strong enough for the mine. The atmosphere is so horrible I had to boost the tricorder to even tell you that. The power pack is going to burn out before we get there, at this rate. At least we'll have an earlier warning though." (reply anyone) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1346) "Ben, I am asking you this favor - if I am about to be assimilated, I want you to terminate me without hesitation. I cannot fall into the Borg's hands. Do you understand?" Tom asked. Ben tilted his head slightly, the thought didn't appeal to him at all. In ancient times Samurai would aide others in ritual suicide if the head master felt it was appropriate. This was considered an honor, to help end ones suffering by taking thier head. Ben didn't consider this to be an honor. Looking just as deeply in Tom's eyes he replied. "I give you my word Tom, if it comes down to it, I will ensure the Borg do not take possession of the knowledge you posses." Ben didn't like the thought of having to kill a comrade. He had no trouble with killing drones, he would even enjoy it. The Borg had taken his family and now he was in a position to exact a small measure of revenge, his training as a Starfleet officer and as a Samurai dictated this was wrong but he couldn't help it. He would kill as many drones as he could while he was still breathing and then continue to do so in the next life. "What else can I help you with Ben?" Jackson asked placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Stay alive." Ben replied. "Dahlia would soon send me to join you if I told her I had to kill you." (reply Tom iyw) Just then Ensign Caliel spoke up. "Guys." she said, eyes opening wide. "There's a chasm on the other side of this rock..." she said, patting the rock that turned this path into a corridor. "About three hundred metres on, there's a gap in this wall, which opens to what looks like a bridge. If it's in good enough condition, we could cut about a kilometre from the walk." "Good work Ensign." Ben said. "Will it hold the weight of the mine along with those carrying it?" "Sorry, I can't tell if it's strong enough for the mine. The atmosphere is so horrible I had to boost the tricorder to even tell you that. The power pack is going to burn out before we get there, at this rate. At least we'll have an earlier warning though." "We'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it." Ben said. "No pun intended." Ben turned to the group and announced a change in direction. "We're going to try the bridge, if it holds it'll save us some walking and some time." Ben knew everyone would appreciate that fact. The atmosphere was thin, the temperature was nearly unbearable and the constant sand blasting was beginning to get more then a little annoying and bordering on painful. "When we get there we're going to need to test it's structure, so for now keep your scans at low power to preserve the the power cells. Keep your spacing and keep your eyes open, so far we haven't seen the Borg but that could change at any time." (reply any in mine team) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, 2O/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson, 1348) Ben and Tom discussed the mission scenario. After a few moments Soma spoke with determination "Your going to need a minimum of about ten minutes to set up, run the sequence and set the delay." "Agreed Ben. We both know this for all the chips" Tom said quietly. (Reply: Ben, others) Tom jackson looked at each team member closely. His orders were clear. It had to be successful - Jackson would sacrifice all of them if he had to. Pulling Ben aside Jackson looked deeply into his friend's eyes. Tom saw deep pain. Jackson knew what he was about to order might add to that mountain of hurt. "Ben, I am asking you this favor - if I am about to be assimilated, I want you to terminate me without hesitation. I cannot fall into the Borg's hands. Do you understand?" Tom asked. (Reply: Ben) Tom's thoughts went for the briefest moment to his lovely wife Dahlia. He had to shut this thought out down. To return things to the present Jackson asked "What else can I help you with Ben?" Jackson asked placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. (Reply: Ben) (Posted By: Bill W) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2o/COPS Day 4, 1349) Tom and Ben had finished talking when Ensign Isra Caliel spoke up stating ""Guys." she said, eyes opening wide. Continuing she added "There's a chasm on the other side of this rock..." she said, patting the rock that turned this path into a corridor. "About three hundred meters on, there's a gap in this wall, which opens to what looks like a bridge. If it's in good enough condition, we could cut about a kilometer from the walk." she added. It wasn't the most interesting job she'd ever had, but if they were going to get themselves killed, might as well get it over with now. Tom and Ben looked at each other. Tom thought ~why can't we get a break for once?