Compile#27 August 23-31 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 5 Stardate: Age of Makto Compile Summary (USS Rosenante – CMO office - CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 5 – 0806) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0851) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Gamma Shift Leader Lt. Xim - Day 5- 0852) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Ensign Sean McClain, 0853) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Ensign Deter McLeod- 0854) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0855) (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0901) (USS Boudicca, Deck Twelve, Corridor, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 09:03) (USS Rosenante - Deck 6 - SO- Ensign Mike Rosenbauer Day 5-0905) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - Mid Deck - CEO - Lt. Steven Matrix, Day 5-0907) (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - Science Officer Ensign(jg) - 0908) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Volus, Day 5 - 0910) (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0912) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 0914) (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma -0916) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Cmdr Caskie - Day 5 - 0917) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0918) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0919) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0920) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0921) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 0922) (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0923) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O/COPS - Day 5 - 0924) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0925) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0926) (USS Boudicca - Jeffries Tube Access- Bridge - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0930) (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0931) (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 -Lt. Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 0932) (USS Boudicca - Bridge Access Jeffries Tube - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0933) (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0935) (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson Second Officer / COPS Day 5 0936) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0937) (USS Boudicca - Docking Access with Rosenante - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0940) (USS Boudicca - Deck One -Main Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 0944) (USS Boudicca, Deck One, Main Bridge, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 0946) (USS Boudicca - Main Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0948) (USS Boudicca - Dock with Rosenante - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0950) (USS Rosenante - Deck 11 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma -0952) (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0957) (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0959) (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1001) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – CMO office - CMO Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 5 – 0806) Kimiko emerged from her office to the bustle of the sickbay. She motioned for Dr Kalla Anos, the aCMO for alpha shift, and looked at the board. It looked as they were slowly clearing out the backlog. ~So here is another log for the fire.~ “Yes, Ma’am” Doctor Anos responded. “I think that we have everything under control, if you needed…” “No, I’m afraid things are about to become a little more difficult” Kimiko interrupted. “It seems that we have picked up hitchhikers from somewhere and they have been spotted on this deck.” The Trill's eyes widened It has been suggested that we prepare for evacuation; however, if we shut down there will be no single point for the injured to rally to. That being said, we are not going to refight the Alamo." Kimiko looked over the board and then for what was procedure was in theater three. "When did the surgery start for the grafting in Three" "I believe that it just started about ten minutes ago" "Good, there should be plenty of time," Kimiko highlighted three patients. we can't really remove these patients off the floor if we have to evac, so I want these beds, a doctor and pair of nurses moved to three and a full quarantine placed on the suite. I imagne even the Borg will find it difficult to get to mag locks, reinforced doors and independent systems." At Kala's nod, Kimiko continued "I would like anyone who is not directly monitored moved into labs two and three, with appropriate medical personal, and those labs locked down as well. I think that if they come at us in singles or pairs, then we can handle it without evacuating, but if they come at us in force. Then we retire to the morgue." Kimiko smiled weakly at the Doctors wince. "Yes, hardly good for morale but it is defensible" Dr Ichijo stated "If the Borg haven't taken control of the internal sensors, then they will shortly, we need some kind of warning system. Any suggestions?" "How about tricorders in telemetry mode set up at intersections, the gods know we have more equipment then we need." The aCMO replied. Kimiko nodded. "we'll stick them into the access panels at the corners, that could give us enough time to determine our course." Kimiko motioned to one of the ensigns stocking a cart. The medical staff had done a great job of getting people on their feet and out of here, but there were still far more people in here then she was comfortable with. "Mr Romono, I would like you to take a pair of tricorders, program them on passive scan, full gain, and in telemetry mode, link them to my pad and place them in a juction accesses at either end of the corridor. "I'm not sure if the phasers here have been modified or not." At the doctors nod, Kimiko stated "Excellent, On a good day, I may be able to hit the broad side of a shuttlecraft, if the setting is on wide dispersion. So have the phaser distributed to those the will be able to them effectively" "For the rest of us pill pushers, I have found that 20 miligrams is very effective against the Borg, I suppose we should vary dosages and drugs to avoid them adapting." "What if the adapt to hypos?" Dr Anos asked "I don't know, beat them to death with it." Kimiko shrugged "We could hope that they don't think of it The Borg seem to allow everyone and their brother to beat them like a mule, maybe their processes won't identify hypos as a physical attack warranting the energy expenditure of shielding. Was there any questions?" At the Trill's shake of her head, Kimiko responded "Good, then lets be about it." (Reply none) Posted by Jack --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0851) After Sanok felled the lead Borg, the other seven began to advance towards the obstacles blocking their path to the entrance to the computer core. Two of the young officers, Grant and McClain, opened fire prematurely. Sanok almost sighed. Things happened quickly, with McClain ending up setting his phaser to overload, which sent a blast echoing throughout the corridor. In another display of foolish inexperience, both young officers managed to get themselves mixed up in hand-to-hand with the drones. ~Why didn't they just stay in their covered positions?~ thought Sanok. McClain was dragging Grant back towards the obstacles, but they didn't make it. Both were struck senseless and drones moved in to assimilate them both. Sanok quickly barked out orders to his men. The two that had dropped their shields to assimilate, were phasered, ending their lives. There were three left now. "Fire only if you need to do so to protect Grant and McClain," ordered Sanok. "We need to conserve our available shots before they adapt." Hopefully, they had bought the two ensigns time to get back into cover. (reply McClain, Grant, any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Gamma Shift Leader Lt. Xim - Day 5- 0852) =^=McLeod to Xim, we're in position Sir.=^= Xim's commbadge crackled. Xim tapped his commbadge and quickly took aim with his phaser pistol. "Follow my lead." he commanded and then pressed the firing stud. A Brilliant crimson beam erupted from the weapon in his hand cutting one of the Borg drones neatly in half as he swept the beam across the group. He managed to sever the arm of a second drone before they adapted to the particular frequency. The orange-red beam suddenly intersected the brilliant jade green glow of the Borg personal shield. The security officer with him fired, completely missing the small cluster of Borg drones assembled near the door to the torpedo magazine. One of the drones returned fire, striking the security officer in the chest. The man's body broke into spasms as he collapsed. He struck the deck hard, jerked a couple of times and grew still. (reply McLoed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Ensign Sean McClain, 0853) Sean regained his senses just in time to see the drone fall. He pushed Grant off and got to his feet and began to drag his comrade again. Lt. Sanok would probably chew them out later but Sean didn't care, he wasn't going to leave Grant out there to be assimilated. The remaining drones continued their advance as he finally made it back to a covered position. He eased Grant against a couple crates as he began coming around. "Sorry Sir." Grant said as soon as he could speak. "I panicked, it was stupid." Sean looked at his buddy and then at the LT and back. "Don't beat yourself up about it." He said. "Just don't do it again." Sean took a look to see where the drones were now. The remaining three seemed to be moving more carefully since they lost a few of their own. Ducking back down he said. "One of the drones is about to enter the maze. The other two are hanging back a little." Hopefully the trip wires would slow them down, if not they had the acid as a last resort. "Looks like this is the Alamo Sir." Grant said. Sean almost laughed at the reference, everyone died at the Alamo. "Hope not." Sean replied as he found a couple phasers they were holding in reserve. "Think you can hold this?" "Yeah." Grant replied as he took the weapon. "Hey Lieutenant, what do you think our chances are?" (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Ensign Deter McLeod- 0854) =/\=Follow my lead.