Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 0922) Kestra had been waiting nervously, would she do all the right things on her mission was running through her head, knowing that you never do all the right things but hoping at least to accomplish her mission, while they waited for the trawler to appear. "I have the Defiant class escort on sensors Captain followed by the Trawler traveling at warp 6. Current position is 6.8 light years and bearing at 76 degrees. Fighter escort is running point and flank." The announcement almost made Kestra jump but she was able to supress it before it had a chance to surface. "Excellent," Sash replied as he turned toward her. "Well, FO, get your team assembled and prepare for transport to the trawler." "Aye sir" She replied as she stood up and started for the turbolift. Her team had their planned points of where to report to when she gave them the call. They all would make their way to Deck 6 and take one of the four transporters there to the trawler, except for the marines which would take the larger transporters to ensure they got all their team out at once. "And Kestra, be careful." Kestra heard Sash call out to her just as she entered the turbolift. Turning around to face the door, she looked out at him for a second and just before the door closed she replied. "And you also Captain, see you on the other side of the river." (USS Nimitz - Turbolift - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 0925) "Deck 6, transporter room 1" She called out to the computer then tapped her commbadge. "Commander Troi to all away team members, to your transport positions immediately, move!" Kestra said, "it is almost time for us to go." (reply Sash(iyw), all team members, any) (pb Frank) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CMO - Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid - 0924) Kinkaid made a final check of the medical console panel on the bridge. The injury reports were showing minor illnesses from several personnel as the result of the magnetic fields from the asteroids, but none of them were serious. Kinkaid made a quick note in his personal medical log about his stomach ailment. It was bothering him to a point of discomfort, but was not preventing him from the mission at hand. The signal was given to move out by Kestra. He grabbed his medical kit and tricorder and followed right behind the FO. (USS Nimitz - Turbolift - CMO Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid - 0925) =^= Commander Troi to all away team members, to your transport positions immediately, move! It is almost time for us to go. =^= Kinkaid still had a queazy feeling in his stomach as the turbolift made its way to Deck 6 for transporter room 1. Kinkaid felt a small conservation with Kestra would ease his nerves of transparent-aluminum. "Commander, if we make it there and back I like to offer you a drink in Ten Forward?" Kinkaid said. (Reply FO, Kestra Troi) (Posted by Nathan M. Williams) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt. Saleke, (jg) - 0926) =^=Commander Troi to all away team members, to your transport positions immediately, move! It is almost time for us to go.=^= As soon as the order came Saleke nodded slightly at the Ensign standing by for just this moment and as the young man took his position Saleke said. " 10.5 hours Ensign, do not forget." and headed for the turbolift The young man nodded and began to watch the readings carefully knowing that it was imperative the long range sensors be returned to their normal alignment by that time or a burnout of components would begin which would effectively render the Nimitz blind to all but what was near to her. He hoped this engagement was concluded swiftly. Saleke headed for the turbolift and said. "Deck 6." And wondered idly as it began to move how Dr. Kirien was faring, he had not had a chance to talk to her since the mind-meld and logic suggested the battle stress she was about to endure would be a stern test for the procedure he had initiated, he had the utmost confidence however in its capability. The transporter stopped and he headed for the transporter room he had been assigned to, moving briskly; he was determined to be their on time. (Reply: Any, none) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz – Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign Kateb - 0930) Onyx was watching carefully the sensors and the dust particle at least this wasn't what they lack of in this sector. She was listening with one hear what the Captain and the CEO were talking and other conversation. She couldn't believe it. ~So that is the plan he was hidding, probably recreate the Nimitz elsewhere to make the Defiant believe that it's somewhere else... Damn! Even if he saves a few minutes for me to disable the trawler shield... When the Defiant catch up with us, it will be in full attack mode and we will be in the middle of a fight instead of a tactical advantage. He could damage many ship system with that plan. I'm going to have to change a few things in the tactical program now. He could have told me sooner, instead of keeping me in the dark.