Compile#26 August 18-22 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 5 Stardate: Age of Makto Compile Summary (Dovek II - Research Complex , Security Bay - Junior Scientist G-Rova - 0610) (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0748) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0752) (USS Boudicca, Deck Twelve, Security, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 08:32) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0837) (USS Boudicca - Outside Battle Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 08.40) (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0842) (USS Rosenante - Corridor – Borg, One of Five - Day 5 – 0844) (USS Boudicca - VIP Quarters - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0845) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0846) (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0847) (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0848) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Ensign Sean McClain, 0849) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Gamma Shift Leader Lt. Xim - Day 5- 0850) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Volus, Day 5 - 0851) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - SEC Ensign Deter McLeod- 0852) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 0855) (USS Boudicca - Jeffries Tube - Deck 1 - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0859) (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0900) (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0901) (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - MO - Dr Derek Shepherd - Day 5 - 0903) (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - aFO - Cmdr Jennifer (Josh) Caskie - Day 5 - 0906) (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 0908) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei -09.10) (USS Rosenante Deck - 2O / COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 5 0911) (USS Rosenante Deck - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 5, 0912) (USS Rosenante Deck 10 - 2O/COPS - Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 5, 0913) (USS Rosenante, Deck 10. ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 5, 0915) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0915) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - Research Complex , Security Bay - Junior Scientist G-Rova - 0610) G-Rova was running late, well in a fashion. She had spent the majority of the previous evening working on the modeling for the temporal dynamic matrix calibrations, which were complex if they were anything. The transtemporal grablex set that D'askto had given her to equate into useable data would have made a lesser mind collapse under the implosive gravitational pull of a mental black hole. As it was, she had been up until the wee hours of the morning fine tuning her equations to something that approximated the answers that she hoped D'askto would find satisfactory. She knew that the leader of the project was a transpositional factor more intelligent than she was, even if she had managed to score 26,308 on her intrasentience quota index exam. It wasn't just anyone that could make her feel like a mental pygmy by comparison. She strode into the bay with a smile of sublime disposition worn on her face and assumed the position of attentive supplicant as D'askto went about his work with the intelligence emulator, or whatever name the genius should choose to employ for the cognitive device that was going to run the sphere today. "I have those calculations for you, first mind." she stated, using his formal title to indicate his obvious intelligence. "I found them stimulating and extremely challenging." (reply D'askto) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0748) The Tellarite walked down the corridor with his souvenir over his shoulder. He was walking back to his cabin after staying in sickbay all night. It was his fault really, though he would never admit it. After the first shot, he sat in a seat and fell asleep. Because he made no noise, the doctors forgot about him. He was awaken by a Vulcan doctor who promptly gave him another shot, called his unnecessary and told him to go to his room, like a child. The only reason that he didn’t shove the doctor down the nearest disposal was that he was tired and going to his room was not a bad idea. ~And that armed security officer had nothing to do with it.~ The Science officer thought it would be a good idea to visit a lad and make sure the arm was completely neutralized. It would suck it he awoke to find the arm crawling around his cabin; although to think about it, it would be kind of interesting. Certainly liven up parties and break the ice. ~I shall call him… Sinzar~ The burly Tellarite rounded the corner and almost ran into a pair of Borg. He gaped at them for a moment as they walked towards him. ~Where the hell did they come from? ~ Narvak thought. He swung the arm at the nearest Borg and was rewarded with a resounding clang as the intruder’s head tilted in a unnatural angle and he dropped. The science officer allowed the momentum of the swing to swing in a full circle and soar towards the head of the second Borg. ~There is a lot of them , but they fall like kreandle under the blade of a farmer, I don’t see what the big…~ Narvak’s hand stung as his weapon bounced off of the Borg’s shields. ~This isn’t good.~ Narvak thought as he back-pedaled narrowing dodging the Borg’s swing. ~What now~ He felt a subtle vibration in the club that he was welding and dropped the arm in time to avoid being impaled by the spike that had extended out of the arm ~So Borg can control Borg bits, interesting~ Narvak looked from the dropped arm to the oncoming Borg. He dropped to his knees to aviod the next blow and grabbed the arm, Spinning it, the Tellarite slammed the point into the Borg’s chest. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0752) All through history when fighting a war, when forced into a static defensive position, defenders would take advantage of the terrain in which they found themselves. Anything that could be used, built, changed, or fortified, was done. In this situation on the Starfire, defending corridors that were the same as open ground, while facing superior numbers and firepower, changing the ground was the best thing Sanok could do. As an example, he used a commanding officer from a war fought on Earth in the middle of the twentieth century. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel and his beach obstacles. Sanok had ordered his teams to enter every room on decks 11 and 12: crew quarters, civilian quarters, lounges, mess halls, storage areas, anything they could access, and carry out whatever was in them, to fill the corridors in both directions outside the computer core, with their own version of beach obstacles. There were chairs, benches, couches, tables, beds, cabinets, exercise equipment, storage crates, anything the men could carry into the corridors. To prevent the Borg from being able to simply move things out of the way, the items were carefully interlocked. They had even set some traps, where heavy items would fall if something supporting them was unwittingly removed. Security people were placed, often hidden from view, in strategic spots throughout the obstacles. Fields of interlocking fire were set up. The floors were covered with bearings and sharp objects. Trip wires were scattered throughout the gantlet. When preparing the phasers, Sanok made sure no two had the same frequencies programmed into them. This would insure that once a phaser was rendered useless, others could still fire. They had also obtained containers of anything the ship had in storage that was caustic or acidic. If throwing such chemicals onto the Borg was all that was left to them, then that's what they would do. The doors to the computer core were welded shut. The Borg were not going to have an easy time if they wanted to take this objective. When preparations were complete, Sanok addressed the teams. "There isn't much to say. This is where we have been assigned, and this is the area of the ship we will hold. I will lead the team here on deck 11, and Ensign Marks will command deck 12. Watch each other's backs. Remember your training. Do your jobs, and we will win the day. The Borg shall not prevail." Sanok nodded and the teams began moving to their assigned areas, speaking words of confidence and encouragement. All that was left was to wait for the Borg to come, and they would surely come. