Compile#23 July 30-31 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More into the Breach Day 4 Stardate: 2414.01.18 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1335) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 1336) (USS Boudicca - Battle Bridge - aFO - Captain - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1337) (USS Boudicca, Science Lab, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 17:33) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CEO, Lt. Steven Matrix - 1734) (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1735) (USS Boudicca, Battle Bridge, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 17:38) (Runabout Rosencrantz - CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 4 - 1741.5) (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1746) (Runabout Rosencrantz, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 1801) (Runabout Rosencrantz, SO, Ens. Eva Saint Jean, Day 4 -1802) (Shuttle Rosencrantz 2O/COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 1807 ) (Shuttle Rosencrantz. CEO Lt Steven Matrix, Day 4 1810) (Shuttle Rosencrantz Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 4 1820) (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1822) (Runabout Rosencrantz, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1823) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1824) (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - ASEC - Ens Marta Nunez - Day 4, 1825) (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1828) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1829) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 1832) (Runabout Rosencrantz, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1839) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1841) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1851) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 4 - 1852) (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1853) (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt. JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1855) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1335) "Understood. Leave the Boudicca to Captain Durand. I have no doubts he can see to the safety of his ship. Let's focus on maintaining ELINT protocols and avoiding the Borg search pattern. As soon as we know the Away teams are on their way up. Break radio silence. Notify the Boudicca and break cover. We're going to be racing to pick up the away team, while she keeps the Borg off our backs long enough for us to do so." he said. "I will keep the ship together as long as required, dodging gravitic devices, or anything else the Borg send our way." she responded. "Very good commander, Carry on." Ahmed turned and headed off the holographic bridge. T'Larah proceeded to cobble together a pattern that would evade the Borg's search and keep the Rosenante hidden. (Reply None) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 1336) =^=I'll get to work on the shuttles immediately however I must point out that the possible sacrifice of two further shuttles will seriously compromise our ability to evacuate all our personnel from the ship should the need arise.=^= Durand smiled at the reply, though the Commander couldn’t see his reaction. “I certainly hope it won’t come to that, Commander. If the need arises, the escape pods are always available. However,” he raised his voice slightly so that everyone on the bridge could easily hear him, “we will *not* be evacuating the ship. We are going to win this engagement. I have no doubt of that. However I do appreciate your concerns. I would think it preferable to intercept outside the blast radius with something that can be easily replaced... which is why I suggested the shuttlecraft. Technology is expendable... our people are not. I’m sure you agree with that?” (Reply Caskie iyw, but none needed) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Battle Bridge - aFO - Captain - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1337) Josh although monitoring every single thing she could, had to be honest very little to do so when Captain Durand contacted her she jumped on his transmission and answered immediately. =/\= Durand to Caskie. =/\= Pressing the button on her chair Josh responded. "Caskie here Sir. How can I help you?" "Commander, the Borg will be lobbing charges in our direction -- gravimetric perhaps, or something else unguided I suspect -- shortly. They won't be content to sit out there and search with ineffective sensors forever. I'd like you to launch two shuttlecraft and remote pilot them... you should be able to do that from the battle bridge. They will be our point defense system, since the forward phasers are still offline. Have them park twenty five kilometers or so forward of us. If sensors detect any Borg ordnance incoming for the Boudicca, move them to intercept. I don't like the idea of sacrificing anything, not even unmanned shuttlecraft, but I don't want us taking any further damage sooner than we have to. Have you anything to report?" Shaking her head Josh realised that the Captain could not see her and answered him verbally. "Nothing that you do not already know Sir. We are up and running here and ready to take over if and when." She had almost said 'as and when' but had changed it at the last minute since no-one really wanted to be seen as a Cassandra. "I'll get to work on the shuttles immediately however I must point out that the possible sacrifice of two further shuttles will seriously compromise our ability to evacuate all our personnel from the ship should the need arise." Cringing, she wanted to smack herself on the head. ~You just had to go say it didn't you. You didn't want to be a Cassandra but there is it is, still that one little voice right in the back of your head that can't shut the heck up, no matter what. Eventually Jenny you are going to have to stop your mouth from saying the first thing your brain comes up with. Although given the situation we are in it's possibly not going to be a problem for too much longer. No doubt after that you can drive the Borg crazy.~ (reply Durand) =/\= Very well Commander. I doubt we will have much more time. Either the away teams will need us, or the Borg will change the game. Soon.=/\= =/\=Notify the Rosenante of our most current status, please.=/\= Josh simply nodded her head. "I'm on it Sir." Turning to the ops station she ordered them to notify the Rose regarding their status and keying in her command codes she started working on launching the two shuttles. (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Science Lab, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 17:33) Vanik was running a test one the science system to ensure that everything was running properly. During this stage of alert, he had to make sure that everything was in it's place and running smoothly, but with so many people movie about the ship, he was finding that he had to do a lot by himself. Not that he didn't mind. He was prepared to handle this system check on his own, but it would have helped if he hand some help. Still, even thing seem to be find for the moment, and because he could not think of anything esle to do at this time, he could he would double check that the sensors were working. Because of the on-going alert, they might be needed. =/\="Caskie to Vanik. Please report to the battle bridge asap. Caskie out."