~ She thought. Onyx had her serious face on, her fingers work over her console fast to reconfigure part of the tactical program. She wasn't even sure if her tactic would work now. (Reply from anyone) (Posted by Laurence) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 4 - Lt. Saleke, (jg) - 0931) Saleke entered the transporter room and made straight for the equipment that had been stored there. From the neatly arranged stack he took the phaser he had requested, he preferred the model with the pistol grip as well as a tricorder. He shunned the heavy personal body armor and took only a light vest and helmet, he found manuevering in the heavy armor to be awkward and preferred to be able to use his mobility to his advantage, also though some people swore by it he knew that getting caught in a phaser blast for a long enough period rendered the body armor moot and preferred instead to avoid it entirely. Saleke noticed that Commander Troi was already there and nodded in greeting. "Commander." (Reply: Commander Troi) The room presently began to fill up with people and Saleke looked at each one in turn, he could see the eagerness on the faces of some and dread on the faces of others. Due to the high risk nature of the mission he knew some would not make it through to the other side, possibly even himself though he was confident in his abilities. Seeing Ensign Slytherwald enter he motioned him over; the young man appeared excited. "It won't be long now Ensign. I assume you are ready?" (Reply: Ensign Slytherwald) The Vulcan nodded. "Very good Mr. Slytherwald, get your equipment and stay close to me. Once we transport over things will get very chaotic as you know." (Reply, Commander Troi, Ensign Slytherwald, any) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 4 -TAC\ASC Ensign Tom Slytherwald - 0934) . "It won't be long now Ensign. I assume you are ready?" "Yes, everything is ready." said Tom with a happy face - you don't get an opportunity like this to experiment with tactics every day The Vulcan nodded. "Very good Mr. Slytherwald, get your equipment and stay close to me. Once we transport over things will get very chaotic as you know." "I intend to." stated Tom believing that they should all stick together if they think that they can punch their way through many officiers onboard trawler (Posted by Edward) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz – Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign Kateb - 0945) Onyx was close to finish the modifications but she felt that time was waisted and it was dangerous. "Chief is everything ok?" "The little plan the captain cook up even if it's a good idea, I had to change certain programs of mine." "Im positive the preparations will do the job fine." Onyx mentally bit her toungue because there was a lot of things on her mind that she could say. But she was professional, and right now trying to work around it. "I have to reajust a few more things." She put on a smile but return to work. "Just finished." ~Again!~ she thought. "Tactical report ready, Captain!" (Reply from anyone) (Posted by Laurence) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 0945) The trawler was mving along quite steadily at warp 6. Once he had heard that Kestra was ready, he turned to Wilosn who had taken his place as temporary FO. "Are you ready Mr. Wilson?" (reply Wilson) "Then it's time to set the bait. Engage the shuttle decoy at the entrance to the asteroid field. Hold just outside of their sensor range and then initiate the holo-projector." (reply Wilson) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge- SFI/2O – Lt.Cmdr John Wilson - 0946) John sat uncomfortably in the FO chair, he had become accustomed to not really being involved in the Nimitz operations. Now he sat where the FO would have normal sat. The pressure was defiantly on however no doubt the away team was to be suffering worse than he could have possibly imagined. "Are you ready Mr. Wilson?" John blinked for a moment and then responded. "Of course Captain Sash," John stated looking around the bridge the officers were all deep in there jobs getting ready for battle. John caught the glance of a young ensign at the back of the bridge looking very uncomfortable. John gave him a reassuring smile the ensign attempted to smile but it was pretty obvious he was anything but comfortable. "Then it's time to set the bait. Engage the shuttle decoy at the entrance to the asteroid field. Hold just outside of their sensor range and then initiate the holo-projector." John simply nodded and continued to observe the situation, it was a slow start but all the planning that had gone on over the days was all starting to come together. John watched the view screen the asteroids gently flew past the Nimitz with the Conn officer doing a fine job protecting the ship. Feeling himself getting locked into the situation as he did his eyes fell on her. The concentration in her face was comical as she studied the tactical consol as if her life depended upon it. "Chief is everything ok?" (Reply Kateb) "Im positive the preparations will do the job fine." (Reply Kateb, any) (Posted By Rich) Stardate:2406.10.06 (Shiping Trawler Archimedes- Bridge- CO - Captain Larry Madden- 0947) An alarm went off and Madden turned to his ACEO who was doubling as tactical officer on this watch. Ted Abrahms looked down at the tactical display for a few seconds, looking a bit confused. He made some adjustments to the sensors then looked up at his captain. "Larry, there's a federation starship approaching," Abrahms called out. "Sovereign