Compile#32 September 29-27 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 5 Stardate: Age of Makto Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO, Lieutenant Steven Matrix, Day 5 - 1057) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 - 1058) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1117) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1120) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1405) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5 - Day 5 - 1406) (USS Rosenante - Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5 - Day 5 - 1413) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - Cmdr Jennifer (Josh) Caskie - Day 5 - 1420) (USS Boudicca, Biohazard Lab, Assistant Chief Science Officer, Ensign (JG) Vanik, 14:25 hours.) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1426) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - Cmdr Josh Caskie - aFO - 1427) (USS Rosenante, BioHazard Lab 1, SciO CPO Pembrook Carter, Day 5, 1428) (USS Rosenante - Bio Hazard Lab - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1429) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1430) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CEO, LT. Steven Matrix - 1431) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.35) (Rosenante - Isolation lab - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1437) (Rosenante - Sick bay - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1439) (USS Rosenante - Main Sick Bay - CMO, Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 5, 1440) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CEO, LT. Steven Matrix - 1441) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/ Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5- Day 5 - 1445) (USS Rosenante, BioHazard lab 1 - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel - Day 5, 1447) (USS Rosenante, BioHazard Lab 1, SciO CPO Pembrook Carter, Day 5, 1450) (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab / Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5- 1500) (USS Rosenante/USS Boudicca - Docking Port - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 1825) (USS Rosenante/USS Boudicca - Docking Port - SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 5 -1828) (USS Rosenante, Sick Bay, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1859) (USS Rosenante Deck 10 Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Day 5 1900) (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - Science Officer Ensign(jg) Nickolas Romanoff - 1904) (USS Rosenante, Deck 9 - Comm Suite, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS , Day 5, 1915) (USS Rosenante, Deck 9- CommSuite, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1916) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Commsuite - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1919) (USS Rosenante Deck 9 Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Deck 9 Day 5 1920) (USS Rosenante, Deck 9- CommSuite, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1925) (USS Rosenante- CommSuite- CSec- LT Chance Raschen- 1928) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO, Lieutenant Steven Matrix, Day 5 - 1057) "Excuse me sir...what is the situation?" said Matrix as he approached the senior officer not knowing just who it was. "I thought you were summoned to the isolab in sickbay, lieutenant?" replied the Captain. Matrix was surprised to see THE Captain. "Yes sir, I was, but given the situation I thought I'd grab a little rest and remain where I'm needed the most." replied Matrix. "Ah I see. Well, that's understandable. I think we're all running a little low on rest lately." Ahmed said with a nod. Matrix walked with the Captain... "I'll give you the basics. Ensign Signos came up with an idea to modify Borg nanoprobes into something that will actually stop and reverse, as much as possible the Assimilation process. A means to stop their spread and possibly do enough damage to the collective on the two ships to give us our edge to bring this conflict to an end." "Commander Caskie is leading a team in the research for the modifications. I need a couple of things. A test subject from which we can extract some nanoprobes for modification and conduct tests upon. A means to disperse or deploy those modified nano probes. And then the equipment or devices manufactured that will allow them to be deployed." Matrix listened intently. The thought of developing what amounted to a bioweapon didn't sit well with him, but this was the Borg they were dealing with. A tenacious enemy who had more than a foothold on the Rosenante and her crew. Matrix nodded as the Captain continued. "As an engineer you will be critical in the deployment and manufacturing phase. It has to be a means from which the Borg are going to be unable to adapt rapidly, or we'll have wasted all our efforts. Staffing is a problem, so it may be that you are going to be forced to develop this on your own. One thing is certain though, I need you on that team and that means you need to be in the isolab instead of here." "Awe sir. I like the proposal." Matrix the engineering began to think about the problems and two or three possible solutions. "Yes sir, I'm sure we can create an effective weapon." replied Matrix. (Reply Salid) "Awe sir I'll report to the isolab immediately, I'll report as soon as we have a working model and plan of action." replied Matrix. (Reply Salid) Matrix took leave of the Captain and tracked down the medic he spotted giving the Captain an injection earlier. "Excuse me...Ensign" said Matrix. "If you don't mind I could use shot of the stimulant you administered to the Captain." demanded Matrix. "Lieutenant, as I told the Captain, this is a dangerous drug..." "I know Ensign...but have you looked around. Now is not the time to worry about something that I may not, in all likelihood need to worry about past the next few days...should I live that long." replied Matrix. "You have a point Lieutenant, but if by some chance we do live through this I don't want to be treating you for a drug addiction." responded the Ensign. Matrix smiled, "Doc...at this point I would welcome something as tranquil and easy as that to deal with. I've not had any significant rest for nearly five days, I'm tired, hungry..." "Yes, yes Lieutenant...I've heard that at least a hundred times today." said the medic as the hypo pressed against Matrix's neck. "Thank you doc...I'm feeling better already and you just gave me a fantastic idea for ward off these damn Borg!" said Matrix. (Reply Salid, any) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 - 1058) "Aye sir. I like the proposal." Matrix the engineering began to think about the problems and two or three possible solutions. "Yes sir, I'm sure we can create an effective weapon." replied Matrix. "I have no doubt you can lieutenant. That's why I wanted you on the team." Ahmed replied with a sense of confidence that he didn't exactly feel, but it was better than being a negative Nancy as his uncle had once stated. "Aye sir I'll report to the isolab immediately, I'll report as soon as we have a working model and plan of action." replied Matrix. "Excellent, Mister Matrix. I'm looking forward to the good news." The captain watched as his chief engineer turned to get back to work and after a few moments, he turned to get back to the work that awaited him. (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1117) "We need to get you to Sickbay," Joseph said. "Sickbay is for sick people my friend." Andrew answered. " ..and I feel fine." he said and began walking down the corridor towards the turbolift. (Reply Willowbrook) "Delusional?" he said with a grin, "No. I've never seen clearer." he proclaimed as the pair reached the turbo lift. The doors opened. (Reply Willowbrook) Andrew ignored his friend's pleas for lucidity. "What is the probable location of Captain Salid?" {{Subject Salid is highest ranking Star Fleet officer present. Subject will be where he can effect command on both vessels with out communication lines available. Probable location with in short distance of docking of both vessels. 97.81%}} (Reply Willowbrook) NRPG: Remember, Willowbrook can't hear the Collective. "I can hear them, you know, the collective. The sum of their knowledge available for the asking." Andrew answered him, "Deck 10" he told the turbolift. (Reply Willowbrook) "Because the Borg have control of the turbolifts." Maddox replied. "For such an intellegent man you are asking some very elementary questions Joseph." (Reply Willowbrook) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere on Deck 28 - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1120) "Sickbay is for sick people my friend." Andrew answered. " ..and I feel fine," he said and began walking down the corridor towards the turbolift. ~Hitler probably felt fine, too,~ Joseph thought, but what he said was, "Your behavior is...delusional. They probably did something to your--" "Delusional?" Andrew interrupted, and grinned. Joseph almost shivered at that. "No. I've never seen clearer." he proclaimed as they reached the turbo lift. The doors opened. "Listen to me, Andrew. Try to see this from a third-person perspective. You were just taken hostage by a hostile race, and they manipulated your body. It's extremely probable that they also manipulated your thoughts. At least get it checked out! Prove me wrong!" Andrew ignored him, though. All he responded with was, "What is the probable location of Captain Salid?" ~Oh God. He's going to try to assassinate Captain Salid.