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Deck Twelve, Security, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 08:32) Vanik entered the doors of Security. he stood alone. There was no one around and the weapons locker was open. However, not everything had been taken. This was good indeed, he though. he needed to transport the weapons to the battle bridge for the crew to fight off the Borg. Vanik, sheathing his own phaser, opened the door to one of the weapon cabinets more and took out three phase rifles. He checked their batteries, found them fully charged, and placed them on the ground. He then reached back into the locker and took out three phaser rifle sheaths. These would be strapped to his back, so that he could lock the three rifles onto his back, so that his hands would be free. These kinds of sheathes were made so that one person could transport a lot of weapons at once when they had no other means to do so. He also took out a couple of hand phases, still in their own sheaths and strapped them to his belt. He was sure this would be enough. He counted what he had so far. Four phaser rifles, three on his back and one in his hands. Nine hand held phasers, one of them his own, around his belt. He looked at the rest of the weapons in the room. He realised that he could not carry any more. To do so would be a burden and he needed to get back as fast as possible while not being over-burdened. This would have to do. He turned around and headed for the battle bridge, phaser rifle at the ready. He had to admit that he was worried. He had taken the long away around to make sure that he could not encounter any Borg. It was the logical path to take, but also the most time consuming. However, he knew that he could not dwelt on this right now. He had to focus his mind and concentrate. Worrying was illogical, and would only bring panic. He took only jeffrey's tubes. Another time consuming act, but he didn't want to risk using them when they could break down. After a while he started to feel exhausted, but he focused his breathing more to allow him to go on. Maybe he was rushing a little too much? It would not do for him to arrive at his destination and be unfit to fight. At last, he arrived at the doors to the battle bridge. However, he saw that they were open and inside, the entire bridge was black and broken. he could see bodies inside. Slowly, he made his way in, looking left and right to see if anyone was present. The only bodies he found were that of Borg. He was not sure if this was a good sign. He thought about the possible outcomes. The Borg would not destroy something which they could learn, so the only logical outcome was that Commander Caskie had done this, or ordered it. Most likely, looking around, either by shooting the console, or something some kind of explosive device. Most likely an over-loaded hand phaser. He knew that now his plans had changed. They had failed to hold the Battle bridge. This means that Vanik was no longer needed here. He started to leave. He now had to look for any safe deck or room to deliver the weapons. After that, he would help in any way he could. (reply no one) (Posted by Gavin Work) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0837) Sanok's team was in place and waiting for the Borg to come. They had received word from the bridge that the Borg had come on board, and both decks 11 and 12 were two of the decks invaded. Looking at his people, they appeared to be anxious to get the fight going. It was always said that the waiting was the worst part. Sanok contacted Marks in deck 12 and the report given was that the Borg had not appeared yet. That team was just as anxious as Sanok's team. Sanok began thinking about the Borg going back in time to try to take the Tkon sphere. He wasn't a scientist, so he didn't understand the fullness of the intricacies of time travel, but if it was so easy for someone to go back in time and change everything, why wasn't everyone doing it? Why wasn't everything a chaotic, temporal mess? Of course, maybe everything was. There was a theory that said there were an infinite number of realities existing at the same time, where anything that could happen, has happened. Sanok never accepted this as being true, as it defied all logic and reason, but what if it was true after all? By simply appearing in the past, something was changed. There had to be, even if it was nothing more than the displacement of molecules that were never displaced previously. Of course, since someone or something had gone back in time and displaced the molecules, it actually happened, which was why whatever had done the displacing had to go back. Thinking about it could spin one's brain. Such discussions were intellectually stimulating, but that was for another day. All that mattered at the current point in whatever time or reality he was existing in now, was to stop the Borg. Sanok's comm badge chirped. It was Marks telling him that the Borg had arrived at his station on deck 12. There were eight of them and they seemed to be confused as to what to do. Sanok could hear phaser fire and some shouting, and Marks issuing orders, but things abruptly went quiet. "Be ready," said Sanok to his team. "The Borg are on deck 12, so they won't be surprised when they arrive here." Sanok had to agree. The waiting was the worst part. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Outside Battle Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 08.40) Detron stopped at his office on the way to the Battle Bridge. He grabbed the Battlaff off the wall and holstered a charged Phaser along with a tricorder. When he can down the corridor to the Battle Bridge Detron got into battle mode and armed his Battlaff. He sort of likened the drones to an old Terran movie Terminator except these drones will go down quite nice with physical force and stay down. Detron turned the corner to find the Battle Bridge destroyed along with 5 drones. Detron found CDR Caskie lying next to a bulkhead covered with debris. He holstered his Battlaff and went to attend to her. Knowing the transporters are offline, He gently raised her off the ground and carried her down the hall. He entered the turbo lift and stated "sick bay." As quickly as he could, he took her to Sick Bay. With CDR Caskie in his hands he called out to anyone there to respond. "Medical Emergency! I found CDR Caskie lying outside the Battle Bridge. She needs attention now. I will wait for further orders." (Reply Caskie, Those in Sick bay) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0842) Narvak wheeled a contrivance out of GP lab three. Weapons were not very difficult to create if one was not concerned with the minor details like aesthetics, ergonomics, or safety. Besides, Narvak was almost absolutely sure that the weapon would function as designed. He whistled a piece from ‘Hammersfall’ a famous Tellorite song cycle. The chair’s rollers squeaked almost musically with as he pushed the device down the corridor. The most difficult part of the construction was finding the correct projectile, but patience prevailed and now Narvak looked from behind a blast shield at the four prongs protruding from a case strapped to a lab chair. Narvak heard the distinctive footsteps of the Borg from around the corner. He locked that wheels and made a few quick mental calculations. ~14 meters to the bulkhead, more than enough distance.~ The science office thought as the first Borg rounded the corner. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Corridor – Borg, One of Five - Day 5 – 0844) A form, once known as Drais, son of Malik, turned the corner and processed the sight in front of him. If surprise was still an emotion allowed by his collective, then that would have registered, as it was cautiousness was urged by all. The humanoid behind the device was readily identified as a belligerent species with close association with Species 5618 in a mutual defensive agreement. The beings presence was not a surprise; however, the device that he was next to was not a known weapon utilized be either. One of Five queried as to the function of the device. {{Unknown, The only significant features are a strong magnetic field and large power source, query too broad for determination.}} The One of Five analyzed the components of the device as the Borg and four of its others strode forward. A small percentage of the device’s structure had been identified from the memory of the others that had been assimilated. It was not a fabricated object, but constructed out of parts from other devices. The leading Borg detected a rise in the magnetic field as it closed on the object. The selves returned a high probability of a focused electro-magnetic pulse. {{The threshold for damage to forms is not possible with the expected energy output. Weapon categorized and rejected, proceed with assimilation}} The Borg noted the being’s utterance “Hope this works.” The Borg queried {{a petition to god or an object of worship, irrelevant}} One of Five had a split second to register the thermal plume from the front of the device. {{redesignate weapon}} The wordless communication was last one of its kind before ceramic fragments tore through the Borg group at 3,000 meters per second. (Reply none) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - VIP Quarters - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0845) Bored out of her skull. That was exactly how Ael felt. She had been oh so politely shoved into VIP quarters and left, more or less, to fend for herself whilst everybody else got to go play with the Borg. It wasn't that she really wanted to get up close and personal with any Borg, it was just that everyone else obviously had something to do, or somewhere to be during the current Red Alert. Even her 'oh so obvious' escort from Security had abandoned his post outside her door and hightailed it off somewhere far more interesting. Ael considered her situation for a moment or two and finally crossed to the computer to see if she could finally find out what was going on. She knew from the Intruder Alert that the Borg must have managed to beam aboard the Boudicca and Ael wasn't planning to sit in these, oh so sumptuous, quarters and wait quietly for them to come knocking at her door. The computer refused to tell her anything about the present situation, however she could access all manner of exotic consumables, or at least she would have been able to had operations not shut the replicators down for everything but essentials. She couldn't even order a phaser from the replicators. ~Damn that captain.