=/\= Came the reply. He watched as a beam cut one of the drones in two and severed the arm of another before the drones adapted. Another shot went wide and the drones began to focus their attention in the direction of the fire, one of them returned fire. Deter turned to his companion and pointed as he raised his own phaser. "Make it count." He said. Both took aim and fired. Twin lances of phaser energy lashed out striking two drones in the back, both fell to the deck and moved no more. One of the remaining drones turned and fired back, the disruptor blast struck the wall in front of Deter sending a shower of sparks over him. Jake fired again while Deter's eyes readjusted. The blast struck one of the drones in the leg causing it to stagger and fall, but it was still alive. Deter took aim and fired again, his shot struck one of the drones in the head and it dropped. One of his companions returned fire but missed. He figured his phaser was out but he motioned for Jake to hit the firing drone the same time he did, maybe it would be confused, maybe not but it was worth a shot. Both fired and the Borgs shields flared against the combined assault. Tapping his comm badge he said. "McLeod to Xim, looks like were firing blanks. How do you want to proceed." (reply Xim, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0855) When McClain and Grant made it successfully back to their covered position, Sanok focused on the remaining Borg. There were only three now, but one was beginning to advance into their maze of obstacles. "Hold your fire," said Sanok. They had limited shots with their phasers, and it was logical that more drones would come if these were unsuccessful in taking the computer core. He wanted to see if any of their traps would work. Sure enough, the first one was sprung. The Borg moving towards them tried to push aside a large, wooden shelf. By doing so, it moved a wire holding a sword a crewman had decorating one of his walls. The Borg died, most likely not knowing what hit him. The last two Borg remained motionless. They were most likely communicating with the Collective, seeking instructions or asking for reinforcements. Sanok was beginning to grow tired of this. He aimed his phaser, and with a quick move of his wrist, he swept the corridor and dropped both drones before they could adapt. "We have held off the first attack," said Sanok. "It is likely there will be another. Until we hear otherwise, we must continue to hold this position." It was odd being cut off from knowing what was happening throughout the rest of the ship. Rosenante forces could be pushing back the Borg, or they could be losing badly. It would be a morale boost to his team to hear some good news. "Sanok to Ensign Marks." There was no response. "Sanok to Ensign Marks." Again, nothing. "Sanok to anyone on the Rosenante." Nothing. So much for that. For now, it seemed they were all alone in the Universe. "Lieutenant, more Borg are coming!" said Grant. Sure enough, another six drones came into view. The Borg were not giving up. It also told Sanok that Marks and his team were holding on deck 12. Otherwise, the Borg would already have the core. "All right, everyone," said Sanok, "let's follow the plan this time." Sanok aimed his phaser and waited until he saw the reds of their eyes. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Deck 11, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0901) The six new Borg that were coming for the primary core, used a different tactic this time. Three advanced towards the obstacles in an assault team, while three stayed back as a fire team, blasting away with their disruptors. It was a classic attack technique and it was beginning to work. A shot from a disruptor set off one of their traps. The men in the forward positions were suppressed, their heads down from the intense fire. The lead Borg was in the outer area of the obstacles. Sanok ordered the rest of his team to open fire. This dropped each of the advancing Borg, but it also eliminated three of their phasers, as the Borg adapted to those frequencies. If Sanok and his team didn't receive reinforcements soon, it was not likely they would be able to hold their position under further assaults. The three Borg that had been firing their weapons, stopped for a few seconds, but resumed firing. Sanok had to use his ace in the hole to stop them. Using a small remote device, a panel in a wall blew out, silencing the three Borg. "Sir, how much longer will we need to do this?" asked Crewman Hatfield, his eyes showing the stress of the situation. "As long as it takes," said Sanok. Hatfield wasn't comforted by that. "Yes, sir," he said dejectedly. He turned to go back to his position. "Crewman," said Sanok. "Sir?" said Hatfield, turning back to face Sanok. "I am certain we will have help soon. The people that serve on this ship will not allow the Borg to prevail. Just hang on a little longer." "I will, sir," said Hatfield. Sanok hoped Hatfield believed him, as Sanok was uncertain if he did. Regardless, this was their place to hold, and hold it they would... or die. (reply none) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Deck Twelve, Corridor, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 09:03) Vanik approached the console in the corridor and placed the phaser rifle he had in his hands against the wall upright. He tapped sevral commands into the wall console because he wanted to locate the areas were resistance was still being put up. So far, since he had left the weapon locker, he had encountered no living Borg at all, which told him that the fighting was taking place elsewhere on the ship. He didn't want to use voice command, in case that it alerted Borg to his location, or even, the location of the defenders, so he was only typing the information in. This took longer, but it was the more logical course of action. After a while of searching he had found what he was looking for. By looking for Federation life signs, he could see that there was still a lot of people on the Main Bridge. This was good, he though. he would make his way there at once and supply them with the weapons they needed. He took up his phaser rifle and made his way to the Main Bridge, using only the Jeffrie's tubes. He knew it would take a while, but he was less likely to encounter any Borg. (USS Boudicca, Deck One, Main Bridge, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 09:42 hours.) Vanik walked through the doors and arrived at the Main Bridge. He was pleased to see that there was indeed people here, alive and well. He recognised Commander Caskie and walked over to her, lowering his phaser rifle. "Commander." he said. "I'm sorry I was unable to arrive at the Battle Bridge in time. However, I am here now and with weapons." he said, referring to the three phaser rifles on his back and the eight hand phasers around his waist. "I'm afraid this was all I was able to carry." (Reply Commander Caskie) (Posted by Gavin Work) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 6 - SO- Ensign Mike Rosenbauer Day 5-0905) Mike and Mosh were falling back under a hail of disruptor bursts fired from a group of Borg Drones proceeding down deck 6 towards main engineering. They were aware that other Borg elements had already reached the compartment and that Lieutenant Matrix and his mixed team of security and engineers were doing what they could to hold the Borg Assault off for as long as they could. Mike and his team, meanwhile were busy doing all that they could to slow down any reinforcements from trapping the engineering personnel in a nasty pincer movement. A stray Disruptor blast struck one of the hallway access panels which superheated and exploded outwards in a shower of semi liquid polymer fragments. Several of them splattered against Mike's uniform and the left side of his face. The heat was incredible and the debris burned through the protective material rapidly, and flash burned flesh beneath it. His face, unprotected from the sudden heat blistered and charred where the materials made contact. He grunted as he tried to turn his face away from the pain, but he already knew that the damage was done. Mosh dropped to one knee and put down a withering fire from his phaser rifle which was already ineffectual, as the Borg had adapted. Borg personal shield flared brilliant green as they energized to protect the Drones safely secured within them. Mike staggered back to his feet, fighting the urge to resist probing at the painful wounds on the left side of his face. They burned with all the intensity of a terrible burn, and he knew that despite the irritation he'd only make it worse if he tried to ascertain the extent of the injury. "Fall back Mosh!" Mike called. as they reached one of the emergency bulkheads that was designed to seal a section in the event that it became exposed to vacuum. Mosh didn't reply verbally, instead, he just rose and backpedaled through the opening, where he took up a defense position at the starboard side of the bulkhead. There he once again resumed his fire against the Borg in the hopes of overloading or draining their shields enough to punch through them. "E-M-G!" Mike called as he hurriedly pulled the control cover from the bulkhead controls. "On it!" Mosh replied as he dropped his phaser rifle to allow it to hang forward while he reached in and withdrew the Electromagnetic grenade that Mike had just ordered. He pulled the safety catch and activated the miniature control panel on the top of the grenade. "Time?" "Give me thirty seconds." Mike replied as he swiftly began rearranging the hololinear chips inside the control mechanism. He then quickly overrode the safety protocols for this particular door and Mosh set the timer for the EMG. "Ready!" The Bolian called. "Deploy it now!" Mike replied. "Then shut down your equipment." Mosh lobbed the device through the open hatchway with a smooth underhanded arc that would have made a softball pitcher proud. The EMG sailed just over the heads of the advancing Drones, who paid it no mind. "Deployed!" Mike nodded and slid the last of the chips into place, just as the first drone was attempting to cross the threshold. The massive pressure doors slammed closed despite the blockage and crushed the drone between them with enough force to still form a solid seal. Mike back pedaled and He and Mosh quickly shut down their equipment. A moment after they had finished, the high-pitched whine of the EMG sounded just a split-second before the power in that portion of the ship failed completely. Sparks jumped out of the access consoles as they suddenly overloaded with specialized electromagnetic energy pulses that fried the safety trip relays within 25 yards of the source of the detonation. The emergency hatch would remain closed. Nothing short of a heavy cutting beam could open it now. =^=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. 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 for a weapon that can do a great deal of damage that they haven’t adapted to as of yet.=^= "Sounds good, but they've captured the internal sensor control bays and locked us out of those systems, Mister Narvak." Mike replied as he and Mosh headed towards the next trouble spot. =^=Hmm, I guess that won’t work.