=/\= He pressed his COMM badge to respond. =/\="Acknowledged. On my way."=/\= Vanik said. He casually stood up from his chair and turned to a male Bolian. "Ensign, take over here. Make sure that the double-check of the scans turn out results." Vanki said, before moving off to the door and the turbo lift. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CEO, Lt. Steven Matrix - 1734) The trio worked feverishly to get the mine energized and ready to detonate. The hand to hand combat a short distance away was a reminder to hurry and the tenacity of Soma and the others wouldn't be in vain. Matrix was exhausted, but kept working. Matrix noticed Soma moving over his direction. He took a brief look and immediately thought how gallant. "Tell me this thing can still detonate." Ben said. "After what we just went through...........I'd hate to think it was for nothing." "Absolutely...this thing is going to work if I have to kick it myself." replied Matrix looking back at the mine. Matrix closed up the access and trigger panel. "Okay its energized and armed. Were is that runabout?" said Matrix. (Reply Soma, Jackson, any) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II, Mine Team - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1735) "Absolutely...this thing is going to work if I have to kick it myself." replied Matrix looking back at the mine. At least that was a point in their favor, the mine was still operational. "Hopefully you won't have to stick around to kick it." Ben replied. Matrix closed up the access and trigger panel. "Okay its energized and armed. Were is that runabout?" said Matrix. They had accomplished their goal, the mine was set and ready to go. All that was left now was getting to a safe distance. The blast radius was going to be huge, they'd have to be in orbit or on the other side of the planet to avoid getting caught in the destruction. Ben hoped they would be in orbit, staying on the surface was not high on his list of things to do. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Battle Bridge, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 17:38) Vanik left the turbo bridge and arrived on the Battle Bridge. His thought were on the upcoming task, which would no doubt be important if he was summoned to the Battle Bridge. He walked over and presented himself to Commander Caskie. "Commander. I have arrived. How may I assist you?" he asked. (Reply Commaner Caskie) (Posted by Gavin Work) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz - CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 4 - 1741.5) Kimiko hurried back to the shuttlecraft after the charge into the cave. the whole event blured into a mass of noise and confusion with occasion flashes of lucid scenes. she could recall the image of the Borg being pulled apart by explosions and the eerily silent way that they died. She could remember coherantly, scanning the cave for anyone left; the torn, bludgened bodies and debris ~Ancesters, I hope I didn't leave anyone behind~ Kimiko thought as she ran through the open hatchway, she had noticed that her hypo was empty, but she didn't remember hitting anyone. She viewed the inside of the shuttlecraft with a detachment that she knew was from shock and adrenaline. She seemed ot be hyperaware of her entire enviroment, hundreds of smells, sounds and sensations vied for her attention and a moment later it was gone, she noticed a O'Neill next to a prone security officer. She looked in a bad way and O'Neill hugging her would not be helping. She needed to find something to distract her. "Eian" Kimiko said, snapping her fingers to gethis attention. (Reply ONiell) "I need you to run a level 3 decomm protcol after the hatch is seacured, then see if you can get a .4 microliters asitone arosoled per cubic meter circulating through the cabin.Do you understand?" (Reply ONiell) "Thank you" Kimiko replied, she turned to Signos and started to work. (Reply ONiell) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1746) Eian sat quietly with Jessica, having finished the 23rd Psalm and listened as she tried to apologize, and then passed out. Fear gripped him, and he quickly felt for a pulse. It was faint, but there. He glanced around for help, but everyone with medical training was occupied with critical cases. One man Eian thought someone had referred to as Willowbrook had stumbled in and looked like he was going to be sick all over the shuttle floor, and then collapsed before anything could come up. He was now resting against the side of the shuttle, spread out on the floor and out cold, but there were plenty more critical patients to replace him. His fear was that Jessica would be critical soon. Suddenly, someone snapped their fingers in front of his face. He turned, annoyed, to see who it was. "Eian," Kimiko said. She had her medical tools with her--he surmised she was here to help Jessica. He felt like saying 'about time,' but held his tongue. He simply gave her an inquisitive look, and she continued, "I need you to run a level 3 decomm protcol after the hatch is seacured, then see if you can get a .4 microliters asitone arosoled per cubic meter circulating through the cabin. Do you understand?" "Level 3 decomm protocol, .4 microliters asitone arosoled per cubit meter, understood," he repeated, and gave Jessica a gentle kiss on her forehead before slipping her out of his grip and easing her down onto the floor. "Thank you," Kimiko said, and got to work on Jessica. Eian's only response was a serious, "Take care of her, doc," before he turned to the panel on the runabout bulkhead, to work on decontaminating the radiation-laden shuttle. After only a few moments, Kimiko had to turn to another critical patient, and Jessica was left without care. Some bandages had been applied, but Eian knew she wasn't comfortable. He finished his work on the decontamination, reported his results to the doctor, and then made his way over to Jessica. He huddled next to her, made a small pillow with his torn, dirty uniform tunic, and placed it with care under her head. He brushed her hair off her forehead before he stood and grabbed some water rations. He pressed the button that expanded the pack, and then poured some carefully along the corner of her mouth. Her swallowing reflex kicked in, and the water went through. He took some for himself, feeling dizzy and nauesous because of the radiation, nad then sat down next to her. "We're gonna make it through this, Jessica...only a little bit longer now." (reply none necessary) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, Lieutenant jg Sanok, Day 4, 1801) Rosenbauer vacated the pilot seat and left with those still able to fight, for the final battle to arm the mine. Sanok hobbled to the chair, his wounded leg dragging behind him. He placed both hands on the armrests, his leg extended and unable to bend at the knee, and he slowly lowered himself into place. When everyone that was leaving had gone, he closed the hatch from his console and went airborne, taking a position just behind his crew mates. Watching the Starfleet people making their way through the