Stardate:2406.10.06
(Trawler – Bridge – Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon - 1120)

Edward watched as the Alamo began to bombard the planet that he had not really noticed before inside the asteroid field. However the primary problem was the fact that the Alamo was using their torpedoes to bombard the planet. The purpose of this was not clear at all, however the primary concern came when they activated the antimatter warhead. The yield of these would in essence destroy the Nimitz, Alamo and Trawler. It was the last ditch effort of the Alamo to stop the Nimitz securing the fuel that they so badly needed.

The options to stop a possible assault on the Trawler were small, with the minimal power, Extensive damage and the destructive yield of the Warhead. The Probability of survival was becoming less and less. With the limited armourments and the slow targeting system of the trawler it would be close to impossible to shoot the warhead out of range of destruction. Edward pondered the choices and then spoke up. 

"The Alamo is arming a warhead and preparing for launch, I have a way we can prevent this. I still have command codes on the Alamo, for a short time I could drop the shields allowing the Nimitz to cripple the Alamo's launching system thus preventing launch,' Edward stated to the assembled bridge staff. 

(Reply Any) 

"Alternatively, we can wait till launch and then close on the torpedoes and then target the explosive antimatter and transport it out. Once the transporting has occurred we can lock the pattern in the buffer and thus it will not be any danger to us. However in all probability it will overload the pattern buffers and we will loose transporters. We do need to act fast people!" Edward exclaimed, the situation was going to need fast action and at the moment the clock was ticking there was not long left. 

(Reply Any) 
(Posted By Richard)  
Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes – Bridge – Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid - 11:21)

The cool feeling Kinkaid was feeling had subsided for the moment. The
situation with the Alamo on the view screen had again changed. The
Defiant-class vessel made a course change heading towards the trawler,
itself, from what the visual readings were indicating as Kinkaid looked over
at the OPS console. At the same time, Kinkiad had his medical tricorder in
hand analyzing Saleke's neural scans trying to figure out what the unknown
could be that was causing the Vulcan's pain.

The Vulcan turned to Kinkaid. "Thank you for your concern Doctor but it I am
fine now. You may continue to monitor me if you wish but I believe the
episode has played itself out for now."

The unpredictable emotional logic from the Vulcan was showing, which had
Kinkaid ever more concern for the health and well-being of his fellow
crewmember and friend. Kinkaid responded to the notion. "Saleke, I don't
know what just happen a moment ago, but I will conduct periodic scans to
make sure you receive immediate attention, if necessary regardless if the
occurrance occurs again."

Saleke raised his eyebrow in acknowledgement, but returned by saying, "I
have not forgotten our appointment after shift change Doctor, I will see you
in sickbay for a full check up."

Kinkaid, too, had not forgotten the appointment for a medical check-up after
shift change for Saleke. Matter of fact, the crew was in need of a medical
scan to make sure the effects from the anti-matter fuel, regardless how
little the exposure, was not in any way causing immediate health concerns.
"Well, I'll see you then." Kinkaid said.

(Reply Saleke, anyone)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)
Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes - Bridge –  Lt Saleke (jg) -1123)

"My dear Vulcan, both plans are feasible. The command codes I have are guaranteed of working. I have constructed an algorithm that will hide itself until activated. Once activated it will enable the activation of a command code I have created. The program would not be located by any scans unless a member of my squad was still alive which as of today am only I. With the death of Wilson, therefore in essence your logic fails you due to the fact you were not aware of all of the information at the point of the idea I profer," Gideon explained.

Saleke heard the tone of amusement and condescension in the man's voice and replied flatly. "And perhaps you yourself have not considered the full scope of the manuevers about to be performed Mr. Gideon. Captain LaBeau is faced with two forces, one of which is his target but the Nimitz stands between him and a Pyhric victory. His most logical course of action will be to split his forces, firing the warhead at the Archimedes while he attempts to keep the Nimitz from destroying the warhead. The warhead is unshielded and after firing it will be open to a transporter beam if we work quickly. Therefore as I said before this course of action makes it the most logical choice."

(Reply: Edward Gideon)

"As for your hopes to save the crew of the Alamo alive Lt. Commander Gideon, logic would infer that they are ill-placed. You are not in command of the Alamo and do not have the current command codes and any StarFleet Captain of intelligence and high value would have already put into place snoop programs or overrides to defeat such a tactic. Do not think Mr. Gideon that because I do not have the knowledge, experience or rank of  someone such as yourself that I am not capable of making  the necessary logical inferences to make command decisions. Captain LaBeau has set himself on course for a suicide attack and there is little we can do to deter him."