=^= Narvak stated. =^=I’ll think of something=^= then the channel closed quite suddenly. "Sir, Cooper is reporting a large force of roughly thirty drones converging on Main Engineering., says they must have assimilated some transporter technology, because they are skipping past some of the tougher obstacles. Almost like they're phasing through them." "Have his team fall back to Junction 23A. I want them to hold position there until we can evacuate all the engineers from the compartment." Mike replied. "We're abandoning Main Engineering?" Mosh asked in surprise. "If we try to hold it, the collateral damage may leave us not only short on engineers but with equipment that we can't repair." Mosh frowned. "But if we surrender it, we'll have to retake it." "True. but we'll be able to do so once we regroup. Make the call." Mosh shrugged and called Cooper with his new orders, while Mike tapped his commbadge to open a channel to Main Engineering "Rosenbauer to Main Engineering. You've got a large force of Borg converging on your position. You need to evacuate main engineering. Fall back to Junction 23A and we'll regroup there, sir. defending Main Engineering is no longer an option." (reply Main Engineering) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - Mid Deck - CEO - Lt. Steven Matrix, Day 5-0907) Matrix ordered his engineering teams and that of the security forces to move back. The Borg drones were simply coming in greater numbers. Matrix, Peter Cohen and Sergeant Conrad and a smaller group moved up to the mid-deck to help them hold engineering a little longer. A sharp sound and a flicker of lights and engineering feedbacks indicated something had happened no more than a deck away from their position. Matrix looked over at Peter as if to ask what was that? Peter returned a puzzled look. "I've not known Borg to use explosives." said Matrix to Conrad. "I think that was one of our own...perhaps an energy pulse of some sort." replied the Sergeant as he took aim of another drone moving its way toward them. This time the phaser blast did little damage and the cyborg simply kept moving toward them. "They've adapted!" said Conrad. "Peter, get your teams out of here, evacuate engineering. EVERYONE OUT OF ENGINEERING NOW!" Yelled Matrix. Sergeant Conrad motioned his security team to gather around him. The small force flanked Matrix awaiting their orders to move as well. "Sir...I hope you don't mean us as well?" asked the sergeant. "Not yet Sergeant. I thought you had some surprises for these guys, some way of slowing them down?" asked Matrix. "I do sir, but it will cause some collateral damage." Explained Conrad. "We need to move everyone out of here. Philips, take Meade, Douglas and Sonny out of engineering. Make sure the engineering staff get away safely. Regroup on deck 5. If I don't report to you within a half an hour, report to the FO and go from there." ordered Conrad. "Okay Sergeant, now what...phasers are no good and I don't have a Klingon Bat'leth handy." asked Matrix. "Oh, but I have something better." replied Conrad. Conrad pulled around the sling he had around his back to reveal a kinetic rifle that Matrix didn't recognize. "Okay so they have adapted to the phaser frequency...this baby is kinetic with tritanium perching-explosive rounds." This should at least punch holes in these bastards. "Rosenbauer to Main Engineering. You've got a large force of Borg converging on your position. You need to evacuate main engineering. Fall back to Junction 23A and we'll regroup there, sir. defending Main Engineering is no longer an option." =^= Matrix here...friendlies heading your way, but we've got a few surprises for the Borg yet. Stand by. =^= replied Matrix. (Reply Rosenbauer, IYW) Matrix smiled, "Excellent...I hope you brought more than one of those." said Matrix. Conrad loaded and locked up a 45 round magazine into the stealthy looking weapon and too aim at the nearest Borg, now just 15 meters away and below them. The K.E.A.T. mark VII was similar to the EVA phaser rifle, but held a visible magazine in place of the usual energy module. The sergeant squeezed off a single round at the drone. The tritanium tipped round passed through the Borg's personal shield as though it wasn't there and impacted his breast plate. The incendiary ordinance incased within its 12mm casing exploded 15 centimeters after perching the armor plate. In less than 10 milliseconds the drone ceased to exist. The after shock dismantled and disabled five other drones immediately surrounding the targeted cyborg. Conrad pulled away from the rifle scope to take in the results. The sergeant then pushed over a long case toward Matrix with his right leg. "Enjoy...while you can...they will likely adapt to this weapon as well." said Conrad then quickly got back to work. (Reply Rosenbauer, any, none) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - Science Officer Ensign(jg) - 0908) Watching as Captain Salid and Ensign Signos pulled themselves to the side to share a brief word, Romanoff pulled out his padd with the information he had gathered from the Astrometrics lab. The conversation the other two were having didn't seem that lengthy and when Nick saw an opening he moved in with swift enthusiasm. "Captain Salid, if I may?" Romanoff asked as he approached the captain. "I was in the Astrometric lab not too long ago conducting a scan on the Dovek system since we emerged from the vortex." Nick paused as the captain spoke up. (Reply Salid) "All of my finding are here on this padd, seems like we have gone back in time quite a few thousand years." (Reply Salid) "Even though the two ships are docked, I am at your disposal until I am recalled by Captain Durand." (Reply Salid) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Volus, Day 5 - 0910) "I will comply only if you release me from these restraints." The unit known as O'Neill responded. Volus smiled and raised the illumination level in the chamber somewhat. This allowed his prisoner to see exactly how far the Borg assimilation process had advanced. Dozens of federation crewmembers were in various stages of assimilation. "I am not here to negotiate with an inferior species. You will be assimilated and we will acquire the knowledge in that manner if this is preferable." Volus said smoothly. With a silent mental command a pair of heavily augmented Borg Drones advanced mechanically towards the captive engineer. "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated to serve us. We will have the answers we require with or without your cooperation." The drones halted at either side of the captive. The one on the right, a recently assimilated security officer from this ship, extended her hand towards the prisoner. As they did so, a series of serpentine tubules slithered out of their protective sheaths, their tips glistening with the liquid medium that suspended hundreds of millions of Borg nanoprobes ready to reorganize the biological cells of those selected for assimilation. As the tubules hovered just inside O'Neill's peripheral vision Volus made an exaggerated motion by raising his right hand, signaling the drone mentally through the voice of the collective to pause just a few millimeters short of O'Neill's pale pink flesh. (reply O'Neill) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0912) Ahmed only stepped back into the open once he had been told that the way was clear. An ensign was clearly being sent off the line, his nerves already stretched to the near breaking point. Ahmed only offered him a slight smile in way of acceptance as he crossed the line and into what appeared to be a portion of the ship that was firmly controlled by Starfleet personnel. Signos had obviously managed to organize the defense of the area immediately surrounding the airlock that connected the Boudicca and the Rosenante. She had managed also to put into place a rough atmospheric means of detecting the degree of Borg incursion across his ship. It was an innovative solution that although it didn't offer a detailed picture of the situation, it most assuredly offered him more than he had without it. "Excellent Work mister Signos. I'm impressed." Ahmed replied as she finished detailed the organizational aspects of what she had accomplished. "Captain Salid, once you have a moment there is something I need to speak to you about...." She paused and Ahmed glanced up at her from the PADD he was reviewing and immediately noticed that there was a change in her voice and body language. Her eye color had changed from a rich blue to a pale lavender. "Alone." She added. Ahmed's eyes narrowed for a moment before he nodded. "Very well." They stepped to the rear of the observation lounge located on this deck, near the large massive windows that allowed a startlingly clear view of the planet below. A planet that he could only surmise was Dovek II. once the junior officers had cleared out he turned away from the blue green world and looked her in the eyes. "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 Recognition accepted.] Ahmed had to force himself to prevent a frown from creeping across his face. Computer access to files stored in the Rosenante's main computer should have been restricted enough so that Signos, though temporarily assigned to the ship, should have been unable to access them. Lily responded. "Download directly to this console" she ordered and gestured to a console in the compartment, more for him than for the computer. Ahmed stepped forward and regarded the data as it began to scroll across the screen. A detailed timeline formed there, detailing a number of illegal and illicit operations, ranging from counterintelligence operations to outright assassination of foreign and domestic personnel. And to make matters worse the data in question seemed to point to the active inclusion of Jessica Signos, under the alias of Lily, in each of them. And while those aspects were disturbing enough, the apparent link to all of them, besides Signos, was a half-mythical section of the Federation more readily found in rumors than in fact- Section 31. As much as Salid didn't want to believe what he was seeing, he realized that the data was too perfectly assembled, to detailed and articulate to be anything but the genuine article. Then of course there were rumors of his own that he had collected and pursued over the years. The support of a shadow agency working in the halls of Starfleet intelligence that had supported Doenitz's rise to power at the start of the civil war. The death and cover-up of dozens of operations to consolidate his power base, and most recently, the supposed interaction of such an entity aiding Admiral Errol Heatherby during his exoneration from the events of the civil war and his subsequent appointment into the highest ranks of Starfleet Command, only later to attempt to lead a second revolt against the government while the 52nd fleet was being ripped through time. "Do you realize what you are telling me? Do you realize what my