horde of drones, Sanok somehow knew they would succeed. The Borg could give their best, but they would not prevail. Though their technology was superior, the Borg could not defeat the heart, the spirit, the drive to keep going, hope, duty, concern for others. Individuality. No matter how much territory the Borg conquered. No matter how many worlds they devastated. No matter how many were assimilated, individuality would always arise victorious. The Borg could never comprehend this, and that added to their inevitable end. "More drones. Lots of them." It was Maddox. He had stayed on board and was scanning from the science station. Sanok looked and saw a large contingent of drones advancing towards the cave. The Collective must have realized the plan and were sending their biggest force yet to stop it. That wouldn't happen, if Sanok had anything to do with it, and he did. Moving the runabout into position, he fired full phasers into the middle of the drone formation. Sanok stared at the carnage below. He had just killed several hundred Borg tactical drones. Some were incinerated by the phasers. Some had caught fire. Others were taken out by rock shrapnel. Still others were sent tumbling like bowling pins by the forces of the blasts. What a waste. What a terrible waste of life. At that moment, there was something deep within him, something Sanok had not known for over five years. Whether it was his conscience, his heart, his spirit, or whatever term one chose, he felt remorse. Who were those drones before they were assimilated? From what planet had they come? How had they lived their lives? Who grieved for them when they were taken by the Borg? Whoever they were, they were now gone. What a terrible waste of life. At that point, Sanok lost all track of time. Even the famed Vulcan internal clock had escaped him. All that mattered now, was getting his people out. The first to arrive was O'Neill. The young engineer was carrying someone over his shoulder. Based on the size, he presumed it was Signos. He waited until the last moment before landing the runabout, still covering the retreat. When he hit the ground, the ship was facing the Borg, so everyone would need to run past and behind the Rosencrantz in order to board it. More people began to arrive, one here, two or three after that, but he had yet to see one person in particular. Sanok was watching for Ben. "We have positive confirmation of photon mine activation," said Maddox. "Acknowledged," said Sanok. He did not know how much time there was until detonation, but he knew it wouldn't be much. Waiting for a few moments more, Sanok was about to accept that his friend had not survived, when he saw two more people coming. They were running as though some terror from the underworld was pursuing them. One of them was Ben. The tiniest o smiles formed at the corners of his mouth, but only for an instant. Rosenbauer arrived and took the co-pilot seat. When Sanok heard Jackson shout for them to leave, Sanok gunned the Rosencrantz for everything it had. He could hear people behind him falling, as they were jostled about. When the mine exploded, it was clear they had made it beyond the blast radius, but Sanok knew they were still going to be struck by the shock wave. The only concern now was, how bad would it be. "Everyone brace for shock wave," he announced in a loud voice. When it struck, the Rosencrantz was sent hurtling like a leaf blowing in a fall wind. When he and Rosenbauer had regained control, they glanced at each other, both realizing how fortunate they had been. Though there had been several casualties, against nearly impossible odds, they had completed all their missions. It was most agreeable to him, but they weren't out of trouble yet. Rosenbauer had scanned for the Boudicca and Rosenante, but neither was to be found. "Scan for debris. Were they destroyed." Ben's familiar voice had given that order. Sanok didn't know when, but at some point during their flight from Dovek, his friend had come up behind him. "Scanning," said Sanok. "No debris, but still no sign of either ship. It is logical to assume that both suffered damage from fighting the Borg and retreated to a safer position. Mister Maddox, can you locate them from your science position?" Sanok had studied the concept of irony when he was a cadet at Starfleet Academy. Based on what he had learned, he concluded that this was a perfect example of it. The Universe was a most interesting place. (reply Maddox, Rosenbauer, Soma, any) (posted by Bob B.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, SO, Ens. Eva Saint Jean, Day 4 -1802) After the jostling and the otherwise unpleasantness of the ascent through the tumultuous atmosphere of the planet, Eva managed to get herself to her feet and take stock of the situation. The compartment was well crowded beyond the ability of the ship's life support systems to compensate, at least in the long term, and there were wounded everywhere. The two doctors were elbows deep in trying to triage some of the more serious injuries. Eva, being a trained field medic knew what needed to be done, but more importantly she had the skills to help. Her eyes quickly assessed the majority of the injuries that she spotted as minor. But when she got to Signos, it was apparent that her injuries were considerably more severe. The ex-ranger was spurred into action. She quickly pushed her way through the press of bodies until she reached the injured young woman. A quick assessment of her vital signs showed a very weak and shallow pulse. She was approaching cardiostolic collapse. She needed medical treatment now or she'd most assuredly die. Eva peeled off her uniform tunic, so that she could use it to elevate Signos's head. She then opened her medkit kit, which although not as complete as the ones issued to doctors had more than enough materials in it to do the job. Hydration and blood replenishment would be key, so Eva quickly she grabbed the IV bag and handed it to Eian. "Hold this up, high. I need to get her stabilized and hydrated." She told him. Combat medicine hadn't changed too much in the last few hundred years. Rangers and other front-line troops were still taught the less-technologically dependent way to save lives alongside the more advanced medical courses. With all the radiation on that planet, Eva wasn't even certain that most of the more advanced equipment had survived. She didn't really want to risk it. She placed the neural monitors on Jessica's forehead and wasn't surprised when all they returned was meaningless static. They obviously were one of the casualties of the environment on Dovek II. Her medical tricorder hadn't fared much better and so Eva decided at that point to revert to the training that she knew best. Chronometer and fingertips allowed her to take stock of her Jessica's heart rate, while a rebreather allowed the medic to watch her respiration. The vascular regenerator was thankfully functional, so once Eva managed to get the device attached to Jessica's wrist just above the IV, it started replenishing her severely depleted blood supply. A few stabilizing drugs, including some to ward off the lingering effects of advanced radiation poisoning allowed her body to start stabilizing much quicker than it would otherwise. Something for the pain would also aid in limiting the body's potential to go into terminal shock. there wasn't a whole lot she could do for the more serious wounds, at least not here. There was too much dead cooked flesh to treat properly. A disinfectant and a broad spectrum antibiotic would help with any potential infections, and a triplatiscene dermal spray would at least seal off the wound well enough to prevent further injury until they reached the ship. ~Assuming we reach the ship.