~ That feeling that drove him into combat down on the planet, that drove him to stay in the air duct to rescue his friend, now drove him to stop Andrew from bringing the Captain any harm. His body language changed, and he now took a physically defensive position, his leg muscles tensed so that he could fight if he had to, and his torso turned toward the door instead of Maddox, so any blow would not catch him off balance. "Why...why exactly do you want to know Captain Salid's location?" He asked hesitantly. "I can hear them, you know, the collective. The sum of their knowledge available for the asking." Andrew answered him without answering him, "Deck 10" he told the turbolift. Joseph raised an eyebrow when the turbolift started moving. A glimmer of hope rose up in him. Had they taken back the turbolifts? "Wait a minute, why is this turbolift operational?" "Because the Borg have control of the turbolifts." Maddox replied, and Joseph's hopes deflated. "For such an intelligent man you are asking some very elementary questions Joseph." "Forgive me for not having just had the Collective's knowledge dumped into my brain and controlling my actions," he said without even thinking. "I'd rather keep my "elementary" human brain." He shook his head. "Don't you see what they've done to you? Well...no, of course you don't. Why would you be able to? If what they did was successful, you wouldn't be able to analyze your own actions from a third person perspective. You'd just keep trudging along until you--" he nearly said it. He nearly said, "assassinate Captain Salid", but he caught himself. He couldn't put any suggestions in Andrew's head if that wasn't what his friend was already thinking. (reply Maddox) "Until you get someone hurt," Joseph answered, and his brow lowered. "What do you plan to tell the Captain? That the Borg gave you a crash course in diplomacy and you'd like to come out with your hands up and negotiate?" He shook his head, his own new aptitude for sarcasm still astonishing him. Never before had his emotions driven him to such cynicism. Never before had he been able to direct his anger at an enemy instead of a solution. But that anger was what drove him to say, "The Borg don't negotiate, Andrew! They just steal! They steal technology, they steal after they've promised you they won't steal, they steal from babies, they steal from parents, they steal everything! They steal your mind, as anyone can see with you...but you can't see it, because they've already stolen it! Please...please just get checked out. Prove to me I'm wrong. Come on, if you're right, then you'll be able to go on and diplomatically change the universe. If I'm right, you'll be better off when someone helps you." (reply Maddox) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1405) "For more then one reason." Ben said. "We need to get you checked out and we need to get Eian prepped for the next phase and find a way to get him back to his normal self." Jessica/Lily nodded in response to Ben's comment. Has she went silent again, in truth she wanted to scream. ~ How dare the Borg, do this.~ Jessica's mind screamed. ~How dare they make me hurt the one's I love like this. They will pay~ ~ Yes they will~ Lily responded. They watched has the man they loved was bound has a prisoner of war and marched at weapons point down toward the isolation lab. To were he would be experimented on and possibly killed. Jessica's anger gave way to sorrow, has they walked at again losing the ones around her that she loved. Just has her parents were ripped away from her. Then Jessica in the safety of her mind fell to her knees and cried. She knew either Eian would survive this or he would die. If he lived could he forgive her. If he died then Jessica was his executioner to bring him to such a horrific fate. Jessica however was not alone with in the deep area's of the mind. Lily was there to comfort her, and Lily promised to do whatever was needed to protect the fates of both Eian and Jessica. Jessica cried into Lily's shoulder. Lily's lavender eye's narrowed, Section 31 has of yet did not exsist, she was not bound by her programming never to disobey there orders and to remain totally loyal to the organization. For the first time Lily could do something for some one she cared about even if they happened to share the same body. ~ I will make them pay, Jessica I swear to you I will make the Borg pay.~ Lily spoke softly into their shared mind. They walked on, all around them everyone else seemingly oblivious to the mental anguish that strived with Jessica's mind. (reply none needed, but welcome.) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5 - Day 5 - 1406) "Lance, Cole, get that thing to it's feet." Eian heard Ben say, and felt the emotion of...hurt. ~I am not a 'thing'. I am 2 of 5...I am Eian...~ {Am I still Eian?} he asked, like a little boy asking his mother if he was still a good boy. But there was no reply from the Collective. Eian watched with blurred vision as Ben stared at him, and then ordered, "Bind him." "Yes Sir." Cole said and then Eian's hands were tied together, brought to his chest, and tied securely to his burned and charred armor. Eian felt the pain as the nanoprobes attempted to work on the injuries, but were simply not efficient enough to ward off the pain. He physically winced, something Borg generally do not do. He was lonely, frightened, and in pain... Ben stepped in front of him and stared at his working eye. Eian saw him with blurry vision. "Eian, if there's any of you left in there listen up and listen good." Ben said. "We're going to get you some help, undo what the Borg have done to you." Ben took another step ahead, and Eian felt like he was facing a judge instead of his friend. "But let me be clear." He continued. "If you attempt to break free and harm anyone on this team, if I so much as see those assimilation tubules twitch I will kill you. The Borg have caused enough damage to this ship and killed enough of this crew, I won't allow you do add to that list of damages or casualties. Do I make myself clear." {I would never hurt you, Ben. I only wish to enhance your experience as a human being...} Eian tried to communicate, but there was no reply from Ben. Ben couldn't hear the Collective, and Eian's voice box was fried and fused to the electronics in his neck. "Let's get moving." Ben said. They hauled him down the corridor, and they made their way to the isolation bay. (room for more) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5 - Day 5 - 1413) Eian was dragged in, and his thoughts were racing. With the stimulation of pain and being close to his friends, being so close to Jessica, he was able to focus despite the lack of the Collective's voices to keep him stimulated. He had many clear thoughts, and some of them he refused to tackle at the moment. They were too painful, too scary, for him to begin to contemplate. ~What if Volus is not a god?~ He would have been worshiping an idol. He would have been brainwashed. He would have betrayed the one true God. ~But why has the one true God betrayed me?~ The only explanation for that was...~What if there is no God?~ Eian was placed on the isolation table and securely restrained so that he couldn't move a muscle. Weapons were trained on him. He saw his friends and coworkers staring at him with a combination of sympathy and malice...he didn't know what to think of that. ~What are they going to do to me?~ {Volus, please help!} He tried one last time, but was now convinced that no one was coming. Volus had abandoned him, just like God. and now it seemed like his friends were about to abandon him as well. Eian felt deep, painful despair. He was more alone than he had ever been, and he just wanted it all to end. (reply all there) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - Cmdr Jennifer (Josh) Caskie - Day 5 - 1420) It had taken her group a while to make it to the Isolation Bay on the Rose and Lt Trei finally had to dispose of some Borg who were standing guard outside. Josh allowed Ensign's Caliel, Vanik and Carter to start work immediately on a dead Borg that they had acquired during Lt Trei's disposal of the guard. Josh was just happy that it was no-one she recognised. She allowed the scientists to start working on their theories and ideas whilst she worked on her speciality. She picked up a tricorder and began running all the tests that she would run on any dead body, since coronary medicine was one of her specialities. Truthfully she didn't expect it to reveal anything that Starfleet didn't already know about dead Borg. It wasn't as if they had never studied one before but until the scientists in her team came up with something there wasn't a great deal for Josh to do but supervise and Josh never liked to supervise over someone's shoulder without actually doing something knowing how annoying she herself found it. At one point Ensign Caliel thought she had made a breakthrough only to be contradicted by Carter. Whilst that might have daunted anyone else it simply sent Caliel of on another train of thought and Josh tried to make a mental note that Ensign Caliel seemed to be one of these officers that worked exceptionally well under pressure and she should keep an eye on her. The raging headache that was pounding through Josh's skull didn't exactly help thought and since Josh had gathered all the information she could from the dead borg she started rummaging around the lab looking for anything that might be used to keep her team going. Crossing to the drawer where she used to keep such things when she was CMO aboard the Rose she was gratified to see that Kimiko had not quite rearranged everything. Fitting a hypo with a fairly strong stimulant that would work cross-species she injected herself first and then crossing to Caliel, Vanik, Carter and Trei, she proceeded to inject them all. Just as she began to feel the stimulant working the doors to the lab opened and Lt Soma and Ensign Signos dragged in what