duties will require of me?" Ahmed asked as he looked up into the face of Jessica Signos, aka Lily. "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 replied almost evasively. Ahmed nodded slowly. He realized that at this very moment, he was standing in a room with a woman that was trained as a killer. A woman who could probably kill him in a dozen different ways before he could issue a single order. He even wondered if he would be able to put up any sort of a viable defense when the time came. As if dealing with the Borg wasn't enough of a problem, dealing with a potentially hazardous artificial personality created an even more complex playing field than he'd like to imagine. "I understand the situation. I also understand that section 31 is secretive for a reason. their agents go to great lengths to see to it that the organization stays that way." He looked her in the eyes. They were cold and calculating, "Which means that when this is all over, you're just as likely to use those skills of yours to kill me as you are to kill the Borg during the crisis, or am I mistaken?" Lily never missed a beat in her discussion. It was almost as if she simply acknowledged the fact for what it was without complaint and without denial. " However with that being said, I have training not offered to Federation personnel, training which while unorthodox might prove useful to you." Ahmed nodded. She was correct of course, and regardless of the personal danger he may now find himself in due to her decision to reveal her situation to him, the safety of his crew and the mission was more important. "I'm hesitant to utilize some of those skills.. Lily..." he replied. "But I may be convinced. put together an action plan and let me review it. In the meantime. I'd like this to remain between us. There's no need for anyone else to be made aware of your unique circumstance." (reply Signos) Suddenly the door to the compartment slid open and Ahmed was somewhat relieved to see Soma standing there, a pair of security officers accompanying him. Ahmed turned back to Signos. "That will be all Mister Signos, you have your orders." (reply Signos) Ahmed reached over and cleared the display of information, saving it in his personal logs that only he could access, in anticipation of reviewing it in more detail, not that he would forget anything that he had already seen. It was one of the small curses of having a perfect photographic memory. "Captain, Ensign" Soma greeted. Ahmed replied with a tense nod to the Lieutenant. Once Signos had left the compartment, Ahmed physically forced his muscles to relax somewhat. the tension of the moment had pulled every muscles in his body into a knot of concern. "I'm glad you made it mister Soma." he finally said to his chief tactical officer. ~You have no idea just how glad I am.~ "What do you have to report?" (reply Soma) "I see, not as good as I'd hoped, but it seems that we have a great many issues with communication at present all over the ship. The Borg seem to be able to suppress communications as they advance. I need you to take charge of a detail. I need accurate force recon on Borg strengths, locations and apparent objectives. I need to know what assets we still hold, so i can put together a viable defense. I'm going to need Sanok to be more mobile. Have them sabotage or encrypt or whatever they need to do to secure or deny the main computer core. Then have him shift some of those resources to the defense of the secondary core. I'd like him to join you on your recon, you both work better when you are together." Ahmed ordered. (reply Soma) "Also I need you to pass the word, All Boudicca senior staff are to report here to the rally point for immediate transfer to the Boudicca. We can't leave that ship undefended." (Reply Soma) "Oh and Ben." Ahmed added, "See if you can find me a working commbadge, will you?" (reply Soma, Signos) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5 - 0914) The illumination in the room changed, and Eian was able to see his silent crewmates, paralyzed under the influence of the Borg nanoprobes, held in Borg alcoves and all in various stages of assimilation. An engineer he knew was directly in front of him, with both arms severed and his eye drilled out. The drones around him were fitting him with prosthetics. Eian felt his stomach churn. "I am not here to negotiate with an inferior species. You will be assimilated and we will acquire the knowledge in that manner if this is preferable." Volus said smoothly, and Eian could see the drones approaching in his peripheral vision. His heartrate increased. "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated to serve us. We will have the answers we require with or without your cooperation." One of the drones extended her hand toward him and the tubules extended slowly, coming to rest just millimeters from his neck. He could feel the tubules tingling the tiny hairs under his jaw. With his head immobile, he could do nothing but squint his eyes closed and try to calm his breathing. ~You've got to do what he says,~ he told himself. ~It's your only way out of this...and they might still assimilate you...~ His mind raced. He had trouble recalling Volus' question, and as he rooted through the enormous amount of information zooming around in his head like moths around a light, he finally remembered and answered. "I believe in God...the creator of everything that is, was, and ever will be," he said, paraphrasing his statement of faith from church. "My specific faith is called Christianity...it was founded on Earth. A human named Jesus who existed over 2,000 years ago is the central figure in my faith...Christians believe that Jesus was God visiting Earth as a symbol of our salvation..." He took a deep breath, and opened his eyes. He looked into Volus'. The cold, neutral stare that he received in return made his skin ripple with goosebumps. "Humans are fundamentally flawed...imperfect beings. Christians believe that the only way the soul can ascend to heaven after the body dies is if the person accepts that they can't get there by themselves. That they need a savior. When Jesus was killed by humans, it represented God's willingness to take all of our flaws upon Himself so that we could be...clean." He got no initial reaction. ~Does any of this even make *sense* to a Borg?~ He thought there had to be other beings in the Collective with religious thoughts. Then he realized he had failed to answer the specific question. Hope. "Christians define hope as the knowledge that we will always have God, that God is always with us...whatever happens." ~Even assimilation,~ Eian told himself. "That because we are saved from our imperfections, nothing here on Earth can defeat God, because God has already defeated death and evil." He paused, trying to read Volus' expression. But he couldn't. All his training, all the sessions with the ADHD coach in his youth, all his tactical interrogation training...it was all useless. The Borg that stood in front of him was inscrutable. And Eian was like an island. His only current ally was God. (reply Volus) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma -0916) Ben watched as his Captain visibly relaxed, not to the state of being at ease but to a state of readiness. "I'm glad you made it mister Soma." he finally said. "And I you Sir." Ben replied. "What do you have to report?" "I've left the Borg a surprise on the holodeck that should keep them occupied for some time." Ben stated. "While coming here I encountered two patrols, both in the corridors. It appears the Borg want to stay in the open, at least for now. I've noticed a few drones that were killed by various means, some by phasers others by some form of physical attack. From what I can gather the Borg are trying to access key systems in an attempt to take the ship. They are adapting to our weapons quickly, each engagement reduces our chances of banishing the Borg. Comms are being affected, I couldn't reach anyone while I was moving." "I see, not as good as I'd hoped, but it seems that we have a great many issues with communication at present all over the ship. The Borg seem to be able to suppress communications as they advance. I need you to take charge of a detail. I need accurate force recon on Borg strengths, locations and apparent objectives. I need to know what assets we still hold, so i can put together a viable defense. I'm going to need Sanok to be more mobile. Have them sabotage or encrypt or whatever they need to do to secure or deny the main computer core. Then have him shift some of those resources to the defense of the secondary core. I'd like him to join you on your recon, you both work better when you are together." Ahmed ordered. Ben nodded, he and Sanok were a good team. They trusted each other implicitly, they could rely on each other in a crunch knowing that they had each others backs. "I'll contact the team leaders for staus updates while I'm scouting around, it'll sped up the process a little. I'll join up with Sanok on deck eleven." Ben said. "Also I need you to pass the word, All Boudicca senior staff are to report here to the rally point for immediate transfer to the Boudicca. We can't leave that ship undefended." "I'll spread the word as quickly as possible." Ben replied and turned to leave. "Oh and Ben." Ahmed added, "See if you can find me a working commbadge, will you?" Ben turned back and put his hand in his pocket, he'd almost forgotten about the comm badge he picked up. He offered it to his CO. "Found this in one of the jefferies tubes," He said. "I believe it is yours." (reply Salid iyw) Ben turned to leave once again, the pair of SO's who followed him down remained with him. He hit his comm badge as he walked. "Soma to team leaders, report on your status and spread the word that all Boudicca senior officers are to assemble at the rally point for immediate transfer." (reply team leaders) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Cmdr Caskie - Day 5 - 0917) Lt Trei answered forcefully. "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." Josh took a minute or two to think about it and finally nodded. "You are correct ensign. You and I need to make our way to the Bridge now." "I wouldn't plan on using the turbolifts since I am assuming that they are likely to be under Borg control. " "Lets use the the Jeffries Tubes instead. Mind you I am pretty sure that the Borg know about the Jeffries Tubes too so we need to be very careful. (Reply Edward) (posted by Mailyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0918) The doors slid open and the muzzle of T'Larah's phaser was already searching the corridor on the other side. Maddox got to his feet and stuck his type II out the other direction. Not so much as from a tactical stand point, or a training one, but because he didn't want to point the phaser at the Commander. "This side is clear." she