Exeter Compile 12 Dates: August 15, 2020 to August 21, 2020 Mission: The Flames of Purity, Day 15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 15 Stardate: 2445.09.15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter - Deck 3 personal Quarters – COO Lieutenant jg Ravok - 0455) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1722) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1833) (USS Exeter – Steller cartography – ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 1835) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken - 1840) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors – Sec/Tac officer Ensign Paul Sleeford - 1841) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors - ACMO Ens Kasian Poldan 1842) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken - 1843) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - Cultist Alki Drez - 1845) (USS Exeter - Bridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1846) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - (SPC) SEC./TAC. PO3 Sytuk - 1846) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega- FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and Cultist Alki Drez 18:47) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega-Sec/Tac Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford 18:48) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CFO - Lieutenant (JG) – Ire Williams - 1848) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega- Sec/tac PO3 Sytuk and Npc Cultist Dr. Gria Holb-18:49) (USS Exeter – Bridge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1849) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO - Lieutenant (JG) Ravok-1850) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Beta team - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 18:50 ) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1851) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok - 1852) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1852) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 15 18:53 ) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1853) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 18:55) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1856) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1857) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 18:57) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1858) (USS Exeter –Turbolift – CFO - Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1859) (USS Exeter – Bridge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1901) (USS Rapier – Bridge – Vessel Master – Ofik Daj – 1905) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1906) (Asteroid Base – Lower Corridor – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1907) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1909) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Flames of Purity Day: 15 Stardate: 2445.09.15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter - Deck 3 personal Quarters – COO Lieutenant jg Ravok - 0455) Ravok knew Keira would be up shortly. So he tried to hurry up in the bathroom. Drying off from the shower he wrapped his towel around his waist and grabbed his teeth cleaning device, it was similar in design to a toothbrush used by humans but was more aimed for cleaning the tongue as romulan saliva was highly proactive in protecting the teeth. He swished some mouthwash around and spit it out into the sink. Ravok walked out into the common room of their quarters and dropped his towel and began getting dressed while looking out the window. ~ another day, another day.~ he thought as he pulled his trousers up and grabbed his under shirt, followed by his uniform jacket. He walked into the dinning area of their quarters. He noticed remnants of Taco meat laying on the table. They had Erin, Greta, and Ire over the night before. " I love Erin, but she is such a slob when she eats." He said, but stopped and stood still for a moment. " Oh that's right. That's where I was sitting….I love myself ,but I am such a slob when I eat." He said laughing to himself. He scooped up the Taco meat and disposed of it in the trash bin. Venus came running up to him wagging her tail. Ravok bent down and rubbed her head. " Let's go for a walk. " He said, getting her to follow him. He stopped in front of the entertainment terminal and keyed in a good message for Keira, he had made a habit of doing this every morning since launch. ~ Meeting you was not the first day of the rest of my life, it was actually the best. ~ He thought as he keyed it in and set it to display so she would read it when she woke up. It was a sentiment Greta referred to as ' Cheesy ' but Ravok didn't care. His goal every morning was too make sure Keira knew she was loved and cherished. He turned to the door. " Alright Venus let's go" He said walking out with his furry companion following him. ( reply None needed) ( posted by Rob Davis ) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1722) "Yes it's a community, but it's still my call, life is messy, and things aren't always under our control. You shouldn't let the fact that you aren't there be a reason for you to feel guilt or shame or whatever." As the Captain spoke Jaelle could sense his unease. It was a common feeling for her and one she knew how to identify easily. She nodded in full knowledge that the conversation was not going to go any futher. "Just remembered I am always two minds on everything." It was a veil reminder at her other self. Commonly forgotten by those around her but always there. "Anyways look, we could talk about this all day. Probably best if we focus on the task at hand. Any unusual comm chatter?" "Nothing suspicious which in its self worries me." Jaelle responded looking over the holographic controls before her. She knew the feeling surrounding the Exeter. She had felt it many times in her troubled past. Now however she was the rock the soild unbreakable stone. The old unflinching soldier that was never bothered by incoming fire. (Reply Trip iyw but none needed) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1833) Trip then turned to Foxglove. "I need you to use the E-Warfare package to hack their systems. Do whatever you can lower shields temporarily and to mask the transport arrival of our away teams. Let's get them all the advantages we can." She nodded in acknowledgement as she started her work. Starting with out an active comm link would make things more difficult to establish a data link. She accessed the reports for the scans to see if there was anything with in them. She could use as a work around. She smiled as she saw the bases internal scanners were still active. She waited till the Exeter next scanned the base again. Piggybacking the scan she waited till the wavelengths from the scanners insected those from the internal scans of the base to transfer her hack. It was a precise and delicate work bit she managed a tentative connection with the base. Several more holographic panels appeared before her as she made her way thoigh