~ she thought. Once he had read her jacket and found out that she was half Romulan he had dumped her in this glorified cell and left her to rot. It didn't matter that she was Starfleet. He obviously did not have the time or see the need to do anything else but shut her in this room and leave her to her own devices. Well, he would no doubt shortly find out that Ael's own devices were quite considerable when she put her mind to using them. Giving up on the computer Ael crossed to the door and digging her fingers into the access panel ripped the cover out from the wall. Tracing the various wires behind it she ripped out two of them and cross connected them so that the computer was given the impression that there was a fire in her quarters. As the doors opened Ael poked her head outside the door and glanced up and down the corridor looking for Borg, or even other crew. Seeing no-one she oriented herself and thought about where she wanted to go. ~If I was a Borg, where would I head for?~ she asked herself. ~The Bridge, the Battle Bridge, Main Engineering and the Computer Core.~ Knowing that she was on deck 4 she tried to figure out the nearest target to her position. Dredging up this class of ship from memory she realised that the computer core was on decks 11 and 12 which was too far away. The Battle Bridge was on deck 11 too so that ruled that out as well. Engineering was on 15, again too far away. That only left the Main Bridge, three decks up and fairly easy to get to from where she was. Making up her mind she began walking down the corridor looking for a Jeffries Tube access and something that she could use as a weapon. Finding the Jeffries access first and pressing her ear to the hatch she listened for a few minutes before she opened it. Climbing in and closing the hatch behind her she began climbing up towards the bridge being careful at every junction to scout it out first and make sure that there were no unwelcome visitors in the vicinity. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0846) Silence. It was oddly said to be deafening at times. Until now, Sanok never understood what that meant. While waiting for the Borg to come, the silence was so pronounced and so consuming, it did appear to be deafening. A few moments passed and a sound overcoming the deafening silence, caught Sanok's ear. It was metallic and regular, and there was more than one. "Lieutenant Sanok. The Borg are here!" Eight Borg rounded the natural curve in the corridor and stopped before Sanok's barricade. They did not speak and they did not move. It was logical to assume they were being given instructions from the Collective. A short time passed and one Borg stepped forward. "We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. This computer core is ours. This ship is ours. Resistance is futile." "We've done quite well resisting you so far," said Sanok. He aimed his phaser at the Borg that had spoken, ending its tenure with the Collective. "Remember, you may get only one shot!" said Sanok to his team. The seven remaining Borg began to advance. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Corridor - SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 – 0847) Narvak had never had occasion to fire an electromagnetic projectile device within a confined space, but the experience was impressive. The cubes used as projectiles had been designed to fracture, then disintegrate at set intervals; however, he must have misplaced a zero because of instead of disintegrating, the fragments created a cluster of small holes in the bulkhead at the end of the corridor. ~Astrophysics lab, no one in there~ Navak thought ~officers cabins on the other side, wouldn’t have made it the reinforced bulkheads~ He wheeled the device forward. “Got to get bigger wheels” Narvak stated to himself as the chair caught on a piece of debris, mentally he dissected the rail gun. ~The prephase armature from Gibson separator would probably work better in the positioning phase.~ Narvak continued to whistle as he pushed the chair down the corridor. “I can get maybe one more shot out of this before the rails degrade enough to render it useless. Now where can I do the most damage?” The tellerite stopped the beginnings of an idea forming in his mind. Narvak activated his comm Not familiar with many security officers “Narvak to Rosenbauer” “I think that we can assume that he Borg has been able to access our internal sensors and we can use that to our advantage.” Narvak continued “The Borg has their own agenda that we have no awareness of, so we reorder their priorities. By creating sensor ghosts that imply that we are gathering crew to a safe place to protect them from our invaders, we can create a large target so that we can hit a bulk of their forces at a place of our choosing. I have an idea of a weapon that can do a great deal of damage that they haven’t adapted to as of yet” (Reply Rosenbauer) “Humm, I guess that won’t work.” Narvak stated. “I’ll think of something” With that, the science officer closed the channel abruptly. The officer pushed the chair around the deck looking for more borg, but there was a definite dearth of invaders and he was starting to feel like the only person not invited to the party. ~I am not being chased by Borg and I feel left out, there must be something wrong with me~ As if his plaint was heard a small group appeared in the corridor. The burly tellerite smirked and active the weapon, there was a familiar build of power, then nothing. The whine of the overloading capacitor ring was distinctive. Narvak kicked the chair towards the Borg and ran the opposite direction. The fairly sedate field of geophysics, especially shipboard, does not lend itself to serious physical activity and Narvak was never a fan of exercise; however when properly motivated the body is capable of performing truly tremendous feats and Narvak was very much motivated. The science officer managed to make it to the junction of the corridor and threw himself behind the corner as the chair exploded. He scuttled down the hallway as a wave of heat and sound passed over him. After a few moments; Navak peered around the corner and didn’t see anything standing and nothing open to space. The structural integrity fields kept the damage from being too extreme, but at the very least, the corridor would need a fresh coat of paint. Narvak looked down and noticed a intact wheel from the chair and picked it up. There were still a few more Borg left and he was just getting warmed up. (Reply Rosenbauer) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0848) Ten minutes, it seemed to be the longest ten minutes of her life. But then right before the wait was going to drive her mad. There was the familiar click of docking clamps and the hiss of the airlock door, has the door opened. Jessica smiled has she was greeted by the Boudicca's security force. She only nodded in greeting has she hit her commbadge. "Captains Salid, Durand... we have hard dock..." She let the comm close hoping that no one would pick up the transmission before it was to late. (reply Captains) She turned to the Security team. The smile on her face replaced with stern face. "How the condition on the Boudicca?" She asked the team leader. (reply security team) "I see" she replied not liking what she heard. "This is what I need to happen, that side of the hatch needs to be secured has much has humanly possible." (reply security team) She turned has another officer came up next to her PADD in hand. She looked over the report all entry ways were mined and watched. If nothing else that insured that they would get first word on the Borg entering that deck. She scrolled though the report. The mess hall was converted into three parts an armory, a place to grab a quick bite and medical relief area. One of the found engineer's had gone though and rigged the replicators to allow for replicating phasers, weapons, and explosives that were being stocked piled in the makeshift armory. The environmental substation was being used to monitor the Borgs progress on assimilating the ship. by comparing the environmental conditions the Borg favored against the conditions paramiters in the enviromental systems sub-routines. Jessica had to admit it was crude but effective. She continued to read over the report. The observation lounge was converted into a war room, an outlay of the ship was layed over the table showing which area's the Borg contolled, which the federation still held, and those that were still being fought over. "You two," she grabbed the first two security officers she found. "I need runners to go to Sickbay and let them know that we've established a relief point here. We need to get are wounded out of harm's way. "Ensign Mcarthur I want you to take a security team and go reinforce engineering. Well try to cycle there wounded with fresh troops." "We got to take care of the Borg above us and on the Boudicca." She spoke to herself more than anyone. Jessica wanted nothing more than to be in the heat of the fight. " Volus..." She spoke the name of the borg commander. "He's on this ship..." She thought outload, needing to voice her thought. "We were engaged with the pyriamid, and the Boudicca was still under the effects of time vortex when when the pyrimd went." ~Or that's what I understand how things have happened.