~ Ben Soma - Pragmatic soul that he was added "Thanks. Is it strong enough to take the mine,s weight? The young ensign added "Sorry, I can't tell if it's strong enough for the mine. The atmosphere is so horrible I had to boost the tricorder to even tell you that. The power pack is going to burn out before we get there, at this rate. At least we'll have an earlier warning though." Jackson didn't respond to her news. He knew from experience, could change in the twinkling of an eye. They'd cross that issue when they arrived at bridge. Somehow they'd cross the gulf. He reviewed the arming sequence and the detonation process. (Reply: Any on team) (Posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 4 - 1351) Jessica was quite on the way done to the surface of Dovek ll, Jacobs did not exaggerate the ride down it was more of a high speed roller coaster than anything. The small shuttle shuttered and shook, especially during entry into the planet's atmosphere. Still Jessica kept to herself going over battle plans, recon, anything that could give them that tactical advantage. One thing that really surprised her was the surprising calm of it all. Here she was more than likely marching off to her death, yet she felt no fear, no anger, just a surprising peace. The shuttle landed: They were still a good walk away from the target area, so that meant a walk. "Time to break out the stored arms" Jessica announced to the rest of the team. "There's plenty for everyone." Has she opened up the weapon crates. Jessica herself grabbed an satchel of explosive charges. Soma and Jackson conferred on how long it would take to arm the mine and the best route of march before Isra spoke up. "Guys." she said, eyes opening wide. "There's a chasm on the other side of this rock..." she said, patting the rock that turned this path into a corridor. "About three hundred metres on, there's a gap in this wall, which opens to what looks like a bridge. If it's in good enough condition, we could cut about a kilometre from the walk." she added. Jessica nodded when She heard the news a defend able alley way that that would cut a significant amount off there trek. "Sorry, I can't tell if it's strong enough for the mine. The atmosphere is so horrible I had to boost the tricorder to even tell you that. The power pack is going to burn out before we get there, at this rate. At least we'll have an earlier warning though." Isra had continued which posed an interesting problem. "If you don't mind sir's" Jessica addressed Soma and Jackson. "We will only now if the bridge is strong enough once we get there. However, I agree with Ensign Caliel that chasm also will provide more cover from attack, and the radiation, plus once we get to the point of getting out we can blow the bridge and slow the Borg's attempts on pursuit. That would make escape vastly easier." Jessica made her option known she knew she was not in charge of the mission but if she wanted to help any way she could. Jessica had listened to the friendly exchange between the two old friends Jackson and Soma. It had made her stop a moment and think how connected they all were. Jessica, Isra, and Jacobs were still pretty fresh from the academy. While Jackson and Soma were old friends. Jackson making O'neil the uncle to any future children he and his wife may have together, and her own relationship with O'neil. ~ I wonder if Eian and told Jackson about me and are relationship yet. When we make it out of this we all need to share a round, and see how close a family we are...~ Jessica smiled at that thought. ~ A Family.~ Jessica's face suddenly became determined. ~ I will not lose my family again.~ In that thought Jessica found her strength one that no mere Borg collective could over come. "Signos cover our rear, Narvak begin running some scans." Soma said. "The tricorder can see further then we can." "Sir," Jessica spoke up " The TR-116 has a Exographic Targeting System, We might be able to use that to get a better view of what is up head and around us. I can still cover the rear has ordered but this is another option. (reply Soma, any that wish) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1353) "Sir," Jessica spoke up " The TR-116 has a Exographic Targeting System, We might be able to use that to get a better view of what is up head and around us. I can still cover the rear has ordered but this is another option." Ben considered the suggestion for a moment, it had it's good points and it's bad points. A larger view of what they were heading into was a good thing, the drain on energy to produce that larger view was a bad thing. The radiation was already proving to be detrimental to thier tricorders. "Alright Ensign." Ben said after weighting the pros and cons. "Conduct a quick scan to give us an idea of what we're facing. When you have the scan shut it down to conserve power, if we have to run another scan later we can." (reply Signos iyw) Turning to Steve he asked. "How's the mine holding out against the radiation?" (reply Matrix) "We'll have to move as quickly as possible, wouldn't want to plant a dud inside the Sphere." (reply Matrix iyw) Ben wondered how long they could hold out in the thin atmosphere and the radiation, the longer they remained the worse it would get. Given enough time their bodies would develop a tolerance for the thin atmosphere and their skin would become tougher to resist the wind and sand. The effects of the radiation was cumulative, the longer they stayed the more exposure they would accumulate and the effects would become more noticeable. "Mr. Jacobs," He asked. "How long can we withstand the radiation before it's effects begin to show?" (reply Jacobs) "Lets get moving then." Ben said. "Keep a steady pace but don't exert yourselves." (reply as above) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1356) All Jacobs could notice since they landed on Dovek II was how hot the temperature was and how harsh all other conditions were. They away team already knew they were going to run into radiation problems but it seemed like the more the team moved the more visible the effects were