============================================================================== Mission: Piercing The Iron Curtain Day: 2 Stardate: 2407.01.11 ============================================================================= (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:15) (USS Paladin - Bridge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 8:15) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:16) (USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0817) (USS Paladin, Marine Quarters - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0820) (USS Paladin, Marine Armory - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0825) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Micheal Ian O'Connor - 0826) (USS Paladin - Marine Section - MCO Conner Tirrel - 08:27) (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0828) (USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0829) (USS Paladin, "Fire and Brimstone" bunk room - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, 0835) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:48) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0849) (USS Paldin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:50) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 08:52) (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0853) (USS Paladin - Deck 4, Transporter Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 08:50) (USS Horizon, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Shan Telar - 0850) (USS Horizon - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 0851) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0855) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:00) (USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0900) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:01) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 09:01) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:02) (USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0902) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0903) (USS Paladin - Marine Hanger deck - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:04) (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0905) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:05) (USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0905) (USS Paladin - Trojan Two Zero - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:08) (USS GS Patton Jr - Heavy Weapon Armory - Act 3rd Lieutenant 'Gandhi'Fillmore - 0910) (Trojan Two-Zero - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0910) (USS GS Patton Jr - Office - 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Darren Jackson- 0915) ============================================================================= (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:15) Eva was seated in her chair looking over various departmental reports. On the main view screen a pair of Vor'Cha class Attack Cruisers glided by in the distance patrolling the outer edges of the reassembling battle group. The USS Kronos and the USS S'Urak could also be seen on either side of the Paladin in lead positions as the battle group moved at impulse speed still waiting for the arrival of the rest of the battle group. "Sir we are being hailed by the USS Horizon," Ensign O'Connor said suddenly from OPS. "On screen," Eva said, looking at the Ensign briefly before turning her attention to the main viewer. The view quickly changed from the various star ships to the interior view of the bridge of the Horizon and her captain. Even before the Andorian Captain spoke you could tell the Horizon had seen heavy fighting. Blown out consoles and blackened bulkhead could be seen in the background. Captain At'Terk also bore the evidence of a brutal fight. One of his antenna was significantly shorter than the other and was heavily bandaged, one of his arms was in a sling, and a nasty burn covered nearly a half of his face.. =/\=Commodore,=/\= At'Terk said in a deep gravely voice, =/\=While en route to the rendezvous my strike team was ambushed by 6 ships loyal to the cur Doenitz=/\= At'Terk spat the name with obvious hatred. =/\=We took heavy damage but in the end we where victorious, and the traitor has 6 less ships at his command. We are currently making best speed to the rendezvous. We should arrive in a couple of hours, that is if my Chief Engineer can keep our warp drive on line. The Titanic and the Langley have also taken heavy damage. The Mournblade is towing the Witchfire which has lost main power. We will require some assistance in repairing our damaged systems and with wounded.=/\= Eva's face had gone hard as At'Terk had spoken. She rose to her feet. "Captain send us your current co-ordinates," Eva said, "We will meet you and escort you and your strike team the rest of the way. Have your Chief Engineer send a list of repair parts needed. Have all seriously wounded prepped to be transferred to our sickbay. We will have medical and damage control teams standing by to beam over to assist upon our arrival." Eva then looked down to O'Connor. "Have the industrial replicator's brought on line and replicate whatever parts they need that we do not have in stores." She then turned to Ensign Durron at the engineering console. "Ensign Durron, I am putting you in charge of the engineering teams. Assess the damage to their systems and coordinate with their CEO's on getting repairs completed as soon as possible." She turned back to O'Connor. "Also inform Dr. Keller that he will be receiving wounded and to have medical teams standing by to beam over as needed." "Lt. Max, once you receive their coordinates lay in a course and engage at warp 7," Eva continued, "Also, order the Kronos and S'Urak to accompany us. If there is any more Doenitz ships around, we will make sure they do not live long enough to regret their mistake." "Lt. Kerge, bring the ship to yellow alert." Eva finished. (posted by Wes) ===================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 8:15) The Captain had just issued orders to the crew on the bridge on assistance of the strike force under Captain At'Terk. After quickly reviewing the reports from the various ships, he decided that their engineering crews would be most helpful on the Witchfire, who had lost main power and offered no specifics on the extent of their damage. For the other ships, he assigned engineering teams to handle specific damage that their own teams couldn't cover, such as blasted EPS nodes, major hull damage, etc. He decided that he would take engineers with him over to the Witchfire, because their CEO was undergoing medical treatment and the ACEO he was talking to was suffering from shock and couldn't tell him anything. After he finished issuing orders to the engineering teams he had assinged, he sent a querry to Ensign O'Conner asking for parts to be replicated. They needed a lot of hull, so much that it made up about 95% of the list. He also had a few other major parts that needed to be replicated for the other ships. He asked him to be on standby for other requests once they reached the Witchfire. Now, all he had to do was wait until they reached the battered task force. (posted by Ben) ===================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - CONN Lt. Max - 0816) "Lt. Max, once you receive their coordinates lay in a course and engage at warp 7," Eva ordered. "Aye sir," Max quickly said after she finished her orders. Max waited a few seconds for the co-ordiantes to download into his console. He set the speed to Warp 7, and then tapped a few commands on his console. "Warp 7 Achieved sir." Max sat in his seat and wondered if their were still more enemy ships out there that were just waiting to attack. (posted by Calvin) ================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:16) With the arrival of the heavily damaged Horizon, the bridge crew listened intently as the CO communicated with it`s Captain, it seemed they had been hit hard & were in need of assistance, which of course Captain Straton was more than pleased to offer. Almost imediately the conversation had ended, she began reeling off orders to all & sundry to coordinate all their efforts towards helping the stricken vessel. The moment she turned her attention to Lt Kerge, he knew that things were now hotting up & the anticipation of battle fueled his Klingon heart in a manner that only a Klingon would ever understand. "Lt Kerge, bring the ship to Yellow alert", said the Captain. "Aye sir", said Kerge as he complied with her order. Imediately the status of the Paladin had visibly changed as the various systems were brought online, warp core power had increased to a constant twenty percent & the impulse engines