the bases sub system to gain access to a stable communications link that would allow for a more stable access to the higher command systems. Unfortunately the main computer core was isolated from the main systems net. She would need to get someone there that would allow her access to futher facilitate a database transfer. After a moment she turned to the CO. "I can knock out the shielding but only long enough until they cycle the shields and bring them online. Once the teams teleport I will simulate four more beam in locations to keep any defenders busy and keep them off or teams back so they can gain purchase." (Reply Trip) Once the teams were away she commited to her work. (Reply Trip, any) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Exeter – Steller cartography – ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters - 1835) Ronnie walked into Stellar Cartography and noticed she wasn't alone. "Oh, Ensign Clarke, I didn't know this was where you were stationed when we were at Battle Stations?" (reply Clarke) "Yeah, this is where I'm supposed to go if I'm not on the bridge. Monitor star charts and plan possible escape vectors if we have to bug out, our plan courses for escape pods if worst comes to worst. Stellar Cartography is the best place to plan the courses but update them in real time." (reply Clarke) "So what are you working on? Find anything fun?" (reply Clarke) (reply Clarke) (posted by Will) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken - 1840) Her surroundings swam. One moment in space dissipated into another, two moments of spacetime that interconnected in the briefest moment of blue light. Snapping immediately to full alert, she saw that Sytuk and Sleeford had already moved forward and taken point at the end of the corridor that they had beamed into. Inwardly she smiled, glad that she had such able Officers surrounding her. Her stress eased slightly. Tapping her Commbadge, she opened a channel to the Exter. “Bracken to the Exeter. Commcheck request. Confirm Receiving.” (Reply Exeter) “Comms confirmed Exeter. Good to hear you. Position as transmitted, proceeding toward waypoint 1.” (Reply Exeter) “Understood. Bracken out.” She closed the channel, then spoke to her team. “We’re point five short of the waypoint. Sytuk, Sleeford, Move forward, extreme caution. There’s a junction just ahead take the right, but it’s a big pinch point, be prepared for a trap, especially IED’s. Billy, hang tight in the centre, keep them peeled. Kaz...ditto. All of you, trust your gut feeling, it can and will save your life. Move out.” Slowly but surely they moved through the carved corridors of the enormous asteroid, simple lights hung from the ceiling, the occasional one flickering slightly, a loose connection somewhere, this threw uneven shadows on the walls of the ‘corridor’. Dimly Ailynn considered the thought that not all the workers that cut the tunnel that they now comfortably walked down would have volunteered; and even fewer would have survived. stomaching the thought, Ailynn stepped on, checking their six all the time. She was slightly more comforted as the team was moving, happy to shoulder the responsibility of being the ‘tail end charlie’ she had learned so much from Leola Bracken, her great gran. As an eighty something year old woman she was still a formidable woman, Ailynn would give anything to meet her in her prime. (Reply ALL ALPHA) “Point men...watch the pace...Kaz...does it smell weird?” (Reply Kaz) (Posted by MArk) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors – Sec/Tac officer Ensign Paul Sleeford - 1841) As the beam released him Sleeford moved forward a few paces and scanned the area, seeing nothing but rocks ahead he nodded to Sytuk and slowly patrolled forward, pointing to the left side, then at Sytuk, Sleeford pointed to himself and pointed to the right hand side. Half listening as the FO called back to the ship, walking forward slowly placing his heel first and sweeping the ground with his toes to feel for loose stones or anything that would give away his position. Pausing five meters from the rest of the team, Sleeford stared down the sights of his rifle, with it’s under slung launcher, loaded with the anti-explosion darts, hoping that they’d work. Hearing the FO, Sleeford turned his head slightly to listen. She closed the channel, then spoke to her team. “We’re point five short of the way-point. Sytuk, Sleeford, Move forward, extreme caution. There’s a junction just ahead take the right, but it’s a big pinch point, be prepared for a trap, especially IED’s. Billy, hang tight in the centre, keep them peeled. Kaz...ditto. All of you, trust your gut feeling, it can and will save your life. Move out.” As they moved off again through the dimly light corridors, under flickering lights, Sleeford, dropped to one knee and waited until Sytuk had passed him, doing the same, rising Sleeford walked forward slowly, passing the large Reman, nodding as he passed and repeated the maneuver. Reaching the corner, Sleeford watched as Styuk slowly rounded the bend, following he hugged the right hand wall, expecting any second the bolts of phased energy, heading his way at the speed of light, knowing that any incoming fire would be lethal and not set to stun. Pausing while the rest of the team caught up Sleeford looked ahead, into a lighter area, not knowing if it was another junction or their intended target, he watched as flickering shadows moved in the light, holding up his hand he stopped Sytuk’s next bounding movement, which would take him too close to the area, dropping to his stomach, Sleeford slipping his rifle round to his back. Crawling slowly forward, Sleeford used a largish rock to mask his forward movement, swallowing slightly he peered round the rock into a well lit cavern, where he watched six armed Bajorians, pushing several others around, counting eight ‘slaves’ Sleeford saw the iron collars around the necks and the manacles around the ankles, shaking his head he slowly crawled back to where the FO waited. Moving in close to her ear, Sleeford whispered. "There's six members of the cult in a large cavern with what looks like eight slaves, captives, I'm not sure. Their manacled and chained. Not sure if their being used as labour or as bi-weapons. Orders? " (Bracken) (reply Bracken) (Posted by Alistair) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors - ACMO Ens Kasian Poldan 1842) Kaz had only been half paying attention to his teammates his eyes scanning the room. Looking for the source of the awful smell. He was almost ready to add it to the awful day he was having and deciding it was his imagination till he heard his name. “Point men...watch the pace...Kaz...does it smell weird?” Kaz turned to look at the first officer, his eye wide in shock that it wasn’t just him and that he wasn’t imagining things. He knew by the look they exchanged not to say anything till they knew more. He held Bracken's gaze for a moment; it was a look that two surgeons would give each other while not to alarm the patients. Turning his attention back