stated and glance Andrew's way, "Ensign?" she inquired and noticed his hand was shaking. "Calm down Mister Maddox, if you continue to shake like that, your aim will be dramatically hindered." she warned. "I know, sir." he responded, and took a deep breath. "I'm good." he answered. "We are going this way. We will concentrate on the corridors, and any open rooms, the Borg don't tend to hide. This is evident with the other levels we've checked as well. Once we've encountered Borg or cleared all entrances to this deck, we will determine our next course of action. Understood." she said. Maddox nodded. "Good, I know you aren't a security officer, so I will give you explicit instructions of what I expect. Keep aware of where you are pointing the phaser at all times. I want your phaser to be pointing where you are looking and facing at all times, that way if a drone does pop out, you can instantly engage. Fire only when you have a clear shot. When you aim, aim center mass, if you try to aim for their head, while it might be flashy, you have a greater chance of missing, and by the time you take another shot, the drone may be attacking with in melee range. Stay close to me, not outside of double arm interval, or approximately 3 meters. If your weapon is no longer effective, let me know and I will throw you my pistol if it is still effective." she explained, "Make no mistake about it, our main objective is information. We will only engage if we have to. If the Borg ignore us we will let them." Maddox nodded a second time. "Good this way." she said and lead the way down the corridor. They cleared several intersections very easily, until they began noticing the changes the Borg had made to this part of the ship. Quite simply put the Borg have been busy. The once brushed gun-metal gray walls were now a flat black with periodic glowing green stations indicating where the Borg had completely assimilated a system. Maddox gasped in alarm. As he turned the corner he almost ran smack dab into a trio of Borg drones. "Hold your fire." T'Larah warned. "..but you said..." Maddox said confused with the contradiction. "I know what I said, follow your order mister." she re-enforced. Both officers lowered their weapons and the trio of drones passed uneventfully. "That was close. We need to know the extent of the assimilation." T'Larah said, "...follow me." Reluctantly Maddox followed where T'Larah lead. A hand full of meters down the corridor and the pair began to see regeneration alcoves lining the walls. Most were empty at that time. Maddox began scanning with his Tricorder. T'Larah shot a look in Maddox's direction, that communicated a question, which went unanswered as Maddox shrugged. ~Once a scientist I suppose.~ She thought and allowed him to continue. "Sir I'm getting activity from the drones." he warned. Drones began activating from the alcoves. Guide-lasers turned on and a near synchronous ca-thump as a dozen drones left their alcoves simultaneously. "FALL BACK!" T'Larah yelled as she took aim and fired at the nearest drone, who dutifully fell into a heap as a controlled pair of phaser bolts slammed into it's thorax. Maddox fired as well holding the beam steady for a full second and a half creating a gaping hole in it's chest. They both used a near by door opening, one on either side of the hall. Maddox dropped another, and T'Larah got two more, but the drones just kept coming. Suddenly the door behind Maddox opened and a pair of drones grabbed Maddox and drug him through the door. "Commander.." he managed to croak before the doors closed separating T'Larah and Andrew. "Maddox!" T'Larah rushed over across the passageway, and began attempting to open the door. It didn't follow normal command functions, and the Borg kept coming. She fired another shot, but the Borg had adapted to her phaser rifle. The wave of drones had already cleared the distance to the Commander. She was forced to use her phaser rifle as a close range weapon, she cracked the closest in the face with the butt of her rifle. It forced the tactical drone's face aside but not much else. The drone retaliated with a large scythe-like appendage swinging for T'Larah's shoulder. She blocked with her rifle, but the blade cut deep into the rifle. Raw energy began issuing from the rifle's casing, which caused the Borg's bladed arm to glow red and then a yellowish hue. Noticing this T'Larah quickly let go of the rifle and let it drop down to the deck. She takes off sprinting unsure of what exactly was going to happen with such a large energy leak, she turns one of the previously cleared corners. The drone is unable to follow as the rifle's energy melts the drone's legs. Fortunately the fire suppression system kicks in with force fields and cryogenic chemicals leaving the surrounding deck safely cool enough. Not wanting to stick around and check on how the drone was doing, she kept running oblivious to where she was, until she turned a second corner, and what she saw would have made someone's heart stop. She saw a familiar face strapped to a table, being questioned? Interrogated? The interviewer was a very uncommon looking Borg who in T'Larah's estimation wasn't a drone. He was flanked however by two drones who looked like they were themselves attempting to assimilate her crew mate. She drew her Type II and blasted both the drones flanking O'Neill. (Reply Lt JG Eian O'Neill, Volus, any Borg) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0919) Detron heard CDR Caskie respond to his report and refer to him as Ensign. Detron would deal with that remark later, but was somewhat taken back by the indignation of it. He saved her life. That was worth a great amount in Klingon Warrior culture. He turned to CDR Caskie and checked his Battlaff. "Your course of action is right. Lead the way sir." (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0920) Their brief battle was over. Tom splinted Isra's broken wrist. The two were catching their breath. "Let's get to Sick Bay Isra" Tom said as he rose and helped his young charge up. "I'm sorry.. I'm not much help with fighting." Isra admitted, feeling weaker than she had previously, with her broken wrist. "The sooner we get there, the better. They slowly moved toward their goal. Slipping around corners carefully they encountered Borg trying to breach the Sick Bay entrance. "Isra, see if you can get reinforcements - try your comm badge. I will try to think of some way to distract our 'friends' " Tom ordered. "Ok." Isra said, stepping back so she wouldn't be overheard. She tapped her commbadge. "Caliel to any starfleet officers remaining on Deck 10 of the Rosenante." she said, not wanting to get confused with those on the Boudicca, given that they were close enough for commbadge communications. She purpusefully didn't give her exact location in case the Borg were listening in. "Tom." she said while waiting for a reply. "we could sneak in through the jefferies tubes, and hold them off from inside." she suggested, though there was no way of knowing if the tubes were safe. For all they knew, the Borg had figured them out, and had drones crawling through them as they spoke. (reply anyone/Tom) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0921) Josh waited until Lt Trei had responded. "Your course of action is right. Lead the way sir." and simply nodded. "Be prepared to move out Lieutenant. I however want a word with Doctor Shepherd first." (Reply Trei) She turned to the doctor and smiled. "The Borg seem to be adapting to our phaser fire and hand to hand tactics far quicker than I like. Since our high tech approach doesn't seem to be working we should start thinking low tech. I want you to start Sickbay replicating as many different types of acid as you can find in the database. I want them in glass containers and I want as many as you can make in the next five minutes so that the lieutenant and I can carry them with us to the bridge. Have your personnel try to distribute as much as they can to the crew or at least have them tell them to replicate it themselves and start throwing them at the Borg. Let's see how far they get once they start melting." The doctor went off to order the medical staff to start work and returned quickly with an anti grav piled with as many containers as he thought the commander and the lieutenant could carry. Josh had already explained her idea to Trei and they started loading themselves up with the containers. Grinning at the lieutenant Josh spoke. "Let's see how far the Borg get when their feet start to melt under them shall we. However I don't think it a good idea that we use the jeffries tubes carrying this little lot. At least not until we reach deck 2. Then it is only a short climb up to the bridge." (Reply Trei) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 0922) Their brief battle was over. Tom splinted Isra's broken wrist. The two were catching their breath. "Let's get to Sick Bay Isra" Tom said as he rose and helped his young charge up. (Reply: Isra) They slowly moved toward their goal. Slipping around corners carefully they encountered Borg trying to breach the Sick Bay entrance. "Isra, see if you can get reinforcements - try your comm badge. I will try to think of some way to distract our 'friends' " Tom ordered. (Reply: Isra) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 8 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 0923) "I'm hesitant to utilize some of those skills.. Lily..." Captain Salid replied. "But I may be convinced. put together an action plan and let me review it. In the meantime. I'd like this to remain between us. There's no need for anyone else to be made aware of your unique circumstance." "In the end you might not have any other choice but to rely on those skills," She spoke softly. "I agree, there is no need for anyone else to know, after all discresion is the better part of valor. And to that end you might want to fore warn Lt. Rashen not to go poking around in my files or your greatest fears might be ascertained." (reply Salid) It was about this time the door opened, has Soma entered with a pair of security officers. She nodded to the small group in greeting. "That will be all Mister Signos, you have your orders." Salid spoke as Signos and Salid locked eyes one more time, She smiled a knowing glance. ~ I know your fear, It's a fear I have lived with all my live, but do not fret my Captain your life will not end... at least not yet.