Having spoken Saleke looked at the sensors and noticed a buildup in the Alamo's shields beginning.

"And so it begins," He said softly.

(Reply: Edward Gideon, any)
(posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes- Bridge -CMO- Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid- 1124)

Even though his mind was trained in the medical sciences, Kinkaid often used
his rational thinking process to resolve most of his conflicting points of
view with a simple resolution. Lt. Cmdr Gideon looked at Kinkaid with a
comical grin and said, "Dear doctor, not everything is as it appears."

Then Saleke chimed in by saying, "An imminently logical supposition Doctor.
With the sabotage going on with the Alamo he would have no choice but to
change the codes."

Kinkaid nodded in agreement, but added his own observation to the
conversation. "With all that is said being true then the Alamo’s captain
thinks and responds on a two dimensional playing field. It seems that the
Alamo’s current strategy to detonate an anti-matter warheads on an asteroid
is only to draw us ever closer to the real intent of the captain devilicious
scheme to prevent us from leaving with this trawler and it precious cargo."

(Reply Gideon, Saleke, anyone)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)
Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes - Bridge Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon -1125)

It was becoming clear Edward was not putting his idea across properly, in his mind there was one goal. That was to prevent the further loss of life of either crew. The Nimitz was fighting for the survival of their fleet; the Alamo was following their orders and to ensure that the potentially great terrorist weapon did not fall into enemy hands. Both crews were simply trying to do their duty; neither should really have to pay the price with their lives. Edward would have liked to resolve the situation with out violence however the truth was both sides were past that point.   

As the Vulcan spoke Edward knew he was right, despite the unemotional nature of the species he was not being cruel he was just attempting to come up with the solution which held the minimum loss of life and the maximum safety of their fleet. 

"And perhaps you yourself have not considered the full scope of the manoeuvres about to be performed Mr. Gideon. Captain LeBeau is faced with two forces, one of which is his target but the Nimitz stands between him and a Pyhric victory. His most logical course of action will be to split his forces, firing the warhead at the Archimedes while he attempts to keep the Nimitz from destroying the warhead. The warhead is unshielded and after firing it will be open to a transporter beam if we work quickly. Therefore as I said before this course of action makes it the most logical choice."

Edward paused for a moment, and considered if to respond. The situation was growing worse, at some point today Edward was going to have to make his choice he could not stay in the centre. People who sat on the fence as a general rule ended up falling to either side. He could not wait to fall, he was going to have to act and now. 

"The warhead yield of all the Alamo’s warheads would prevent the necessity for them to have to manoeuvre at all. If she launches full complement we wont event feel a thing, neither will the Nimitz nor Alamo. We all loose, therefore we either have to disarm them pre launch or mid launch. Either way we have to stop that launch! I don’t want unnecessary loss of life Mr Saleke, not when we can avoid it."

"As for your hopes to save the crew of the Alamo alive Lt. Commander Gideon, logic would infer that they are ill-placed. You are not in command of the Alamo and do not have the current command codes and any Starfleet Captain of intelligence and high value would have already put into place snoop programs or overrides to defeat such a tactic. Do not think Mr. Gideon that because I do not have the knowledge, experience or rank of someone such as yourself that I am not capable of making the necessary logical inferences to make command decisions. Captain LeBeau has set himself on course for a suicide attack and there is little we can do to deter him."

"Lieutenant, as im aware you are not a telepath and you do not know what im thinking. Death is not grand or something to be easily thrown away. Not when it can be prevented, my desire to protect life is actually better logic than you are seeing. If you kill the Alamo you leave the opening for further Propaganda, the murders of a federation crew and the pirates of antimatter. You fleet is currently in the Beta quadrant surrounded by Romulans, Ferengi, and Klingons and countless other races. How long do you think you will all last if you are portrayed as pirates! Your rank has nothing to do with logic; I have been around for longer and been in Intelligence for longer than you have been alive. We have a lot of abilities that is not public knowledge that would be the point of intelligence. We are here to prevent wars, how many times do you think Intelligence has saved the federation? I do not make idol gestures; I don’t want any more death. We will go with the transporter idea because it will be safer for all, if the FO agrees however we have no cause to destroy the Alamo. No doubt your fleet could do with good crews and ships. Cripple the ship, tell the crew the truth and give them a chance! Surely you see the logic in that?"