to the mission. (Reply any) (Posted by Richard) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken - 1843) Ailynn traded a meaningful glance with Kaz, an entire conversation occuring in that single lock of eyes. Neither of them needed to say any more. “Kaz. Tell me you have Nasal gel, pass it around.” It was a long shot, but she knew Kasian, she knew that there were those medical Officers, that would slip non-standard items into the standard medkit. Nasal gel was one such item, small, highly portable, almost waxy substance in a small tube, that contained a very strong pleasant smell, usually menthol-based, to cover up the smell of putrifaction. (Reply Kaz, ALL Alpha) Leaning in close to her ear, having returned to her position. Sleeford whispered, she listened intently, her eyes fixed, eagle-like toward the end of the corridor. "There's six members of the cult in a large cavern with what looks like eight slaves, captives, I'm not sure. Their manacled and chained. Not sure if their being used as labour or as bi-weapons. Orders? " Ailynn paused for a second, a multitude of thoughts swam through her mind. A few seconds later, she spoke “The gel that you’re being passed I strongly advise you to use. The smell your brain hasn’t yet figured out, but can detect at a level of parts per billion, tells me that the next room is not going to be pretty roses. 1,5-pentanediamine” She swallowed against the possibilities. “Cadaverine. The smell of death.” Continuing, she allowed herself to think like the cultists, she replied to Sleeford, but spoke to all of them “They won’t do that, or more correctly if they do, it won’t be the fast acting variation. They’d come up with something slower acting like back on the Exe. No. Tackle the Cultists, and then Kaz, you’re up scan and innoculate slaves.Billy, if you’re able, assist him, but you’re an analyst, not a field agent, no offense meant, take it easy, I need your brain later.” (Reply Kaz, any) Ailynn squinted for a moment, remembering the plans of the base, she’d always had a natural flair for pictorial memory, it was one of the reasons that she’d been such a great surgeon. “Okay, so listen up. Plans.” She whispered. “Offset large square room, wider on the right, no power conduits that I recall, fire suppression far right hand corner, watch that, it’ll trip the alarm. Sytuk, Sleeford, move in, active comms, count them off, pattern Epsilon-beta.” “Questions? No? Move out, tactical chatter only now on in.” (Reply Sytuk, Sleeford, any Alpha IYW) (Posted by Mark) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - Cultist Alki Drez - 1845) Drez stepped away from the holding room. Every step took him away from the stench. But he was still, himself, devoted. These in their cells, they had to a person pled or been judged guilty he decided. But he, himself, was devoted. The prophets fire that had devoured some of them, would anon devour them all, and he was, himself, still devoted. Sick of the smell, and the torture, he slunk away and hid, along the corridor, undetected by anyone, eager for the confusion to end. Maybe promotion to senior? He was., despite his hiding from all; devoted. (Reply none) (Posted by Mark (NPC)) (USS Exeter - Bridge - aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1846) "Mr. Ravok, please confirm, are both away teams on the Asteroid." Trip said. " Both teams are on the asteroid, Raising shields Sir" Ravok responded. ~ Company should be coming any minute now~ He thought as he prepared to have all weapons systems brought online. Everything was at the ready. Trip just needed to say the word and Ravok would be ready to unleash hell. His hand started shaking above the tactical interface. ~ Of all the times to be nervous this isn't the time...but I'm not nervous, atleast I don't feel nervous~ Ravok thought ,bringing his hand to his face and clinched it tight into a fist. After a few moments the shaking stopped. ~ Stress, its stress~ He thought shrugging it off as a passing feeling, perhaps he was nervous but became so good at suppressing it during his time in the fighter wing that it didn't affect him too much. =/\=If I’m not mistaken it looks like a protomatter signature=/\= Keira's voice rang in across the comm system, snapping his mind back to the current situation. ~ Protomatter?~ He thought, glancing at the back of Trips head. Listening to the rest of the conversations and orders across the bridge. Ravok went back to focusing on the prospect that soon they'd be going against two sabers. He thought about how the one they previously encountered charged straight at them. He paused for a brief second. ~ They charged at us…~ Ravok looked at his terminal. He saw no signs of any threats yet. He rushed over to Ire at the helm, kneeling down. Next to him. " Real quick" Ravok said to Ire. " Remember the Gambit simulation we ran just a week after Trip's wedding?" ( reply Ire) " Yeah that's one. Remember how we flew the peregrines against the valkyries? " Ravok questioned with his eyes looking like a kid on Christmas. ( reply Ire ) " We flew the peregrines as if we were flying the valkyries against the valkyries. The sabers are built to charge at an enemy vessel. What if you flew the Exeter like you were flying a saber ? " ( reply Ire) " There's no one on this ship let alone anyone in their right mind crazy enough or talented enough to do it. " Ravok said. Knowing right and well if anyone could fly the Exeter like a bat out of hell it was his friend. ( reply Ire) ( reply Ire , any on bridge) ( posted by Davis) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega - (SPC) SEC./TAC. PO3 Sytuk - 1846) Coming to a complete stop after rounding the turn Sytuk crouched down as Sleeford went low. "There's six members of the cult in a large cavern with what looks like eight slaves, captives, I'm not sure. Their manacled and chained. Not sure if their being used as labour or as bi-weapons. Orders?" As Bracken gave her orders to Sleeford , Sytuk was already aiming his rifle ready to take fire. Just waiting for the word. “Okay, so listen up. Plans. Offset large square room, wider on the right, no power conduits that I recall, fire suppression far right hand corner, watch that, it’ll trip the alarm. Sytuk, Sleeford, move in, active comms, count them off, pattern Epsilon-beta.” As soon as the first officer stopped talking. ~Finally~ " Aye Sir" Sytuk said as he fired the first shot. Without hesitation. Silent and precise the dart hit the cultist in the back of the group, sending them to the ground " One". By the time the one in front of him turned to look Sytuk dropped them as well. " Two" counting them off. ( reply Sleeford) ( reply Sleeford, reply alpha) (Posted by Rob Davis- ( Spc )- Sytuk) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega- FO Lt(sg) Ailynn Bracken and Cultist Alki Drez 18:47) "Lieutenant, can we have a medic in here quickly" Ailynn said nothing, but nodded to Ensign Poldan ordering him forward. She’d heard the count to five, but in the knowledge that there was a cultist unaccounted for forward, and none behind, pushed