were now at peak efficiency. All weapons were now at partial standby, one photon in the tube & the Paladins targetting scanners now locked & scanning. All in all, they were now primed for imminent conflict. Everyone however was ready to fulfil whatever their CO would demand of them. (posted by Alan) =================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0817) After the Captain finished her orders and finished talking to the Horizon, Lt. Cmdr Capps walked over to one of the empty conoles at the back of the bridge. He opened a few different sensor readings. He wanted to know how were the Horizon, Titanic, Langley, Mournblade, and Witchfire attacked. He searched the unknown parts of the readings. He wasn't for sure what he was looking for, but he had hoped if he came across it he would realize it. He looked deep into files. He decided he would compare previous test around the attacking area with the most recent scans. (posted by Calvin) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin, Marine Quarters - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0820) Rellam looked up when he saw the yellow alert lights come on. Without a word, he set his PADD on his desk, and stood up. Pulling the carrying case out of his foot locker he pressed his thumb against the biometric lock. The lock produced a audible pop, and Rellam opened the case. Quickly and methodically he assembled his modified rifle. While it was modified so that it could be used as a long range sniper rifle, it was still quite useful as a regular phaser rifle, although it lacked a couple of the higher power settings to make up for the extra power that was needed to focus the beam tight enough to make it effective over long distances. Slinging the rifle over his shoulder and stashing a couple of extra power packs in his belt, he exited out of his room and headed down the hall, the enlisted men and women giving him a wide berth as he walked down the hall. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin, Marine Armory - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0825) Rellam walked up to the armory window and looked at the Corporal at the desk. "What can we get for you Gunny?" The young Bajoran asked. "Need two power packs for my sidearm, Corporal" Rellam said, placing his palm on the reader, which would authorize him for the gear. The Corporal looked at his screen and then grabbed two power packs and slid them across the counter to Rellam. Rellam picked them up without a word and watched as a foursome of Marines set themselves up as guards of the Armory, as was normal during yellow alert. "Corporal, I suggest you start your crew warming up the mid level BDU's, if we get the word the CO is going to want everyone ready fast." "Aye, Gunny," The Corporal said, then turned around to look at his team. "Gunny's right, you apes, better safe than sorry, lets get the suits ready, just in case the CO wants them," Rellam heard the Corporal yell as he walked away. Rellam walked down the hall, side arm in the thigh holster and his rifle over his shoulder. He needed to find Major Tirrel. He hadn't been assigned to a squad yet, and was still listed as a Company asset. Finally spotting the CO, he walked up to him. "Sir, I was wondering what my orders were for a yellow alert, I'm still not assigned to a squad, so I don't know where you want me." Rellam asked, his voice quiet, but very serious. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Micheal Ian O'Connor - 0826) "Sir we are being hailed by the USS Horizon," Ensign O'Connor said suddenly from OPS. "On screen," Eva said, looking at the Ensign briefly before turning her attention to the main viewer. Michael listened to the conversation between the Captain's of the two ships, and when the line was finally cut, he was ready for the orders from Captain Straton. Eva then looked down to O'Connor. "Have the industrial replicator's brought on line and replicate whatever parts they need that we do not have in stores." She then turned to Ensign Durron at the engineering console. "Ensign Durron, I am putting you in charge of the engineering teams. Assess the damage to their systems and coordinate with their CEO's on getting repairs completed as soon as possible." She turned back to O'Connor. "Also inform Dr. Keller that he will be receiving wounded and to have medical teams standing by to beam over as needed." "Aye, Aye sir," Michael said, and quickly turned to his work. He powered up the industrial replicator, and sent the supply list down to the IR's crew. Putting a Priority Rush order on the parts that needed to be replicated he moved onto his next assignment. Tapping his comm badge he spoke. "Ensign O'Connor to Dr.Keller," Michael said. (Reply Keller) "The Horizon has reported in, it has been attacked by Admiral Doenitz forces. The Captain has orders Medical teams to the ready. The Horizon, the Witchfire, the Langley, and the Titanic have taken damage and have casualties. We will be receiving wounded and medical teams should be ready to beam over to the other ships if they are needed." Michael said. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin - Marine Section - MCO Conner Tirrel - 08:27) The MCO was going through the latest orders & assigning people to teams when the gunnery sergeant arrived to speak with him. "Sir, I was wondering what my orders were for a yellow alert, I'm still not assigned to a squad, so I don't know where you want me." Rellam asked, his voice quiet, but very serious. Conner turned to face Tamm the moment he had spoken, he looked about briefly then he shouted off a few orders to some of the other teams before returning to the man standing before him. "Tamm", said Conner, pausing for just a moment, "I`m down a gunnery sergeant, your with me, when & if we get a go, we`ll be going in on the Trojan in a forward assault capacity, once we board the hostile, I want you to take command of an IFS squad", he added patting the man on the shoulder as he spoke. "Make me proud", said Conner before imediately shooting off in another direction to oversee yet another command decision requiring his imediate presence. (posted by Alan) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0828) "When it rains it pours." Jared muttered as he sealed yet another wound due to accidental causes. "Everyone is on edge on the eve of battle and they're making mistakes because they're distracted. Dr. Porter you can check him out." "Thanks doc." The security officer said as he flexed his hand, there was'nt even a scar on the back of his hand. "You know that means good luck don't you?" Jared smiled. "Good luck?" "Yes if you get hurt before the fighting starts not even a hair will be out of place after it's over." The man smiled. "Thanks for the info doc." Jared nodded as he got to his feet and walked out the door, he was considering a cup of coffee when he heard the musical tones of his combadge. =^= Ensign O'Connor to Dr.Keller. =^= He tapped it. "Keller here." =^= The Horizon has reported in, it has been attacked by Admiral Doenitz forces. The Captain has ordered Medical teams to the ready. The Horizon, the Witchfire, the Langley, and the Titanic have taken damage and have casualties. We will be receiving wounded and medical teams should be ready to beam over to the other ships if they are needed." Jared recognized the voice now, it was the new OPS chief. "Understood Chief O'Connor, We are ready to start taking in wounded." (Reply: Michael iyw) "Doctor Porter get down to cargo bay 3 stat." He growled as he began giving out directives in several directions. He slapped his combadge again. "Dr. Maybrey get to medical." He disengaged it. "Nurse Florence I'll need 8 teams of three staff each in case we need to beam them over, 1 doctor, 1 head nurse and one med tech per team." "Yes doctor." She said as she grabbed up a PADD with the duty rosters. "And call gamma shift, tell them to be on staff in 15 minutes." "Yes Doctor." She smiled, that would plug any holes caused by the loss of staff to away teams. "All right everyone, to your places, the curtain is about to rise." Jared called out as he waited for the flood of wounded. (posted by Charles) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0829) "Tam", said Conner, pausing for just a moment, "I`m down a gunnery sergeant, your with me, when & if we get a go, we`ll be going in on the Trojan in a forward assault capacity, once we board the hostile, I want you to take command of an IFS squad", he added patting the man on the shoulder as he spoke. "Make me proud", said Conner before immediately shooting off in another direction. Rellam just shook his head in mild confusion. Officers were a unique breed, and all of them seemed