looked like their experimental borg and dumped him on the nearest table. Everyone immediately crossed to him and Josh was saddened to see that he was a member of the Rose crew that she had briefly met. That however did not stop her. Her orders from Captain Salid were crystal clear. This project took top priority, saving his life was secondary. She motioned Caliel, Carter and Vanik to start work and grabbing her tricorder she began running it over him. Shocked at the extent of his injuries she stepped back finally and turned to Caliel. "Don't remove the tricorder fused to his back, that seems to be what is keeping him from contacting the collective. I know that he is a member of the Rose crew but I need you to start experimenting now. This may be the only chance we get so don't blow it just because we may know him. I know this seems cruel and I am sorry for it, but we have no choice at present." (Reply Caliel, Carter and Vanik) Leaving the scientists to work she turned to Signos, Soma and their party. "Thank you. You did well. It's unfortunate that it had to be one of our crew. I'd like a report from both of you and then I need you to ride shotgun on this lab. Whilst I hope nothing goes wrong I picked this lab because it can be jettisoned. I will take responsibility for that this side but Lt Soma I expect you to be ready to jettison it from your side at the first sign of trouble. Anything that looks like a problem you do not allow that door to be opened, or you shoot anyone who comes through including me and then you jettison the lab to space. Are we clear on this?" (Reply Soma, Signos) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Biohazard Lab, Assistant Chief Science Officer, Ensign (JG) Vanik, 14:25 hours.) Vanik walked calmly over to the dead Borg which had been placed on the biobed. Ensign Caliel and CPO Carter joined Vanik as they looked at the dead Borg. Vanik made a quick but detailed observation in case he noticed anything that would help them. Without using this tri-corder, the Borg did not appear any diffrent from a typical drone. Commander Caskie scanned the drone and Vanik joined in, running his own detailed scan. So far, the drone appeared to be a typical Borg drone, a warrior, as the Human's often called it, because it was was made for combat. There was a focus laser on it's left eye to allow the drone pin-point accuracy when attacking, the right arm was duel-plated, to allow for a powerful bashing attack, with several handy tools within the left weaker arm. As they scanned the drone, Commander Caskie walked over to a medicine cabinet and injected herself with a hypo-spray. Vanik returned to his work, not wanting to become distracted, looking for ways that they could use the drones body and bio-chemistry to their advantage. Both Caliel and Carter began to speculate about ideas, but each time they failed to work up a full idea which would help them. Vanik knew that the Borg were very complicated and this would take alot of work. The doors then opened and two Officers dragged in another Brog Drone. The people present gathered around and there were some murmurs of shock and awe as they saw it was a Starfleet person. Once they gathered their thoughts, the Commander beckoned Vanik, Caliel and Carter over to her. She spoke. "Don't remove the tricorder fused to his back, that seems to be what is keeping him from contacting the collective. I know that he is a member of the Rose crew but I need you to start experimenting now. This may be the only chance we get so don't blow it just because we may know him. I know this seems cruel and I am sorry for it, but we have no choice at present." "Understood." Said Vanik calmly. Vanik was the first to start work on the drone. He started to scan the drone as he would any other drone, not showing the typical emotions which might inhibit others when seeing a Starfleet person in this state. He knew it was illogical to worry about such things. What mattered now was the completion of their task. Caliel and Carter joined him. (reply none) (posted by Gavin Work) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1426) They had managed to get the drone, once Eian, to the iso lab without further incident. When they entered they dumped it on one of the beds and stood back while the guards moved into position along with Caliel, Carter and Vanik. Commander Caskie issued orders not to remove the fused tricorder on the drones back. "Don't remove the tricorder fused to his back, that seems to be what is keeping him from contacting the collective. I know that he is a member of the Rose crew but I need you to start experimenting now. This may be the only chance we get so don't blow it just because we may know him. I know this seems cruel and I am sorry for it, but we have no choice at present." Caskie said. "This used to be Lieutenant Eian O'Neil, our ACEO." Ben stated, though it meant little right now. Getting the experiment to work was what was important. The Commander turned to him and Jessica next. "Thank you. You did well. It's unfortunate that it had to be one of our crew. I'd like a report from both of you and then I need you to ride shotgun on this lab. Whilst I hope nothing goes wrong I picked this lab because it can be jettisoned. I will take responsibility for that this side but Lt Soma I expect you to be ready to jettison it from your side at the first sign of trouble. Anything that looks like a problem you do not allow that door to be opened, or you shoot anyone who comes through including me and then you jettison the lab to space. Are we clear on this?" Ben nodded. "We're clear Commander." He said. "Sanok and I were on recon on the lower decks, trying to determine Borg strengths, locations and objectives. Most of the ship has been sealed by our people or the Borg making things more difficult. Engineering is completely sealed off, all access points have been welded shut. The Borg have taken to the jeffries tubes restricting our movements. Once we learned all we could we headed back to report to Captain Salid. Along the way we were seperated by a Borg patrol, I ordered Sanok to keep moving while I found another route. Ensign Signos and her team located me on deck fifteen where we encountered another patrol, she fired into a power conduit which killed most of the drones except our guinea pig there. The explosion had another side effect," He said turning to Signos. "it seems to have affected her in some way. When she came too it was as if two people were trying to speak at the same time." (reply Caskie, Signos, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - Cmdr Josh Caskie - aFO - 1427) Soma gave Josh a clear report of everything that had happened to him over the last few hours and Josh simply nodded her head since it was not much different to what had happened to everyone else. At least it wasn't until he began to describe the capture of O'Neill and the difference in Ensign Signos since then. Josh immediately snapped awake then and started giving orders. Turning to Lt Trei she immediately began giving orders. "Lt Trei. You will immediately place Ensign Signos under protective custody and escort her to Sickbay. Please feel free to take another crew member as an escort and inform whoever is in charge of sickbay of her status. She is not to be left alone under any circumstances and you may employ any means short of deadly circumstances to keep her there until she has been clear by the CMO personally and either my order or Captain Salid's. (Reply Soma, Signos and Trei) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, BioHazard Lab 1, SciO CPO Pembrook Carter, Day 5, 1428) Tests, failures and more tests... that was the state of things in the lab at least until Lieutenant Soma and a couple of other officers led a Borg drone into the lab, where it was quickly restrained. Carter didn't know the man on the table personally, but he had seen the red-headed engineer walking his dog to the holodeck periodically. He had always seemed a nice enough person, so Pem found it a little disturbing to see him restrained to the table. His skin was pale and clammy, and his prosthetics and exo-plating looked badly damaged. He'd been in some sort of fight, probably in an attempt to capture him and bring him here, before he arrived. He quickly learned the man's name and a few ground rules were laid down concerning the location and function of a tricorder that looked as if it had been attached to the Drone's back plating. It apparently was the device that was preventing communication with the Borg Collective, which was one thing that Pembrook found very reassuring. A lot of things happened quickly then. Caskie gave the drone a quick once over, then has Signos confined by Trei and marched off to sickbay. Then words were exchanged concerning the nature of the self-imposed quarantine to be undertaken by the two teams. While Carter couldn't say he liked the prospect of being jettisoned from the ship, he at least could rationalize the decision. Finally when everything seemed fairly settled, he turned to Caliel and asked, "Okay sir. I'm about as ready as I can get for this, where do you want me to start?" (reply Caliel, Caskie, any present) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bio Hazard Lab - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1429) Detron heard from his defensive post to take Signos to Sickbay. He left his post. "Understood sir." He approached Signos with a random officer to secure her for the trip to Sickbay. He found it lightly amusing that he was taking her to Sickbay as she took him not long ago. He took control of her on the left and the officer took the right. "You are to come with me to Sickbay. I advise you not to struggle." They left the Bio Hazard Lab. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1430) Ben gave Jessica an apologetic glance after Commander Caskie ordered her confined to sickbay. He wasn't sure what had happened to her after the explosion but he didn't want to take any chances if she could be a security risk. With what happened to her on Dovek III and seeing Eian in this condition it was possible it was to much for her young mind to handle, or it could be something more sinister. Eian had grabbed her during the attack and could have injected her with nanoprobes before she fired into the conduit. He had done the right thing by reporting her condition and Caskie had done the right thing by having her confined. He moved to her side for a moment before Trei took her into custody. "I'm sorry," He almost wispered. "I couldn't take any chances." She had brought the new orders to him so she was aware of how important the mission was, they couldn't jeopardize it now. If there was nothing wrong with her the Doc would clear her for duty, if there was something wrong then she could be treated. This mission had resulted in too many losses already, he wanted it to stop. He wanted his friends to be safe again, he wanted Sanok to be safe, and he wanted Marah to be safe. Though he wouldn't say as much this mission had been an emotional and physiological strain on him. He turned back to look at Eian, it could have just as easily have been one of his parents on that bed. How would he have reacted to that. The Borg had caused him great pain in the past are were doing so once again, how much could one endure before they reached a breaking point? Had Jessica reached hers? He hoped that his new plan would work, that they would prevail against the Borg and prevent them from taking anymore of the crews. Sanok had once suggested that he leave Starfleet and pursue a relationship with Marah, he had dismissed the idea back them but now he almost wished he had taken his friends advice and saved himself from this nightmare. (reply Signos, Trei, Caskie, any present) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CEO, LT. Steven Matrix - 1431) Matrix made his way to the Isolation lab to report to Commander Caskie. He wasn't sure where to start other than to see the shape of O'Neill. It was going to be difficult to see a fellow crew mate in that condition, even more so of one you worked so closely with before. Matrix braced himself as best he could. "Commander Caskie, Lieutenant Matrix reporting as requested by Captain Salid. I'm here to assist you in any way I can in developing a nanoprobe solution to defeat the Borg." said Matrix. (Reply Caskie) "Commander, my apologies for my condition. I just spent the last few hours fighting the Borg in engineering...needless to say I lost some good people down there and I'm not about to lose anymore or this ship." replied Matrix. (Reply Caskie) "Of course Commander. Lets see what you have." said Matrix. (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 14.35) Detron escorted Signos into Sickbay and called for attention. "Ensign Signos is to be contained until further orders." (Reply Signos, Caskie, Any in Sickbay) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Rosenante - Isolation lab - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1437) They had all made it to the isolation lab, now it was the time for the Scientist and engineers to take over Jessica had done her part, she developed the ideal, found Soma, Captured a Borg, and brought it the isolation lab. But Jessica paid a devastating cost in this. She watched has Eian was handed over and strapped to the table in the lab. She mouthed the words 'I love you, be safe.' to Eian before Cmdr. Caskie walked toward Soma and herself. "Thank you. You did well. It's unfortunate that it had to be one of our crew. I'd like a report from both of you and then I need you to ride shotgun on this lab. Whilst I hope nothing goes wrong I picked this lab because it can be jettisoned. I will take responsibility for that this side but Lt Soma I expect you to be ready to jettison it from your side at the first sign of trouble. Anything that looks like a problem you do not allow that door to be opened, or you shoot anyone who comes through including me and then you jettison the lab to space. Are we clear on this?" Jessica nodded, Has Soma began to give his report. It was clear that the Caskie heard something that gave her pause her head snapped has She looked to Jessica and ordered her confined to sickbay. "I'm sorry," Soma almost whispered. "I couldn't take any chances." At seeing Jessica being taken into custody. She looked to him her blue/lavender eyes full of the pain, hurt, and anger that raged with in the souls contained with the small body before him. "It's alright, well all do what we must to shield those we can." It was a cryptic enough message that had many meaning she hoped he understood enough of what was said. Lt. Trei walked up to her then and took her into custody, grabbing one arm has anouther security officer grabbed her right. "You are to come with me to Sickbay. I advise you not to struggle." Trei told Jessica/ Lily. "I'm going to be checked out by medical, it's not like I betrayed the ship." Jessica and Lily replied both found it a tad insulting after one had done so much to help fight the Borg that she would be treated so harshly. Lt. Trei had no right to be putting any hands on her. Jessica had never shown herself to be a security risk and there for not needed to be treated in such a fashion. But such was the way with Klingons. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Rosenante - Sick bay - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1439) Thank fully the walk to sick bay was a short one. Jessica closed her eyes allowing her thoughts to wander again in silent conversation with her council. ~ Jessica we are free from our orders, Now is the time.~ Lily spoke in Jessica's mind. ~What I do now is to protect you, and maybe though you I can find salvation for what I have done.~ When Jessica opened her eyes again both her eyes shared the deepness of lavender. Little did her escort know that they held no longer held the small tactical officer Jessica, dangerous and deadly in her own right. But, Lily a assassin trained by Section 31, one that knows what is means to create atrocities and kill with out mercy. Few could notice the slight change in her stance and the way she walked. Before they entered Medical. "Ensign Signos is to be contained until further orders." Trei spoke aloud. Lily smiled in his grasp. "Then you have the wrong person." She twisted her held wrist then pulled them against the weakness of there thumbs and wrenched herself free, and flipped out the door, by all that was holy she was fast. "I am Lily, remember that." With that Lily bolted down the corridor, and dived into the first access leading off deck and disappeared. (reply Trei, any) (posted by Matthew Locke.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Main Sick Bay - CMO, Lt jg Kimiko Ichijo - Day 5, 1440) The Doctor braced herself against the bed, gripping a leg firmly. She glanced from the distended knee to the PA that was bracing the patient. The knee had been badly dislocated but was no nerve or vascular damage, the pulse was weak at the foot but that would be restored after reduction. Kimiko shifted her gaze to the pale, sweating security officer. The man had refused any painkillers or nerve blocks. 'gotta keep a clear head if the Borg attack' she was told, as if ten milligrams of Deprivisol was going to interfere with his ability to shoot a phaser any more the the pain of a dislocated knee; however Kimiko was far to tired the argue with the man and was not able to medicate a man against his will for such a thin reason. The doctor took a firm hold of the the man's ankle and shin; nodding to the PA, who tightened her grip on the harness that had been placed around the chest of the patient, Kimiko stated. "Now this is going to hurt a lot so I what you to focus on something that you enjoy, like target practice in the holodeck or ...." With the last statement she pulled along the line of the leg, the joint popped into place. The security officer let out a shot scream and passed out. The trick of distraction was something that she had seen countless times, but still did not make her feel any better about it almost like betraying the man. It would not do any better to prep them; to tell them that is was going to hurt and to get ready. Often the anticipation of the coming pain would only ramp the experience. The doctor ran scan over the injury to insure proper placement It looked as most of the damage was confined to ligament damage and minor bleeding. She was satisfied with the results and turned the tricorder over to the orthopedic specialist. In a pinch, Kimiko was confident that she could guide the microsurgeons herself but that was what specialties were for. Kimiko stepped back as not to hover and watched the display was Dr Abrams deftly guided the nanites to the source of injuries. A loud voice cut the quiet din of the sick bay. Kimiko turned to see a Klingon security officer and Ensign Signos at the door. "Ensign Signos is to be contained until further orders." The Klingon had announced. ~Well, that is different. Wonder what he means by ‘contained’.