up herself. (Reply Poldan) Drez drew a quiet breath, unobserved in the small corridor that she’d stepped into. The time that the Patrearch had spoken of, was nigh. Judgement was upon all of them. However it seemed that the leadership had forgotten that there were actually two cults that were present in the base, and their ends weren’t precisely alligned. Alki Drez was utterly and unswervingly devoted to the second, the Cult Of the Pah Wraiths. Twenty-six years ago they had been on the brink of it all, utter domination of Bajoran politics, but the Heretic Ronal Ashalan had spoken up in support of the Federation and it’s policy of discriminatory inclusion. The Cardassian Empire shouldn’t have been allowed into the Federation, not after it’s actions over Bajor, but Ashalan’s words of meekness, harmony, peace, love, acceptance, and forgiveness had been a fire in the summer grass, a torchlight in the dark...the proverbial blowtorch to a snowflake. Suddenly, somebody perhaps higher up than he, perhaps lower down trying to make a name for himself, had assassinated him, on the brink of him making what in galactical terms be known as ‘the most important speech that never was’/ He’d been killed. Killed? No. Martyred Deified almost. The cult of the Pah Wraiths dwindled slowly, hunted, Judged as Treasoners. Rumours however, persisted amongst their core members, rumours of a marriage. Rumours of a child, a lot of evidence that pointed only in one direction. Drez stepped out slightly, he could see that the Fleet team had taken control of the team, he could see the Leader of the team, her manner overproud, and arrogant. It was clear for her manner that she care little about those under her, the way that she ordered, through threat of punishment no doubt, into a position that she wasn’t willing to do herself. A thought that was backed up as one of her party a medic it seemed was ordered wordlessly into the fray, clearly this idiot in charge had no feeling for medical staff. A thought crossed his mind. Brought upon by the set about her manner, a look in the eyes, a look that… He had to kill her. Nothing else would do to quash the anger deepset in him, he pulled a thin bladed Bajoran knife, engraved with messages of the Cults design, message of clarification of the messages of the so called prophets. He stepped out of his recess, knife in hand, within a metre he knew he had her, one strike, and she was dead… ...but this one was different. Her eyes snapped round, and in that millisecond, he fell into the cold, dark pools, knowing he was lost. He felt Bracken’s left arm swing round around his right, twisted as she did. ~ immensely strong for a mere female~ he thought as she immediately nullified the threat of the knife. He could feel the tension that she pulled on his right shoulder, a half unit of pressure more and he’d never use this arm properly again. Ailynn saw the knife out of her eye, and reacted instantly. Every hour, every drip of tear, toil and sweat that she had dropped in the dojo back in the Academy came to it’s fore. Ignoring the phaser that she carried, she wrapped her left arm around her assailants right, tensing and pulling as she did; her surgical knowledge giving her feedback about the tension in both the elbow and entire shoulder. Stepping forward she twisted and felt his shoulder tear, her training however followed up, and she felt her right hand snap round in a textbook move that saw her grab his hair and faceplant him into the desk at her right. Drez’s life entered a world of pain, and regret. Dropping Drez where she stood. She turned to Sytuk and Sleeford. “Six.” She inhaled, exhaling slowly. “Secure the area, tag cultists for removal when shields are down. Tag the captives for immediate removal to shuttlebay one when possible. Medic, see to what you can. Painkillers for this.” she motioned to the heap at her feet. (Reply Poldan) “No rush exactly on my last though...when you think of it after dealing with the others. All of you. ten minutes secure and rest then we move out.” (Reply ALL Alpha) (posted by Mark) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega-Sec/Tac Officer Ensign Paul Sleeford 18:48) Taking the offered gel, Sleeford slid into his pouch, the smell reminded him of the farm around harvest when a large Pig or heifer was slaughtered for winter meat,swallowing as the FO gave her orders Sleeford moved forward, closer to the larger room. “Okay, so listen up. Plans.” She whispered. “Offset large square room, wider on the right, no power conduits that I recall, fire suppression far right hand corner, watch that, it’ll trip the alarm. Sytuk, Sleeford, move in, active comms, count them off, pattern Epsilon-beta.” “Questions? No? Move out, tactical chatter only now on in.” Moving forward Sleeford, shouldered his rifle and joined Sytuk, nodding as he made his way to the large rock he'd used earlier, kneeling down he placed his left elbow on his left knee and wrapped the strap around his left wrist, pulling the rifle tight into his shoulder he sighted down the rifle and gently squeezed the trigger of the dart gun, smiling as Sytuk,counted his second target. "Three" Firing his second shot Sleeford scanned the area in front of him, something was not right, there had been six cultist in there, between Sytuk and himself they'd shot five, the sixth was missing, rising slowly he indicated to Sytuk to move forward. Creeping forward Sleeford kept a look out for the last remaining Cultist, who could be anywhere. Stepping into the cavern Sleeford stopped and swallowed hard, "Dear god" Looking round it looked like a scene from a badly run abattoir, there was body parts everywhere and a sea of blood lay on the floor. Walking slowly forward to where the manacled captives huddles, crying in the corner, dropping to a squat, Sleeford attempted to smile. "I'm Ensign Sleeford of the USS Exeter, We'll soon have you out of those" Looking over his shoulder he called out. "Lieutenant, can we have a medic in here quickly" (Bracken) Looking round Sleeford did a very fast assessment, there was still one missing, one who could raise the alarm. Turning he looked at the large Reman. "Sytuk, there's one missing, see if you can find them and dart them and send them on their way to the Exeter" (Sytuk) As Sytuk moved off, Sleeford moved to the other side of the room, looking for a bolt hole that someone could hide it, walking slowly down a narrow corridor his rifle up before him,his finger on the trigger ready to fire, rounding the bend Sleeford thought he heard something move against the rocks ahead. Freezing he waited for the sound to come again. Moving slowly he reached and turned on the light attached to the top of his rifle. Slowly sweeping the corridor ahead Sleeford thought he saw something in the distance. Waiting and watching he peered into the small pool of light, seeing nothing Sleeford moved back to the cavern. (Replies Bracken, Sytuk IFW) (Posted by Alistair) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CFO - Lieutenant (JG) – Ire Williams - 1848) Ire pulled his eye