slightly daft to Rellam, all of them except the ones that worked their way up from private, then went to OCS, even they were a little odd in Rellam's opinion. It was so much easier when he was a Corporal, or even just a plain old Sergeant. Now he was being placed in charge of a Forward Assault squad. He much preferred the life of a sniper, but thus were the woes of a Gunny, someone with experience wasn't overlooked. Shrugging, Rellam walked over to a wall console and tapped it on. "Computer, Squad listing, show all Infantry/Forward Assault Squads, list first those with an open billet for Squad leader." Rellam asked, and was quickly provided a list of squads in the Company. Four of the squads looked like they were in need of a squad leader. "Computer, which of the four squads needing a squad leader has had the billet open for the shortest period of time?" Rellam asked. They were short handed in the fleet, and it wasn't always easy to fill a squad leader billet. Any squad that had been without a sergeant for long enough would adapt and would find it very hard to be lead by someone from outside the squad. However, if the loss happened recently enough, Rellam would be able to step in without too much trouble. The Computer showed him that the "Fire and Brimstone" squad was his best bet, so Rellam took note of their bunk location, and sent a message to Major Tirrel, that if the word came down, he would be taking that squad into combat, and if he was needed he would be in their bunk section. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin, "Fire and Brimstone" bunk room - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, 0835) Rellam walked into the Squads bunk room, which wasn't far from his own, and looked around. Various Marines were lounging around, about half didn't even have their boots on. Rellam sighed, which managed to get one of the Private's attention. "What can we do for you Sir?" The green looking private asked. "First off, it's Gunny, not Sir, secondly, why aren't your boots on?" Rellam asked, his voice not rising above normal speaking level, but the tone made the private move a little faster. "Doing it now Gunny," the Private said quickly shoving his feet into his boots. A Corporal walked up to Rellam and smiled. "It's just a yellow alert Gunny, they happen all the time here, not something to get all worked up over," The Corporal said. "Actually, it is, and I expect all of you to be ready as of five minutes ago. For the remainder of this mission, I am your temporary Squad Leader. There is a better than even chance that we will need to be ready to move out. The Captain doesn't go to yellow alert because she likes the color of the lights. We're in a war, and there is a good chance that Major Tirrel is going to tell me to load you all onto a Trojan so we can secure a hostile ship and or base, so I want you all ready," Rellam said, his face remaining calm, his voice level, but his eyes hard, showing their years of experiences. "Aye, Gunny," the Corporal said, turning to tell the rest of the squad to get ready but seeing that they were already moving. "Mortar team, Front and center," Rellam said, his voice carrying in which had become very quiet, very quickly. When the PFC and Lancer were standing in front of him, both of whom were fully ready besides their mortar gear. Rellam nodded to them, "If we go, it's going to be close quarters, ship and or base combat, which means no room for Mortar fire. Go down the Armory and check out close combat scatterguns for yourself, and make sure you have back up power packs for both those and your side-arms," Rellam said, then watched to two hustle out the door and down the hall. "Ok folk, from now on, for the remainder of my time as your squad leader, when that light goes yellow," Rellam said, point at the light strip running around the top of the room, "I want you all ready in case it goes red. I understand that a lot of the time nothing comes of it, or we just aren't needed, but I will not have you or I disciplined for not being ready the time it is needed. When the CO calls for us, we are going to be ready," Rellam said. He got affirmative responses from all of the squad, although some of the Corporals grumbled a bit. Rellam would let them grumble, for now. He wasn't actually asking for much more work out of them, and they would get used to it and stop complaining. More than likely they had just gotten used to not having a permanent Squad Leader. The Corporals would understand when they were standing where Rellam was. "All right, double check your gear and get down to the armory for anything you need, pick up grenades, I want them for everyone." Rellam said, after a minute of gear checking, the two mortar turned scattergun Marines, returned. "Everyone listen up for a second," Rellam said, and watched as people stopped moving and looked at him. "We have all fought in this little war of ours, and this mission is going to be another one where we are up against our own. The whole situation sucks, but we have to do what we have to do. If they send us in, it will be long after talks have past, long after words have failed. When we go in, it's because we have to fight for what we believe in. We're gonna fight for what we were all taught as kids, and at the end of the day, we are all going to be standing back in this room." Rellam said. ~~and I don't need anymore names on my back,~~ Rellam thought as he set the squad to work. (posted by Patrick) ========================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 08:48) The Paladin slowed to impulse speed. On the main view screen the USS Horizon and the rest of her strike team could be seen. All five ships showed the signs of heavy combat. The USS Mournblade had a tractor beam on the USS Witchfire which looked completely dead in space. "Have the Kronos and S'Urak take up point and rear positions," Eva ordered, from her command chair, "Have the Dragon Slayers and Fighting Whatever's take up defensive positions on our Z and X axis. Mr. O'Connor, please signal the Horizon that we are ready to receive their wounded and to prepare to receive our engineering teams. Lt. Kerge, keep a look out for enemy ships that might still be in the area. Lt. Max, set a course back to the battle group and proceed at the Horizon's best speed." (Reply O'Connor, Kerge, Max) Eva sat back and let her people do their jobs. Coordinating between several star ships took a lot of concentration and focus. She had given her orders, now it was time to let her people do their jobs. (posted by Wes) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0849) Once the Paladin had met up with the USS Horizon and the rest of her group, Michael was told to start organizing the transfers of crews. He quickly set aside extra power to the transporters, just to make sure the Transporter room crews had the power to compensate for any fluctuations in the other ships transporters. Michael tapped his comm badge, "O'Connor to Ensign Durron, you and your teams are cleared to beam over to the Horizon and the other ships in need of assistance in three minutes. Fabrication is working on replicating what we didn't have in stores, everything else we knew we would need has been assembled in Cargo Bay 2, and can be beamed over as you need them," Michael said as setting the computer to record who came and left and to keep a running list of who was off ship. (Reply Durron) "Aye aye, let us know what you will need. O'Connor Out," he said then cut the line and opened another one. "Ensign O'Connor to Doctor Keller, we have rendezvoused with the Horizon and her group, and they are signaling they are ready to send over their wounded. Everything all set down there, Sir?" Michael asked. (Reply Keller) "All right Sir, I'll them start sending them over. They should be there anytime now." Michael said. "O'Connor out." Finally, Jacob opened a ship to ship line to the Horizon. "Paladin Operations to Horizon Operations, Engineering teams are standing by to beam over and will begin transferring in one minute. Also prepare to transfer what wounded you need directly to our sickbays...sending you coordinates now." Michael said. =/\=Thanks, Paladin, orders to begin transferring wounded has been sent to the transporter rooms, and we are ready for those engineers as well. What's being done about the Witchfire, she's floating dead in space, and the Langley...