~ Just then there was an explosion down the hall that rocked the entire deck, followed by phaser fire. Jessica ran to toward the fight. But by the time she arrived things were already settled. Ten Borg had tired to access the deck they the explosion took out the first four, the rest were taken out a mix of phaser and hand to hand combat. "Losses" Jessica asked wanting a status report. "Five were taken back to medical, three dead. two of which were in the process of assimilation." She was answered by one of the security officers present. "That's not acceptable losses." She said stone cold. "But we held, and there you did well. Seal this hatch weld it shut and rearm, you have five minutes." Jessica hoped for some good news. Everyone on deck eight was looking up to her, she story had spread quicly, like wild fire though out the ship. The girl that went to the surface of hell, desimated the Borg and returned home. Everyone knew the wounds she suffered, how close she came to death. Yet here she was standing before them once again in defiance of the Borg. She knew the hope she gave to everyone else. A hope that could get her killed. She knew it was only a matter of time before Volus learned that the use of antimatter device was her brain child. How many Borg she killed upon the surface. It would only be a matter of time before he came after deck 8 in force they had to be ready. "Team leaders," She called to the security teams that had found there way into deck eight. " I need you to take all we can spare and go help the Boudicca security all will be for nothing if we can't secure one of the ships." she turned and yelled. "And why don't we have weapon control of the Secondary Dorsal Array yet." (reply whoever wants.) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Ensign Sean McClain, 0849) Sean had waited with mixed emotions, he was glad they hadn't encountered the Borg yet and at the same time he was disappointed. He hadn't fought them before and was a little excited to see what all the hype was about. A bunch of mindless automatons sweeping the galaxy and conquering everything in their wake. He was almost looking forward to the fight, the ship had been boarded and now he would get his chance. Lieutenant Sanok was leading the team, he had faced the Borg on the surface of Dovek II and survived. Hopefully this time would be no different. "Lieutenant Sanok. The Borg are here!" Someone shouted as eight drones rounded the curve in the corridor. "We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. This computer core is ours. This ship is ours. Resistance is futile." The Borg spoke after they paused for a few seconds, receiving instruction or evaluating the situation. "We've done quite well resisting you so far," said Sanok. He aimed his phaser at the Borg that had spoken. The drone fell to the deck, dead. It was almost funny watching it die. After the blast hit it the drone just fell back like a falling tree. It didn't yell, flail about or anything. "Remember, you may get only one shot!" Sanok stated. The remaining seven drones began their advance. Sean took aim at the closest one and hit his firing stud, unfortunately his aim was a little off and he struck the drone in the shoulder causing it to spin slightly to the left. He watched as the drone regained it's stance but noticed it's damaged arm seemed to be inoperative, at least for now. He took aim again and fired. This time the blast impacted on the drones shield and flared a pale green. Someone else hit the drone center mass and it dropped to the deck like it's companion. That was too shots for one drone, not good, it should have been two for two but he was over excited. Six drones remained and they were running out of fire power. He hit the overload on his phaser and waited for the energy to build. He knew it took several seconds to reach critical over load so he counted down before tossing it in the center of the bunch. "Take cover." He announced as the phaser hit the deck. A second later the phaser blew, he looked from his cover hoping to see all the drones down but was surprised to find that there were still five standing. Apparently the closest one to the blast was able to give the others the necessary information to adapt before it died. So much for the element of surprise. The remaining drones were closing in one of them bent down and Sean saw it lift Grant up, he must have been stunned by the concussion of the blast. He was limp in the drones grasp, his phaser was on the deck. Sean jumped out and ran over and dove in to grab the weapon. He rolled out of the dive and hit the drone point blank and was almost blinded but the shields flare, now he knew who had downed his target. He struck the drone with both hands in the side of the head, it dropped Grant and turned to attack him. As the drone swung Sean ducked and grabbed Grant by the collar and began pulling him to safety. He never saw another drone advancing but he did feel the impact of it's mechanical arm on his shoulder. Pain flared down his arm and he became aware of something running down his arm. He kept pulling. "A little help here." He called out. A little further and he would be safe, just another ten feet would be back with the rest of the team. Keep moving, don't stop, ignore the pain. He kept repeating that in his mind with every step. Eight feet left. Seven. Six. Then he felt something strike the side of his head, as he feel he saw the drone reaching for him. So this was it, this was how it was going to end. He hit the deck with Grant on top of him. His vision blurred as the drone bent over him. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Gamma Shift Leader Lt. Xim - Day 5- 0850) Xim made his way as quickly as possible through the cramped confines of the maintenance access tunnels that the captain had revealed. His large frame was not well suited for such exertions and it showed in his almost lethargic movements caused by his inability to maneuver effectively. That's why, the moment that he had an opportunity to extract himself from the crawlways, he had chosen to do so with the hopes that he'd manage to avoid the majority of the Borg aboard ship. Interestingly enough, Xim pondered, the Borg had not actually encountered the Betelgeuseans directly. Of course they'd know that they existed, simply from the records acquired during their assimilations of Federation Starships and personnel; but the two species had never actually met face-to-face, primarily because of the rarity of Betelgeusean officers serving in the fleet. At last count, Xim was only one of three, and the other two were assigned ambassadorial escort duties on Earth, which meant that only Xim represented his people in the truest form within the fleet. The massive individual had ordered Yalix and Caliel ahead to prepare for his arrival. they had wisely selected to continue to their destination via the Jefferies tubes and crawlways that crisscrossed the ship. =^=McLeod to bridge.=^= He stated. =^=We've encountered drones outside of the forward torpedo magazine. They haven't noticed us yet, please advise.=^= Xim knew that with the bridge on the Holodeck being moved and with his orders to take the CONN that he was the officer being addressed. With that in mind he answered with a quick tap of his commbadge. "Xim here. I am on my way to your location" A statement that was at least true if not in an incidental manner. "I'll be arriving momentarily. Stand by your position unless attacked." Xim turned starboard at the junction instead of port, a direction that would take him directly toward the Torpedo magazine rather than towards the turbolifts. It didn't take long before the seven foot Goliath was in sight of the security officers. He moved forward as carefully and quietly as his massive size would allow. Ensign MacLeod was accompanied by two other security personnel, who looked as if they were on the verge of sheer panic. A small group of five Borg Drones, were working diligently to gain access to the torpedo magazine and it appeared that they could very well gain access within the next few minutes. "Ensign." Xim said when he reached them. "Take one of your men and circle around through junction 16-c to flank the drones. when you are in position signal me and then wait for the signal to attack." (reply MacLeod) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Volus, Day 5 - 0851) The individual that his drones had captured had been secured in one of the converted storage pods, now ready to be used to convert the merely animal essence of a newly acquired Borg