~ The smaller woman had been released a what seemed a short while ago. In circumstances that Kimiko had yet to figure out. One does not simply go from major surgery to fighting the Borg in the same day. But she like a lot of officers had very liberal convalescence releases. Kimiko shook her head and walked towards the newcomers, regardless of the reason for the forced return, the Lieutenant could have used a little more discretion. Ensign gave a smile that caused Kimiko to step back and was not altogether sane "Then you have the wrong person." She stated as she wrenched her arms free of her captors, "I am Lily, remember that." Jessica said as she acrobatically left the room, leaving a room that had fallen silent. Kimiko raised an eyebrow at the remaining pair. “If you return with Ms Signos, I would strongly recommend that you advise us first” (reply any) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/Isolation Bay - CEO, LT. Steven Matrix - 1441) Matrix walked over and stood by the examination table where the Borg drone was restrained. He looked over the drone and felt a deep sense of guilt, anger and sadness. Anger at the Borg, but not this particular drone. Laying on the table was one of his own crew members and a fellow engineer who he worked with closely and who he missed. Sadness that this had happened to a close colleague and friend. "O'Neill if you can hear me just remain calm...we're going to do everything we can to help you. First we need to examine you to see if we can't find away to help us." said Matrix not knowing if O'Neill could actually understand him. It was unlikely, but he had hoped perhaps the Borg hadn't taken over his personality entirely. (Reply O'Neill/Drone IYW) "Forgive me Mister Carter...are you sure these restraints will keep the drone under control...I mean will keep Mister O'Neill restrained?" asked Matrix. (Reply Carter) "No I'm not concerned about my safety as much as his. If he gets loose I don't want to have to kill him. He's one of my engineers...despite the fact that he is now a Borg drone. I'd like to have Mister O'Neill back in engineering as he was." said Matrix. (Reply Carter) Matrix leaned over to take a closer look, holding a tricorder and a monitoring the sub-dermal micro-scanner. "We're looking for what again Commander?" asked Matrix. (Reply Caskie) "Well if we can get a few samples...I'd like to collect a few dozen, isolate them and get them into the particle replicator. From there, if the main computer is still online and accessible, we can reverse engineer them and see what makes them tick. How they operate, their energy source, if they have individual purposes, think on their own, etc." replied Matrix. Matrix pulled down one of the focus scanners hanging from the overhead instrument conduit. "There...see...these things are different...groups of them are physically and functionally different." said Matrix. (Reply Carter, Caskie, IYW) "Now how do we get these things out of Mister O'Neill without hurting him or exposing us?" asked Matrix (Reply Carter, Caskie) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab/ Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill / 2 of 5- Day 5 - 1445) Eian watched with one half-working eye as people walked past him, talked amongst themselves, and began to work. They hadn't done anything to him except restrain him, and that built up his anticipation of more pain. He didn't know what to expect, so he couldn't steel himself for it. He couldn't speak, so he couldn't defend himself. He was completely at their mercy. It was terrifying, not being able to respond but hearing everything everyone was saying. Expecting any moment to be dissected, Eian would have been shaking in fear if he had control over his motor skills. At the moment, there was nothing he could do but await his fate. He saw Matrix stand over him, a sad expression on the man's face. "O'Neill if you can hear me just remain calm...we're going to do everything we can to help you. First we need to examine you to see if we can't find a way to help us." ~I should warn the Collective, then. If you're trying to subvert our divine...plan...~ he began to analyze his own thought. ~Divine? If it was, then why have I not been rescued? Why am I at the will of my human friends if I am a drone equally--or even more--capable than other drones? With just as much worth?~ "Forgive me Mister Carter," he heard Matrix ask, "...are you sure these restraints will keep the drone under control...I mean will keep Mister O'Neill restrained?" asked Matrix. ~I don't wish to hurt you, Matrix.~ "No I'm not concerned about my safety as much as his. If he gets loose I don't want to have to kill him. He's one of my engineers...despite the fact that he is now a Borg drone. I'd like to have Mister O'Neill back in engineering as he was." That surprised him. ~He doesn't want to kill me. He seems sad that I'm the way I am. He's not enlightened...~ But his own thought, without the reinforcement of good feelings coming from the Collective, struck him as absurd. His individuality was beginning to reassert itself. But he was stuck in the chasm between the Collective and humanity, and he didn't know how to climb over the ledge. Or which ledge to climb. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, BioHazard lab 1 - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel - Day 5, 1447) Isra rubbed her eyes as the fatigue of the last 48 hours began to get to her. Normally she'd have hit the deck hours ago, but the situation had forced her to keep on going. Finally, though, she was slowing. ~I need sleep...~ is all her mind could say. It was fortunate that at that precise moment, a hypospray was put against her neck, and something entered her system. As her mind caught up with the situation, she heard the word 'stimulant', then her mind became a blur as all the work she'd done so far mixed together as it should do, meshing into one coherent memory once more. ~That's better.~ As the doors opened, and a Borg Drone was carted in by the two security officers, she and everyone else in the lab instantly dropped what they were doing, and moved to the newcomers. Her own tricorder bleeped as she scanned him, making note of the burnt flesh and melted electronics. Luckily, the nanoprobe tubules were still in working order, as were the nanoprobes. "Okay sir. I'm about as ready as I can get for this, where do you want me to start?" Carter asked. Isra thought this meant she'd become in charge of this scientific mission - maybe her experience at the Academy had given her insight enough to jump on top of the team. Inside, she smiled. ~Maybe I can get a promotion out of this...~ she mused, turning to her fellow scientist. "First job is to get those samples of nanoprobes. We need as many as we can. Split them into two groups. One we'll use to scan, and modify, the others we'll use to test. If we can program some nanoprobes to attack other nanoprobes, we'll have a success." She said, deactivating the forcefield in the centre of the room, and removing the dead borg from it. She motioned to have Eian brought over to take the place. (Reply any) "No I'm not concerned about my safety as much as his. If he gets loose I don't want to have to kill him. He's one of my engineers...despite the fact that he is now a Borg drone. I'd like to have Mister O'Neill back in engineering as he was." Matrix had said. Obviously Isra had only picked up the end of the conversation, but it was now evident that this drone was a friend of his. "Don't worry, we'll keep everyone safe, and we'll do what we can to save him. Can we get a doctor in here to treat the burns?" she said, looking over the scans she'd taken. "From what I can see, he's still got human brain activity, even though the Borg implants have taken over most of the work, there is still evidence that he's in there." she said, returning to her station. (reply any) "Well, My first idea is a way to kill the borg easily. That won't work here, but it could make a valuable weapon later on... I'll leave that on the back-burner for now." she said, moving on to her other plans to both protect from assimilation, and remove existing nanoprobes. "Carter, set up one of the nanoprobe samples. I want to get a fresh program from them before we do anything." she said, bringing up the program that she'd managed to get from the deactivated ones. "Let's see if we can't figure this out before we hit the 72 hour mark." (Reply Carter, Any) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, BioHazard Lab 1, SciO CPO Pembrook Carter, Day 5, 1450) Finally when everything seemed fairly settled, he turned to Caliel and asked, "Okay sir. I'm about as ready as I can get for this, where do you want me to start?" "First job is to get those samples of nanoprobes. We need as many as we can. Split them into two groups. One we'll use to scan, and modify, the others we'll use to test. If we can program some nanoprobes to attack other nanoprobes, we'll have a success." She said, deactivating the forcefield in the centre of the room, and removing the dead borg from it. She motioned to have Eian brought over to take the place. "Understood." Pem replied and then he took control of the Borg drone as Isra pulled it from the containment table. His knees almost buckled under the unexpected mass of dead weight that the Borg possessed. He managed to shift the body into one of the isolation lockers although the effort made him breath heavy. To make matters worse, the smell from the head wound wasn't exactly pleasant either. By the time he had returned, the test subject was in place and was eagerly awaiting Pem's portion of the task. He stepped over to his work station and picked up once of the medical samplers and then approached the restrained engineer. "Forgive me Mister Carter...are you sure these restraints will keep the drone under control...I mean will keep Mister O'Neill restrained?" asked Matrix. The scientist wanted to give the Chief Engineer a lecture on the closed-mindedness of stating absolutes, but refrained. He realized that the man standing there wasn't asking so much for an absolute as he was about some sort of reassurance for his own safety. "As sure as I can be sir. You should be perfectly safe working close to him." Pem answered, hoping that his desire to humanize the once-huamn person strapped to the table would somehow alleviate the his own anxiety about being so close to a converted member of the ship's crew. ~A regular Frankenstein's monster, but much, much worse.