from the plotted course towards the icon of where the Beta away team had transported for the millionth time. He had already set in new course vectors in case of a rapid extraction as well as a few others and now he was just waiting for Trips next command. ~She will be okay you’ll see. She’s tough and capable for looking after herself~ " Real quick" Ire turned as Ravok’s voice pulled him out of his half thoughts. "Remember the Gambit simulation we ran just a week after Trip's wedding?" Ire paused for a second dragging up the memory “The one with the party the night before?” " Yeah that's one. Remember how we flew the peregrines against the valkyries?" Ire’s brain was back on track and he nodded at the memory. “Yes we did not have many options in that one.” " We flew the peregrines as if we were flying the valkyries against the valkyries. The sabers are built to charge at an enemy vessel. What if you flew the Exeter like you were flying a saber ? " “She’s bigger and has more mass then a Saber and with her mass in motion……… our turn rate would be slower and they can accelerate faster but we have the edge on endurance and stamina.” “There's no one on this ship let alone anyone in their right mind crazy enough or talented enough to do it. " Ire grinned back at his friend and nodded. “I can do it but it will stress the gravity system and the impulse engines but apart from that it do able.” He paused for a moment. “As long as the Captain okay’s it.” (Reply Ravok) (Reply Ravok , any on bridge) (Posted by Robbie) (Asteroid Base - Upper Corridors, Holding area Omega- Sec/tac PO3 Sytuk and Npc Cultist Dr. Gria Holb-18:49) "Six.” Exclaimed the seemingly out of breath doctor. Sytuk looked at her with his rifle pointed in her direction and tilted his head. “Secure the area, tag cultists for removal when shields are down. Tag the captives for immediate removal to shuttlebay one when possible. Medic, see to what you can. Painkillers for this.” Bracken said to the doctor. As the doctor and bracken were talking a woman walked into the room without an upward glance, she was too into what was her on PADD " Cryn, please tell me you have them ready. " she said. When she glanced up and saw them she gasped. Sytuk took aim and as soon as he did she dropped her PADD and put her hands in the air. " Ple..please don't kill me" she begged. ( reply alpha team) Sytuk stepped toward the woman. Phaser ready to take her down. The woman seemed harmless but she could still be a threat. " Orders Sir?" Sytuk asked Bracken. ( reply Bracken) " Please let me go. I...I won't say anything, they have my son. " The woman said with tears filling up in her eyes. ( reply any alpha) The woman began shaking. " Not all of us believe as they believe. They think we do but we don't, but just to be sure they take family members of personnel deemed highly essential and hold them so they can assure our loyalty. " she exclaimed. She truly hoped they'd be willing to help. ( reply Bracken) ( reply Alpha team reply Bracken) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter – Bridge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1849) "Alright, Ensign M'Rurrh, began a scan of the base for any internally shielded areas, Lt. Cortez, begin scanning for protomatter, Lt. Foxglove, do what you can to boost both their scans." "Yes, Sir." Erin replied succinctly. Turning back to her console, she began to run scans. Her mind flitted back to the shuttle and not being able to do anything about the ferengi ship. Sighing, she refocused herself and began to look at the results coming in. "Lieutenant Foxglove?" Erin called. (Reply Foxglove) "I think I am getting a small read on the protomatter. I can't be sure but I think I have it. As for transporting it, not a chance at the moment. Not only are the signals weak, the plasma storms are playing havoc with any attempts to get a transporter lock. Is there anyway that the beta team can adapt the tags they have in their weapons to help us?" (Reply Foxglove) (Reply Foxglove, any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO - Lieutenant (JG) Ravok-1849) "I can do it but it will stress the gravity system and the impulse engines but apart from that its doable.” Ravok nodded. “As long as the Captain okay’s it.” Ravok turned his head towards Trip. " Captain. " Ravok said, standing to his feet. " Can we have a word with you Sir?" Ravok asked signaling Trip to come over to them with a gentle nod of his head. ( reply Trip) Ravok crossed his arms standing next to the seated Ire. He looked at Trip and simply said. " Gambit." Knowing Trip would know what he meant right away. ( reply Trip) " Since we know there are two sabers out here , we chase down one, opening fire on its aft shields with all the bells and whistles and we use the impressive firing arc of our phaser arrays to hammer away at the other one. " Ravok responded. ( reply Trip.) " It's just a suggestion of course Sir, we go in aggressively. Hit hard , hit fast because being conservative isn't going to work against two sabers Sir." Ravok said looking at him. Not only as his captain but as his friend. ~ If we fail, we fail them. We fail them and they die~ He thought, thinking about the away teams. Loved ones and friends were among the away party. At this point the completion of the mission was just an added bonus. Ravok knew Ire would fly the hell out of the Exeter if it meant he could see Greta again. Each of them had a reason and person to fight for and Ravok knew having that meant they had everything. ( reply Trip) ( reply Trip, reply any on the bridge if you want) ( posted by Rob Davis) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Beta team - Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 18:50 ) As they became solid again. The first thing that hit Stan. Was the difference in atmosphere here stale and metallic. Obviously whoever was keeping an eye on the running of this base. Was trying to be prudent with resources .The dimmer lighting gave an eerie to everything around them. Merek called for a status report. Stan was at the head of the diamond formation. Making sure there was no one ahead to go running off screaming for help. He pulled out his specially adapted tricorder. More scanned the area in front. He glanced at the readings and gave a frown. Something was very wrong here. The device was picking up. No that could not be correct.?If it was surely the Exeter’s scanners would of found it. Stan double checked the readings again. “ My device just picked up a weak signal of something. That really really should not be here. Are you guys getting the same reading?” Stan asked trying to keep his Scottish accent under control. While Merek called the ship. Stan ran his eyes over the crates around them. More could speak Klingon which meant he was able to read. What was written on the crates baring the Klingon symbols. ~ Ok. I have seen these symbols before. That’s a house no a ship insignia IKS Talon fang. Destination IKS Talon fang. Some angry HoD somewhere must be waiting for this. ~ Stan thought “ I can read and understand