=/\= "They will be taken care of once we get back to the fleet. We just need you up and running to help in case the group of us are jumped again before we make it back. Once we get you squared away we will assist where we are needed on the Langley and the Witchfire. I've already been given requests for our Industrial Replicator from the two ships. We'll get to everyone Horizon, no worries." Michael said, trying to reassure the person on the other end of the comm line. =/\=Thanks Paladin. We will keep you informed,=/\= the Horizon Ops officer said, sounding a little more relieved. =/\= We're starting to receive the Engineering teams. Thanks a million Paladin, Horizon out.=/\= Michael shut the comm line down and brought up the list of off ship personnel, and watched as it slowly grew as various teams beamed over to the Horizon, and watched as another list grew as wounded were beamed to the Paladin. Michael spun in his chair, and looked at the Captain. "Sir, Engineering teams are away and the Horizon's wounded beaming over as we speak," Michael said, updating the CO on the situation. (posted by Patrick) ============================================================================ (USS Paldin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850) Calvin found what he wanted. "Captain, Lt. Kerge, I believe I have found something." (reply, Straton, kerge, any) "The area where our ships were attacked were close to a Class O planet. That in it self is not unusual but the mass surronding that planet increased by 2% in the past two hours, meaning Doentz ships were hiding behind the planet." Calvin then tapped a few commands in the console and brought up another screen. "Our sensors did not pick them up because the Planets Satilite has a close orbit and it was interfering with complet scan of the class O planet." (reply Straton, Kerge) "There is one more thing...the enemy ships we destroyed today does not add up the total increase in mass. I believe there are still more ships hiding behind that planet." (posted by Calvin) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 08:50) "Captain, Lt. Kerge, I believe I have found something.", said the FO. Kerge imediately turned to face the man as he spoke & then imediately checked his board, nothing other than what had already been reported had come to light, the FO however had been researching on his own. "The area where our ships were attacked were close to a Class O planet", said the FO. "That in itself is not unusual but the mass surrounding that planet increased by 2% in the past two hours, meaning Doenitz ships were hiding behind the planet.", he added. "Our sensors did not pick them up because the Planets Satalite has a close orbit and it was interfering with a complete scan of the class O planet." "I will attempt to boost our scans to take into consideration these effects", said Kerge as he quickly returned his attention to his console to do just that. "There is one more thing...the enemy ships we destroyed today do not add up the total increase in mass. I believe there are still more ships hiding behind that planet.", said the First Officer. "If they are there", said Kerge, "they will not remain hidden for long", he added. (posted by Alan) =============================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 4, Transporter Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 08:50) The other engineering teams had left already, and Kyp was about to take his rather large team of engineers to the Witchfire. He wasn't exactly sure how he felt on his first mission away from the ship. He thought he should feel nervous, but he didn't. He thought he should feel excited, but he wasn't. He was rather surprised to see that he was sad; sad that he had to go help repair a ship of Federation citizens that had been killed by other Federation citizens. Kyp hated this war. He hated how Starfleet had to kill it's own in the pursuit of an ideal, no matter whether that ideal was good or not. He resigned himself to his duty and shoved all of those distracting thoughts to the back of his mind. He was glad that he had learned mental discipline when he was little. The transporter chief gave him a farewell wave, and the scenery changed to that of a battered engineering deck. Kyp shook off the weird feeling he felt whenever he was transported and stepped forward to find whoever was in charge of engineering here. (posted by Ben) ================================================================================ (USS Horizon, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Shan Telar - 0850) "Chief!" Telar yelled, trying to find the Damage Control Chief. Engineering was chaotic, to say the least. The ship was in shambles, parts were in short supply and the Warp core was making some noises that worried Telar. The Bajoran worked his way across the room as best he could, finally finding him cobbling together a DC team from the fragments of various teams. "Chief!" "Teler...Where do you need us?" the Chief asked. "The primary shield generators, we need them working fast. We just put out a plasma fire in the EPS relays on deck 5, start there and work your way to the generator room, get the generators up and running, I do not like being a sitting duck." The Senior Chief turned Ensign said. Oh how glad he was that he he taken Officer Candidate School courses, and made officer. He did not envy the engineering chiefs at the moment, although with the ship like it was, everyone was doing every job at the moment. "You got it Telar," the Chief said then turned to his team "You heard the Ensign," he said, putting way to much emphasis on the rank, "Lets see if we can at least make sure the enemy has a challenge when they attack us next." And with that the team moved off, kits in hand to try and get something working. Teler turned around to see people he didn't know in engineering uniforms walking into the area. "Thank the Prophets," Teler said to himself and rushed over to meet them. "Ensign are we ever glad to see you, I'm Ensign Shan Telar, and we could sure use your help." (Reply Durron) "Any where you want. Primary power inverters are shot, Secondary power generation is in shambles, we are still putting out plasma fires throughout the ship, and as you can hear, something seems to be wrong with the Warp core, and that is just the beginning of the list." (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================ (USS Horizon - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Kyp Durron - 0851) Kyp stepped forward after beaming directly to main engineering (the transporters on the ship were damaged) to see an engineering officer yelling out orders. Kyp wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but the engineer had finished giving out orders and turned to face them. "Ensign are we ever glad to see you, I'm Ensign Shan Telar, and we could sure use your help." "Well, that's what we're here for," Kyp replied. "Where do you need us?" "Any where you want. Primary power inverters are shot, Secondary power generation is in shambles, we are still putting out plasma fires throughout the ship, and as you can hear, something seems to be wrong with the Warp core, and that is just the beginning of the list." "Hmm, I think we'll split the team." He turned to face the engineers with him. "Geraldson, I want you to take six engineers with you to help fix the power inverters. The rest of you are going to stay with me to see if we can repair the warp core. Hopefully, it's not too damaged to repair. They're not exactly easy to come by." He turned back to face Ensign Telar, "Okay, let's go see that warp core." (reply Telar) "Okay, what do you think is wrong with the warp core. Could it be a little unstable from the battle, or do you think it's something else?" (reply Telar) ?I think we should try reconnecting all of the plasma injectors first and repairing the damage to the cooling system. It could be as simple as that. And since the universe has a sense of humor, that?s probably all that it is.? (posted by Ben) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 08:52) Eva listened to Commander Capps and Lt. Kerge, not liking what they were telling her. "Can you extrapolate how many more ship could still be hiding behind the planet?" Eva asked Commander Capps. (Reply Capps) (NRPG: Assuming a yes) Eva then turned to Ensign O'Connor at OPS. "Ensign, prepare a Class 5 reconnaissance probe for launch. Let's have us a closer look at that Class O planet, shall we. Have the data transmitted to Lt. Kerge's station." (Reply O'Connor) Eva then moved back to her command chair and sat down pressing a button to open the dedicated comm-line with StratOps. "Commander Rulestaad," Eva said, "There is a good chance that we have enemy ships in the area. The Battle Groups location may already be known to the enemy. Make preparation to relocate the entire battle group. We are investigating now and should know shortly." (Reply Rulestaad) Eva took a moment to consider the her options. ~The Horizon and her strike team are in no condition for another fight. Yet I can't let enemy ships that may know our location or even our presence make it back to report in.