~ Lily spoke in the deepest recess of Jessica's mind. Has Jessica or was it Lily that left the room, passing the officers. She went about her work. It wasn't long before she heard the sounds of phaser fire, and explosions that rocked the deck. It spurred Jessica into moving. When she reached the area of the fire fight she saw a group of twenty Borg slowly making their way toward the barricades. Starfleet personel fired and phasers lit the hall and were absorbed by Borg shields. "They've Adapted, all personel... secondary targets" Jessica yelled. Again the halls filled with the bright red orange light of Federation phasers, this time the fire was more a distraction, to hide the small trip laser and detonator. Sure enough the Borg crossed the and broke the laser beam. Jessica watched has the Borg stopped there advance to say something about resistance being fuitle. Jessica could not hear them over the sounds of a couple of set charges. Truth be told it didn't matter much for as soon has the exposion died so did all the borg as a section of the deck that seperated eight from nine landed on them with a very satisfing crunch. Starfleet officers smiled some, spoke final words of parting endearment to the fallen Borg then spat on there bodies. Jessica turned to the line and spoke with a natural grace and Authority. "Get this mess cleared... repair what can and seal of whatever acess" She pointed to the Borg for empathsis, " they used to get here, then trap it." She was quite for a moment before speaking softly to those around her, like a mother to child. "Remember every moment we hold this line, is another moment we give those thatare still fight a chance to survive. For every Borg we stop here is one less that they... have to." Everyone was quite for a moment letting her words sink in. Then they got quickly to work. Jessica turned and went deeper into the fortifed area and Lily dived into own mind. Somewhere in that ten years of darkness lied she hoped a way to mount an effective counter offensive. It was no longer enough to tow the line. (posted by Matthew Locke) (reply Salid, iyw, but not needed.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2O/COPS - Day 5 - 0924) Tom and Isra were just nearing the entrance to Sick Bay. So far Sick Bay had not responded. This told Tom one of several things. First, Sick Bay wasn't under Federation control. This didn't seem likely as the environmental seems pretty normal. If the Borg had control, things would feel different. The second possibility was Sick Bay was still their property but Kimiko and her staff were unable to respond. This seemed reasonable considering commo was spotty ship wide. And third - Sick Bay had been evacuated. This possibility concerned Tom greatly. The staff and patients were most likely assimilated or dead or wandering about inviting a disaster. Tom Jackson was thinking. His guts were knotted and he was in a sweat. The weight of the world was on his shoulders. If the Captain or FO were lost, the ship and the lives of those on her would become his responsibility. One day Tom desired a command of his own but not under these conditions. Since no reply had come from sick bay Tom had to act and now! He searched his memory - there was something at the back of his mind - it was so close but not quite there. (Reply: Isra and / or Sick Bay) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0925) After CDR Caskie spoke to Dr. Sheppard, she turned to Detron and laid the plans for action. He smiled at her intent to melt the drones with acid. That sounded like a malicious act worthy of a warrior. He carried as much as he could and followed her to the Bridge access Jeffries Tube. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 0926) Thankfully no-one had shot at Ael as she appeared out of the jeffries tube and onto the bridge. Certainly there were a few hostile looks shot her way since it was now widely known that she was of Romulan heritage, but to be honest, if that was all that was shot at her she could live with that. Someone grudgingly handed her a phaser on the captain's orders and not a minute too soon it seemed since moments later they could hear the sound of someone trying to enter the bridge. Had it been a member of Starfleet they would have made their presence known first so by all definitions it had to be the Borg on the other side of the door. Ael sighed as she and the bridge crew made ready to defend themselves. Wondering to herself how she had managed to get involved in all of this, but knowing at the same time that the Borg had to be stopped here because not only was the Federation in jeopardy but given that they were near the borders of Romulan space the Empire was too. Ael didn't dislike the Romulan people per se, she found them charming, honest and very loyal. Her beef was with the present government, since although they daren't consider her as 'persona non gratis' given her family background, they had made it clear that she wasn't entirely welcome in the Empire. Ael simply chose to ignore that on the basis that if she didn't bother the Empire over much they would not bother her. It had worked so far until this last trip when she had been contacted both by the Federation and the Empire regarding this little fracas going on in the Dovek system and asked to render aid to both ships. Ael pursed her lips as she remembered the briefing she had been given by one particularly anti Federation Senator. She was only one person in one small cloaked scout ship, had the Empire been seriously concerned they could have sent a small fleet of ships. She smiled to herself. ~It would be just what they wished for if I died here, but no, I don't plan to die today.~ The screech of the bridge doors being forced open brought Ael back to the here and now and along with the rest of the bridge crew she sent a barrage of phaser fire toward their assailants. Several of them dropped and didn't get up again however the rest of them managed to adapt to the phaser fire and spread out around the bridge. Ael found herself involved in hand to hand combat with a Borg drone and grabbing the stiletto she kept in her boot she drove it straight through his eye and into his brain. Even before he had dropped to the floor Ael had turned to look for her next target. She found one easily enough. Captain Durand was assailed by two Borg who were obviously out to assimilate him. She plunged her dagger into the back of the neck of one drone, severing her spinal cord however the second drone had managed to incapacitate the captain and knock him to the floor before Ael managed to drive her dagger deep into his ear, piercing his brain. Looking around she found that the rest of the bridge crew had acquitted themselves equally well since none of the Borg were left standing. She dropped to Captain Durand's side and called for someone to bring a med kit over. Ael only knew basic triage but she did not need that, nor even the medical scanner to tell her that Durand was deeply unconscious and needed to be transferred to sickbay as soon as possible. She looked around at the rest of the crew realising that she was actually the senior officer on the bridge at present and shook her head. Just as she was about to suggest that someone contact Sickbay she heard something moving in the jeffries tube access to the bridge. As everyone who could still lift a phaser trained them on the tube, Cmdr Caskie's voice sang out announcing herself and Lt Trei. Ael breathed a deep sigh of relief and removed the hatch allowing both of them to enter the bridge and began to update the commander on what had happened. (No reply needed) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Jeffries Tube Access- Bridge - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0930) Josh could hear the sounds of fighting on the bridge but to be honest she and Trei could not speed up more without risking breaking the bottles they were carrying. Finally reaching the top of the ladder she held one of the containers in her hand just to be on the safe side and called out that it was herself and Lt Trei. The panel was opened from the other side and Josh was happy to see that whilst there were several Borg casualties littered across the bridge most of the Boudicca crew seemed to be still standing with the exception of Captain Durand. Lt T'Rillian immediately began updating Josh on what had happened and Josh, thanking her, quickly began handing out her bottles of acid and explaining her thoughts. She turned back to Lt Trei for a moment. "Lieutenant, just before we left the battle bridge I understood that the Rose was going to hard dock with us. Get yourself down there with your acid and clear a path for both of our crews to be able to move freely between both ships. I need the bridge crew here but feel free to co-opt any other crew members you come across." (Reply Trei) Turning away from him Josh addressed the computer. "Computer this is Commander Jennifer Olivia Susan Caskie, authorisation Alpha Gamma 5280 Zulu. Implement Caskie override Zeta 4." [Acknowledged] the computer replied and Josh, sighing turned back towards Lt T'Rillian. "Congratulations Lieutenant you are now First Officer until I manage to get our crew back on this ship." Letting her gaze run around the crew on the bridge Josh began issuing orders. "Someone contact Sickbay, Dr Shepherd is in charge and have him send up a team to treat the captain and someone see if they can get a hold of Captain Salid on the Rose. I need to talk to him now. She took a minute to think of her next order whilst sickbay and Captain Salid were contacted and then pointed at the Borg casualties. "Oh and if someone would please take out the trash I would be grateful." (Reply Salid, any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0931) Jackson turned to Isra. "Let's get back into the access panel. Company is coming." He headed to the panel and removed it. "I hear them too. There's no way I can fight properly like this..." she said, helping open the access panel with her one good arm. "I hope you know I'm relying on you for directions... I barely even know the Boudicca - I only arrived on board two days ago." she said, quietly. (reply Tom) The two entered the panel and Tom secured it. Tom seemed to stop to think for a moment. "Isra, we'll take ten. We need to figure out what to do and do it soon. Any thoughts my friend?" Jackson asked the young officer. "With so many Borg out there, there's no way we can get in from the front unless we can figure out a diversion that will get all of them. If I can get to a computer terminal, I might be able to overload an EPS power relay on the deck, which could take out a handful of Borg, but I don't know if they can adapt to that, and it probably wouldn't get all of them anyway." she said, the adrenaline keeping her going without mumbling in pain every five seconds. "At the moment, we just need to get into sick bay to check on everyone." she said, then followed with a small smile. "It's a pity you're not from the Boudicca... You're a good guy to be stuck in a scrape with." (reply Tom) "you're second in command, right? If I can borrow your access codes when we get to a computer, it'll make it easier to blow the power relays..." she said, trying to think ahead. "I'm going to need a hell of a lot of sleep when this is over..."she said quietly to herself. "Isra, can you make it a bit more?" Tom asked. "Yes... I think so. Tom explained what he intended to do. "It's a better idea than mine... Lead the way, if you would be so kind." (reply Tom) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 -Lt. Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 5 0932) Tom scanned around the junction. He heard the approach of more drones. He as whipped and knew Isra was as well. Jackson went to Isra. "Let's get back into the access panel. Company is coming" and headed to the panel and removed it. (Reply: Isra) The two entered the panel and Tom secured it. Tom needed to think and then to act quickly. "Isra, we'll take ten. We need to figure out what to do and do it soon. Any thoughts my friend?" Jackson asked the young officer. (reply: Isra) Tom knew that his codes as Second Officer would override anyone's except the Co ad FO's so he was sure they could get into Sick Bay from the front. He was not sure what to expect once inside. He remembered that there was one access panel that did lead into sick bay but they had to travel a bit farther along a rather circuitous route. He looked at Isra. "Isra, can you make it a bit more?" he asked. (reply: Isra) Tom explained what he intended to do. (reply: Isra) (posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge Access Jeffries Tube - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0933) Detron and CDR Caskie ascended to the top of the tube when she called out announcing their presence. Hearing a non drone voice from the Bridge, they climbed onto the Bridge. She talked with a LT with a Romulan appearance and informed her of the plans. CDR Caskie then voiced a command code and told the LT she was now first officer. She then ordered Detron to go to the Rosenante docking access to the Boudicca and assist them with fighting the Borg from there. He nodded agreement with the order and left carrying as much acid as possible. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 8 - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 -0935) Ahmed was back in his element. While it wasn't a true bridge, it was sufficient for him to at least put forward the reasonable illusion of being in command. An illusions, which although tentative at best, seemed to be keeping the crew's morale up as much as possible. It was in times like this that Ahmed had learned from captain's Sash and Rivers exactly how important it was for a captain to be seen and heard. His false confidence was infectious and it seemed to be fueling the officers and crew that had begun to gather at the rally point. He had assembled them into patrols and work teams, and sent them back out into the depths of the ship as needed to ascertain exactly where the Borg were and how they were advancing. His teams had put into place physical barriers to the Borg advance. booby trapping corridors, sealing bulkheads and securing Jefferies tubes. They had even increased the flow of gravity to some of the plating in key areas to slow the Borg to a crawl, or to liquefy their organs under the sudden unexpected increase of gravity. He'd be damned to an eternity of torment if he didn't put up the best defense that he could. It was quickly becoming apparent that the lines aboard the Rosenante were stabilizing. The Borg were finding their lines of advance slowed to an almost nonexistent pace, although Ahmed realized that it would be a matter of time before they adapted and he lost more of his ship to their undeniable mechanical tenacity. He was starting to get a better understanding of the situation aboard the Boudicca as well. Much like Ahmed's own strategy, Durand and his officers were working first to slow and if possible, stop the advance of the collective. There had been limited success, just as there had been aboard the Rosenante, but now there was a chance to finally pool resources and personnel and see what could be done to reverse the inevitability of the tide that the Borg represented. =^= Boudicca to captain Salid=^= his commbadge crackled. Ahmed tapped the bag with a quick slap of his fingers as he continued to look at the latest data on the barrier surrounding main engineering. "Salid here, go ahead Boudicca." he intoned. =^= Please stand by for Commander Caskie.=^= Ahmed raised an eye brow at the statement, wondering what had happened aboard the Boudicca. "Standing by." (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson Second Officer / COPS Day 5 0936) Tom and Isra were taking 'ten'. Isra was doing well considering her injury. Jackson himself was in need to the rest. Tom had been considering what to do next. He had asked Isra for her ideas. The exploding circuit was not a bad idea if they had more strength. Tom looked at the young officer and considered her compliment a moment. "Thanks Isra. You've done well. This was a rough 1st mission I would say" Tom said with a smile. (Reply: Isra) "O.K., time to earn our pay kiddo" T.J. Said as he rose and extended a hand to help his you friend up. (Reply: Isra) Tom and Isra moved thru the labyrinth. He was grateful the CO and Chief Engineer insisted he learn where access ways were for each department. Tom stopped suddenly, nearly causing Isra to run into him. Jackson smiled and cried " Ah ha". (Reply: Isra) " This panel leads into Sick Bay" Tom said in explanation. (Reply: Isra) "We need to be real careful Isra. Our mates are probably very jumpy and will shoot first then ask questions. So once I activate the code to open it, I go first - O.K.?" Tom asked. (Reply: Isra) Taking a deep breath Tom Jackson punched in the 2nd officer override code. Jackson quickly shouted " It's Tom Jackson- hold your fire". Tom entered the department. And then helped Isra enter. Tom re-seated and sealed the access way. " I need someone to look at Ensign Caliel" Tom ordered. (Reply: Medical Staff) Tom called out for kimiko. (Reply: Kimiko) (Posted by: Bill W) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0937) As soon as someone from the crew told Josh that they had Captain Salid waiting to talk to her she smiled. She crossed to the centre chair and sat down in it. Not because she wanted to but because the crew needed to see that someone was confident enough to take charge. She didn't want to, the doctor in her wanted to rush Captain Durand down to sickbay and start treating him, but the side of her that was the aFO knew that she had other things more important than that to do at present and that side of her was the one that won. Turning to her crew she asked. "Do we have visuals or it is comm only?" On being told that it was comm only Josh shrugged her shoulders like it was no big deal and began speaking. Deciding not to mention his rank since the Borg could be monitoring any communications and then attempt to track him down, Josh spoke. "Ahmed, it's Jennifer here. How are you all doing aboard the Rose." (Reply Salid) "We're not great over here. We had to destroy the battle bridge before the Borg could take it over. I'm on the main bridge now and we have managed to fight off one wave of Borg incursions successfully. However Alan has been injured and has been sent to sickbay for treatment. I've sent Lt Trei down to the docking port with a few surprises that should keep the Borg at bay for a while but tell everyone to try not to step in any puddles since they will be HCL(aq) or various similar compounds. Our Sickbay is manufacturing as much as they can to hand out and have hopefully informed both of our crews how to manufacture it themselves if they need to. I'd welcome your 'suggestions' on how we should proceed now." (Reply Salid) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Docking Access with Rosenante - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0940) Detron made to the dock access port with the Rosenante. He called out to anyone his prescience and told them of the plans with the acid. He waited for a response. (Reply Caskie, Any at dock access) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Deck One -Main Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 0944) Josh was waiting to hear back from Captain Salid when she heard someone attempting to open the main bridge doors. Everyone on the bridge including Josh, turned that way and trained every weapon they had on those doors and simply waited. The tension grew exponentially as whoever was outside attempted to enter the bridge and Josh's blood pressure climbed probably at the same rate. Finally the bridge doors sprang open to reveal Ensign Vanik and Josh ordered everyone to lower their weapons. "Commander." he said. "I'm sorry I was unable to arrive at the Battle Bridge in time. However, I am here now and with weapons." he said, referring to the three phaser rifles on his back and the eight hand phasers around his waist. "I'm afraid this was all I was able to carry." To be honest, in the middle of a battle Josh had to choke back her laughter. "Ensign did you not even think that we might just blow you to pieces for trying to open the main bridge doors from outside without informing us who you were?" (Reply Vanik) Laughing at his reply Josh grabbed one of the rifles he was carrying and told him to give the other two to Lt T'Rillian and the security officer on the bridge. Grabbing two of his phasers she tossed one to T'Rillian. "Ok, here is what is going to happen. Turning to the security officer she smiled at him. Dorsan, you are in charge of the Bridge. Don't allow the Borg to take it. You have my permission to blow it to pieces if you have to. And if you have to retreat, have everyone fall back to where the Rose docked with us. Lt T'Rillian, Ensign Vanik and I will be going down to help there to help Lt Trei to secure that area, The fightback will start from there." Josh turned to Vanik and T'Rillian making sure that they were armed with both with phasers and acid. Turning to the jeffries tube she smiled at them. "Ok boys and girls lets go rock and roll." (Reply Vanik) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Deck One, Main Bridge, Assistant Chief Science Officer Ensign (JG) Vanik, 0946) Vanik looked at the Commander as she appeared to be choking. "Sir, are you alright?" "Ensign." She said. "Did you not even think that we might just blow you to pieces for trying to open the main bridge doors from outside without informing us who you were?" "That outcome had occurred to me." Vanik admitted. "Knowing the emotion known as 'Panic'. However, I thought that Starfleet would have trained my fellow crewpersons to look before they fire." Several of the crew burst out laughing. Vanik was unsure why, as this was not a response that he was use to. Still, he knew That these races were often prone to unusual behaviour, mostly using humour to overcome hard situations. He thought he would try something to help. "However, I must understand that not all races are...as enlighten as Vulcans. Next time, I will... ring the