Klingon. From what I can make out. These crates have been either stolen by our friends or whoever supplied them. They contain Disruptor cannon parts.” Stan quietly explained (Reply Beta Team ) “ Yes. Because these symbols are ship insignias. The perfect crime if you think of it. No Klingon dock-master is going to admit. They have lost any internal cargo.” Stan said. But it did not explain how the crates ended up here. Once Merek had finished speaking with the Exeter. Stan told her of his findings. ( Reply Merek ) “ Unfortunately. These parts were destined for heavy class bird of prays. Still in service. Once we are back on board. It may be prudent to send a message to Kronos. Someone is not doing their job properly. “ Stan told her. ( Reply , Merek & Beta Team ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1851) " Captain. " Ravok said, standing to his feet. " Can we have a word with you Sir?" Ravok asked signaling Trip to come over to them with a gentle nod of his head. Trip stood up and walked over to the helm station where Ravok and Ire were talking. " Gambit." "Go, on." Trip said intrigued. " Since we know there are two sabers out here , we chase down one, opening fire on its aft shields with all the bells and whistles and we use the impressive firing arc of our phaser arrays to hammer away at the other one. " Ravok responded. "I see." " It's just a suggestion of course Sir, we go in aggressively. Hit hard , hit fast because being conservative isn't going to work against two sabers Sir." "True, but if we chase down one of them, that leaves the other one free to swoop in and put our away teams at risk. Chasing one of them would mean them potentially leading us away from our away team. Too risky. While I agree that a conservative approach isn't going to work, a too risky approach could leave our team exposed, and we don't want them exposed. Wouldn't they be willing to let one lead us on a chase, while the other one simply ignores us and goes after our away team. They have the numbers game, sure we could probably take care of the Saber we're chasing quickly, but that might give the other one enough time to get their crew onto the base and make life miserable for our teams. " (reply Ravok) "While it would be good to get behind the other saber, the Exeter has to remain as close to the Base as possible. However there is another way. Our Red River class runnabouts are equipped for short term combat and have many of our phaser bells and whistles. The Exeter could provide enough cover while the Runnabout acts as bait, maneuvering in such a way that would cause the Sabers to expose their aft shield without the Exeter giving up its position around the Asteroid base. However, the person flying the damn thing would have to be one hell of a pilot. Thoughts?" (reply Ravok, Ire) (reply Ravok, Ire) (posted by Will) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok - 1852) "True, but if we chase down one of them, that leaves the other one free to swoop in and put our away teams at risk. Chasing one of them would mean them potentially leading us away from our away team. Too risky. While I agree that a conservative approach isn't going to work, a too risky approach could leave our team exposed, and we don't want them exposed. Wouldn't they be willing to let one lead us on a chase, while the other one simply ignores us and goes after our away team. They have the numbers game, sure we could probably take care of the Saber we're chasing quickly, but that might give the other one enough time to get their crew onto the base and make life miserable for our teams. " Trip explained. Ravok knew the time was ticking. He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger and took a deep breath. " You're right. " feeling ashamed for not having the solution already thought up. Ravok looked down and placed his hands on his waist, nodding his head. " So what do you suggest Sir ?" Ravok asked Trip. "While it would be good to get behind the other saber, the Exeter has to remain as close to the Base as possible. However there is another way. Our Red River class runabouts are equipped for short term combat and have many of our phaser bells and whistles. The Exeter could provide enough cover while the Runabout acts as bait, maneuvering in such a way that would cause the Sabers to expose their aft shield without the Exeter giving up its position around the Asteroid base. However, the person flying the damn thing would have to be one hell of a pilot. Thoughts?" Ravok rubbed the back of his head. " That sounds good to me Sir "He said, turning to his right and looking down at Ire. ( reply Ire.) " Well Let's make it happen Lieutenant Williams." Ravok said, walking back to tactical. " I will tie into the runabouts tactical systems and assist remotely in anyway I can, also we can make use of the tetryon plasma engine on the runabout and vent Tetryon plasma directly behind the runabout, anything that passes through the tetryon cloud could suffer damage to its engines." Ravok concluded as he keyed in the tactical interface to the runabout. ( reply Trip if you want , definitely reply Ire) ( reply Trip, Ire any on bridge) ( posted by Rob Davis) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1852) Ensign Moore was speaking to the others while Keira was on with the Exeter. He said something about knowing Klingon, and checking the boxes. Keira knew a smattering of important phrases. Her diction was not perfect but more than understandable. “nuq DalaD DaneH? jIHvaD botlhDaq potlh'a'?” {Klingon: “What did you find? Anything important?”} “ Unfortunately. These parts were destined for heavy class bird of prays. Still in service. Once we are back on board. It may be prudent to send a message to Kronos. Someone is not doing their job properly. “ Stan told her. “So disruptor cannons for a K’Vort Bird of Prey?” ~The things you learn when your boyfriend is a nerd that studies ship classes and registries.~ “I agree. We will just have to recover them once our primary objectives are achieved. I’m sure the Captain would enjoy a Klingon dock master owing us a favor or two.” Keira said with a grin. The team assembled and ready to go, she had reported in their arrival, now it was time to get moving. She scanned the door with her tricorder, it revealed that their old maps were correct. Beta team was indeed in the secondary storage bay. The door lead to an “L” shaped corridor, one leg went to the command center and the computer core, the other went towards the power generators. ~Which heads toward the proto-matter signature as well, we might end up investigating it before we even get to the power core.