(Reply Any) 
(Posted By Richard) 

Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes - Bridge - Lt.Saleke (jg) -1126)

"Lieutenant, as im aware you are not a telepath and you do not know what im thinking. Death is not grand or something to be easily thrown away. Not when it can be prevented, my desire to protect life is actually better logic than you are seeing. If you kill the Alamo you leave the opening for further Propaganda, the murders of a federation crew and the pirates of antimatter. You fleet is currently in the Beta quadrant surrounded by Romulans, Ferengi, and Klingons and countless other races. How long do you think you will all last if you are portrayed as pirates! Your rank has nothing to do with logic; I have been around for longer and been in Intelligence for longer than you have been alive. We have a lot of abilities that is not public knowledge that would be the point of intelligence. We are here to prevent wars, how many times do you think Intelligence has saved the federation? I do not make idle gestures; I don’t want any more death. We will go with the transporter idea because it will be safer for all, if the FO agrees however we have no cause to destroy the Alamo. No doubt your fleet could do with good crews and ships. Cripple the ship, tell the crew the truth and give them a chance! Surely you see the logic in that?"

Saleke nodded at Lt. Commander Gideon, "Indeed Mr. Gideon I did not take that information from your mind but inferred it from your speech and body language. I do however have telepathic abilities but choose not to use them unless it is necessary to do so. Telepathic abilities used by Vulcans at a distance are however very draining. I am as intent on as little loss of life as you are Mr. Gideon despite what you may be inferring from my words, if we can prevent the catastrophic loss of the Alamo and her crew it would be best for all concerned as well as logical. I do however see only a 13.8% chance that such an outcome will be successful, we will try however to do so."

Saleke then turned to the one who's orders would decide the outcome after all. "Commander Troi, what are your orders?"

(Reply: Commander Troi, any)
(Posted by Charles)

Stardate:2406.10.06
(Shipping Trawler Archimedes – Bridge – CMO - Lt. [Dr.] BigWill Kinkaid -
1127)

Kinkaid had an idea in modifying his medical tricorder to read a specific
element in the theta band when the comm indicator light started to flash on
the OPS console. Kinkaid immediately accessed the station. The incoming
call was from the Nimitz. Kinkaid said.

"Commander Troi, there's an incoming call from the Nimitz, priority one and
its visual."

(Reply Kestra Troi)

Kinkaid transfer the transmission to the view screen.

(Reply Anyone)

(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge - Lt. Saleke (jg) - 1132)
 
Saleke watched on sensors as the Alamo made her run.
 
"Commander, the Alamo has begun her attack, shields currently at 178% normal load."
 
(Reply: Commander Troi)
 
The viewscreen showed the barrage the Nimitz threw at the Alamo but to no avail, the Defiant kept shrugging off the fire and continued to force her way through. As the ship swept behind the Nimitz the Vulcan was anticipating the manuver.
 Saleke turned to Lt. Commander Gideon. "Be prepared Mr. Gideon, you will have only seconds to get a lock and beam out the anti-matter."
 
(Reply: Edward Gideon)
 
"Ensign Slytherwald you must wait until the anti-matter is beamed out before you fire or the explosion will destroy all three ships.When you do fire make it a full barrage, we can't let that load of Quantum torpedoes get to the trawler."
 
(Reply: Ensign Slytherwald) 
 
And there it was, just as logic had told him it would be, the warhead began to separate from the Alamo. Saleke waited until the warhead was clear of the ship and said. "Now Mr. Gideon, the warhead is clear of the Alamo's shields."
 
(Reply: Lt. Commander Edward Gideon)
 
Saleke waited as the man struggled to get a lock then initiated the beam out. As he shouted he had it Saleke said. "Fire Mr. Slytherwald."
 
The beams lanced out and scored the vehicle of death but the phasers on the trawler were not as potent as those of a starship and the first volley slowed but did not destroy the vehicle. Saleke had already accounted for this and that was why the timing was so important, the beam out of the anti-matter had cut their margin close but they still had time; barely. Still the warhead was cutting into their safety margin. When it exploded they were going to have an extremely turbulent ride.
 
"And again Mr. Slytherwald," 
 
(Reply: Ensign Slytherwald)
 
(Reply: Lt. Commander Gideon, Ensign Slytherwald, any)
(Posted by Charles)
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge – Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon - 1133)

Edward stood ready at the mission operation consol, it was going to be difficult to target and transport all the torpedoes in the short time before collision. As he focused upon one thing, which was the transporters, he could not help but be attracted to the science consol and see the Alamo’s manoeuvres and attempt to beat the Nimitz. As the Torpedo’s continued on the course towards the Trawler Edward slapped the communications device. 

"Gideon to Engineering, Mister Im going to need for you to increase power to the targeting sensors!"

(Reply O’Neill) 

"Also Chief I need for you to get ready to increase power to the buffers there is going to be a lot of material coming their way and I don’t really want to see them fill up before I can get all the Torpedo’s."