class. The warp signiture identifies it as the USS Nimitz. It's just on the edge of our sensor range. They might not even know we're here in this sensor nightmare." Madden shook his head, "No, they know we're here. On screen." The view screen flickered and the outline of a Sovereign class starship came on. Maden began to sweat. He didn't like the looks of this. A starship that is not supposed to be here, looked very suspicious. Wasn't the Nimitz with LoDona's band of traitors? "Hail the Alamo," Madden called out. There was no picture on the screen, only audio. (reply LeBeau) "Henre," Madden began, "did you see the Nimitz on your sensors?" (reply LeBeau) Madden hated it when LeBeau got so snooty. He was good, but everyone needs manners. "I just wanted to check. What do you want to do about it?" (reply LeBeau) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Alamo - Bridge - CO - Captain Henre LaBeau - 0948) Captain LaBeau turned to watch his FO at work at Tac I and smiled, Yellow Alert had hardly been sounded for a minute before his Number 1 had joined him on the bridge. The half Klingon- half Human was in his estimation the best First Officer a Captain could ask for and a Tactical specialist to boot. He had lost count how many fights they had been in in the six years they had worked together and the half Klingon knew his Captain's reactions almost sometimes better than Henre did himself, having the correct commands entered into the computer and ready to initiate by the time Captain LaBeau gave the order. ~ Talk about cutting down on lag time. ~ Lt. Calder had moved to Tac II and was running scenarios on the station as the Alamo continued to drive closer to the Asteroid Field. "Cloaking status Number One." LaBeau said. The FO turned to him and gave him a muted grin. "Cloak functioning normally Captain, no sign yet of any hostile activity." His voice had a hint of disappointment in it. "Captain sensors show a vessel emerging from the debris field." Shouted Belite from the Science station. Henre turned quickly back to Tactical, the half Klingon was quickly entering commands into the console. "What have you got Number One?" LaBeau said smoothly. "Sensors show a Sovereing Class vessel Captain, Transponder shows it's the Nimitz." Henre leaned forward in his seat and thought. ~ Damn it it's Sash, No doubt they would send one of their best. ~ "Plot an intercept course Lt. Jennings." While Jennings was plotting the course he called to his FO. "Shields up Mr. Galk and ready phasers and Quantum torpedoes. If she doesn't break off we're going to hit her and hit her hard." His Tactical specialist turned to him with what could only be considered a feral smile on his face and as he pressed a couple of buttons said. "Orders executed Captain, weapons hot." "Captain I have the course," Announced Jennings. "Very good Mr. Jennings execute and accelerate to warp 8." "Acknowledged sir, accelerating to warp 8." The ship seemed to leap ahead under him as LaBeau's ship and crew raced toward their target. Suddenly there was a hail from the Archimedes. =^= Henre did you see the Nimitz on your sensors? =^= Henre's mouth crooked into a half smile as he replied, " No Captain Madden, we were watching the latest updates on the Keshane situation. Is there something I should know?" Then without a joking tone in his voice he continued, "Of course we saw the Nimitz emerge from the asteroid field it's hardly small enough to miss." =^= I just wanted to check. What do you want to do about it? =^= The Trawler Captain managed to sound both apologetic and defensive all at the same time which fed Captain LaBeau's smile. "Do about it? I am going to get into position while you hail the Nimitz Captain. I hardly think it to be tactically sound to drop out of cloak just to say hello to the Nimitz, especially when it is affiliated with those rogue elements. Warn them off, if they don't want to leave it is my job to change their mind or make their ship into small pieces. Captain LaBeau out." Henre then sat back and watched the viewscreen as the Sovereign Class vessel began to grow in it, a Sovereign class was a tough enough ship in itself without a Captain of Sash's stature but the Alamo could run rings around it and though he knew it would be a tough fight he was determined to come out on top yet again. "Prepare for manuever Alpha, Number 1, Mr Jennings stand by" He said, preparing his best tactic. "It looks like we're going to get some action today." (Reply: Any, none) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Alamo - Bridge - Captain Henre LeBeau/Captain Devan Sash- 0949) Henre was contemplating the upcoming battle when the Andorian Damas turned to him."Captain, signal coming in." Captain LaBeau nodded and the transmission rang out in the bridge. =^=Greetings Captain LeBeau, I know that you are recieving this message. In order to prevent an ugly incident, and perhaps countless losses of life, I urge you to part company with Admiral Doenitz, and not oppose us in the action of obtaining this shipment of anti-matter. Think about it it. Is it really worth the risk?