becoming. As they head towards a covered path to get them to their objective quicker, leiutenant Soma asked Jacobs a question. "Mr. Jacobs," He asked. "How long can we withstand the radiation before it's effects begin to show?" "Sir, the effects are already beginning to show. I understand the levity of the mission but its time to pick up the pace, otherwise our medical inoculations will wear off and our organs will begin to receive irreparable damage. Radiation levels are already past tolerable limits. Much longer and the radiation will start to affect the mine itself." (Reply Soma) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CEO Lt. Steven Matrix - 1357) Matrix was tweaking the mine parameters and trying to adjust his tricorders. Matrix tossed one on the ground in disgust. "This one is dead." said Matrix. Ben turned to Matrix and asked, "How's the mine holding out against the radiation?" Matrix frowned, "Not good...the radiation is draining its internal power just like everything else we brought. Its already down about 17 percent. The power shielding is simply decaying...I hate to think what its doing to us." replied Matrix. "We'll have to move as quickly as possible, wouldn't want to plant a dud inside the Sphere." said Ben. "Agreed...I'd suggest we augment its power, but all of our systems appear to be suffering the same fate. We need to get this installed and detonated as soon as possible. If the power drain gets below 70% its unlikely that the mine will detonate and if it does it won't have the power output it was designed to yield." replied Matrix. Matrix pulled out an EMS and tore it into strips and packed it around the internals of the mine the best he could. He then closed and locked the case. "I don't know if this will do any good, but it might save some of the power." said Matrix as he stood up. (Reply Soma, IYW) Ben gave the order to move out. Matrix slung the equipment over his back and headed out with the team. Every minute counted. (Reply Soma) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1358) "Sir, the effects are already beginning to show. I understand the levity of the mission but its time to pick up the pace, otherwise our medical inoculations will wear off and our organs will begin to receive irreparable damage. Radiation levels are already past tolerable limits. Much longer and the radiation will start to affect the mine itself." Ben didn't like the assessment, but he wasn't surprised by it either. Considering the length of time they were here compared to the crash survivors they must be in pretty bad shape by now. It was too bad they didn't have personal shields like the drones. "Had a feeling you were going to say that." Ben replied. "Lets pick up the pace a little, I don't know about the rest of you but I really don't want to glow in the dark." (reply any) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1420) NRPG: Going to have us arrive at the bridge, if no one has any objections that is :) RPG: They had finally arrived at the bridge, the going had been tough and despite his physical condition Ben could feel the effects of the thin atmosphere and the extreme temperature. He was breathing heavier then normal, his uniform was sticking to his skin and he was developing a headache. He was no stranger to the effects of dehydration, these were only the early stages. "Ensign Caliel," He said. "tell me that structure will hold the mines weight. That thing weights a tone and I don't know if we could carry it much further." (reply Caliel) "Good." He replied. "Signos you head across first and secure the other side, Serrano will follow you. Lieutenant's Jackson and Matirx will cross with the mine, Narvak will follow them. Jacobs and Caliel will go next and I'll bring up the rear." (reply any, all) "Once everyone is across we'll continue on, the sooner we reach our objective the better." Ben continued. "When we reach the sphere we're going to have to move quick, it won't take the Borg long to realize what we are up to. Hold your fire as long as possible, go for the close kill. We have limited fire power and the modulations won't last long. If you have to resort to hand to hand combat try to get behind the Borg, don't let them touch you if you can help it." Ben looked all the team members in the eye. "Previous reports have stated that the Borg are slow, that is their biggest disadvantage. Use it against them, keep them guessing. Lieutenant Jackson is going to require cover, he won't have time to fight the Borg off and set the mine. Watch your backs and try to maintain a distance from them on a frontal assault." Ben then smiled a little, time to break the growing tension. "When we get back the first rounds on me." (reply as above) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Crash Team, SO, Taylor Dolan, 1430) Taylor had managed to make himself small and mostly unnoticed during the hellish descent into the planet's surface aboard the Lorimar. He was the only security officer on the mission besides Raschen, the only real concession that the Rosenante's security Chief had really made to recognizing that the mission may really have a tactical aspect associated with it. Like the others he had been banged up when the shuttle had crash landed. The difference was that he had somehow managed to avoid all the more terrible injuries that some of his crew mates had sustained. His crimson badge of honor was really nothing more than a superficial scalp wound, which always bleeds worse than it really is, and a dislocated pinkie finger on his