doorbell to ensure that you are aware that I am coming." He said in typical Vulcan mono-tone, his smile and his tone of voice indicating humour. Caskie took several of the weapons and handed them out as Vanik stood there, once everyone had a weapon, Vanik still have his phaser rifle and one hand phaser. "Ok boys and girls lets go rock and roll." Said Caskie. Vanik turned to the Commander. "Commander?" he asked. "Rock and... roll?" (reply Commander Caskie, any) (Posted by Gavin Work) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 5 - 0948) "However, I must understand that not all races are...as enlighten as Vulcans. Next time, I will... ring the doorbell to ensure that you are aware that I am coming." He said in typical Vulcan mono-tone, his smile and his tone of voice indicating humour. "Commander?" he asked. "Rock and... roll?" Josh allowed her eyes to travel down from his head to his feet slowly and equally slowly she allowed her eyes to roam upwards again. She had found that it worked exceptionally well with humans, she wasn't entirely sure that it would work with Vulcans, but it was at least worth a try. "Impressive Ensign. You either have a death wish or you have no regard for your own life. Neither of those two scenarios inspire me with a great deal of confidence right at this minute and neither of them are what I presently need. I plan to head to the docking port with the Rose and I need people who are willing to fight with me there to make sure that it is secure. What I don't need is someone who will walk into an unknown situation with no regard for his or anyone else's safety. I hope I make myself clear Ensign." (Reply Vanik) "You have until the Lt and I leave this bridge to decide whether you come with us or not. Your choice, you may stay on the relative safety of the bridge if you wish. We however are leaving right now." She gathered Ael up with her eyes and crossed to the jeffries tube hatch once again. Suddenly remembering something that the Ensign had asked about, she stopped, turned and regarded him one final time. "Ensign Vanik, Rock and Roll, simply means let's go do it now." (Reply Vanik) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Dock with Rosenante - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0950) Detron set down the vials of acid carefully on the deck. Down the hall, he could see 6 drones approaching him. He waited for the drones to come closer and give their "resistance is futile" line then he threw 2 vials of acid at the group. The acid served its purpose of making their movement somewhat of walking through quicksand . Detron pulled his Battlaff out and stated humming an old Teran baseball song sung during what is called the "seventh inning stretch." He was going to use the drones as batting practice. He engaged the first 2 drones with a wicked slice through their cranial cavities He exclaimed "home run" with that action. With the rest of the drones he continued to slice and dice. Upon finishing off the final set of drones he sang "its one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game. Yay home team!" He looked over the carnage and bashed their heads in for good measure before returning to his post. He tapped his COMM. ^=Trei to Caskie. I just killed 6 drones at the dock area. The dock is clear. Trei out.^= (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 11 -CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma -0952) Ben and his small team had finally made it to deck eleven, progress had been slow considering they were trying to avoid the Borg. They had been forced to back track on several occasions which slowed them down considerably. They only had to drop down three decks but it was just as well they had to traverse down a dozen. He knew his friend was on this deck somewhere near the computer core, hopefully he had survived. Ben was bringing new instructions, do what ever was necessary to deny the Borg access to the core and move on. Sanok was to join him in the recon mission while sending his team to meet up with the team stationed outside the secondary core. On the way down they had acquired new weapons, just in case. Ben had two type II phasers stuffed in the waist band of his pants and a phaser rifle slung across his back. So far they hadn't need to use them, they had avoided all Borg patrols. Up ahead he could see various equipment scattered about and stacked against the walls, some of it looked very unstable. Somewhere in the maze they could hear voices, no doubt Sanok and his team. One of his younger team members was about to jog ahead when Ben reached out to place an arm across his chest. Ben simply nodded towards the floor indicating the presence of a trip wire. The younger officer fell back behind Ben without so much as a word. Taking the lead He headed into the maze carefully, his eyes kept moving around the surroundings looking for more traps. He saw several trip wires as well as what appeared to be ball bearings. He almost smiled at the situation, the lack of technology that would through off the drones. They wouldn't be expecting it. Soon enough they found what they were looking for, Sanok and his team were in position watching for the Borg. He called out. "Hold your fire." Then he continued into full view of the team so they could see who was coming. Ben moved quickly to his friends side, glad to she he was still very much himself and unassimilated. "Good to see your still with us." Ben said. "I have new orders for you and your team. The Captain wants you to join me in reconnoitering the Borg. We are to assess their strengths, locations and objectives. Your team is to encrypt or sabotage the core to prevent the Borg from accessing it and then move on to assist with the defense of the secondary core." Turning to address all present he added. "Should you encounter any officers from the Boudicca inform them that they are to rendezvous at the relay point on deck eight for immediate transfer." (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0957) Almost an hour had passed since Sanok and his team had repelled the last Borg attack. Things had become eerily quiet, and his team members were beginning to get jittery. Communications with anyone else was still out, which made things worse. Other than continuing to encourage the team, there was little else to do but wait. Sanok heard someone coming from around the natural curve in the corridor. Using hand signals, he alerted his team to be ready. "Hold your fire." Sanok recognized the voice. Sure enough, Ben and a small team emerged, showing themselves. Sanok's team let out a cheer. "Good to see you're still with us," said Ben after he had carefully made his way through the obstacles. "I have new orders for you and your team. The Captain wants you to join me in reconnoitering the Borg. We are to assess their strengths, locations, and objectives. Your team is to encrypt or sabotage the core to prevent the Borg from accessing it, and then move on to assist with the defense of the secondary core." Sanok did not have the information that Captain Salid had, and he did not know the 'big picture', so from his perspective, Sanok found these orders to be illogical. They were holding their position. The Borg had failed twice. Now, they were being told to sabotage the primary core, in order to defend the secondary core. "Should you encounter any officers from the Boudicca, inform them that they are to rendezvous at the relay point on deck eight for immediate transfer." Sanok spoke quietly so only Ben could hear him. "It is most agreeable to see you and your team, but what is the purpose of abandoning this position? Do you have news on how the battle is going? Are we winning, or is this an act of desperation?" (reply Soma) (posted Bob B.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0959) "It is most agreeable to see you and your team, but what is the purpose of abandoning this position? Do you have news on how the battle is going? Are we winning, or is this an act of desperation?" Sanok said. Ben pondered the inquiry for a moment before speaking. "I'm unsure as to the Captain's motives at this time," Ben replied in a hushed tone. "though the situation seems to be growing more desperate with each passing moment. Perhaps he believes that defending one position is better then defending two, strength in numbers so to speak. By denying the Borg access to this site forces them to try the secondary core, they would have to regroup at the secondary core as we would. It is a bit of a gamble, more drones in one area also means a greater risk to personnel." Ben figured that answered all his friends questions. "Regardless of the outcome we have orders to follow, I prefer going out with a fight taking as many of those mindless automatons with me as possible." He added before speaking aloud. "I suggest your team pull the isolinear chips out of the cores interface, destroy them and then severe the power feeds if time permits. The core is useless without power or a functioning interface, not even the Borg can operate something without a power supply." Ben stood to address his small team. "Remain here and help with the core and then proceed to the secondary core with the remainder of Sanok's team, Sanok and I will be able to move more quickly alone." One of his subordinates was about to argue when Ben added. "I've no intention of engaging the Borg unless they leave me with no choice, visual recon should suffice." (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 11, Outside Primary Computer Core, Upper Level, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1001) Soma said, "I suggest your team pull the isolinear chips out of the core's interface, destroy them, and then sever the power feeds, if time permits. The core is useless without power or a functioning interface. Not even the Borg can operate something without a power supply." ~Perhaps, but they could always send for a portable power supply from their vessel,~ thought Sanok. There was some logic in the plan, though Sanok still wondered. He supposed what he disliked the most about these orders, were that he had to leave, while his team stayed behind to sabotage the primary core. He felt he was abandoning them. "I need to address my team before we leave," said Sanok. He gathered his men around him. "We held this station and stopped the Borg. The captain knows what he is doing, so we will follow his orders and execute his plan. I will go with Lieutenant Soma and you will render the core inoperable. Go to the rally point once you are finished here. When all this has ended and we have pushed the Borg off our ship, we will meet in Trade Winds and I will purchase each of you your favorite beverage." Smiles and chuckles moved through Sanok's team. Sanok nodded to them and faced Ben. "I am ready now." (reply Soma) (posted by Bob B.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------