=^= "So it is the devil himself," said Henre. "Greetings Captain Sash, the last time I was informed Admiral Doenitz had the support of the Federation Council and the Admirality of Starfleet while your group of rebels has run into a hole to hide. You wish me to turn my back on the Federation and become such as you? You insult me Captain!" The title was said with a venom that matched the look of anger on Captain LaBeau's face. "It is you who needs to retreat or surrender your ship Captain or I shall be forced to destroy you!" Sash looked sad for a moment, and paused before he spoke. =^=Very well, it is as I suspected would be. Admiral Doenitz's council support is all but a puppet support. I don't know why they have officially backed him, but think aobut this, are the federation principles really based on the seperationism that Doenitz is proposing. Do you really think that such barbarisms and attrocities that have been perpetrated at his orders are what the federation is founded on. Come on captain, use your head.=^= "Captain Sash," Henre said coldly. "The workings of the Federation government are not my concern. My orders Captain, as are yours are to protect the member peoples of said Federation along with their property; a law that you yourself by your own admission are about to break. What has so twisted your mind Captain as to make you throw your life's work onto the rubbish heap of vaunted ideals and take up the banner of chaos and anarchy?" Again, Sash's response took a moment. "Sometimes being a soldier and following orders is not enough. We also have to answer to our conscience. Unless, of course, working for Doenitz, you no longer have one of those. Otherwise we a no better than the Cardassians, or other war criminals, who simply stated they were just following orders. No Captain LeBeau, I would think the federation should be better than that. More... human." "So you imply now that I am inhuman Captain? I am a soldier who has been given a duty and I will fulfill it. I am not killing innocent civilians nor am I intent on attacking an escorted Federation trawler, I am protecting it from the likes of you. You disappoint me Captain, I thought you a man of higher moral character. There are other ways to supply yourselves with fuel than to resort to piracy." Sash looked pensive this time. he waited before replying, as if he were collecting his thoughts. "It is to bad that we cannot agree about this matter Captain LeBeau. I had hoped that we could avoid violence, but it appears that you are determined to engage us. So be it. Prepare yourself." "Yes Captain Sash, so be it." Henre looked at his First Officer who was showing his pleasure with a wide grin at the thought of battle against a worthy opponent. Captain LaBeau sighed as he signed off. "It is too bad Captain Sash that I will have to kill you. Captain LaBeau out." As the transmission ended he said to the bridge at large. "You have heard him gentlemen, it is the killing time and may God have mercy on our souls." (reply none) (posted by Al Muir and Charles Gatling) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz, Main Engineering, CEO, Lt(sg) Zzt, 0950) The Nimitz was leaving the asteroid field. Zzt knew this because he could see the fluctuations in the ships anti-matter containment fields subsiding. This could only mean the ship was exited the asteroid field. It also meant that very soon now the ship would be in the middle of a fire fight. Zzt's paws danced over his console as he began altering the ships power flow and power consumption curves. All unnecessary systems where already shut down, now Zzt began redirecting the power he had been conserving, reading for the word from the bridge to implement. ~This little trick of the Captain's is going play havoc on several ships systems, but should give the Alamo a most unpleasant surprise.~ Zzt bared his large fangs in a savage smile. He slapped his commm-badge. "Zzt to Troi. Good hunting. May Goddess smile on you. May your claws rip forth your preys heart," Zzt said conveying one of his races saying for good luck. (Reply Troi, Any) (Posted by Wes) Stardate:2406.10.06 (Shiping Trawler Archimedes- Bridge- CO - Captain Larry Madden- 0951) Madden was really iritated by LeBeaus's attitude. he was even more upset with himself by letting himself be intimidated by the man. ~Sure, he was a combat veteran, but that doesn't give him the right to look down his nose at the rest of us.~ A call from the conn took his attention. "Incoming message captain. It's from the Nimitz." It took Madden a second to realize he was being talked to. He made his best effort to hide his tension and tried to get comfortable in his chair. "Put it on screen." The screen changed from it's view of space and was filled with the huge presence of Captain Devan Sash. The image was smiling, but it was not a friendly smile. Then Sash began to speak. =^=Captain Madden,=^= Sash began, =^=I'm asking you now to come to a full stop and prepare your ship for boarding.=^= Madden sat back as if he had just had water thrown on him. "Boarded? Why would I do that." =^=Because if you don't then we will be forced to fire on you, which might have some nasty results.=^= "You know I can't do that Captain," Madden replied, trying to stay calm. This guy was crzy if he was fire on a vessel filled with storgage containers of anti-matter. "You do realize what my cargo is, don't you?" =^=Fully aware,=^= Sash replied, =^=that's why it is imperative that you understand how serious I am. This is not an idle threat. Hopefully my reputation procedes me on this matter.