~ She thought. She pulled the color coded triage tag from her bag and attached it to Jessica's uniform sleeve. With a grease marker, she abbreviated the treatments that she'd performed for the doctors on Jessica's forehead. It was all she could do for her at the moment. She looked up at Eian and gave him a weak smile. "That's the best I can do for her here. She should be comfortable and stable." She looked up at the nearly empty IV. "Don't fret over her Eian, she's a tough one, she'll be fine." (reply Eian) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Shuttle Rosencrantz 2O/COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 1807 ) Jackson and Soma were the last two to enter the shuttle. Tom scream “Get the H*** out of Here”. Mike Rosenbauer got then moving and they were soon speeding away from the planet. Tom hadn’t told them that he had actually set the timer for less than the five minutes he had told Soma. He had reasoned to himself that the shorter time was necessary to lessen the chance of the BORG getting to the mine in time to shut it in. Now that they were speeding away, Tom hoped he had not guessed wrong. Dahlia’s image came into his mind as they increased the distance from the blast zone. They had just passed the outer boundary of the zone but the force of the following shock wave he had not considered. As Tom was mulling that over, the wave grabbed the shuttle in its iron grip. The shuttle sturdy though she was, was flung all over the horizon. People, equipment and debris were tossed about like in a blender. Mike Rosenbauer had his work cut out for him. Slowly Mike’s skill righted the craft. Each of its occupants shook their heads and checked for additional juries. None, other than bruises and a few gashes, were noted. Tom leaned against the cabin bulkhead. He was dirty, sweaty and full of adrenaline. He took several deep breaths; trying to slow down his body’s fast pace. He allowed himself to think back over the time on the planet. Tom wanted desperately to hold his beloved Dahlia and feel her warm, loving embrace. He felt bad, married but a short time already she was left alone. He had tried to warn her about fleet duty but in her own way was determined as Tom was. The shout that broke into his conscious mind snapped him back to reality when he heard “No sign of the Boudicca or Rosenante”. Sanok, Rosenbauer and Ben Soma were checking. He hoped they simply had moved to another location to avoid the BORG. To die after all they went through just didn’t seem fair. Irrationally Tom desperately wanted to live! (Reply: Any IYW) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Shuttle Rosencrantz. CEO Lt Steven Matrix, Day 4 1810) Matrix watched the team board the shuttle, then he entered and looked back and felt relieved. He hoped their efforts would be enough to defeat the Borg in this encounter...decisively. He didn't want to go through that again. They managed to arm the mine with a reasonable assurance that it would detonate, but the encounter was exhausting...more than he would have ever imagined. His first personal encounter with the Borg was a mix of disgust, rage and relief. They, he had survived...this time. As the shuttle left the surface Matrix looked over at the rest of the crew. He and Jackson shared a head shake and both knew, without speaking, what they were thinking and feeling. Matrix pulled himself up and looked out the port window. The flash of the exploding mine was immense...the shockwave would likely reach them, even if slight, but Matrix smiled. Mission accomplished he thought. It exploded properly...the Borg asset destroyed, their progress denied. Matrix slumped back down in the seat and let exhaustion overtake him. He couldn't fight it any longer. No energy or fight left. It was both a physical and mental release. Matrix blacked out. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Shuttle Rosencrantz Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 4 1820) Tom sat against a bulkhead and let the adrenaline wear off. His hands were shaking and he grasped them and willed himself to calm down. Jackson used a small first aid packet to tend to his cuts and scrapes. He then helped the others who were not quite as mobile. Tom sat back and allowed his thoughts to drift to his believed Dahlia. He waned desperately to hold and her and feel her love once again. He smiled as her remembered some kidding by crew mates about being a daddy. As he slowly relaxed, the thought of being a dad began to be a very appealing. He desperately wanted to have a boy and a girl. He prayed silently wanted the girl to be eveything Dahlia was. His son, he hoped would be like his stepdad Pez in someways. They slowly neared the Rosenante.Tom's heart sank as he saw his believed Rose. She was scarred and had holes all over here. He turned and looked at Steve Matrix. His friend's face looked like he felt. Both sighed and shook their heads. Tom was so glad to see her tears formed in his eyes and flowed unashamedly. (reply: any in shuttle) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1822) T'Larah was just about to start to relax when the tactical station reported. "I am detecting a significant energy discharge coming from the surface of Dovek II. It is equivalent to a class 12 event." Marta announced. "Confirmed commander." Ensign Hargaans from science reported, "The blast lasted for just a split second. I detection six-hundred billion megacochranes output. Sensors are picking up anti-leptons, anti-protons, base muon chains and gamma radiation." Hargaan glanced up from his display. "It matches the profile of an antimatter explosion set off in a planetary gravity well." he added grimly. ~ The photon mine? Did the away teams survive?~ "Start scanning for confirmation of the away-teams, either by vessel or signal." T'Larah ordered. She was glad that the crew she had on the bridge currently were able to think on their feet, and take incoming information and adapt their report to the situation. A single minded person might have ignored the next report to scan for the vessel and missed the danger completely. Something like missing the forest for the trees. "There is a class four shock-wave exiting the planet's atmosphere. It is carrying a significant amount of planetary debris along with it. Sensors are reporting massive impact strikes on the surface of Dovek II's moon. The Wave will reach us in 28 minutes. I do not recommend that we are inside the atmosphere when it arrives, commander. The compression wave could ignite the planet, although that's unlikely." Dralar added. "He's right commander, we need to be anywhere but here when it arrives." Hargaan confirmed. "Got them!" Marta called out. "They have just crossed the lunar orbital path of Dovek IIa. A single runabout, Danube class. It's definitely the Rosencrantz. She's seriously overloaded with personnel. Her life support appears to be strained." "Distance direction and speed Mister Nunez." T'Larah said requesting knowledge of where the runabout was and where it was going. " And while you are at it, what are the Borg vessels doing." "Distance 890 million kilometers, velocity is one-quarter impulse on heading 202.15. The Borg cube is between us and them. I don't think they've seen the runabout yet." ~ At least something is going well.