~ “Looks like our maps from the Marquis are correct we have a corridor right outside this door. Readings say we should hang a right just outside this room. Which should lead us toward the fusion generators. The corridors aren’t nearly wide enough for diamond slot, so it’s file. Security in the front and the rear.” Keira ordered. (Reply Beta Team) Once the team was lined up, order of march, More, Merek, Kryos, Vozi, Smith, Keira nodded. “Ensign More, when you’re ready.” (Reply More) What followed was a smooth transition from the cargo bay out into the corridor. As More went right Keira covered the left until the next in line was able to cover then she went back to following the lead element, and so on down the line until Greta was able to cover their six-o-clock. A short bit of uneventful movement there came a door on the left side. (Reply More) Keira gave the halt signal. “It’s on the map.” Keira said in low tones. “It’s labelled as storage, but It’s power draw is a little more than that. Atmosphere is the same, so not a refrigeration unit.” (Reply Beta) “Could be. Shows five life signs though. We have to transport them to the brig. Can’t have them coming up behind us or alerting others. Suggestions?” (Reply Beta) (Posted by Todd) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Sec/Tac Ens. Stan More - 18:53 ) Stevens discovery had him worried. They could be making weapons. If they used the proto matter to power something the size of a Klingon bird of prey disruptor cannon. Either for their own ends or selling it. Then the beta team had to stop them. Before someone used it and killed a lot of people. “Looks like our maps from the Marquis are correct we have a corridor right outside this door. Readings say we should hang a right just outside this room. Which should lead us toward the fusion generators. The corridors aren’t nearly wide enough for diamond slot, so it’s file. Security in the front and the rear.” Keira ordered. “ Can I stay at the front? My science knowledge may come in handy.” More asked (Reply Beta Team) Steven took the front. He checked the map one more time. Keira nodded. “Ensign More, when you’re ready.” “ No time like the present ma’am.” Steven said nodding They moved off slowly but steady walking along from the cargo bay into a corridor. More noticed scratches in the floor. As if something heavy had been dragged along. As they moved Steven traced the floor scratches to a door on the left. “ Whatever was dragged along went into here.” He whispered Keira gave the halt signal. “It’s on the map.” Keira said in low tones. “It’s labelled as storage, but It’s power draw is a little more than that. Atmosphere is the same, so not a refrigeration unit.” “ Could be a weapon building workshop?” More said (Reply Beta) “Could be. Shows five life signs though. We have to transport them to the brig. Can’t have them coming up behind us or alerting others. Suggestions?” Steven considered the problem at hand. Going in shooting blindly was not an option. True they may get the five people behind the door. But the noise may alert the others. Then again someone in the room could be talking. On a comm. channel to another part of the base. Their sudden disappearance could also alert the others. If it was a weapon manufacturing room and someone mid assemble was hit. That could cause an explosion and alert the others. Stealth was the key. “ The lighting is not great. We could just walk in there. It will be minutes before they realise we are not part of their group. Zap them to the Exeter before they realise.” He suggested. ( Reply , Keira & Beta Team ) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1853) Ravok rubbed the back of his head. " That sounds good to me Sir "He said, turning to his right and looking down at Ire. ( reply Ire.) " Well Let's make it happen Lieutenant Williams." Ravok said, walking back to tactical. " I will tie into the runabouts tactical systems and assist remotely in anyway I can, also we can make use of the tetryon plasma engine on the runabout and vent Tetryon plasma directly behind the runabout, anything that passes through the tetryon cloud could suffer damage to its engines." Ravok concluded as he keyed in the tactical interface to the runabout. "Well we need your focus here on tactical just in case. But send your plans to the Runnabout so Ire can operate it on the fly." (reply Ravok) Trip then pressed his commbadge. "Ensign Winters to the bridge." =/\=Aye sir=/\= Trip then looked at Ire. "Mr. Williams go prep your Runnabout. Take the Muskogee, she'll do you well. Go ahead and take Ensign Page with you to run ops and help keep your ass alive." (Reply Ire) "Ire, man to man, you were the best pilot in the Wing. Sure, I had the better brains, and Ravok was the better tactically, but you, you were hands down, pound for pound, the best pilot we had, have. If any one can do this and not die. It's you." (reply Ire) "Contact Page and prep, I want you out there in 10 minutes, in case any nasty surprises show up." (reply Ire) Returning to his chair. Trip looked at Ravok. "Send anything that Ire will need to know tactically when he's in there. He's a good pilot, but you see the battlefield better. Give him a cheat sheet." (reply Ravok) (reply Ravok, Ire) (posted by Will) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – SPC Ensign Greta Smith - 18:55) After having listened to everything that was going in, the Klingon weaponry that had been discovered worried her more than anything. The fact that there were now slaves in the chamber next to them, this hit her hard. The knowledge that there were people shackled and being held made her shiver to her core. But, Greta remained stoic. Refusing to let her feelings show on her face, she took a deep breath and spoke, "Sir, would it be prudent to send someone in, an advance scout per se?" (Reply Merek) "Just to get the lay of the land. One can hide better than all of us and that one stands a better chance of not being seen." (Reply Merek) (Reply Merek, any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Exeter - Bridge - CIO/3O Lieutenant JG Jaelle Foxglove -1856) ~ Great protomatter, how in the hell did they get there hands on that.~ "Alright, Ensign M'Rurrh, began a scan of the base for any internally shielded areas, Lt. Cortez, begin scanning for protomatter, Lt. Foxglove, do what you can to boost both their scans." Trip ordered. "Yes, Sir." Jaelle called almost in unison with Erin. She never took her eyes off the holographic displays before her. "Ensign Cortes I'm gonna patch your scans into the internal base scanners let's see if that helps." "Lieutenant Foxglove?" Erin called. "Go ahead," she called over to the Ensign. "I think I am getting a small read on the protomatter. I can't be sure but I think I have it. As for transporting it, not a chance at the moment. Not only are the signals weak, the plasma storms are playing havoc with any attempts to get a transporter lock. Is there anyway that the beta team can adapt the tags they have in their weapons to help us?" Jaelle knew trying to teleport the protomatter was suicide. It was unstable enough teleporters in that environment would ignite the protomatter and all would be gone. "Sir I would highly advise against any attempt to teleport the protomatter. Its to likely to combust and take us all out." "No" she spoke aloud while looking over the internal scan data. "Sir, beta team is walking into an ambush they have a team of five before them with another team of four about to