=^= Indeed it did. It was common knowledge that once Devan Sash said something would happen, no matter how unlikely of even crazy, it happened. Still, Madden was not about to rooll over again, for another military martinette, like LeBeau. "I'm sorry Captain, but I can't just give up my cargo." =^=So be it,=^= said Sash, =^=prepare to be fired upon.=^= The screen went blank and then back to it's scene of space. madden sat there for a moment, his mouth open wide in disbelief. Then he got into action. "Send word to the Alamo, and a copy of that message. Divert all remaining enrgy to the shields and the containment fields inthe cargo holds. Looks like this is going to be a bumpy ride folks." (reply none, any) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 0952) "Okay boys and girls," Sash called out, "things are about to get very interesting, very quickly. Look alive, and stay awake." He began to give out orders. "Mr. Wilson, I hope you and Onyx have the answer to our trawlers shields, otherwise this is going to be a very short action." (reply Wilson) "Start evacuating all of the decks around the the warp nacelles and reroute all of that power through to engineering. Zzt is going to need it." He tapped his comm badge. "Sash to Zzt, we're beginning preparations for your surprise. Make sure those enhancements are well manned." (reply Zzt) "Sash to away team, get ready Kestra, when everything starts it's going to happen quickly. Keep your head down, and your eyes open." (reply Troi) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 1 - CMO- Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid - 0954) =^= Sash to away team, get ready Kestra, when everything starts it's going to happen quickly. Keep your head down, and your eyes open. =^= Kinkaid heard Sash over his comm badge. The transporter console started to phased in and out. He knew that the trawler was near due to the sudden power switch from the sub systems to the defensive systems. Kinkaid turned and faced Commander Troi and waiting for the word that could begin the adventure he quested for. (Reply FO, Commander Kestra Troi) (Posted by Nathan M. Williams) Stardate:2406.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Transporter Room 1 - SFI/SO- Lt. Dru Tagon- 0955) Tagon had been working on something special for their trip to the trawler. He had downloaded the specs and the schematics of the ship to his personal PADD, along with something a little different. It had taken more time than he had expected, but the Brikar was certain that it would have been well worth it. Then he made his way to the transporter room. Once inside, what little room there had been in there almost disappeared instantaneously. Dru was not concerned about the wellfare of the others. He simply plowed through the crowd until he planted himself beside Commander Troi. He decided that this was as far as he was going to let her get from him for the rest of the mission. Troi looked up at him with a look stating she was a bit uncomfortable with his proximity. He turned his head a little and gave her a look back the simply said, "What?" She let out a deep sigh, obviously deciding not to say anything. Another typical mission of "hurry up and wait." (reply none, any) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Mystique - Bridge - TASC Ensign Travis Keswick 2006) Vanyssa looked up from issuing her orders to see her Tac/ASC standing there. She thought his name was Keswick. "Captain I'm Sorry I let this happen I was the security officer on the bridge it was my responsibility to keep you safe I will never let any thing like this happen agen Ma'am". Vanyssa's heart softened at the Ensign's very sincere apology. She reached out and patted his shoulder. "You did the best that you could." She said very gently. "That is all that I can ask of you." Travis looked into the captains eyes with a stone cold look of anger on his face because of failure. Then he asked "Ma'am permission to leave the bridge" (Reply Captain Winters) (Pb Keswick) Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Hood; FO Lt Commander Peter Belinia & FOps Ens (jg) Tourana; 2045) The Defiant was closing, there had been no communication and Peter did not like their chances. The shields were down to 54% and they were taking heavy damage. He was glad that Tourana was at the helm, she was a great pilot. She weaved and bobbed through the blasts, changing direction to gain the advantage. That was still a dream, they would not last much longer if things carried on the way they were. "Ensign, evasive manoeuvres. Pattern Delta Sierra." Peter ordered. Tourana knew she had to pull something really good to keep them alive against these odds. The Defiant was closing fast and there was no way the runabout could get away from them. " Hold on tight, here we go " she shouted. Peter and Hhril hoped she knew what she was doing ! Suddenly, she pulled the runabout upward, executing a tight loop, just clearing the Defiant class ship which passed underneath. " They were going to ram us, and I have`nt finished trying this baby out yet Sir ! " The Defiant started turning but now Tourana was close on their tail. If they fired while the runabout was so close, it would take out quite a chunk of their ship as well so she had to do her best to keep them slow by not letting them turn to face them down. Peter fired the aft torpedoes, direct hits all of them, then he was lurched around as Tourana executed his orders.. "Their shields are weakening, but they have regenerative shielding. I'm charging phasers to two hundred per cent. This will fry some systems, so lets hope they won't be vital ones. Ensign, we'll need some fancy flying, but make sure we are still within range." Peter hoped that he could damage their targeting scanners, to give them a small glimmer of hope. ~I hope we make it!