~ "Sensors also indicate that the pyramid is moving away. And I'm detecting some sort of strange energy signature building inside it." "More antiprotons? Or something different? If possible identify it." she ordered. T'Larah wasn't like most Vulcans, she didn't like the unknown especially in a situation like this. "Let me look." Hargaan said and quickly ran a scan. "It's chronometric particles. Mostly Chronitons and Seylerions." His eye's got big. "Oh my God!" he stated, "They're going to travel back in time to assimilate the sphere! They're going to open a temporal vortex! We've got to stop them!" "Signal the Boudicca, give them a Situation Report. A very brief one. Set a parabolic course to avoid direct engagement with the cube and pick up the runabout." she ordered. Then tapped her combadge, "Red Alert, Captain Salid to the bridge." she announced. (Reply Salid) The change in alert status on the Rose let the entire ship know that they were about to come into danger. It also had the effect of activating all the systems she would have activated, saving a vessel's Commander from doing it individually. T'Larah had a few tricks up her sleeve though. Hopefully the Borg hadn't encountered them yet. (Reply Salid, any on bridge) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1823) Isra was leant against the wall of the runabout, not particularly wounded – all she had sustained was a few small cuts and bruises. The problem was that the Radiation and heat of the planet had affected her blood pressure and other systems. The cuts didn’t seem to want to stop bleeding, and the bruises were painful. Still, she looked amongst the others, and felt like she’d come out above most of them... At least the ones in her team. ~Why didn’t I do more? What more could I have done?~ She glazed over for a second as these thoughts almost took over, before something that she could do came up. “Where are the Borg vessels?” Ben Soma asked. Isra immediately stepped to the science station, and had the sensors running sweeps within seconds. “Sir, I’m getting a lot of static, the Radiation from the planets surface has damaged our external systems... but I’m picking up energy signatures that are most definitely Borg coming from close orbit on a gas planet not too far from here. Sending the coordinates to the helm.” She said, tapping a few more commands on the console. (reply Soma, iyw) “I’m attempting to compensate for the radiation damage... It looks like the Borg ship is attacking the planet, but I can’t tell what with, or why. The sensors aren’t up for it yet.” She began, trying to force them into alignment. “I might have more for you soon, but I’m not picking anything else up. Small amounts of debris in orbit of Dovek II, a mix of Federation and Borg... Not enough to account for an entire ship, by a long way.” She added, which she hoped would make everyone feel safer, and happier. The outside of the Runabout was scorched and burned by the heat and radiation of the planet behind them. The shields had protected it to some degree as they approached and left the atmosphere, If the Borg weren’t so caught up in finding the two starships, the Radiation soaked hull of the Rosencrantz would light them up like a nuclear explosion on a night sky. (reply anyone) “Sir. If we use the debris from the moon as a shield, we should be able to get closer to the gas planet without the Borg having as much chance of picking us up. If they’re looking for us, we’re sitting ducks.” She said, not really wanting to go up against a Borg tactical cube in a runabout, even if it was the first of a new, upgraded shuttle. ~One shot from that cube, and we’re dead.~ (Reply anyone) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1824) “Sir, I’m getting a lot of static, the Radiation from the planets surface has damaged our external systems... but I’m picking up energy signatures that are most definitely Borg coming from close orbit on a gas planet not too far from here. Sending the coordinates to the helm.” Caliel said, tapping a few more commands on the console. "Can you clear it up any, give us a better picture." He said. “I’m attempting to compensate for the radiation damage... It looks like the Borg ship is attacking the planet, but I can’t tell what with, or why. The sensors aren’t up for it yet.” She began, trying to force them into alignment. Why attack the planet, hadn't they done enough damage already. “I might have more for you soon, but I’m not picking anything else up. Small amounts of debris in orbit of Dovek II, a mix of Federation and Borg... Not enough to account for an entire ship, by a long way.” She added. That was good news, the Rose and the Boud had damaged the Borg vessels. They were still out there somewhere. The Borg wouldn't stay damaged for long, they would regenerate their ships, the federation vessels weren't so fortunate. “Sir. If we use the debris from the moon as a shield, we should be able to get closer to the gas planet without the Borg having as much chance of picking us up. If they’re looking for us, we’re sitting ducks.” She said. He knew that too, they didn't have a chance against the Borg cube or the pyramid. "What do you think Mr. Rosenbauer?" He asked. "Feel up for a little pin ball?" He couldn't help but wonder why the Borg were attacking the planet, unless............... "Ensign," He said. "Could the Rosenate and the Boudicca be in the planets atmoshere? That would explain why the Borg appear to be attacking the planet." (reply Rosenbauer, Caliel, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 1 - Bridge Simulation - ASEC - Ens Marta Nunez - Day 4, 1825) Marta had been manning the tactical station on the holographic bridge since they had transferred down. She found it a little unsettling how absolutely perfect the Holodeck could create settings. It was one of those sorts of things that caused one to think on the metaphysical aspects of existence. The ship shook again as another gravitic mine detonated, 13,500 kilometers off their ventral port quadrant. "That one was close 13.5 thousand kilometers commander. the next one should be farther away though." Suddenly a series of alarms lit up all across the bridge. Sciences, tactical and even helm all suddenly sprung to life. "I am detecting a significant energy discharge coming from the surface of Dovek II. It is equivalent to a class 12 event." Marta announced. "Confirmed commander." Ensign Hargaans from science reported, "The blast lasted for just a split second. I detection six-hundred billion megacochranes output. Sensors are picking up anti-leptons, anti-protons, base muon chains and gamma radiation." NRPG: As a general note, a warp drive at full power can only produce roughly 1000 cochranes of power. A