Drone from a despicable and weak species to a more appropriate cybernetically enhanced version of the same. Volus had been observing the individual for some time through the eyes of some of the drones nearby, currently working on converting other captured members of this ship's crew to the Borg collective. The Borg leader had assimilated several members of the ship's crew, as well as some aboard the adjoining starship, and yet he was unable to have them adequately define the concept of 'Hope' to any degree that he could quantify. However, he had managed to learn some interesting things about the individual that he had captured and brought here to the assimilation compartment. The most intriguing object of interest for him was the fact that he had discovered that the captured man was religious. The religion was a particularly ancient one, unique to species 5618. It was known as Christianity. It espoused several beliefs, but it seemed that the historical data indicated that it was a religion of Hope, at least arbitrarily. The engineer's name was Eian O'Neill and Volus had decided that rather than extract information from his mind as he had from the other assimilated drones, perhaps an interrogation of sorts would better serve to allow Volus to grasp the obscure aspects of this religion in such a manner as to shed light upon his quest to understand the infuriatingly complex concept of hope. Once he was certain that the individual was alert and focus, Volus stepped in front of his prisoner allowing him to visually inspect him. "I am Volus, we are the Borg." He stated in greeting. "Eian O'Neill, your cooperation is required. Failure to comply will result in assimilation and the destruction of your individuality." Volus activated his optical scanner so that he could simultaneously observe the individual named O'Neill in both the visual and the thermal spectrum. "You will respond." He ordered. (reply Eian) "You will now define for me the concept of Religious belief to which you subscribe. Specifically the concept known as Hope. Comply." (reply Eian) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - SEC Ensign Deter McLeod- 0852) Deter could feel his team growing more edgy by the moment, he felt like yelling come on guys pull it together your security officers for Christ's sake but truth be known he was just as edgy. The Borg were just round the bend from them and all he wanted to do was run for the nearest escape pod and get out of this nightmare. Things couldn't get much worse, they weren't even in their own time anymore and the ship was over run with drones. He heard something coming up behind them and turned phaser at the ready. What he saw almost made him run, there's some things in this galaxy he'd never get used to and Lieutenant Xim was one of them. The seven foot Betelgeusean almost looked like a drone without all the cybernetics and armor. That cranial ridge was a distracting physical feature, good thing Xim was an easy going individual or he might take offense to someone looking a little to long at it. ~I'll never get used to him no matter how long I'm on this ship.~ "Ensign." Xim said when he reached them. "Take one of your men and circle around through junction 16-c to flank the drones. when you are in position signal me and then wait for the signal to attack." "Yes Sir." Deter replied glad that he didn't have to make the call. "Jake, with me." They left Xim and Paul behind and circled back to the junction so they could pass the drones without being noticed, just a short crawl through an access panel to pick up a jefferies tube and continue across to the other side of the deck. He bumped his knees and elbows and heard Jake curse a couple times behind him. Soon enough they made it to the access hatch and Deter pressed it off of its magnetic grapples and quietly lowered it to the floor. Jake exited it behind him and both moved up the corridor until the drones were just in sight around the bend again. He took a deep breath again and hit his comm badge. "McLeod to Xim, we're in position Sir." (reply Xim) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 0855) The lighting in this area was horrible. He couldn't see anything in the room, and this amplified his hearing. Boredom also played a factor, enabling his hearing to pick up every hint of a motor running, of explosions elsewhere on the ship, and especially of footsteps. He heard Volus before he saw him. The drone had caught him in the middle of a prayer--which was bound to happen, because he had been praying continuously since he found himself in this situation. His collarbone and ankle were broken, and as the adrenaline wore off and the pain set in, the restraints painfully held him in place. But when Volus stepped into the lighting, the chin strap released his jaw. ~What's going on? An interrogation?~ his tactical mind analyzed the situation. The drone spoke. "I am Volus, we are the Borg," he said. Strangely, Eian found himself analyzing the Borg standing before him. His assimilation was slight in comparison to other drones he had seen. He had referred to himself as "I". And his name sounded something like the name he had heard announced over the ship's speakers just before he and his engineers were attacked. Eian's psychological profile immediately established that this was a very unique, most likely dangerous Borg. He was being interrogated by a leader. "Eian O'Neill, your cooperation is required," Volus ordered. "Failure to comply will result in assimilation and the destruction of your individuality. You will respond." ~What's the sense in replying if I'm going to be assimilated either way?~ he thought. He was remarkably calm, considering the circumstances. Now that he had a stimulus, regardless of the fact that he would much rather be going insane from boredom than be faced with the leader of this fleet of Borg, he was able to concentrate fully. "You will respond." Volus ordered. "Specify what you want from me," Eian demanded, trying to make his voice sound in control. He could hear the shake in his tone, but urged himself to stay strong. "You will now define for me the concept of Religious belief to which you subscribe. Specifically the concept known as Hope. Comply." He couldn't help but display surprise. The Borg wanted to know about his religion? About hope? Why? His mind raced, but he couldn't think of a reason for this question. It caught him completely off guard. In his POW training in the Academy, they had taught him that he would be demoralized. That his beliefs would be questioned, mocked, denied...that they might even make him renounce them. But an interrogation on his religion by the head of the Borg, a species that could readily assimilate him right here and now...? ~Don't play their games. Don't give in to what he's asking. You know what to say.~ His training dictated that he give only his name and rank. But his tactically-inclined mind told him that this was a unique opportunity. They held all the cards. They could take everything from him. They could use his knowledge to assimilate more Federation citizens. This request for information about Hope, about his religion, came from someone who Eian assumed was the leader of this Borg fleet. They needed him. But he needed to start small. "I will comply only if you release me from these restraints." (reply Volus) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Jeffries Tube - Deck 1 - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0859) Finally Ael could climb no further and she stopped and banged three times on the cover of the hatch. "Don't shoot, it's Lt T'Rillian here." she shouted out. "I'm coming in." (Reply anyone on the Bridge) Turning around in such close quarters wasn't easy but Ael managed it and using her feet she kicked the panel out. Poking her head out of the Jeffries tube she stopped. "It's only me and I'm unarmed. I'm coming out now." Climbing to her feet and dusting herself off she looked across at the Captain ignoring all the phasers trained towards her. "I thought you could maybe do with some help Sir. What can I do?" (Reply Durand) (Posted by Marilyn) Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0900) Twice Ahmed had been forced to backtrack on his way to deck eight to link up with Signos and establish a bridgehead at the docking port. Now he had finally managed to at least reach deck eight, where he thankfully had not encountered any Borg Drones. He was slowing losing the ability to command his ship. HIs commbadge had been lost in a desperate attempt to escape an unexpected encounter with a group of Borg Drones and his ability to utilize the ship's communications systems were compromised by the fact that he couldn't trust that the Borg hadn't already compromised them. Any communication over one of those channels and he could find himself encountering a large group of Drones intent con capturing the Rosenante's senior-most officer. Still Ahmed was no fool. He knew that he'd have to link back up with his personnel soon, or the entire system would collapse. As it was, he knew that the ship's personnel were fighting in scattered pockets, and that until they could all link up, there would be a serious chance of their failing to survive this mission. Ahmed walked through