~ "Have Shark Bait prepped for launch. Contact the S'Urak and the Kronos and appraise them of our situation and be ready to move out as soon as we have confirmation and get me Captain At'Terk on the screen," Eva said. Within seconds the image of the Andorian Captain At'Terk appeared on the screen. =/\=Commodore,=/\= He said questioningly. "Captain, it appears that the ships you destroyed might not have been all of the enemy ships in the area. We have detected the possible presence of more enemy ships hiding behind a class O planet. Once we receive confirmation, we will move to engage the enemy to prevent them from reporting our location back to enemy command." =/\=My ship and crew are ready to meet the enemy Commodore,=/\= At'Terk said, his voice hard and determined. "Negative Captain," Eva said firmly, "Your ship is in no condition for another fight at this time. Neither is the rest of your strike team. Your orders are to make best speed back to the Battle Group. Our engineering teams and medical teams will remain where they currently are to assist. Once the Paladin, S'Urak, and Kronos have taken care of any Doenitz ships we will rendezvous back up with you. Is that clear Captain." At'Terk looked as if he was going to argue, but the look on Eva's face convinced him not to. =/\=Understood Commodore,=/\= At'Terk said reluctantly. "Don't worry Captain," Eva said, "You and your brave crew will have plenty of other opportunities to engage Doenitz's forces. For now, repair your damaged ship and tend to your wounded. Paladin out." At'Terk's image faded from the view screen and was replaced once more by the image of the Horizon and the rest of her strike team. Eva leaned back in her chair and laced her hands before her waiting for Kerge to report on the probes finding. (posted by Wes) ====================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0853) Jared started toward the other end of the ward but stopped when the beep of the combadge broke through his concentration. =^= Ensign O'Connor to Doctor Keller, we have rendezvoused with the Horizon and her group, and they are signaling they are ready to send over their wounded. Everything all set down there, Sir? =^= Michael asked. "We're ready Mr. O'Connor, tell the Horizon to start beaming the wounded to cargo bay three." Jared said as he signaled for the duty nurse to hurry over. =^= All right Sir, I'll them start sending them over. They should be there anytime now. O'Connor out.=^= (posted by Charles) ===================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0855) Michael listened to the reports from the XO about the possibility of more ships, and turned when the Captain addressed him. Eva then turned to Ensign O'Connor at OPS. "Ensign, prepare a Class 5 reconnaissance probe for launch. Let's have us a closer look at that Class O planet, shall we. Have the data transmitted to Lt. Kerge's station." "Aye, sir," Michael said, turning back to his console. He quickly called up the probe operations screen, and tasked a class five probe to be readied and launched. Setting up the flight programing, he set the probe to do a tight pass of the planet, and used the moon's gravity to slow down the approach so the probe could swing back and go into a tight spiral surveying pattern of the planet. This allowed him to get the probe to the target site slightly faster than if he had to slow it down prior to arrival so he wouldn't over shoot the planet. It would also, hopefully take any one hiding behind the planet by surprise, while still convincing them that they were just checking out the planet for some unknown reason. He was in the middle of programing the probe when the Captain asked for the Horizon's CO on the line. Michael took enough time from his other job to quickly open a line to the Horizon, before finishing up on the probe and launching it. He also quickly set up a sub-routine to copy the incoming data stream and send it to the Tactical station. Michael quickly estimated the time to arrival of the probe, and figured Lt. Kerge should be getting the data he was looking for. "Probes on course and transmission is clear, we should be getting that data we need very soon." Michael said once the Captain was done with the Horizon. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:00) With the probe away & en route to the class O, Lt Kerge began correlating the data as soon as it came in. At first there was nothing definate to report on but the TAC/SC read it all off for the CO`s benefit anyway. "Telemetry confirmed sir, the probe is reporting......high concentrations of residual ion packets, this could be weapons exchange though.....probe now entering the planets corona", said Kerge as he again watched the levels rise & fall on his tactical console. Imediately Kerge turned to face the Captain as she leant into the side of her chair, nervous & aprehensive of what they might find. Her wait however had just come to an end. "Two vessels sir, unidentified class....warp capable, their shields are down & systems are on standby...they are not aware that we have seen them", said Kerge. (posted by Alan) ================================================================================== (USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0900) "General, we're coming up on the Paladin." Michelle looked up from her station and at the Captain of the Patton, "Very well Captain, send the pass codes and bring us out of warp." she muttered to herself, "No reason to give a flying battle-wagon a reason to target us." She punched a button and brought up a scan of the Area. The John J Pershing was close behind; they were flying in standard defensive positions against the possibility of ambush. Seconds later the ops officer said, "We're receiving updated orders and a demand by Stratops for General Roberts to come aboard." "Figures." she said as she stood. "Hail the Paladin." "Channel open General." "This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and Fleet Stratops." (posted by Trout) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:01) Almost in an instance, two ships flying a standard configured formation appeared on the TAC/SC`s long range sensor panel, Lt Kerge wasted no time at all of course in reporting the contact to the CO as he swung about to face her. "Sir, I have two vessels closing at warp, bearing one nine four, mark two zero", said Kerge, "they are transmitting starfleet registrys", he added quickly. (Reply CO) "Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the USS George S Patten Jr & the USS John J Pershing sir", he added. "They are hailing us sir", said Kerge. (Reply CO) "Aye sir, patching it through now", said Kerge as he ran his fingers across the required activation points of his console until the forward viewscreen suddenly filled with the interior view of the approaching vessels bridge. "This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and Fleet Stratops.", said the woman sitting imediately next to the Pattons CO. (posted by Alan) ================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 09:01) "Two vessels sir, unidentified class....warp capable, their shields are down & systems are on standby...they are not aware that we have seen them, "said Kerge, reporting on the probes findings. Eva sat up straight in her chair eyes on the main view screen and the damaged craft still shown. Eva opened her mouth to issue orders when Kerge interrupted her. "Sir, I have two vessels closing at warp, bearing one nine four, mark two zero", said Kerge, "they are transmitting star fleet registry's", he added quickly. "Identify," Eva said, smartly. Nodding toward O'Connor to put them on screen. "Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the USS George S Patten Jr & the USS John J Pershing sir", he added. "The MEF," Eva said, to no one in particular. "They are hailing us sir", said Kerge. "On screen," Eva said, standing. "Aye sir, patching it through now,"said Kerge. =/\=This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and Fleet StratOps,=/\= said the woman sitting immediately next to the Patton's CO. "Encode that signal," Eva said sharply, looking down at O'Connor. (Reply O'Connor) When O'Connor nodded back that the comm-signal was now being encrypted, Eva turned her eyes back to the screen. "Belay that General," Eva said, "We have a pair of snakes close by. We were just about to flush them out when you arrived. Make for the main Battle Group. When we have taken care of the snakes we will meet up with you and have that meeting. Paladin out." Eva made the motion to cut the