~ he thought. "No I'm not concerned about my safety as much as his. If he gets loose I don't want to have to kill him. He's one of my engineers...despite the fact that he is now a Borg drone. I'd like to have Mister O'Neill back in engineering as he was." said Matrix. "I think we'd all like to have him back. I certainly don't want anything to happen to him. I like the idea of restoring his humanity and sending back to Engineering to spend the rest of his days in whatever pursuits he decides upon. His words must have comforted the Chief Engineer for the moment, because he turned to discuss the work with Commander Caskie leaving Pem to go back to his tasks. He gave the once human man laying on the table a sorrowful look and mumbled, "Sorry, this might hurt a little." With his reluctance forced down into the pit of his stomach, he pressed the medical sampler against one of the few remaining exposed portions of organic flesh. He watched as the magnetic suppression field inside the clear aluminum vial sparkled a light blue as the biological fluid, you couldn't really call blood, boiled into the container. The nanoprobes were so prevalent that the normal red appearance of oxygenated blood was instead a sickly greenish-gary color. The field flashed for a moment everytime anything of significant mass slammed against the field. He repeated the process five more times, two sample sets for each test process. He labeled the containers in pairs, entering the data directly into his PADD for immediate upload to the containers, display marquee. He then armed the thermal sterilization function of the containers, that way, he could destroy the contents of a given vial with a push of a button. Even Borg nanoprobes died when exposed to a significant burst of directed gamma radiation, and the control lid of the container was equipped with a miniature Gamma radiation emitter designed just for destroying the hardiest of microorganisms in exactly that manner. The blue Marquee of each of the three sample sets began winding around the caps of their respective sample cases. In the first set they read [Sample O'Neill Series Alpha- Active Modification] and [Sample O'Neill Series Beta- Active Modification]; in the second, [Sample O'Neill Series Gamma- Defense Sample] and [Sample O'Neill Series Delta- Defense Sample]; and the third set, [Sample O'Neill Series Epsilon- Control Sample] and [Sample O'Neill Series Zeta- Control Sample] Once Pembrook was certain that everything was labeled adequately, and the live data feeds established to his PADD and to Caliel's, and the fail safe systems were all in place and fully functional, he reported to Caliel. "Okay, sir. Samples are ready and stored in the Isolation rack. You should have your data feed. I'm linking up the nanoscoptic imager and the em field monitor now. You should have that data momentarily. "Carter, set up one of the nanoprobe samples. I want to get a fresh program from them before we do anything." she said, as she brought up the program that she'd managed to get from the deactivated ones. "Let's see if we can't figure this out before we hit the 72 hour mark." "Aye Ma'am. scanning the program matrix of sample Series Alpha." he replied as he tapped the commands into the console. He watched as the scan began to compile the short quantum state program links and data bursts being emitted by the sample of the roughly three million borg nanoprobes in the 50 milliliter sample container. "Ma'am the computer is identifying almost six hundred separate programs running through out the first sample. It seems that at first take that the nanoprobes are actually segregated into specific tasks and functions. I'll start trying to figure out which programs are going to which task groups so we can be more selective if you'd like. It would help if someone could identify different nanoprobe configurations and then help us determine possible function based on configuration?" he suggested. (reply Caliel, Any others present) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Biohazard Lab / Isolation Bay - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 5- 1500) The nanoprobes were still active in his body, but his mind was slowly regaining control. The stimulation of the pain and the ability to watch and feel his surroundings was allowing his brain to think analytically and somewhat objectively for the first time since he was initially assimilated. He had only been assimilated for seven hours or so, so his neural networks were still concentrated in the clusters that defined his personality. However, the brainwashing that had taken place and the extent of his physical transformation was enough to make those seven hours the most costly of his entire life. "Sorry, this might hurt a little," he heard a scientist apologize before he placed some kind of device on Eian's exposed skin and boiled a sample underneath. He would have cried out in pain, but he couldn't scream. So his eyes widened and he tried to center his thoughts on something other than the instant rush of pain that only added to what he was already going through. This procedure, whatever it was, was repeated another five times, and then they left him alone. Eian stared at the light on the ceiling, and began to assess what was done to him. Based on where he felt the pain and his vague memories of the surgical assimilation, he guessed that he was now missing his right forearm and left eye. He knew he was burned, and he knew the metal armor that was grafted onto his skin was now melted together from the explosion. But he felt a deep pain inside that made him think he might have internal damage. Everything else was too blurry. Memories came to him like dreams one was trying to remember. One moment he was walking on the beaches of Ireland, holding his father's hand and noticing for the first time just how much larger the older man's feet were as they made tracks in the damp sand. The next moment he was sitting in Jonah Chapel in his Cadet's dress uniform, watching his father at eye-level as tears streamed down the older man's face, but Liam O'Neill still managed to look the priest in the eye as he read Scripture over Grace O'Neill's body. He was a child with a balloon tied to his wrist, running through a fair in Ireland, gripped with fear and panic because he had lost his parents in the crowd that towered over him. He was a grown man, sitting across from Jessica on Starbase 989, talking about transfers and plans. He was a teenager pacing his room on the Starship Orbitas, angrily proclaiming to no one in particular that it was unfair that he was grounded, and then picking up his hockey trophy and hurling it into the bulkhead. He was a ten-year-old boy on the Starship Gadsden, stepping into the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor on the holodeck and flying at Mach speeds for the first time. His life was a series of disjointed events, each blurry around the edges and vivid in the middle. But what puzzled him, what he couldn't understand, was where his faith fit in. He knew he was faithful, he knew he was deeply devoted to God...but he felt nothing like that. If he could feel his anguish at losing his first girlfriend, and he could feel his happiness at his acceptance into Starfleet Academy, and he could remember the grief he went through after his mother's death as if it had happened five minutes ago, then why was his faith buried? Why was that aspect of his personality unattainable? ~Because you've proven it wrong,~ he answered his own question. The pain of mourning, of injury, of real loss...this could easily be remembered and felt because of the pain he was in now. It triggered the memory, he reasoned. But Volus had shown him, in his own way, just how flawed his faith had been. ~A collection of circuitry, electrical connections known as neural networks, firing when programmed to give you a burst of joy at worship, and a burst of longing when it's been a while. Nothing more. If Volus could do the same thing, then couldn't 2,000 years of indoctrination?~ The familiar arguments came flooding back, and Eian remembered the extensive debates he had with atheists and agnostics of all races, attempting to justify his unusual faith. ~They were right.