the corridor with the phaser rifle in the ready position. Portions of the deck looked as if it had already seen combat. He spotted a drone face down on the deck, the back of his reinforced cranium caved in by some mysterious process. Despite the obvious fact that the drone was no longer functional, Ahmed gave it as much space as he possibly could. It was eerie enough seeing them in the flesh, but some primitive fear of a dead drone suddenly springing back to life, kept creeping into his imagination as if it were a fact to be reckoned with. The primary docking hatch between the two ships was close, just past the next primary corridor junction, and Ahmed knew that if he could just reach it alive, that he could acquire a new commbadge and get a status update from his officers. In some ways he desperately wanted to know what was happening aboard his ship. In others, he was thankful for the immediate lack of knowledge on the situation. He almost feared that the ship was already lost and that as soon as he was able to get a report that he'd realize that fact. It was a nightmare scenario that he had relived a few dozen times since this mission had begun. Of course he would have preferred that if he were destined to lose his ship that it would at least be within their own time. Losing it thousands of years in the past would only leave a great many unanswered questions for those remaining behind. He stepped out into the corridor and was nearly cut in two by a blast from a phaser rifle. instinctively he dropped to the deck, forcing his body into a twist so that he could bring his weapon to bear. He held his fire however when he realized that the blast had not originated from a Borg Drone, but from a security officer, with a bad case of nerves. "Hold your fire!" He shouted, "It's Captain Salid." (reply Signos) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0901) Jessica heard phaser fire followed by a shout "Hold your fire! It's Captain Salid." That's all Jessica needed to hear to be spurred into action. immediately she was there. "What the hell's going on, What your lanes." Jessica snapped. "Hold fire." She ordered. "Road is cleared Captain." (reply Salid) Jessica, turned to the security officer that fired and then to his team lead. She smiled then nodded. "Get him cycled, he needs rest, a chance to get something to eat, and calm himself." Then she turned onto the security officer. "You've done well, need to confirm targets before we shoot at them though. Right now go rest." She told the young officer has his replacement was brought up. Jessica turned to see Captain Salid walk up to the makeshift barricade. A path was made to allow him and his party safe passage. "It's good to see you again Captain." She handed him a PADD detailing what reinforcements they had, placements of medical supplies, arms and everything else that she had been up to on deck eight including when hard dock was established with the Bouddica. She walked with the Captain, hoping everything was in order. That he would approve of her tactics and support her decision on building and operations base on this deck. "I've sent security teams to clear the decks above us and to help clear the Boudicca, also sent security to inform medical that we have established a medical point here so they have a place to evac. their wounded." She lead the group into the observation lounge, "Sir, we've also attempting to use the environmental substation on this deck to track the borg's movement. By comparing the change in the environmental conditions has they assimilate and move throughout the ship." She continued to update the Captain but a pressing urge kept building against the inside of her skull has her inner self tried to take control. ~He has to know, I'm here, he needs to know all the cards he holds.~ "Captain Salid, once you have a moment there is something I need to speak to you about...." She paused there was a change in her voice and stance. Has her eyes once again shifted from blue to lavender. "Alone." She waited till everyone left the observation lounge before continuing. "As you probably know by now Captain I am not your normal little girl. I could not tell you this information before due to security protocols. However things change. Computer Sierra 31... Lily... 22, 1, 13, 16, 9, 18, 5... Code name Vampire." The computer system responded in its monotone way. "Voice Recondition accepted." Lily responded. "Download directly to this console" With that the console came alive, as ten years of counter terrorism operations, assassination, federation cover ups, and so much more. All perpetrated by one person a young girl named Lily, or also known has Jessica Signos. All protected under an faction that was more a fantasy that actual fact... Section 31... (reply Salid, iyw) "You see, sir. I, Lily am a constructed personality telepathically implanted into Jessica, All the knowledge I needed to accomplish what you see before you was part of that secondary persona. I was placed into the federation has a cover to keep my identity safe. But has you can see If I was to fall into Borg hands...." She let the ideal hand there. (reply Salid, iyw) "However with that being said, I have training not offered to federation personel, training while unorthadox migth prove useful to you." (reply Salid) (posted By Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - MO - Dr Derek Shepherd - Day 5 - 0903) The casualties had been surprisingly light and Derek had more than enough time to worry about what was going to happen further on down the line than what was actually happening now. Dr Candle was still stuck aboard the Rose and Cmdr Caskie, whilst still the official CMO, had far more on her plate to deal with than organising sickbay so it had fallen to Derek, as the next senior doctor to take charge. Thankfully the Commander had set up a well oiled and efficient schedule for running sickbay in all sorts of emergencies so Derek only had to implement it, follow it and if he was fairly lucky, take some of the credit for it. He was just congratulating himself on a job well done when the doors opened and some hulking great Klingon came crashing through the doors carrying another member of the crew. Derek was just about to assign one of the other members of staff to take care of it when he recognised the long marmalade coloured braid and realised who the casualty was. Motioning Lt Trei to deposit his burden on the main bio bed, Derek activated the clamshell and began a scan of his patient. Waiting for the results he turned towards Trei. "Do you have any idea what happened to her?" (Reply Trei) "Ah well, the scan results are in now. She has a dislocated shoulder which I will have to put back into place and a relatively mild concussion. To be honest she is lucky but I will have to keep her here for 24 hours just to make sure there are no after effects from the concussion and I need her awake to relocate her shoulder so that I make sure I don't trap a nerve. I'm going to give her some pain medication now and a stimulant to wake her up. She should be awake in a few moments if you care to wait." (Reply Trei) (Posted by Marilyn) MO Dr Derek Shepherd --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - aFO - Cmdr Jennifer (Josh) Caskie - Day 5 - 0906) At first there were only sounds. Strange sounds that Josh couldn't quite understand. Then some feeling finally came back to her body, but it was a strange feeling, almost an absence of feeling as if Josh were flying or floating. Suddenly she could remember flying, at least she thought she could. She was fairly sure that she could remember doing it but only fleetingly, for a moment or two and then everything had gone dark. The sounds intruded again and Josh tried to ignore them since she so wanted to capture the glorious feeling of flight again, but suddenly the sounds became louder and more insistent and she finally began to make sense of them. "She should be awake in a few moments if you care to wait." Suddenly everything came back to Josh. The Battle Bridge, the Borg, the explosion and the collision with the bulkhead. Her eyes snapped open. She seemed to be lying prone and someone was bending over her and speaking to her. It took quite a bit of her willpower to focus on what was happening but finally she managed to work it out. "Commander you have a dislocated shoulder and a relatively mild concussion. I've given you something for the pain and now that you are awake I will relocate your shoulder." Josh finally recognised who was speaking to her and smiled at him. "Thank you Dr McDreamy." The person bending over her seemed to have something of an amused look on his face and Josh tried her hardest to concentrate beyond the fug that her medication and concussion was causing. ~No, not McDreamy, that was the nurses name for him. It was Shawshank, Shergar, no, Shepherd. As something over her slid back and down, the word clamshell immediately popped into Josh's head and she finally knew where she was. She allowed the doctor's hands to help her to a sitting position and as he took a hold of her arm she relaxed knowing that he would have to manually manipulate it back into position. Even with the pain medication that was making her somewhat lightheaded she knew it was