transmission. (Reply Roberts) Eva looked down at O'Connor and the main view screen went back to the Horizon and other damaged ships. "Inform the Dragon Slayers and Fighting Whatever's to form up around us and be prepared to jump to high warp," Eva said, then looked over at Lt. Max at CONN. "Lay in a course to bring us around that class O planet right behind those two ships and prepare to engage at warp 9." Eva then looked over at Kerge. "Charge phaser's and load quantum torpedo's, but keep shields down. If I'm right those two ships are watching and waiting for us to move out of the area to report back what they've seen. You will have to wait to the very last second to raise shields and lock targets. It will be a damn tricky shot, but do your best." Eva looked back over to O'Connor. "Have the S'Urak and the Kronos plot similar but opposite courses to us I want them coming around the opposite side of the planet from us and a few seconds behind us. We will sling-shot around the planet and come up behind the two ships and hopefully catch them unawares. They will try to flee, right into the open targeting sensors of the S'Urak and the Kronos." (Reply Kerge, O'Connor, Max) Eva moved back over to her chair and sat down, pressing the comm button on the arm. "Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Sarouk prepare for emergency warp acceleration to warp 9." (Reply Sarouk) "Bridge to Lt Tirrel. I want two companies ready to deploy to capture an enemy ship in five minuets." (Reply Tirrel) Eva leaned back in her chair, fingers interlaced before her. Her face a grim mask waiting while her crew carried out her orders. (posted by Wes) ================================================================================= (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:02) "Charge phaser's and load quantum torpedo's, but keep shields down. If I'm right those two ships are watching and waiting for us to move out of the area to report back what they've seen.", said the CO. "You will have to wait to the very last second to raise shields and lock targets. It will be a damn tricky shot, but do your best", she added. Kerge was on it imediately, tricky shots were indeed a speciality of his. As he turned to enter the prerequisite instructions into the console before him, he thought back to the time he had taken command of the Q`Tang when his Commanding oficer had been mortally wounded in a particularly nasty firefight with two Breen vessels. The Q`Tang had been dealt a savage blow that had taken a fair few of their crew compliment to Sto Vo Kor on that day & Kerge was determined to avenge them. As the Breen vessel closed in for the kill, Kerge dealt them a tricky shot they would not forget as the apparently dead in the sky Q`Tang opened up into their unprotected underbelly with all disruptors to scatter their dishonourable, burning ashes into the void of space. It was indeed a glorious victory.... Kerge however was brought quickly back to the here & now as his console signalled that they were ready for combat. "Fore & aft quantums loaded sir, phaser banks charged & ready, we are ready for combat", said Kerge. (Reply CO, IYW) Captain Straton then called on the MCO. "Bridge to Lt Tirrel. I want two companies ready to deploy to capture an enemy ship in five minutes.", she said. The reply was quick, an indication that the marines were already at operational readiness. =/\=I`m on it as we speak=/\=, said the MCO.... Kerge then turned to the forward viewscreen to see the stars shifting smoothly to the left as the Paladin swung about through one hundred & eighty degrees to bring the class O onto her screen, the S`Urak could be seen coming about also as she prepared to execute the pincer move on the unknown vessels. All they had to do now was wait. (posted by Alan) ================================================================ (USS George S Patton Jr - Bridge - Brigadier General Michelle Leah Roberts - 0902) =^=Belay that General, We have a pair of snakes close by. We were just about to flush them out when you arrived. Make for the main Battle Group. When we have taken care of the snakes we will meet up with you and have that meeting. Paladin out.=^= Michelle narrowed her eyes and wasted no time as she swung her head around, "Bring us about Captain, both ships to yellow alert." "Aye General!" The Captain started barking orders as Roberts turned back to the screen. "Acknowledged, Roberts out." She made a slicing gesture and turned her back on the screen. "Bump the pilots and get any craft capable of ship-to-ship combat prepped for battle... now." She barked at an aide. "We might need them if the enemy is close." "General." The aide nodded sharply and turned to start giving orders. Michelle crossed her arms behind her back and turned back to the screen as the ship went to yellow alert. She was a Starfleet vessel, and she was heavily armed, but they were only two ships and vulnerable until they came within range of the battle-group. What's more, her Marines were ground-pounders, they didn't train endlessly for space-Bourne combat, and the regular crew of the Gator Freighters was small... and hadn't had the time to train contingents for various necessary duties around the ship. Ships of this class usually had standing compliments, Marines that served full time and had secondary ship duties in times such as these. Since the Expeditionary Force hadn't been able to fully train, they were at a natural disadvantage. The greatest portion of her troops had never served on a Roger Young class ship. Those that had were, for better or worse, in charge of doing what they could while the rest of the troops were brought up to speed. "We're receiving a heavily coded transmission from Stratops, the position of the Battle-group, Captain." "Very well." The ship's captain said. "Set course and pass the coordinates along to the Pershing. Engage." (posted by Trout) ====================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0903 "Identify," Eva said, smartly. Nodding toward O'Connor to put them on screen. Michael tapped out the command and brought up the two approaching vessels on the screen "Aye sir, they are transmitting clearance codes now", said Kerge pausing as he read off the return pulse. "It`s the USS George S Patten Jr & the USS John J Pershing sir", he added. "The MEF," Captain Straton said, to no one in particular. "They are hailing us sir", said Kerge. "On screen," The Captain said, standing. "Aye sir, patching it through now,"said Kerge. =/\=This is General Roberts of the First Marine Expeditionary Group, requesting permission to beam over with 2 aides to liaise with the Commodore and Fleet StratOps,=/\= said the woman sitting immediately next to the Patton's CO. "Encode that signal," Eva said sharply, looking down at O'Connor. Quickly Michael tapped out the commands to encrypt the signal. Michael didn't say anything when he was done, he just looked at the Captain and nodded. Michael listened to the conversation between the General and Captian Straton Eva looked down at O'Connor and the main view screen went back to the Horizon and other damaged ships. "Inform the Dragon Slayers and Fighting Whatever's to form up around us and be prepared to jump to high warp," Eva said, then looked over at Lt. Max at CONN. After orders to Lt. Max and Lt. Kerge Eva looked back over to O'Connor. "Have the S'Urak and the Kronos plot similar but opposite courses to us I want them coming around the opposite side of the planet from us and a few seconds behind us. We will sling-shot around the planet and come up behind the two ships and hopefully catch them unawares. They will try to flee, right into the open targeting sensors of the S'Urak and the Kronos." Micheal got to work, opening up a secure line to the two fighter wings. "Paladin Ops to Dragon Slayer Alpha and Fighting Whatever Alpha, form up on us and prepare for high warp maneuver. Link to Flight Control for course." He received affirmative responses back from the two flight leaders, and watched as the two wings moved in closer to the Paladin. Next he pulled up the fight plan that Lt. Max had programmed and compiled the orders that Captain Straton wanted carried out. Quickly he sent an encoded burst transmission to the Kronos and the S'Urak, sending the orders and requesting confirmation and flight plan from them. A minute later he received confirmations from both ships that they were ready, and logged their flight plans for Conn. Spinning his chair around he looked at the Captain. "Sir, Fighter Wings have formed up and the S'Urak and the Kronos have confirmed orders to proceed to the opposite side of the planet with a delay of five second from us." Michael said. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin - Marine Hanger deck - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:04) "Marines, we have a go, we....are....moving", cried the MCO in clipped authorative tone as he made for the Trojan with a squad of fully kitted out marines. Adrenalin was flowing now, this was what they had been waiting for. The Trojans pilot had already initiated an engine startup in readiness the moment the word had come down from the bridge, as the MCO approached him at the flightdeck however, he quizzed him for further news. "Sir, what`s our target", said the pilot as the MCO read off the suborders as they came through on the TAC console. "Two ships hiding behind a planet", said Conner, "we take the first we encounter & board her if possible", said Conner. "We just have to wait for the word" (posted by Alan) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin, Sickbay - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller- 0905) Cargo bay 3 was already filling up and the worst of the wounded had been trickling in, Jared slapped the sterile field to life over biobed 12 as he reached it, the young mans right arm looked like raw hamburger and there were extensive burns over his upper boby and face, he was screaming at the top of his lungs. "Nurse give him a shot of tricordrizol, 200ccs." Jared had to almost shout over the young man to be heard. The duty nurse was elsewhere, she was needed far more to oversee the operation of the staff while Jared was busy. Nurse Calloway was a male nurse, he grabbed a hypo quickly and pressed it to the mans neck, it seemed to take forever before it took effect and had placed him in a light sleep. Jared activated the clamshell as he savored the silence except for the fellows labored breathing. Jared stepped back as the nurse cleaned up the mans arm preparatory to surgery and surveyed the controlled chaos of sickbay, while it was still early things were going to get much, much worse. Fortunately the other ships had some medical personnel still active who were helping to triage the injuries, those that didn't had already received emergency teams from the Paladin to help. (posted by Charles) ================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC Kerge - 09:05) "Sir, the MCO is signalling that the marines are ready for launch", said the TAC/SC. (Reply CO) Kerge then returned his attention to the tactical console to oversee their approach. Imediately they had cleared the planet, the two hidden vessels came into view & imediately brought their systems online. It seemed the CO had been right, both ships on seeing that they were now massively outgunned made a run from the behemoth that was the Paladin, straight into the active targetting of the S`Urak & the Kronos. They really didn`t stand a chance as the two ships opened up on their targets & the command was issued for the marines to fly. (posted by Alan) ================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Marine Section - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0905) Rellam walked into the bunk room and looked at the squad. "Time to move, get to the hanger-bay on the double and bring your Pallas helmets." Rellam said, then watched as everyone raced out of the room. Rellam let the hint of a smile touch his lips, the squad would remember this, and wouldn't slack off for a long while to come. Rellam jogged out the door after the squad, moving quickly down the hall. (posted by Patrick) ================================================================================ (USS Paladin - Trojan Two Zero - MCO Conner Tirrel - 09:08) The moment the command had come down, the Trojan was airborne & heading out through the forcefielded hanger bay doors to enter into the cold inky darkness of space & the impending firefight that now faced them. Their advance was quick, the two vessels now having nowhere to run as their systems were taken down one by one at the hands of the Kronos & S`Uraks phasers. Their orders were to halt the ships rather than destroy them in order that the marines could board them & move up to take deck by deck until they held the bridges of each. Conner was more than capable of this kind of work, he had done it a hundred & one times already, the proceedure was always the same. They would board low & take the EPS systems temporarilly offline & then work upwards deck by deck, securing the crew & sweeping up until the bridge was under their control. Piece of cake.... After looking out briefly at the scenario unfolding, the MCO turned about & walked purposely down towards the troop compartment, then he turned to face the gunnery sergeant, his face as calm & placid as it ever was on each & every occasion he had seen him. ~I know your look, seen it a thousand times~ "Tamm, you know the drill on this one, we board & we disable, I know this isn`t your usual line of work but this ones by the book, once your on the bridge I want you to secure the command staff & signal the Paladin, our mission is to incapacitate, no fatalities unless absolutely necessary", said Conner instinctively knowing that he was touching a nerve in the gunny`s mind. (Reply Tamm) The pilot then shouted back to the crew compartment that they were coming up on the first of the vessels. "Standard LBH access", said Conner turning to the front again, "once we`re in position & the hull is breached & sealed we go, you know your jobs lads", he added as the Trojan swung about to assume a parallel aspect to the engineering hull of the vessel in question. "Twenty metres sir......Ten metres........Five metres.....Contact", said the pilot as the assault vessel attached & imediately deployed the LBH. Within seconds, the hull had been surgically incised & sealed & the hull plating forced out with a hiss & an escape of smoke as the marines promptly began scrambling through the hatch & into the first coridoor of the stricken vessel. The ship was now at red alert just as expected, the klaxons sounding & the red pulses running along the walls of the deck as they entered. A few stunned crewmen, stood rivited to the spot in fear as the menacing looking marines poured into the deck, rifles at the ready. The few crew that were unfortunate enough to find themselves at the breach point were quickly rounded up & confined to storage until later. The marines then began their move upwards through the ship. (posted by Alan) =============================================================================== (USS GS Patton Jr - Heavy Weapon Armory - Act 3rd Lieutenant 'Gandhi'Fillmore - 0910) "Do you have the slightest CLUE what you are doing?" Gandhi growled in a voice he had long perfected as a Sergeant, well before he had been given a battlefield Commission. He grabbed the Marine in question by the back of his uniform and lifted... dragging the Marine off his feet, and carried the man over to the stacks of heavy weaponry. "These weapons are NOT properly stowed!" he growled with even more menace. "The Old Man must be turning in his grave to see his wayward children sinning in such a horrific way!" "Oh come on Gu..er... Lieutenant!" the Marine said when Gandhi dropped him to the deck. "It's just..." "MARINE!" Gandhi bellowed, now starting to get genuinely perturbed. "Were you about to make an excuse?" The man paused, "Nosir, and I'll get right on it." "Better." Gandhi said. "I want it all polished, charged, checked and stowed by the time I get back." He eyed the Marine and turned away. Such was the job he had long had as Gunny of his old squad, he continued the job now that he was acting squad CO with a commission... they didn't have a senior NCO yet. Odds are they wouldn't until Gandhi's commission was either confirmed, or he was replaced and could take the position up himself. That confirmation or demotion could come at any time, so he hadn't done much with the squad except keep them together and do the necessary paperwork. It was, all together, unsatisfying... he hated waiting. He didn't particularly want a promotion, he was happy being a senior NCO, but someone had to step up to the plate and he'd never been one to shirk. Of course, one didn't deny a Colonel either, and Col (now General) Roberts had knighted him with a commission herself after the storming of that bugger-all forward base the Traitors had decided to put up. When the Queen spoke, people jumped. As it should be. He stepped up to his platoon commander and came to attention, his huge bulk almost graceful in the long practiced move. "Sir, all equipment checks out. Permission to run wargames to keep the squads edge." "Denied, for the time." the boss said. "We'll be getting orders soon; I won't risk injury until we know a time-frame." Gandhi mulled over that a