megacochrane is equal to 100,000 cochranes, or to put it another way roughly 100 fully powered warp drives. from some cannon sources, a warp core is supposed to explode with the power of 3000 Hiroshima bombs, so you can do the math if you'd like. RPG: Hargaan glanced up from his display. "It matches the profile of an antimatter explosion set off in a plantery gravity well." he added grimly. (reply Sullivan) "I'm on it!" Marta replied and started tapping out a series of quick commands on her console looking for any sign at all of the away teams. "There is a class four shockwave exiting the planet's atmosphere. It is carrying a significant amount of planetary debris along with it. Sensors are reporting massive impact strikes on the surface of Dovek II's moon. The Wave will reach us in 28 minutes. I do not recommend that we are inside the atmosphere when it arrives, commander. The compression wave could ignite the planet, although that's unlikely." Dralar added. "He's right commander, we need to be anywhere but here when it arrives." Hargaan confirmed. "Got them!" Marta called out. "They have just crossed the lunar orbital path of Dovek IIa. A single runabout, Danube class. It's definitely the Rosencrantz. She's seriously overloaded with personnel. Her life support appears to be strained." (reply Sullivan) "Distance 890 million kilometers, velocity is one-quarter impulse on heading 202.15. The Borg cube is between us and them. I don't think they've seen the runabout yet." "Sensors also indicate that the pyramid is moving away. And I'm detecting some sort of strange energy signature building inside it." (reply Sullivan) "Let me look." Hargaan said and quickly ran a scan. "It's chronometric particles. Mostly Chronitons and Seylerions." His eye's got big. "Oh my God!" he stated, "They're going to travel back in time to assimilate the sphere! They're going to open a temporal vortex! We've got to stop them!" (reply Sullivan) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1828) Eian had held Jessica close as the runabout tumbled around, and he had used the seats nearby them to steady himself. He managed to keep her from further injury, but he had a feeling his sprained wrist was now either a severe sprain or a microfracture. He had gained a few new bruises and felt sick to his stomach, but was otherwise okay, and Jessica was still unconscious. He spoke to her softly, singing a lullaby so that only she could hear. "He's got the whole world, in His hands...He's got everybody here, in His hands, He's got everybody here, in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands..." As if a gift from heaven, St. Jean hurried over with a medical kit. The ex-Ranger used her own uniform tunic to further prop up Jessica's head, and then began starting a line inside Jessica's skin. Eian wanted to protest. A needle...an actual *needle*, in someone's skin? He cringed at the thought. But it was in a sterile package and it was going to replenish her fluids. ""Hold this up, high. I need to get her stabilized and hydrated." She told him. He complied, seeing that he had little knowledge of what was going on and needed to defer to the experts. Next, St. Jean used a similarly crude method to begin replenishing Jessica's blood supply. She injected some drugs that he recognized as radiation sickness treatment and antibiotics, and finally a pain killer. When the woman was done, she color-coded Jessica's uniform sleeve with a triage sticker, and said, "That's the best I can do for her here. She should be comfortable and stable." She looked up at the nearly empty IV. "Don't fret over her Eian, she's a tough one, she'll be fine." He mirrored her weak smile and nodded. ~God bless you,~ he thought, but simply said, "Thank you," and rubbed Jessica's hand affectionately. He moved away from her for a few moments, to see what he could help with repairing on the shuttle. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1829) “Sir! I’m picking up a mass of Chroniton particles, emanating from inside the Pyramid. I can’t... DAMMIT you stupid computer.” She said angrily, slapping the side of the console. “Seylerion particles too. The way they’re building up suggests they’re... they’re trying to rip a hole in time?” That wasn't what Ben wanted to hear, the Borg had tried the same thing before. Go back in time to assimilate the future, and there was little to nothing they could do to stop them. Time travel, it was one of the biggest headaches. So big in fact that there was a division of Starfleet dedicated to investigating it. If the Borg went back far enough they could wipe out the federation before it was born, everything they had fought for today would have been in vain if the Borg were allowed to go back in time. They had to stop them. “Mr Rosenbauer... If you bring us in so that piece of moon debris is directly between us and the Borg Pyramid, I can use the deflector to push it towards them. Might not do much damage, but it could at least disrupt their attempts to mess with time.” She said. “Drop a couple of armed photon torpedos on it too, for added boom.” She added. It was a plan, as good as any. If they could disrupt the Borg's attempt for even a second it might be enough for the Rosenante and the Bouddica to intervene. "Let's give it a try." Ben said. "If they open a temporal rift and travel back in time god knows what damage they can inflict." (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 1832) The game of hide and seek had been going on for hours. The wait was becoming interminable, and intolerable. At least to Durand. After his repair efforts earlier, the bridge stations had been restored to full functionality. The Boudicca’s acting Chief Engineer, he was told, was expected to make a full recovery. But not anytime soon. That burden was going to fall on someone else, at least for the time being. At the moment, Chief Clarke was manning the bridge station. Durand wanted, as most Captains did, to have immediate access to all systems in case of excessive comm traffic or damage. Provided the systems were functioning, having all the bridge stations staffed was the most efficient way to do so. Sensors lit up on the tactical stations, conn, ops, science one, and the repeaters at the command chairs. He assumed the same data was coming in to the Battle Bridge mirror work stations simultaneously. None of it was good. A high magnitude detonation had been detected, quite probably the activation of the antimatter device. This was the sole bit of good news; so far, nothing else looked promising. The brief tactical dispatch from the flagship was grim, and to the point. The Pyramid was moving away, and it seemed they were about to attempt time travel. The only other time they had done that (that Durand was aware of) it had ended rather badly for the Borg... due to the heroic efforts of another Starship crew. ~That ship isn’t here. But two of the very finest in the fleet are. And we won’t let them prevail. Not now... not ever!