going to hurt and she clenched her teeth together and simply waited. A few seconds later she felt him rotate her arm, heard a slight pop and then felt one huge burst of pain that immediately dialed itself down to a dull ache. Smiling at Shepherd she rotated her shoulder to see how it was and smiled at him again. "Very well done Dr Shepherd. now I need you to give me an update please." His whole face changed from someone who looked like they had just been given a lollipop to someone who had just had the rug pulled out from under them but Josh had more pressing concerns that his hurt ego. "I don't have all day doctor, report on my physical condition now and then give me a report on sickbay status if you please." She listened to his report on her injuries and smiled and shook her head at his suggestion that she remain there for the next twenty four hours. "Not an option Doctor we're busy." Listening to his sickbay report she smiled. At least they were more than ready for any casualties that came there way. Looking around she noticed Lt Trei standing off to one side. Lieutenant can you give me an update on the ship please?" (Reply Trei) (Posted by Marilyn) Cmdr Jennifer (Josh) Caskie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 0908) The voices he heard weren't the ones he was expecting, he was supposed to find Captain Salid but he ended up running into a couple SEC officers fighting of a few drones. The task was becoming more difficult with each engagement, they were adapting to everything. Most of the phasers were useless and they had also adapting to physical attacks as well. Luckily the teams phasers were still effective and the drones were dropped without to much trouble, Ben had even taken one down which meant the next time he used his phaser rifle would probably be the last. He instructed the SEC officers to hold their position until relieved or receiving new orders. No sense having them wondering around when the Borg would find them anyway, they would get a momentary break to relax and catch their breaths before they had to fight again. He headed off down the corridor in search of Salid, he was somewhere on this deck. Off in the distance he noticed some movement, maybe another patrol or it might be more drones. It was hard to tell in the dim light and line of sight was straight and this section of the deck had curved walls. He proceeded cautiously just in case, he didn't want to run into the Borg again but he would run if he did. He survived them on the surface and would do so now, he just wasn't quite sure how. However was in front of him was in no hurry, which led him to think they were Borg. As he drew closer he could hear the mechanical sounds of their limbs as they moved. Now he could see a pair of drones just ahead. ~Might as well get his over with~ Dropping to one knee he pulled his rifle up to his shoulder as the drones came into full view, he took aim and hit the firing stud. The drone on the right spasmed and dropped to the deck, no longer a threat. He drew a bead on the second drone hoping he'd get lucky but not anticipating he would. Hitting the firing stud again he wasn't surprised to see the drones personal shield flare in response. The drone turned and took a moment to size Ben up before moving. "Target identified." The drone said. "This individual escaped us on the Dovek II. Threat assessment high, assimilate." It was strange hearing the drone speak, not a single voice but what seemed like many. Ben got to his feet as the drone advanced on him. "We are Borg, you will be assimilated. Your technological and biological distinctiveness will be added to our own." The drone said. "You will service us, resistance is futile." "The hell it is." Ben spat back. The drone continued forward and when it was at arms length Ben swung his phaser rifle into the side of its head like a club. Unfortunately it had also adapted to the tactic and the shield flared again, that was as useful as hitting the wall with the same result. He dropped the rifle on the deck and took a couple steps back giving him just enough room to attempt a sweep kick. Dropping to the deck as he began the spin he stuck his leg out and struck the drone just as he was taking a step, the shield flared again but the drone was caught of balance and fell to the deck. Ben jumped back on his feet before the drone had a chance to sit up. He noticed an access hatch behind him and moved back to it, he pulled it up out of the floor and leaned it against the wall. Glancing back he saw the drone once again advancing on his position, Ben moved to stand in front of the hole in the floor as the Borg got closer. He allowed the drone to get close enough to swing at him, he ducked under the mechanical appendage and got behind the drone and waited for him to turn. As the drone began to turn Ben made his move, he jumped up and planted both his feet in the drones side forcing it back. One of its legs came down on open air and it began falling backwards, it impacted the deck on its left side and tried to find purchase on the deck but failed. Just before it disappeared into the black hole Ben said. "Have a nice trip." He listened as the drone bounced from side to side off the vertical access tube, if memory served him correctly that particular tube went down several decks. Hopefully by the time it stopped the drone wouldn't be a threat anymore. Unarmed he turned and began running down the corridor. He passed several drones with various degrees of damage, none were active. He was glad he hadn't encountered the bodies of any of the crew. He eventually found Salid with Signos and a couple other SEC officers. He came to a stop beside them and said, "Captain, Ensign." (reply Salid, Signos iyw, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei -09.10) Detron stood near the bio bed where CDR Caskie was placed. He watched as she was given pain medication and slowly came to. She looked at Dr Shepard then to Detron as Dr Shepard performed the act of putting her shoulder back in place. Dr. Shepard asked for a ship status report. CDR Caskie was still pretty out of it so he asked Detron to comply. He stood there with an amused look on his face because he had been the Brig for all the fun to have happened, but he was willing to give a report as best he could. "It seems to me the next places the Borg will strike will be Engineering and the Bridge. The Battle Bridge is disabled so no danger there. If it is all the same to you, I should head to the Bridge and fight the Borg there. What are your orders for me sir." (Reply Caskie, Shepard) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck - 2O / COPS Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 5 0911) The skipper had issued his orders. Tom route power as the Captain had ordered. Ahmed then charged him to gather up crew and head to Sick Bay and either defend it or evacuate it as the situation deemed. Tom acknowledge those orders with “Aye Skipper” and as he entered the access panel - he shouted to Isra Caliel and said “come Ensign” and dropped into the access hatch. (reply: Ensign Caliel) The two had two bend slightly over to move through the passageway. Each was armed and Tom wasn’t hesitant to kill as he had several missions under his belt now but he didn’t know the young Ensign and wondered how the officer would do. He supposed time would tell. “Ensign, I want you to call me Tom - we are on a serious trek and formality be damned” Tom stated. (Reply: Ensign) Jackson added “We are to rescue and/or defend sick bay. Any questions?” . (reply: Isra Caliel) Tom stopped and checked his bearings. The last thing he wanted to do was get lost inside his own ship! The junction they were at once they exited the passageway would put them close to Sick Bay. Tom thought for a moment about what to do next. This was one of those times they talked about in command block at the Academy. No one was there to offer advice - Jackson had to go on his own feelings and experience. “Let’s open the exit hatch carefully and get out of these *&%^%$@ passageways” Tom ordered. (reply: Mr. Caliel) As they exited, he and his young friend almost collided with a drone squad. (Reply: anyone that wants to) Tom stumbled and dropped to a roll to come up on his feet. A female drone strode over and raised a disruptor to fire at Tom. Jackson reacted with pure animal instincts and drove his evil self's combat dagger into her heart. Fluid, blood and equipment chunks flew into Tom's face as he repeatedly attacked the drone. Then when the rage passed, Tom recoiled in horror as he realized the drone once was Maria Holly. Tom knelt, obvious to the world around him, and cradled Maria as she died. She return to her humanity for the briefest of times and with her dying breath told him "Thank you Sir" and died. As Jackson laid her down she shimmered out of view. Tom turned to check on the young Ensign. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 5, 0912) The skipper had issued his orders. Isra prepared for the Captain's orders - she was armed and ready. Ahmed then charged him to gather up crew and head to Sick Bay and either defend it or evacuate it as the situation deemed. Tom acknowledge those orders with “Aye Skipper” and as he entered the access panel - he shouted to Isra Caliel and said “come Ensign” and dropped into the access hatch. "Aye sir." Isra added, and climbed into the shaft after the man who was trained for this kind of mission. ~I'm a science officer, not a security officer...