moment, then nodded. "Aye Sir, understood." He frowned as he walked away, already planning ways to keep the men busy while they hurried up and waited for battle. (posted by Trout) ================================================================================== (Trojan Two-Zero - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0910) Five minutes later the Trojan was space bound, and the Marines were sitting in the troop compartment. Rellam rested his head against the bulkhead and closed his eyes, he had done this so many times before. Board... Clear... Shoot... Kill... Advance... Repeat, Rellam knew the routine, ship board of planet bound, it was all basically the same. The Marine had been doing it for centuries before Rellam's time, and they would be doing it long after he was dead and gone. Rellam blocked out the drone of voices and metallic clicks and snaps as people checked and rechecked their gear. Rellam knew his was working, he had checked it when he woke up that morning, he checked his gear every morning, checked it every morning for the past 17 years of service. If they lived long enough, they'd get used to the ins and outs too, but then no one seemed to live long enough anymore. Too many good Marines died, too many that Rellam knew. He was pulled out of his thoughts by the MCO walking up to him. "Tam, you know the drill on this one, we board & we disable, I know this isn`t your usual line of work but this ones by the book, once your on the bridge I want you to secure the command staff & signal the Paladin, our mission is to incapacitate, no fatalities unless absolutely necessary", said Conner. ~~It is possible for me to do things other than kill~~ Rellam thought somewhat defensively. "Aye sir," Rellam said, and picked up his helmet. The MCO turned to talk to the pilot and Rellam stood up. "All right boys and girls, lets put on our party hats. Once his squad had put on their helmets and gotten them sealed, Rellam switched his matte black Pallas helmet from his regular sniper set up to that of squad leader, and quickly grabbed the signals of the other 11 members of the squad and opened up the squad wide comm line, encrypting it. "Here's the deal. The enemy ships, the Paladin Marines have the honor of taking them both. Our squad just has to worry about taking this one. We will be going in with everyone else, our target in the bridge. We will have squads following us to take other area, but we are at the front. Bring your flex cuffs, we secure, or stun if necessary anyone we see and leave them for the tails to clean up. Set your weapons to heavy stun, shoot if they resist, but lets give them a chance to do the right thing. Other than that, keep your head down, think smart, and lets not tarnish the BDU's, unless you want to explain it to the armorer." Rellam said, then turned towards the airlock with the other squads were already stacking. "Fire and Brimstone" would be the last through the door as the entry squads would bust through, hold the entrance, and let the rest of the squads move out. "Stack up," Rellam said calmly and watched on his heads up display as the rest of the team formed up on him. He marked the teams corpsman in blue, and the rest of the squad in green as he watched the first squads rush onto the enemy ship. Once it was clear, Rellam and his squad moved out. Slowly they made their way towards the bridge. As they moved forward, they paused to let other squads push up behind them to clear up, picking up prisoners, and clearing side rooms that Rellam was skipping, then they would move again. They had taken little to no fire as they moved, except for a security patrol they had run into. One of his Grenadiers took a hard blast to the arm that their BDU absorbed most of, and the corpsman administered medicine to keep the swelling down, and quick action from one of the scattergun wielding Mortarmen took that target down. When they got to the bridge door, Rellam wasn't about to take any risks. "Corporal, prep a grenade, low yield, I just want to daze them when we rush in. You roll, I'll toss. Once they go off, fire team alpha follows me to the front of the bridge, Bravo to the back. Anyone so much as reaches for a weapon, put them on the ground hard. One my command." Rellam said, prepping a grenade of his own. A private popped the emergency access hatch off the wall, and pulled the power to the door, then prepped the emergency opener. With a nod from Rellam he popped the door a crack and two grenades made their way onto the bridge. After they went off the door was forced open the rest of the way and the squad rushed in. The Tactical officer was leaning against a console and the rest of the bridge crew was still dazed from the concussion. Two security officers tried to pull weapons and were stunned unconscious for their effort. "Everyone is to place their hands on their heads and get down on their knees, any movement other than that and you will be stunned as well," Rellam said, turning on his helmet speaker. He had set up at the edge of the room, with a clear shot at 90% of the bridge staff, his rifle leveled and slowly sweeping back and forth. Once the bridge staff was restrained and searched he lowered the muzzle of his rifle. Quickly indicating on the company wide system that his squad had accomplished their objectives, he moved to finish the rest of his orders. "Corporal, get me a comm line to the Paladin. Morgan, S'Kar, crack the computer and get us control of the ship." Rellam said, popping the seal on his helmet and taking it off. A couple of moments later his Corporal nodded back to him. "Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam, Identification Code 'Eagle-1-4-3-2-Sigma-7', to Paladin." (Reply Straton) "Captain, Hostile One bridge and command staff secure attempting to gain computer access now." Rellam said, standing at attention, his voice the epitome of calm, even if his adrenaline was pumping. (posted by Patrick) ============================================================================== (USS GS Patton Jr - Office - 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Darren Jackson- 0915) "Joe" Jackson grabbed another cup of coffee and took a sip before walking back to the desk where he set the steaming mug down and began to pace a bit before returning to his chair. The commanding officer of the "Hellwraiths" recon squad was running over in his mind what they might be getting their asses into soon and he was none too happy, his Klingon 3rd Lt. had been WAY too quiet lately since disappearing during the last battle due to a proximity explosion that had knocked his lights out and he had woken up to find the Federation compound already taken. While he had been a member of the KDF and after the incident where he had been cited for being too slow in targeting an enemy vessel he had carried the stigma of losing honor and trying to regain it, this latest incident seemed to have driven him to the verge of giving up which wasn't good, not good at all. Joe was going to have a talk with him and soon. Joes troubles with Klingons didn't just run to his second either, a Klingon member of the heavy weapons grunts on the troop carrier had gotten two things wrong about Joe, one that he was susceptible to being stared down and the second that he enjoyed being lectured by someone who didn't have a clue. Joe didn't fight because he loved fighting but because if he didn't fight hard enough to stay alive he wouldn't see tomorrow... that was the reason Joe was eager to get this war over with, he wanted to get out the other side cleanly. He rubbed his left arm just below the elbow unconsciously, that grenade he had barely avoided had not only blown out most of his BDUs capability but had had enough force to fracture the radius, it was only after the battle when the adrenalin had worn off that he had realized he was injured, he had a high tolerance for pain anyway so that was no surprise and the break had been clean... Joe sat down in the chair and brough up the roster of his squad and looked it over one final time, half the men in this already cobbled together squad were replacements, there was no cohesiveness in the Hewllwraiths and hadn't been from the beginning. ~Hopefully I'll take enough men through this one to begin to form a real unit, these guys have trained well together and we do have some veterans now but... I won't be satisfied till I can say we have had a successful campaign. And I don't consider 50% casualties successful.~ He shut down computer access as he leaned back in his chair with the rapidly cooling coffee and took a big gulp. (posted by Charles) ============================================================================= END OF COMPILE I hope you enjoyed!