~ "Ensign, take us underneath her, Lieutenant change shield frequency to nine one point zero zero four." Peter was adding the last touches to his plan. Hoping it would work. "Ensign, when we go underneath the ship, our shields will merge, be ready to make a speedy getaway. It'll be a bumpy ride!" (Reply HHril) " Aye Sir " Tourana responded, her jaw set with determination. She dodged a shot from the ship, as she took the runabout underneath as steady as she could. She eased into position carefully, " Ready Sir ! " "Hold on to be fried!" Peter shouted as he fired the supercharged phaser banks. EPS conduits all over the place blew out. The console next to Peter blew up burning his left hand, he barely registered the pain. He was firing the torpedoes at the tactical sensor array, they were sufficiently damaged. He changed targets to the engines, and fired four torpedo`s, direct hits. But it was not enough, the warp nacelles were still operational. " Get us out of here, maximum speed! " He ordered, cradling his left hand. The ship took a violent lurch to the left and Peter was knocked to the floor, hitting his head on HHril's chair. ~It simply is not my day!~ He thought as he got up, sheer pain in his head, hand and spine. (reply HHril) Tourana did not need telling twice ! She rolled the runabout away and they were off, leaving the Defiant unable to pinpoint them precisely. Random shots flew past but the runabout was easily able to dodge them now that they were not so easy to target. Then it happened - an alarm sounded and the runabout lurched sideways. " " Sir, I`m losing directional control, one of you had better fix it and fast ! " she called out, knowing they would go far wide of the Mystique at this rate, but no way was she risking slowing down now ! Peter climbed into his seat and realised that the directional control conduit had burned out. " We are out of control. Ensign, try your best to regain control." Peter started to fire the aft torpedoes again, they were nearly out of them. ~Only three left!~ "Navigational deflector is offline. The EPS conduits in that section have damaged it beyond repair! Ensign, have you ever flown blind before?" Peter asked with a quirk in his voice! He glanced over at HHril, who was busy trying to get navigational control back on line. (reply Hhril) " Sir, I can fly this thing standing on my head AND blind if you need me too ! ", Tourana shouted as she changed to manual over-ride and managed to partially regain control, though it was not as effective by any means as the computer was. " Hold tight, incoming missile and I cant evade this one too well, its going to graze us at least ! " Just then the ship jerked throwing Peter onto his console, now his chest hurt. He saw the others were wounded too. The stars were spinning outside and his screen was flashing. "shields down to twelve per cent, port nacelle is.........not there, life support is failing and the warp core may breach any time now." Peter said it in such a matter of fact way it surprised him. Just as he was preparing to beam the core out into space he saw the Mystique on his sensors. Tourana was dazed and confused, she could not focus her eyes properly and felt like she was spinning. She held her head and felt sticky liquid on her hands - blood - and a lot of it. Now she felt nauseous, but she had to concentrate somehow. Slowly her eyes settled a little and she realised it was not her spinning but the runabout itself. " Sir, there is nothing I can do, we have to evacuate if the Mystique doesn't hurry up ! " Peter glanced over to HHril. "Beam the probe to the Mystique. Before we blow up!" He turned back to Tourana. "Ensign, prepare the escape pod for release. Abandon ship." Peter ordered as he stood. He approached Tourana. "I owe you a drink Ensign!" With that he walked to the door and waited as HHril informed him that the transport was successful. Tourana then HHril left the Bridge. "Computer, set auto destruct sequence to activate when the escape pod is at a safe distance from the ship. Authorisation Belinia Omega Theta nine nine five." =/\=Authorisation accepted. Auto destruct will automatically activate when the escape pod has reached three hundred and twenty meters=/\= With that Peter followed his two shipmates into the small escape pod. "Ensign, release us." He ordered. " Pod released " she said sadly. Her first official mission piloting and she had let her comrades down. She should have flown better, kept them away from that last shot. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked away from Peter and Hhril. The pod was on a course which would take them to the Mystique. Peter was cradling his hand, blood was still pouring from his head and his chest and back were in agony. He looked around, saw the two officers were also blood spattered. He then noticed Tourana's sad _expression. "Ms Tourana, it was not your fault. You did everything you could, and against a Defiant class, you excelled yourself. You kept us alive, and without you we would not be here now. Hold your head high, you are a credit to your uniform, and I am in your debt." Peter hoped that would cheer her up, he did not want her to feel the guilt she obviously felt. Tourana succumbed to the tears. Peters words were such a relief to hear. " Thank you Sir " she croaked, I`ll do better next time, I promise ". She managed a weak smile then cringed as pain shot through her skull. She realised what a mess she must look ~ hardly the way to impress a first officer ~. She looked at the concern on Peter`s face and the next thing she knew she was grinning. " It was quite a flight eh Sir ". Just then, Hhril groaned and his eyes rolled - Peter saw him at the same moment and grabbed the injured officer. Peter smiled back at Tourana. Then HHril groaned. Peter lunged to stop HHril from falling on the floor. "Ensign, pass me the med kit. It should be over there in that locker." She did as she was told and pulled out various items from the locker as she grabbed the med kit. She placed it next to Peter and opened it, ready to pass him whatever he needed to help Hhril. "Cordrazine, twelve cc's." Peter said as he laid HHril on the bench. He took the hypospray and administered the dose. He only had his basic medical training to go on. But he hoped it would be enough. As HHril slowly stopped groaning and passed out. "I hope he will survive." Peter looked at Tourana, as the pod suddenly thudded and sent Peter flying again. ~I need to get some inertial dampeners!~ He thought. The door opened and Ensign Radchenko was standing there with a concerned look about him. Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Mystique - Marine Center, MCO's Office - Major Richard Ian Lee - 2200) "Major Sir Do you have a moment" Rich rubbed his eyes then leaned back in his chair. He looked on for a few seconds more, he recognized this officer from nothing more then his bio, he knew all the senior officers by name and face. He put the PADD on the table and gestured to a seat, "Certainly." "Sir I have deployed security on every Deck and extra security in engineering, sick bay and the bridge. But sir that's not why I'm here". Rich folded his hands together and waited for the Assistant Security Chief to come to the point without saying a word. "The two officers I sent to protect the Captain came to me and sead that you had the Marines doing that". The Ensign shifted, then said, "It may not be my place to say sir but I fell I have to. How can I do my job and protect this ship and the captain without having the marines taking over? Sir I mean no disrespect at all I'm just trying to find where my Security forces and I stand with you and the Marines. I want our two teams to work as one and I just need to know how I can do that sir". It was a fair question, and one he had expected. "That is a two part answer, Ensign." Rich said evenly. "Under most circumstances I would have gladly put the Captain in Securities hands, I have no issues with that, I rose through the fleet as a Security Chief myself. However, this is a slightly different circumstance." He rubbed his hands together, "The Marine I have watched her is a trained Combat Engineer, trained in Counter Terror and Assassination both. She is more qualified then any of us to watch the Captains back, and that includes you and me, and I have years on you... Both is security and the Marines." He leaned forward, "I have been named acting Security Chief for the time being, mostly because of my previous years as Head of Security on Starbase 23 and the Prospero, so you will be answering to me. The answer to your second question is thus: you won't have to worry about the Marines stepping on your toes here. Besides the Captain and this current situation, the safety of the ship rests with the yellow shirts. The Marines become grunt labor in an invasion, and we take command should we be needed for Ground pounding or ship-to-ship invasion, we are simply better armed for it. Everything else is the purview of Security." He leaned back again, "I will not be in charge of Security here forever, you or Mr. Dema will take the position once both myself and the Captain are satisfied either of you can handle it successfully. My job, primarily, will be to integrate the Marines into some of the standard defense plans for the ship. I will also be taking the bridge duty station starting tomorrow, the Marines can run themselves in training for a while." Rich quirked his head, "I tell you this truly, Ensign, I have absolutely no wish to nullify Security or it's importance. My Marines are combat trained, they do not deal in the intricacies of law, nor do they run the ships weapons. The only reason I am where I am at this moment is because I spent more years in your shoes then I have in the shoes of a grunt. I am in a unique position to oversee the Security of the ship and get our two units coordinated for later engagements. As your superior I am commanding both, but I fully plan on getting everyone together later to hash out a training schedule for both of us. The only thing I won't negotiate on is the presence of a CE with the Captain, because to tell you the truth, any of of the CE's could kill us in about fifteen