~ And while he had this internal debate with himself, he still heard the arguments of the Collective. He was disconnected from the Collective consciousness and he didn't hear their voices, but their arguments stayed with him. For every memory of Starfleet indoctrination, there were ten others of Collective ideology and Borg philosophy. He didn't know what to believe. He knew he was no longer 2 of 5, he knew he would be expected to go back to being Eian...but did he want to? Not yet...not when the wonders and amazement of being a Borg were still fresh in his mind. Not when the "truth" was still ingrained in his thought process. He couldn't go back to living such an empty life when there was so much more out there than being one individual. The Borg encompassed billions of races, billions of individuals all working now towards the common goal of self-improvement. They were spread across the galaxy, and one day would spread across the universe. Even if there was no God, Eian reasoned, the Borg were certainly close. (reply none, any iyw) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante/USS Boudicca - Docking Port - Lt (jg) Ael Harkonnen T'Rillian - Day 5 - 1825) Ael had been waiting for ages for Rosenbauer and Nunez to appear and take over the defense of both ships. Thankfully the borg had not attempted any serious assault on their position as yet. There had been one or two skirmishes on both sides but it seemed to Ael that they were more Borg patrols roaming around rather than any serious assaults on the docking port. Thankfully the defenders there had more than managed to see off the Borg incursion and whilst Ael was happy to see that she knew that it was probably because they were concentrating their efforts somewhere else. Ael just hoped that their concentrated efforts somewhere else were not slowing down this crew's ability to retake both ships. She knew whilst she was a Starfleet Officer she was to be honest a guest on the Boudicca and an unwelcome one at that and the only reason she had been given a role in this whole scenario was because she was a warm body that was able to fight. But unwelcome body or not she had her orders, fight she would, to the best of her ability and so far her abilities had proved useful. She had certain advantages that humanoids did not. She had a greater skeletal mass than the normal human so she was able to toss borg around just as easily as the were able to toss humans. Her musculature was stronger and she had more control over it so she was able to react faster than a normal human did to any attack so she managed to dodge most of them and her training on Romulas made sure that every blow she dealt to a Borg was a killing one. That did not mean however that she was immune to their assaults. As much as she could toss them around the Borg could still toss her around too and they had. She was pretty sure that she had a couple of broken ribs. This would have almost incapacitated a human although some of the humans she had seen recently seemed to be ignoring these injuries and simply carrying on. In a human it would have mean a punctured lung. For Ael all it meant was a punctured spleen since her physiology was entirely different. However a punctured spleen, whilst not life threatening could not be ignored indefinitely which is why she was praying that someone would relieve her soon. The forward post lookout turned to her. "Another borg patrol headed our way Lt." Ael simply nodded. "Ok children, lets go teach them that this area is to be avoided." (Reply Rosenbauer, Nunez) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante/USS Boudicca - Docking Port - SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 5 -1828) Mike was actually happy to be arriving at the docking port with Nunez to relieve Lieutenant T'Rillian. The two security officers from the Rosenante had finally managed to link up and make their way to the command area, where they were to assume complete responsibility for the defense of both ships. Already they were dividing up the coverage areas, data and available resources in an attempt to figure out exactly what it was that they had available for them to work with. They arrived, just as word of a new Borg patrol was received among the beleaguered defenders of the post. There really wasn't time to formally exchange responsibilities so the two tagged along to deal with the patrol. "Lieutenant," Mike said. "Once we've dealt with this patrol, Ensign Nunuez and I are here to relieve you." (reply Ael) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Sick Bay, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1859) As Chance heard heard her suggestion, he quickly made a slicing motion across his own neck and stated "Screw that, I just spent 30+ hours fighting for survival like I did when I went by the name Temerarious and not like a Starfleet officer. I am not willing to go traipsing all over 1 or 2 ships to get a non-lethal crowd control weapon that MIGHT be good for 6 shoots each in this fight. Because I won't do it, I will argue against someone else doing it." "You want down and dirty little lady; you pop the bastards at point blank range. They don't have time to analyze the shot for its freq in order to set and raise its shields. Also stabbing them in the organic portion of their brain by way of their eye socket works also." "Uh... yes lieutenant. But I think you misunderstood me." Eva replied. I have one of the EMC-22Cs I was suggesting that we use it for the initial assault until it proves useless. And nothing personal sir, I don't think any of us relish the idea of getting that close to a Borg drone intent on assimilating us. I think there's needless risk there, but it's certainly something to remember when and if they manage to close distance on us." When Eva nixed the Cooper's involvement, once again chance intervened, calling for Mike, which completely infuriated her. "Mike, if you agree that Tyrone is up to this and he has your approval; I'll take him." Mike turned to respond as he reached the door about to make his way topside when Eva, said to him. "If I may sir?" Mike gave her the nod and she turned to Raschen and stated very easily. "With all due respect lieutenant. I am a certified medic, and I'm telling you right now, on the record that Coopers left knee and a good portion of his lower femur were shattered by a close disruptor impact. He can't move under his own power and that makes him a mission liability, sir. He's not medically fit, despite his desire to get revenge against the Borg for what happened a little while ago with Mosh." (reply Raschen iyw) Once that was resolved Jackson gave his orders, ending them with, "Wait exactly 2 minutes after Lieutenant Raschen leaves then move out- Understood?" She nodded as she replied. "Aye Sir." (reply any, but none needed,) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck 10 Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Day 5 1900) The time had come to move out. Jackson had Chance and his team move out first with the order " Chance - its show time". (Reply: Chance) Tom looked at Eva Saint Jean. He ordered "Wait exactly 2 minutes after Lieutenant Raschen leaves then move out - understood?" (Reply: Eva) (Posted By; Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - Science Officer Ensign(jg) Nickolas Romanoff - 1904) "T'Vyr, Romanoff, anyone else who cares to go with me; let's move out." Raschen commanded. Nickolas looked around to hear where the command had come from since his attention was with Lt. Jackson. His eyes found their way to the other Lieutenant standing tall waiting for he mission to commence. "Sir, I am ready to go when you are. What would you have me do on the mission?" Nickolas asked as he moved towards his team leader. (reply Raschen) "AYe, aye. then like you said, lets move out." (reply any) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 9 - Comm Suite, Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS , Day 5, 1915) Tom took at couple of quick deep cleansing breaths to calm himself. Tom noticed the Borg dispositions. He was figuring what to do while watching the scene. A group of three Borg Drones, technical configuration, were standing at the interface junction just to the left of the entry door. They had cut a significant section of the outer bulkhead away revealing a great deal of the circuitry beneath, it appeared that they were trying to tap into some of the subspace nodes directly, since the doors to the compartment appeared to be sealed closed from the inside. Eva motioned for Jackson and Jacobs to come up. Tom and jacobs moved up near Eva She spoke "Sir, looks like we have the pair behind us, the three at the door and another four just down the corridor, but we're in position and ready to move." "OK, let's take out those at door and get inside. Hopefully, Mr. Raschen can handle those down the corridor" Jackson stated. (Reply: Eva, Jacobs) (Posted By: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 9- CommSuite, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1916) The movement to the CommSuite had been deliberately slow. Eva and her team while anxious to get the job done didn't want to risk tipping off the Borg by engaging them prematurely. The only real tactical advantage that they had at this point was some semblance of surprise. They had managed to bypass the majority of the Borg completely, passing only a pair of Borg drones assimilating a control interface panel not far from the main entry doors to the CommSuite. Henry was carrying a VSRR (Very Short Range Repeater), which enabled Saint Jean's and Raschen's team to establish at least limited contact. As they advanced, Eva deployed across the corridor roughly 10-meters from their objective. Behind her, Jackson and Jacobs were standing by. A group of three Borg Drones, technical configuration, were standing at the interface junction just to the left of the entry door. They had cut a significant section of the outer bulkhead away revealing a great deal of the circuitry beneath, it appeared that they were trying to tap into some of the subspace nodes directly, since the doors to the compartment appeared to be sealed closed from the inside. She motioned for Jackson and Jacobs to come up. "Sir, looks like we have the pair behind us, the three at the door and another four just down the corridor, but we're in position and ready to move." (reply Jackson, Jacobs) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Commsuite - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1919) Jacobs and his team took a bit longer leaving Sick Bay in order to properly position themselves for the incursion. Eva had given the VSSR to Jacobs and he was ready to shoot given the order to. As they approached the comm-suite Eva advanced ahead of of Jacobs and Lt. Jackson to get a visual of who was guarding the comm-suite entry doors. She motioned for them to move up towards her as she appraised the two of all the Borg that were in the vicinity. "Sir, looks like we have the pair behind us, the three