~ He stood from the command chair and raised his voice so all could hear. “Mister Roberts, acknowledge that message from the flagship. I for one am sick and tired of lurking in the shadows. Signal the Rosenante: ‘Moving to intercept Tactical Cube. Intention is to distract the Cube so that you can recover away teams. Will buy you all the time we can. Godspeed - Durand’” “Aye sir. Encoding and transmitting.” (Reply Rosenante) “All hands, this is the Captain. We are about to break cover. The away teams appear to have succeeded; we’ve detected what appears to be detonation of the antimatter device on Dovek II. The flagship is moving to recover the away teams, we are going to cover them. In so doing, we have to engage the tactical cube again. I expect this will be a tough fight. I don’t imagine the Borg realize just how tough life is about to become... for them. I will keep you updated as things progress. Stand by for heavy combat engagement. Durand out.” He looked around the bridge. Surprisingly, there were even a couple of thin smiles. Surely his crew couldn’t feel that confident. But Starfleet crews were the very best... and this ship was something very special indeed. Time to prove it. “Selek, plot a tangential intercept. I don’t want to be obviously trying to draw the cube off... let’s make it look like we are escaping the wave front. That may buy us a few extra seconds, and a first strike. Full impulse when ready, engage.” The Boudicca fairly leaped from her place of concealment and pointed her sleek bow toward the enemy, and the unknown. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1839) “Sir. If we use the debris from the moon as a shield, we should be able to get closer to the gas planet without the Borg having as much chance of picking us up. If they’re looking for us, we’re sitting ducks.” Isra said, still messing with the console. Everyone knew there was no chance against a Borg Cube, let alone a Tactical one. "What do you think Mr. Rosenbauer?" Soma asked. "Feel up for a little pin ball?" "Ensign," He said. "Could the Rosenate and the Boudicca be in the planets atmoshere? That would explain why the Borg appear to be attacking the planet." “It’s as good a guess as any.” Isra replied. “I can’t even get a proper sensor lock on the cube the way they’re working now, but I know that planet atmosphere will block any sensor sweeps, so it would make an excellent place to hide.” She added, looking up for a moment. “I... guess both the ships got damaged, and went to hide while they wait for us?” She asked, worried about the state of their current homes. (reply any) “Can I suggest we get into as open an area of space as possible, while avoiding Borg sensors... until the ships can pick us up? If they can make a straight run to us, without having to worry about the debris from the moon, we’ll stand a better chance of getting away safely.” She said, while the sensor console worked out the best position for this. Her mind swam with possible ideas to disable the engines of the Borg once they got to Warp. After this, they’d want some kind of revenge. The console bleeped loudly, alerting everyone in the Runabout. “Sir! I’m picking up a mass of Chroniton particles, emanating from inside the Pyramid. I can’t... DAMMIT you stupid computer.” She said angrily, slapping the side of the console. “Seylerion particles too. The way they’re building up suggests they’re... they’re trying to rip a hole in time?” She said, not quite believing it herself. It must have sounded like a question to everyone else. (reply any) Isra furiously tapped away on the computer for what felt to her like an eternity. Maybe the chronitons were having an adverse affect on them. “Mr Rosenbauer... If you bring us in so that piece of moon debris is directly between us and the Borg Pyramid, I can use the deflector to push it towards them. Might not do much damage, but it could at least disrupt their attempts to mess with time.” She said, sending the coordinates of the rock in question to the helm computer. The deflector was mostly still operational. This attempt may burn it out, but at least they’d have a chance of helping. “Drop a couple of armed photon torpedos on it too, for added boom.” She added. (Reply any/all.) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1841) "Scanning," said Sanok. "No debris, but still no sign of either ship. It is logical to assume that both suffered damage from fighting the Borg and retreated to a safer position. Mister Maddox, can you locate them from your science position?" They still had a fighting chance, the Boudicca and the Rosenante were out there somewhere. Ben was glad for that, all was not lost. Easing himself against a bulkhead he inhaled deeply, it hurt like hell but he did it anyway. There was still hope, they had to hold on to that. Both ships were likely heavily damaged from running interference but they had survived, they had resisted. ~Resistance isn't futile~ He thought of his parents, had they been on the surface? Were they on one of the Borg ships? If they had been on the surface they were now at rest, but he would never know for sure. Dovek II had been devastated by the mine, everything in the blast radius had been destroyed. The sphere was gone, the Borg had lost this battle. "Where are the Borg vessels?" He asked. (reply Sanok, Rosenbauer, Maddox) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 1851) Ben moved back to the aft compartment, he was tired and needed rest. He saw Eian huddled close to Jessica, even now she looked pretty bad. He slowly moved beside his young friend, he tried to imagine how he would feel if it were Marah lying there instead of Signos. He found he couldn't comprehend the situation, he couldn't imagine what Eian was going through. He knelt beside Eian and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Eian............" Ben said, lost for words. He wasn't good at expressing emotion. "She's a fighter, don't count her out yet." (reply O'Neill) Ben stood again, a wave of nausea took hold. He felt like he was going to throw up, radiation sickness. He fought the sensation as his vision blurred, he was dizzy and becoming disorientated. He found somewhere to sit and tried to regain his senses, the medical teams had enough to do without having to fuss over him. Several minutes passed before he felt strong enough to stand, once he could he moved to Ichijo's side. "Doctor." He said. "How is everyone?" (reply Ichijo) (reply as above) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 4 - 1852) Dr Ichijo was working franticly to restore fluids to Signos, at the same time bolstering her immune system. Because of the necrosis of some of the tissue as well as the massive insult, she could not contemplate closing any of the injuries, but without closing the site, the security officer would risk massive infection and bleeding out and with no resupply in sight it was only a matter of (very short) time. The CMO was currently using stints, saline, and drugs to try to stabilize the patient, but she would soon get to the point of blood-colored saline flowing the Signo's circulatory system, that that would be bad. "Doctor." He said. "How is everyone?" Kimiko looked up at Soma and raised an eyebrow, then after taking a long look around she turned back to Soma. "I strongly doubt that there is anyone aboard, myself included, that I would clear for shipboard duty." She turned to look back at the injury that she was working on, her hand flying. "With cursory examination, I would say there are at least three crew