~ The two had two bend slightly over to move through the passageway. Both of them were armed, Isra was probably over-armed, as she had both a phaser rifle and a hand phaser, but it was better to be prepared. “Ensign, I want you to call me Tom - we are on a serious trek and formality be damned” Tom stated. "Uhh... Ok, Tom. I'm Isra." she replied, surprised by the break in normal protocol, but happy for the more social feel of things now. Her heart was racing, adrenaline kept forcing her to check every angle, even if she knew it was just a wall there. She was getting twitchy. Jackson added “We are to rescue and/or defend sick bay. Any questions?” . "This ship has holographic projectors all over, right? We might be able to use them as a distraction, if they're working." (Reply jackson, iyw) Tom stopped and looked around for a moment, Isra stopped too. She'd just been following him, so had no idea where they were. The ships layout was entirely different to her own, and she hadn't even been onboard that long enough to know where anything was. She could barely get from her quarters to the science labs without stopping to get her bearings. The junction they were at once they exited the passageway would put them close to Sick Bay. “Let’s open the exit hatch carefully and get out of these *&%^%$@ passageways” Tom ordered. Isra reached over and grabbed hold of the handle. "Ready?" she asked, then opened it. Both of them stepped out into the main corridors of the ship. As they exited, he and his young friend almost collided with a drone squad. "This isn't what I was expecting..." She said sarcastically, and raised the phaser rifle. Tom stumbled and dropped to a roll to come up on his feet. Just behind him, a handful of Drones turned their attention to the armed phaser rifle. The lead drone stepped forward, the red laser that covered his eye scanned the young woman. {{Science uniform. Standard Weapon. Categorise: Zero Threat. Target not trained to fight. Assessment: Assimilate.}} The Borg drone chirped to itself. They were probably right, if not for the fact that Isra had plenty of training in the science of phasers. Watching them move towards her, Isra almost broke down. They all stepped towards her in a slow, methodic manner that reminded her of old Zombie films. She raised the rifle, and pulled the trigger, sending a beam of light arcing through the air. The first Borg went down as the beam caught it square in the chest. Instinctively, she tapped the controls to change the confinement beam and frequency of the hand phaser, turning it into a laser cutter, rather than a phaser. The rifle fired again, this time getting nothing in return but a shimmering orange field around the drone. She stepped back. "They've adapted already!" she said, as two more approached her. She didn't have time to check behind her, as these were getting too close. She swung the phaser rifle like a club, but the first drone reached up and grabbed it as if she'd offered it to him. This was her chance. She held the button on the hand phaser, causing a short beam of intense energy to appear at the business end of the weapon. It dissipated quickly, but the intensity of what was there was enough to tear through the borg's shields and cut into its heart. The last drone swung an arm, crashing into her own. She felt her wrist crack as the phaser flew from her hand. She would have yelled in pain if it wasn't for the borg hand gripping her neck. ~No... I won't be assimilated..~ she said, reaching up with her good arm. She clawed at the metallic plate on the borg's forearm. The sharp edges of the plate drew blood from her fingers, but she persisted long enough to wrench it from its position, taking the assimilation tubules with it. "H-help." she squeaked, barely able to talk as the hand choked her... (Reply Jackson/Any - this Borg has adapted to phaser fire) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck 10 - 2O/COPS - Lieutenant Tom Jackson, Day 5, 0913) Tom snapped back to reality as Isra croaked out "H-help." she squeaked, barely able to talk as the hand choked her... Tom reacted with animal fury. He attacked the Borg strangling Isra. Jackson withdrew his dagger and moved to the back of the Borg plunging the dagger deep into the automaton's back at the juncture of the shoulders and its head killing the Borg. The remaining Borg raised its arm readying its disruptor. Tom whirled, dagger at the ready. Seconds seemed to pass oh so slowly. For some reason, music from an old earth movie called The Good, The Bad and Ugly started to run thru his head. As quickly as time had slowed, it sped back up. Jackson flew into the drone with a body block that caused both to tumble. Tom swung the dagger deep into the drone's heart. It died amid a shower of blood and sparks. Tom gasped slowly and deeply. The adrenaline rush was wearing off causing Tom to shake. Jackson rose and moved to check Isra out. "How are you Isra?" Tom asked? (Reply: Isra) Jackson saw her wince as he checked her over. "Can you fire your weapon if I splint your forearm?" Jackson asked. (Reply: Isra) Tom worked quickly, trying not to hurt Isra or cause her pain. He sighed and thought he'd try to contact "Sick bay this is Lieutenant Jackson come in?" He sent. (Reply; Sick Bay or Isra) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 10. ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, Day 5, 0915) "H-help." Isra squeaked, barely able to talk as the hand choked her... Tom reacted with animal fury. He attacked the Borg strangling Isra. Jackson withdrew his dagger and moved to the back of the Borg plunging the dagger deep into the automaton's back at the juncture of the shoulders and its head killing the Borg. Isra clutched her throat, breathing deeply as oxygen flooded her lungs once more. Everything else seemed to disappear until she returned to reality, and realised her wrist was broken. When she looked up, the last Borg was dead. Tom gasped slowly and deeply. The adrenaline rush was wearing off causing Tom to shake. Jackson rose and moved to check Isra out. "How are you Isra?" Tom asked? "I'm... Not too bad." she replied, cradling her arm. "I think my wrist is broken though." She winced as he took hold of her arm to check it. "Can you fire your weapon if I splint your forearm?" Jackson asked. "It's lucky I'm not left handed. I won't be as accurate, but I can still fire with my right hand..." she said, reaching over to pick up her rifle again. "I'm not sure how much use it will be though, I think they've all adapted by now." Tom worked quickly, trying not to hurt Isra or cause her pain. He sighed, then tapped his commbadge. "Sick bay this is Lieutenant Jackson come in?" He sent. "It's a good job we're heading to sickbay... They'll be able to fix this..." she said, her breathing about back to normal now. (reply Jackson/any) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0915) Commander Sullivan and Ensign Maddox had methodically searched deck by deck away from the science lab. The pair under T'Larah's command worked steadily ventrally. Each deck they encountered they didn't link up with any of the security teams, they did however encounter several teams of Borg drones. It soon became apparent that the turbo-lifts would not be the preferred method of egress from deck to deck, so the service crawl-ways were employed for that purpose. "What deck are we on now?" Andrew asked. "Deck twenty-eight." she answered. T'Larah was exerting herself far less then her human counterpart. "That's it? I could have sworn we were on deck three hundred by now." he said exhaling forcefully. He paused on the platform to catch his breath. "Don't exaggerate Ensign, if you had bothered to keep count of each deck as we passed it or look on the bulkhead, you would know exactly which deck we were on." she stated. "I'm sorry Sir, I was too busy nearly passing out from exhaustion." he quipped. "What are we doing this far down anyway?" "We are attempting to join up with a security detachment. Also I am attempting to reconnoiter the extent of the Borg infestation." she answered. "Given that every deck we've been to so far has an undetermined number of Borg drones, if there is a way to flank the Borg dorsally, this is the last deck it can happen." Apparently satisfied with the Commander's answer, Maddox attempted to open the door, it didn't open. "Commander." he said gaining her attention. She attempted to open using a command code. The door buzzed in response. ~Perhaps the Borg have partial control of the subsystems. I hope they have not gained control of either of the computer cores. I dare not break radio silence, that would give away my position.~ "Open that panel B-7 we are going to have to try manual over-ride." she told him. She took out her type III rifle and readied it toward the door. "Take out your phaser." she ordered. Maddox opened the panel and readied his phaser, he nodded indicating his readiness. "Open it." She ordered. (Reply None yet) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------