right hand. He had given only a mumbled grunt when the finger had been reset and then tended to by the repaired bone-mender. After wards, he had been ordered by Lieutenant Raschen to aid him in aiding in establishing a perimeter patrol, that would, hopefully, aid them in detecting any approaching Borg early enough that they could avoid direct contact. Lt Major Shae had also volunteered for the mission, and the three of them had fanned out and started their patrol over the rough terrain in an outwardly expanding spiral design that would allow them to watch for any trails, or sign of movement as they expanded their search patterns. Taylor had just crested a low-lying outcrop of jagged rock when he spotted them. The cluster of Borg drones were walking quickly, although without any real semblance of organization beyond a cluster of individuals all moving in the same direction. There were two dozen of them, tactical drones judging by their appearance, and Taylor realized that at their current rate of speed, they would reach the crash site within less than half-an-hour. He started to reach out to tap his commbadge, but stopped himself in mid-motion. The thought had occurred to him that the Borg may not know exactly where the crashed runabout was with the antiproton interference in the area, which meant he didn't want to draw any unwanted attention to the survivors by braodcasting over an unsecured commchannel. He thought for a second, taking in details like their number, type, vector of travel, and similar, when he suddenly heard motion behind him. He twisted around quickly, to see Shae scrambling up the side of the rock behind him. He exhaled in relief and watched as the woman covered the ground between them. He signaled her to stay low. She crawled up the last few feet of the embankment until she was laying beside him observing the Borg Column. "We should go back and warn the crew." Taylor stated. Shae nodded, "Agreed. But you won't get to them in time at the rate the Borg are moving. The skipper and I will draw them off." she stated evenly. "That's suicide." Taylor replied. "That's the Truth. If we don't delay them, no one survives." She bobbed her head to draw Taylor's attention to the figure of Raschen climbing up another jagged chunk of rock that overlooked the Borg vector. It was obvious that they were going to ambush them. Taylor nodded. "Okay I'll position myself east." he started, but Brandy placed her hand on his elbow. She shook her head at him. "Nope. Skipper says you have to go back and warn the others. Make southeast we'll draw them northwest of the site." Taylor swallowed hard and looked her in the eyes. "I can't abandon the two of you." He said nervously. "You're not. Just follow orders and we'll rejoin with you later." She replied. "But." "No buts mister Dolan. You know as well as I do that this is the only way." As much as he didn't want to admit it, she was right. And besides there really wasn't anything further he could do here to help them. He nodded. "Aye sir." he replied and then said simply. "Good Luck." He swiftly slid down the angled rock-face, careful to keep it positioned between himself and the Borg Patrol. He reached the base of the outcropping when he heard the whine of phasers and a couple of disruptors. There would be no way that the survivors would hear them at this distance in the thin atmosphere. He'd half to run the message to them. ~Just like marathon.~ He thought and then started running as fast as he could for the crash site. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Crash Site, SO, Taylor Dolan, 1450) Taylor burst into the site barely able to breathe the thin atmosphere of the near-dead world on which they had been consigned. His lungs burned, his head ached and his muscles tingled as a result of the strain that he had just undergone. "S....S...Sir." he gasped between ragged gulps of ineffectual atmosphere. "We....Borg. Got...to...leave." (reply Lorimar) Taylor struggled to reign in his near hyperventilation, enough to speak coherently. "The Borg... they're on the ....way. maybe two dozen... Chance and ...Brandy... They ambushed....them to.... draw them....away. We... got to go... South....east...now..." He doubled over, both hands resting on his knees as his diaphragm worked hard to bring in enough air to fight back the blackening edges of his vision. He gulped down massive gasps of air as Lorimar barked out the orders necessary to get things underway. It seemed that they had not been idle while the security team was out. They had treated the injured adequately to have them mobile, as well as erasing the runabout's computer, salvaging equipment and pulling the flight data recorder. About the time that the crew was ready to move. Taylor had finally regained his breath and was no longer in danger of collapsing into an oxygen-deprived void. (reply Lorimar) "Aye, sir." Taylor replied and then pointed. "That way. That's southeast. if everything is going to plan, that direction will give us the greatest distance separation between us and the Borg patrol." He replied. (reply Lorimar) "Aye sir. I'll lead the way." Taylor turned and in a motion more reminiscent of a frontier wagon train master waved his arm over his head to signal that they were starting on their journey away from the crash site. He only hoped that he wouldn't have to deal with stay here long-term, of course he never would believe that either of the Starfleet captains would abandon anyone on the planet. He could feel in his heart that they'd be rescued. It wasn't