that require critical care in a fully-staffed medical bay, the sooner the better. Once they become septic, treatment becomes more.... problematic" (Reply Soma) "I think that the biggest help would be to try and wring out every bit of radiation out of the enviroment that we can, including contaminated material such as clothing, tools, et cetera" Kimiko stated. (Reply Soma) "Any little bit helps." Kimiko replied "Also, we don't lack for topical antibiotics and bandages, so please have the compliment clean and treat any minor cuts and scrapes, I'll get to the larger injuries as soon as I'm able" (Reply Soma) "Thank you" Kimiko stated as she turned her attention to the leg injury. (Reply Soma, any) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1853) "I strongly doubt that there is anyone aboard, myself included, that I would clear for shipboard duty." She turned to look back at the injury that she was working on, her hand flying. "With cursory examination, I would say there are at least three crew that require critical care in a fully-staffed medical bay, the sooner the better. Once they become septic, treatment becomes more.... problematic" Ben was hoping for a better prognosis but he wasn't surprised by Ichijo's assessment. Everyone was in bad shape, no one had escaped injury. "What can we do to reduce the risk?" He asked. "I think that the biggest help would be to try and wring out every bit of radiation out of the environment that we can, including contaminated material such as clothing, tools, et cetera" Kimiko stated. They had run decon but the life support system wasn't designed to deal with the volume it had to contend with now. "Any little bit helps." Kimiko replied "Also, we don't lack for topical antibiotics and bandages, so please have the compliment clean and treat any minor cuts and scrapes, I'll get to the larger injuries as soon as I'm able" "I'll round up what I can and have those that are able treat themselves with the antibiotics and bandages. I'll help those that can't." Ben said. "With a little luck one of the ships will pick us up soon so we can treat these people properly." "Thank you" Kimiko stated as she turned her attention to the leg injury. Ben turned his attention to gathering supplies and handing them out to the injured along with instructions to help those near them if they could. When he had done so he removed what was left of his armor and tunic and applied some antibiotic to his shoulder wound and applied a dressing. There was little he could do for his ribs. Then he continued to help with those that were unable to treat themselves. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Rosencrantz - ACEO Lt. JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1855) He had returned to Jessica's side to sit with her, in case she happened to wake up. He was singing to her softly again when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder. He turned, and it was Ben. The man looked like he was in as much emotional pain as Eian was. Like he truly understood. "Eian..." Ben started, and then paused. Eian looked down. "She's a fighter. Don't counter her out yet." A small smile played on the corner of his lips. "I know that," he said. Even as Ben walked away, he added, "Best damn fighter in the fleet." The Rosenante and Boudicca were nowhere to be found. It was possible that they were going to die out here, both parent ships destroyed and the Borg bent on assimilating them. He would shoot himself and Jessica first, before he let them become drones. He knew that was what she wanted as well, especially when she couldn't even go down fighting. He wanted to be doing something, to be helping the effort to find the ships, but this runabout was overstocked with personnel and Jessica needed him. He was keeping an eye on the situation, and the moment something needed his particular expertise to solve, he was going to jump in. For now, he was going to stay out of the way. Suddenly, Jessica gasped, but didn't wake. Eian could barely feel a pulse. Apparently, the drugs that she had been given weren't working anymore. Almost instantly, Jessica had become critical like so many other patients in the runabout, and before he could even call out, Kimiko was at her side almost immediately. She was trying to stabilize Jessica and get the blood-fluid ratio correct, but the damage was severe. Eian held her hand and silently prayed as Kimiko worked. "Doctor." He said. "How is everyone?" Kimiko looked up at Soma and raised an eyebrow, then after taking a long look around she turned back to Soma. "I strongly doubt that there is anyone aboard, myself included, that I would clear for shipboard duty." She turned to look back at the injury that she was working on, her hand flying. "With cursory examination, I would say there are at least three crew that require critical care in a fully-staffed medical bay, the sooner the better. Once they become septic, treatment becomes more.... problematic." ~Putting it lightly, huh, doc?~ Eian thought grimly. "What can we do to reduce the risk?" Ben asked. "I think that the biggest help would be to try and wring out every bit of radiation out of the enviroment that we can, including contaminated material such as clothing, tools, et cetera" Kimiko stated. "Any little bit helps." Kimiko replied "Also, we don't lack for topical antibiotics and bandages, so please have the compliment clean and treat any minor cuts and scrapes, I'll get to the larger injuries as soon as I'm able" "I'll round up what I can and have those that are able treat themselves with the antibiotics and bandages. I'll help those that can't." Ben said. "With a little luck one of the ships will pick us up soon so we can treat these people properly." "Thank you" Kimiko stated as she turned her attention to the leg injury, which was Jessica's worst. Moments after that, Eian heard Caliel at the console yell, “Sir! I’m picking up a mass of Chroniton particles, emanating from inside the Pyramid. I can’t... DAMMIT you stupid computer.” She said angrily, slapping the side of the console. “Seylerion particles too. The way they’re building up suggests they’re... they’re trying to rip a hole in time?” “Mr Rosenbauer... If you bring us in so that piece of moon debris is directly between us and the Borg Pyramid, I can use the deflector to push it towards them. Might not do much damage, but it could at least disrupt their attempts to mess with time.” She said. “Drop a couple of armed photon torpedos on it too, for added boom.” She added. "Let's give it a try." Ben said. "If they open a temporal rift and travel back in time god knows what damage they can inflict." "And if the Rose and the Boud are nearby, they might be able to detect us as soon as we use our deflector," Eian said aloud. He began thinking of ways to counter the Borg...it was a distraction from Jessica, whose medical treatment seemed to him to take forever, and it was something to do. "If we're not able to stop them, we should at least follow them in...we've got to do everything we can to stop them," he said the last quietly. With Jessica so close to dying, it was personal. He could not let her sacrifice, if that's what it came to, to have been in vain. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------