(Reply O’Neill) 

"Good luck Chief!" Edward then returned his focus to the missiles, as his screen blinked with the red dots coming towards the Trawler Edward paused his hands ready to quickly target and retarget. Due to the Asteroids and the mineral deposits he was going to have to do it by hand. 

"Be prepared Mr. Gideon, you will have only seconds to get a lock and beam out the anti-matter."

"Im aware Sir," Edward stated not really looking up from his poised position. In what felt like an eternity Edward watched the Alamo dodge another barrage and continue on its assault vector. 

"Now Mr. Gideon, the warhead is clear of the Alamo's shields."

"Targeting!" Edward stated his hands frantically locking onto the antimatter, as the transporter kept reading transport complete the next was targeted. As the computer registered the antimatter was present in the buffer. Edward turned to the Vulcan and yelled up. 

"Saleke now!"  On that the officer of the Nimitz ordered the barrage to begin, with in seconds the tactical officer had launched the Alamo’s minimal weapons that squatted most of the torpedo’s out of the air.  As the final volley of torpedo’s reached past the point of safety they began to collide with the trawlers shields. The ship rocked and lunged beneath him; Edward gripped the consol in front of him and attempted to steady himself. As all began to fall silent an alert clackson sounded, Edward looked at the reading. Not even looking at the bridge crew he pressed the com link to the chief once more. 

"Chief O’Neill, we are loosing the buffers I need you to figure out a way so they do not materialise or cause any damage. You have a lot of antimatter in there son find something to do with it!"

(Reply O’Neill, any) 
(Posted By Richard Bowes) 
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Main Enigneering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 1134)
 
=/\=Gideon to Engineering, Mister I'm going to need for you to increase power to the targeting sensors!=/\=
 
"I'm on it!" Miles said as he began tapping his console rapidly. In a few seconds, he heard a second message.
 
=/\=Also Chief I need for you to get ready to increase power to the buffers there is going to be a lot of material coming their way and I don’t really want to see them fill up before I can get all the Torpedo’s,=/\=
 
"Don't worry, you'll have all the power I can give you." Miles said as he tapped the console in front of him more rapidly.
 
=/\=Good luck Chief!=/\=
 
"Thanks." In a few seconds, Miles had allocated enough power to the targeting sensors and buffers without having to sacrifice any power from other systems. "Charged up and ready to go." Miles said into his commbadge.
 
After a few minutes, Miles felt the ship rock hard, and checked his console. ~Oh, not again.~ He thought as he tapped his console rapidly and, after an unfruitful few seconds, picked up his bag of tools and ran over to the warp core. As he was opening the maintence hatch, he heard Gideon again on the commbadge.
 
=/\=Chief O’Neill, we are loosing the buffers I need you to figure out a way so they do not materialise or cause any damage. You have a lot of antimatter in there son find something to do with it!=/\=
 
"You don't need to tell me twice, sir!" Miles said as he laid the hatch next to him and picked up his tricoder, hydrospanner, and plasma cutter and began working again.
 
(USS Archimedes - Main Enigneering - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 1140)
 
"I think that should do it!" Miles said as he tapped his commbadge, "O'Neill to Gideon. I've restored the buffers as best I could. They should hold for a while."
 
(Reply Gideon, any)
(Posted by Matt Kirk
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge - Lt. Saleke (jg) - 1135)
 
Saleke anchored himself at the console as the warhead struck the shields of the trawler but the shock of the explosions nearly threw him to the deck, as soon as the ship was once again stable he began both external and internal scans to determine the extent of the damage. There was superficial structural damage to the ship's exterior and most of the internal damage was minor except for the loss of artificial gravity on decks 2 and 4. The most worrisome to the Vulcan however was the overloaded pattern buffers for the transporters. During the attempt to stop the warhead the Vulcan had seen the demise of the Alamo. 

After several minutes had passed Saleke heard Commander Gideon's conversation with Miles O'Neill and turned to listen as he made his report to Commander Troi.

"Ma'am the transporter buffers have been secured thanks to Chief O’Neill the torpedo’s is no further threat."

(Reply Troi) 

Saleke saw the Archimede's former FO turn to look at the viewscreen and noticed that as he quickly began searching it for something and the Vulcan knew what the logical cause of his search was. When He didn't see any signs of the Alamo except for drifting debris Lt. Commander Gideon turned to Saleke with a stricken look on his face.  

"Lieutenant Saleke were there any escape pods?" The man was obviously distraught.