seconds flat. There is no better protection from an assassin, then a trained counter-assassin." (reply: TAC/ASC, any) (posted by Trout) Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Mystique; Marine Center : TASC Ensign Travis Keswick 2200) Travis walked into the marine center after making his Security rounds of the ship to see Major Lee looking at a padd. "Major Sir Do you have a moment". he asked standing at attention. (Reply Major Lee) "Sir I have deployed security on every Deck and extra security in engineering, sick bay and the bridge". He sead looking at the much taller Marine. "But sir thats not why I'm here". he sead looking uneasily at the major. "The two officers I cent to protect the Captain came to me and sead that you had the Marines doing that". He sead shifting uncomfortably. "It may not be my place to say sir but I fell I have to". "How can I do my job and protect this ship and the captain without having the marines taking over"? Sir I mean no disrespect at all I'm just trying to find where my Security forces and I stand with you and the Marines. "I wont our two teams to work as one and I just need to know how I can do that sir". Travis stood looking in Major Lees eyes to see what he would say. (Reply Lee) (Posted By Travis) Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Mystique - Hallway - Ensign Jason Dema - 2217) Just when Jason was stepping out of his room he heard Lee over the comms. =/\=Ensign Dema to the bridge=/\= Jason knew he had to report to the bridge in such a situation, every Cadet even knew. =/\= Allready on my way Sir =/\= (reply Lee if needed) (posted by Anthony Struelens) Stardate:2406.10.08 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 2 Stardate: 2406.10.08 (USS Mystique - Bridge - CSO Ketal - 22:25) When the DNA strands were finally broken down by the computer Ketal immediately called Dr. Radechenko. "Dr. Radechenko this is Ketal, I have important evidence against the Captain's attacker available and need to consult with you immediately, please reply." (Reply: Dr. Radechenko) Ketal leaned back in his chair and began monitoring incoming telemetry from the runabout which FO Belenia was commanding, with so much to do in the last two hours he was having a much easier time focusing on objectives rather than combating himself. He was looking over some interesting information when the call came in. "Hood to Mystique, we are being followed by a Defiant class ship. Need urgent assistance, over." Vanyssa stood up and started issuing orders. "Red alert. All senior Officers to duty stations." She turned to Ops. "Get the Ambassador up here." Then turned slightly towards Conn. "Get up to the Hood as quickly as you can. What is our ETA ? Can we see them on long range sensors ?" Ketal had already engaged long range scans. "Affirmative Captain, I have the two ships on long range scanners." The half Vulcan engaged the screen so the Captain could watch what was transpiring, as of yet the ships were small and slowly growing and the flashes of weapons fire could be seen. Vanyssa turned slightly towards Engineering, Science and Ops. "This is going to take some ... coordination. As soon as we are close enough, beam them on board. I don't care what you have to do to do it, just get them back here as soon as possible. That shuttle isn't capable of taking on a Defiant." "Aye Captain.: Ketal replied. "Tactical, issue a call to Geneva and to our Escort, requesting assistance. I doubt anything is in range, but include what we've found." She stated, taking her seat again. She watched the Hood racing towards them, the Defiant not far behind. NRPG: Trying to pull everything together. RPG: (USS Mystique - Bridge - CSO Ketal - 22:53) "Captain," Ketal called. "Sensors show hits on the enemy vessel, their targeting sensors have been heavily damaged as have their impulse engines. Shields are currently at 85.3 percent but their combat ability has been severely degraded. Shields on the Hood are heavily damaged, estimate 26.3 percent capability remaining and the enemy ship is still firing." "Can we beam them out ?" The Captain asked to no one in particular. The reply came from the engineering console as Sarouk gave an affirmative answer. Suddenly the runabout's shields were breached and it took a direct hit and began to careen out of control. "I don't care if we have to lower our shields, get them aboard." Vanyssa demanded. "Do we have an ID on that vessel ?" Ketal answered. "Their identification transponder has been disabled however the USS Gallant was the last known Defiant class ship in the area. An escape pod has just been jettisoned from the Hood Captain, estimate 3.5 minutes before retrieval." (Reply: Dr. Radechenko, Any) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:246.10.06 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 0922) Miles was working at his station, trying to do some last minute enhancements before he had to leave. =/\=Commander Troi to all away team members, to your transport positions immediately, move!=/\= Kestra said, =/\=it is almost time for us to go.=/\= ~Well, this is it.~ Miles thought as he got the Ensign near him to take his position. He picked up a bag containing the equipment he needed, and left for the turbolift. "Deck Six, Transporter Room 2." The turbolift sprang to life. (Reply Any) (Posted by Matt Kirk)