at the door and another four just down the corridor, but we're in position and ready to move." As she spoke Henry noticed that there were three tactical drones accessing wiring from the outside of the comm-suite. From what he could see they were accessing circuitry that ran right into subspace communications. "OK, let's take out those at door and get inside. Hopefully, Mr. Raschen can handle those down the corridor" Lt. Jackson stated. "Yes and we need to get a move on it, I dont know who they are trying to contact but they are accessing subspace communications. Whoever it is we need to make sure they dont succeed." Henry walked right behind the three of the Borg drones too busy rerouting the subspace relays to notice him. He raised the VSSR hipside and fired at the drones pointblank not giving them time to evade or adapt. The three drones collapsed at his feet as the circuitry they had in their hands sparked from the collateral damage. The drones down the corridor instantly repositioned themselves to intercept the Starfleet officers making their way into the comm-suite. The drones fired in their direction alerting them to the fact that they had been detected. As a shot fired just over Jacobs shoulder, he pivoted and began firing in return. "I need to get inside. Can you two hold them off while I get inside?" Jacobs asked. (reply Jackson, Saint Jean) Henry dropped the VSSR and pried the doors to the comm-suite with his hands. He opened the door to see three additional drones, two turned to attack him while the other continued installing Borg technology on a access console in the center of the room. Henry grabbed his hand phaser from his hip and fired at a beam extended from the ceiling to one of the walls. An explosive beam shot out from the phaser and connected to the ceiling where the beam was connected. The beam fell and tumbled down to send the two advancing Borg down to the ground pinned under it and incapacitated. It had appeared that Jacobs wasn't letting his lack of an eye slow him down. Jacobs walked over to the busy drone who was kneeling under a console. With a swift kick Jacobs managed to knock the drone to his back and proceeded to smash his skull with the heel of his boot. Taking a quick glance at the condition of the room and the console the Borg were working on Jacobs realized he needed some help. "Where is Raschen and his team, I need that science officer!" he yelled out to the others. (reply Jackson, Saint Jean) "Well when Romanoff gets here you send him in here, its gonna take at least 11 minutes for us to re-establish shipwide communications." Henry began removing the Borg nodes and bypasses that the drones were installing and began realigning the isolinear chips in the main console to replace the current communication subroutines. (Reply Jackson, Saint Jean, Raschen, Romanoff) (posted by Darryl McDaniel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck 9 Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Deck 9 Day 5 1920) "Eva, the assault is yours. I need 60 seconds to enter my over ride codes. Can you keep the drones off us?" Jackson asked the SO. (Reply: Eva) Whispering Tom said "do or die time" and indicated to go ahead. (Reply: team members) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 9- CommSuite, SO Ensign Eva Saint Jean, Day 5, 1925) "OK, let's take out those at door and get inside. Hopefully, Mr. Raschen can handle those down the corridor" Jackson stated. "Eva, the assault is yours. I need 60 seconds to enter my over ride codes. Can you keep the drones off us?" Jackson asked her. "Yes and we need to get a move on it, I don't know who they are trying to contact but they are accessing subspace communications. Whoever it is we need to make sure they don't succeed." Henry added. "Yes sir. don't worry about it." she said and then gave Henry a nod and added, "They won't know what hit them." Whispering Tom said "do or die time" and indicated to go ahead. "Aye sir." Eva nodded and then she gave Jacobs the gesture that sent them rushing forward. Jacobs, for all his act of being normal, moved with a purpose and so coolly that for a brief instant, Eva could have confused him for a veteran security officer. Eva followed him just a bit behind and to his right, she was ready with the EM-22CC and was hoping that Jacobs was ready with his phaser to finish the drones. But instead, he simply raised the piece of communications equipment, pointed the transmission point at them and activated it. Eva blinked. All three of the drones collapsed in a heaps as sparks fired off their exoskeletons, some of their organic components blistered and blackened under an intense invisible beam of microwave radiation flash boiled the limited fluids in their bodies and overloaded their cybernetic components. She had never considered using the VSRR in such a manner. "Leave it to an engineer to turn a subspace receiver into a weapon." she stated with a smile and then turned towards the group of two Borg that had suddenly disengaged from their repair project and were heading towards them. The other four probably wouldn't be far behind. (reply Jackson, Jacobs iyw) She stepped past Jackson, leveled the EM-22CC and fired. The broad electromagnetic beam was invisible to the naked eye, but the results weren't. A sheet of sparks traveled down the corridor intersecting the Borg drones, who began to jerk and spasm as if they were being electrocuted. Eva dropped the unwieldy EMC-22CC and grabbed her phaser rifle. Two quick shots into the Borg drones skulls dropped them without much effort. "I need to get inside. Can you two hold them off while I get inside?" Jacobs asked. "Gotcha covered!" Eva called as she spun to engage the group of four that were now advancing on them from the other direction. Another quick switch of weapons back to the EM-22CC and Eva advanced down the corridor towards the advancing Borg patrol. If they had been tactical drones that would have been a problem since those models were armed with disruptors. These, however didn't have offensive weapons like that. They were best suited for hand-to-hand conflict if they were forced to it. Eva had to get close to them, but not that close. She fired the Crowd Control weapon as soon as she was within the maximum operational range. The beam bisected the group, dropping a pair of the drones. Eva swapped out and fired two phaser blasts into each of the disabled drones. They fell to the deck, holes burned through their torsos. The weapon took a few moments to recharge, since it was energy intensive. That meant that she had to wait. She moved away from the advancing Borg, keeping her just inside weapons range for the EM-22CC. Once it recharged she'd drop those last two drones with ease. the digital display on the weapon finally indicated a full charge. She raised the weapon and smiled over the aiming reticule. "This is for Mosh." she said as she squeezed the trigger. The two drones sparked wildly as the intense EM pulse was directed against them. The network system controllers in that portion of the corridor flared and were reduced to slag as the em pulse burned out their electronic bodies. The lights flickered and then went dead at the end of the corridor. Eva frowned as she dropped the pulse weapon and grabbed up her phaser. She double-tapped both of the targets, leaving them dead on the deck. Then she quickly turned and headed back to the door of the CommSuite, which had been opened in her absence. "Where is Raschen and his team, I need that science officer!" he yelled out to the others. NRPG: I am assuming that Jackson handled the other Drone in the room. "They should be entering from the other set of doors any moment now." Eva answered. "Well when Romanoff gets here you send him in here, its gonna take at least 11 minutes for us to re-establish ship wide communications." Henry barked "Aye. I'll be at the door watching for Borg!" She called and turned back to the entry way to keep watch. With the hatch locked open behind her, she could turn to face any new threat that might enter into the compartment from the other side as well. She was as well positioned as she could be. Jackson and Jacobs were working as quickly as they could to re-establish ship wide communications and she sincerely hoped that Henry's 11 minute estimate was high. (reply Jackson, Jacobs and 2nd team) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- CommSuite- CSec- LT Chance Raschen- 1928) Raschen had himself, T'Vyr, and Romanoff set up to enter the secondary enterance. Up to this point, the trio had lucked out by not coming across any drones. Looking at his two compatriots Chance directed quietly "I will go in first. Romanoff, you follow T'Vyr in after me. Got it?" (Reply Romanoff, T'Vyr) Raschen was begining to feel the same kind of adrinaline rush he did when he went by the psudonym Temerarious. The pirate in him was again starting to arise in him. Unrelenting, sadistic, and bold. Chance reached up and keyed the hardwired override code. ~One day, I need to tell Salid that I know these codes and why. That is if I live that long.~ the former Privateer thought. As the door slid open Raschen rushed in with a disruptor in one hand and a Bowie knife in the other. (NRPG: Room for more) After several minutes of heated battle with the Borg units in the Comm-Suite, Chief of Security heard someone calling over the last of the weapons fire "Aye. I'll be at the door watching for Borg!" Chance walked up with an arrogent swagger saying "Tom, we've made it. What are your orders?" (Reply Jackson) "Roger." Then turning to T'Vyr and Romanoff "You two heard the man. Make it happen." (Reply T'Vyr, Romanoff) (Reply Jackson, T'Vyr, Romanoff, room for more) (Posted by: Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------