a matter of if, just when. (reply All at crash site) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Crash Team, SCI Officer, Ensign Maria Holly, 1453) As the team was following Cmdr Lorimar's orders the silence was broken by the entrance of SO Taylor Dolan. Dolan was a red shirt Security Officer. The man was panting deeply. The atmosphere on this wretched, barren world was thin - reminiscent of Vulcan. As Dolan gasped out his information, Maria used a hypo spray filled with a medicine which helped better utilize the oxygen in the atmosphere. Lorimar listened as Dolan continued. She and a couple others had fabricated a litter to carry Romanoff whose chest wound was fixed the best they could given their limited resources. She hoped they'd get out of the area asap! Maria collected the medical supplies and waited to move out. (Reply: any present) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Crash Site, 3 of 17, Day 4- 1500) Nine of the Borg Tactical Drones had eventually broken off from the pursuit of the Federation ambush once Volus had determined that they were nothing more than a screening force and that the statistical probability of there being survivors at the crash site were very high. 3 of 17 and eight other tactical drones entered the crash site with the collective expecting another ambush or attack of desperation as they had encountered in almost every species that they had assimilated. That was not however what they had found when they arrived. The site was abandoned. There were no indications of current occupation of the site. The runabout was interesting but the tactical drones were not properly equipped to assimilate the technology sufficiently to warrant their making the effort. Once the primary mission was accomplished the Borg would send other, better equipped drones here to handle the assimilation of the Federation Runabout. {{Recover the vessel's flight data recorder.}} Volus ordered him. {{Complying.}} He stepped into the remains of the runabout as another member of the collective moved to access the small crafts primary computer core. At this stage intelligence gathering was a priority among the collective. They wanted to know how many federation personnel were on the surface, if for no other reason than that they posed a minor threat to the success of the mission. Other Borg began to scatter in a pattern to look for any indications of the direction of travel that the survivors may have gone. 3 of 17 scanned the interior of the small craft. Discarded packages of used medical supplies along with the detritus of broken equipment littered the work space. Three no longer functional Borg drones were laying in the same positions that their bodies had come to rest when the runabout had crashed. A third Borg drone entered the runabout and began collecting their cortical node. It would allow the collective to review any passive data that may have been collected after the Drone had died, but before the complete failure of their systems. That may tell them how many survivors they were dealing with. 3 of 17 quickly made his way to the correct compartment panel and determined that it had been accessed by the survivors. The Flight data recorder was missing. {{The data recorder module is gone.}} he reported. {{The runabout's database and computer system has been erased as well.}} {{Three cortical nodes have been recovered. accessing them now.}} {{Stand by for instructions. secure the crash site.}} Volus commanded them. Through the link with the collective he could sense the running fire-fight between the Two federation officers and the rest of his patrol. He realized that it would only be a matter of time before the Federation officers would be unable to continue their resistance. The atmosphere was too thin for their physiology to continue to exert themselves at the rate that they were for much longer. Soon they would be assimilated and all the information that the Collective needed would be at their disposal. (reply Rescue team) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - Crash Site - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1503) Andrew wiped the sweat from his forehead with his dirty sleeve, the dust and dirt from the planet now smeared across Maddox's brow. ~Why did I let them volunteer? They picked the jobs that didn't require dragging two 45 kilogram objects. ~ He had rigged up some optical cable braided into a simple three strand rope. He drug the energy cells another 20 meters and heard a conversation between some security officer who was more out of breath then he himself was, and Lt Cmdr Lorimar. Thanks to the security officer's considerable endurance he was able to stop hyperventilating and catch his breath quickly. "Aye, sir." Taylor replied and then pointed. "That way. That's southeast. if everything is going to plan, that direction will give us the greatest distance separation between us and the Borg patrol." He replied. Andrew was relieved that they were going to move out soon. Sitting around the runabout was like a beacon screaming to the Borg, ' come get your assimilation snack'. The more distance between him and the Borg the happier he would be. (reply Lorimar) "Aye sir. I'll lead the way." said the SO. ~If we are going to move out dragging these energy cells is going to be hard work. I'm going to need someone to help.~ "Can I get some help dragging these things?" Maddox asked. (Reply any) With a little help moving the cells, the group was soon underway. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------