Saleke straightened up as he cupped his hands behind his back, there was no way to soften the words. "No Commander Gideon, their power collapsed suddenly as they turned toward open space not knowing the Nimitz had cut off their escape route. The ship was defenseless as a volley of torpedoes struck it. There was no time for them to leave the ship."

(Reply: Lt. Commander Gideon)

Saleke knew the man was distraught and emotional and so took no offense at his words, he did however explain the situation more fully. "Commander, the torpedoes had already been fired at the Alamo before it's warp drive and shields failed. There was no way of knowing they were firing at a helpless ship. There was no attempt Commander to destroy a defenseless enemy." Saleke watched as he calmed down from his earlier emotional outburst and nodded in understanding. 

(Reply: Lt. Commander Gideon)

"You also did extremely well during the attack Commander, your abitlity and experience were essential to the survival of the Archimedes and you are to be commended for your actions. Thank you."

(Reply: Edward Gideon, any)
(Posted by Charles)
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge – Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon - 1136)

Death the entire crew was dead, the third officers words cut deep. It was not the officers fault Edward understood that much there was no really way to be kind. The ship was lost with all hands onboard. All 50 crewmen and women of the USS Alamo were dead. Sorrow quickly turned to rage; the Crews of the 52nd fleet had just killed his friends and crew. 

"No escape pods at all, the entire crew is gone. You killed them!" The accusation was not truthful he knew that the Nimitz would have tried the best to save the crews. In the end he knew his old captain, he would not have surrendered easily. The rage was unfounded but that amount of death was hard to justify. 

Edward fought to control his emotions as memories of the past Gideon's flooded and overcame his defences. His people had witnessed so much death, Edward hoped for the end to it all. The officer’s voice made him realise once more that it was not their fault. The combat was confused due to the damage on all the ships, it did come down to the simple choice of kill or be killed. 

"I understand Lieutenant, your crews only did their duty. I was a fool to believe that some one like that could have been reasoned with. The propaganda we here now in the fleet portray you all as pirates and traitors. I was a fool to believe it was the truth at one point. I should have realised that with that amount of pressure and belief LeBeau would have never surrendered," Edward stated letting out a little smile. 

"You also did extremely well during the attack Commander, your ability and experience were essential to the survival of the Archimedes and you are to be commended for your actions. Thank you." Edward smiled and nodded.

"Lieutenant, your crew here should be proud Chief O’Neill did a fine job and you managed to control a aggressive Lieutenant Commander. Who does not see past his own beliefs at times? Thank you for not launching me in the brig," Edward smiled and then looked down at the consol. 

"From these readings the Nimitz is heavily damaged. We might want to start limping over to her?"

(Reply Saleke) 

Edward looked down at the panel once more and then pressed the com link. He was about to communicate with the enemy, or what he thought was the enemy he felt a fool to believe he could have been so wrong. 

"Gideon to Nimitz, what is your status?"

(Reply Nimitz) 

(Reply Saleke, Nimitz, any) 
(Posted By Richard) 
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge – Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon - 1142)

=^=O'Neill to Gideon. I've restored the buffers as best I could. They should hold for a while. =^= Edward smiled from the mission operations consol, the engineer had done some fine work and had proberly saved the trawler from a nasty end. 

"Damn good work Chief, you should be damn proud!" Edward stating pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts he then spoke again in the same enthusiastic manner. "If we all make it through this I will make sure Captain Sash hears of your great work."

(Reply O’Neill iyw) 

Gideon then turned to face the bridge crew and smiled for the first time today. 

"Ma'am the transporter buffers have been secured thanks to Chief O’Neill the torpedo's is no further threat."

(Reply Troi) 

Edward then paused to look at the view screen, in all the rush and excitement of stopping the destruction of the trawler he had failed to notice that where the Alamo once was there was now only debris. The wave of emotion began to well up inside of Edward he had not even managed to save any of his people. His crew was now dead, he had indirectly killed them. 

"Lieutenant Saleke is there any escape pods?"

(Reply Saleke) 
Stardate:2406.10.06
(USS Archimedes - Bridge – Lt.Cmdr Edward Gideon - 1143)
 
=/\=Damn good work Chief, you should be damn proud!” Edward stating pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts he then spoke again in the same enthusiastic manner. “If we all make it through this I will make sure Captain Sash hears of your great work,=/\=
 
"Thank you sir, all in a day's work." Miles said. He was back at his console, making sure everything worked right. He heard one of his engineers behind him, "Sir, the plasma tranducer array is acting funny again." "Damnit, that thing won't leave me alone. Let's go fix it...again." Miles said as he picked up his tools. ~I'm getting the feeling that this ship doesn't like me that much.~
 
(Reply any)
(Posted by Matt Kirk)