come around the rear its a classic pincher movement, and Alpha team as hostilities in wait at the core they will not give that up with out a fight." (Reply Trip) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CFO – Lieutenant – Ire Williams - 1856) "That sounds good to me Sir " “I can do it Captain.” " Well Let's make it happen Lieutenant Williams." Ire smiled to himself. " I will tie into the runabouts tactical systems and assist remotely in anyway I can, also we can make use of the tetryon plasma engine on the runabout and vent Tetryon plasma directly behind the runabout, anything that passes through the tetryon cloud could suffer damage to its engines." Ire nodded as he looked over his console to make sure that nothing had happened while they were talking. ~Okay so who should do what. Ronnie is senior to Isra and they are both totally capable at flying the Exeter but Isra has her work with the shuttle bays. I’ll get Ronnie up here~ He was about to tap his comm badge when he heard Trips voice. Trip then pressed his commbadge. "Ensign Winters to the bridge." ~Okay~ =/\=Aye sir=/\= "Mr. Williams go prep your Runnabout. Take the Muskogee, she'll do you well. Go ahead and take Ensign Page with you to run ops and help keep your ass alive." “Yes Captain.” "Ire, man to man, you were the best pilot in the Wing. Sure, I had the better brains, and Ravok was the better tactically, but you, you were hands down, pound for pound, the best pilot we had, have. If any one can do this and not die. It's you." “Thank you Trip.” "Contact Page and prep, I want you out there in 10 minutes, in case any nasty surprises show up." “On my way Captain.” He saw Ronnie enter the bridge and gave her a nod and a smile as she slid into the seat he had vacated. He headed towards the turbolift. “Ensign Page this is Lieutenant Williams would you please meet me in shuttle bay two and bring a flight suit.” (Reply Page) He stepped into he turbolift and felt as it dropped through the ship. “Lieutenant Williams to Ensign Tiar I am going to take on of the Runabouts out for a spin. Would you be able to have it brought up to readiness please.” (Reply Tiar IYW) He stood in the silent humming turbolift. ~I am doing it again. Its not like I can tell her. Stay safe my love. I will see you when we get back~ He closed his eyes took a deep breath and prepared himself for the flight ahead. (reply Page, Tiar, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Asteroid Base – Outer Storage Bay – Tac/Sec Ens. Stan More - 18:57 ) Something was bothering Stan. If the Exeter’s shields were up. Then any tagged Bajorans would be going no where. Until they were down again. This gave a higher probability of being caught. He heard Greta talking to Merek. "Sir, would it be prudent to send someone in, an advance scout per se?" (Reply Merek) "Just to get the lay of the land. One can hide better than all of us and that one stands a better chance of not being seen." (Reply Merek) The plan had its merits. Especially as they were not 100% certain if. Whoever was inside the room would be there by choice. Stan did not want to hurt anyone. Who was some poor innocent being forced to work. “ I fully agree with Greta. We should check first.Plus if the Exeter’s shields up. Well have stunned people laying about. That could put us in danger of being exposed.” Stan said ( Reply , Greta & Merek ) “ No not me. I would stick out to much,” Stan said (reply Beta Team) ( Posted by:- Norman 🐼) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1858) "Well we need your focus here on tactical just in case. But send your plans to the Runabout so Ire can operate it on the fly." " Trust me sir, my focus will be undivided. I'm not controlling any of their targeting vectors, just using the runabouts sensors to gain a more enlightened tactical insight." Ravok responded, typing away his fingers moving almost in a blur. He was in his element. Ravok heard Trip summon Ronnie to the bridge. ~ Good choice, with the way she flies it will be almost like having Trip at the conn. As a matter of fact I bet she does that weird thing with her pinky finger, just like Trip. ~ He thought, smiling a bit. ~ That girl has a serious case of hero worship~ Returning to his chair. Trip looked at Ravok. "Send anything that Ire will need to know tactically when he's in there. He's a good pilot, but you see the battlefield better. Give him a cheat sheet." " Aye Sir. Now that we know how violent plasma reactions in the badlands can be. We can use tetryon clouds from the runabout to act as landmines. Should be a nice little surprise for our cult friends" Ravok said typing away tactical schemes and uploading them to the runabout. ( reply any on bridge and I mean any) ( posted by Rob Davis) (USS Exeter –Turbolift – CFO - Lieutenant – Ire Williams – 1859) The turbolift dropped through the decks of the ship speeding him from one end to the other. He took a deep breath and began to calm himself. He would do this before every flight no matter what he was flying it could be a starship, a shuttle or a fighter. He smiled widened as the memory came back to him. (Flashback) “Now Ire remember distractions will get you killed. You need to be totally focused on flying nothing else matters. Not what your friends think or if your mum is angry with you. It needs to be in the here and now. This dose not mean that you have to be ridged in your flying but you have to be relaxed in the moment….Ire are you listening to me?” Ire blinked and looked at the 2nd Lieutenant who was standing in front of him. She was the helmswoman of the Roadrunner. She was just over five foot with long black hair she kept up in regulation style. “Yes.” She gave him a hard stare. “Yes what?” “Yes, Jen I heard you.” She looked at him for a moment before carrying on. “You want to be a good pilot?” “Yes Jen.” “Okay so remember ‘pack you’re your troubles and put your brain in first gear and start flying.’ “Yes Jen.” (Flashback) He smiled as he remember the memory. Jen had been his first crush if that’s what you could call it as he was just a young boy and what she had told him had not really made any sense until years later when he had flown by himself. Jennifer Smith had been a hard tutor but it had come from a place of experience. She had been a squadron leader on the USS Paladin as well as the conn officer on the Spectre where she had met his father and transferred to the Roadrunner when he and his mother became CMO and Commanding officer respectively. He paused for a moment as a bizarre though passed through his mind. ~Jen was a Smith and Greta is also a Smith so Jen was probably her Aunty. How can I tell the woman that I love that I had a crush on her Aunty that’s just creepy in so many ways~ He heard the turbolift begin to slow down before it arrived at his destination. ~It won’t make any difference what relation they both were if you are not focused and die. So pack up your trouble and get your brain in first gear and start flying~ He nodded to himself, then took a calming breath as the turbolift doors opened and he stepped out. (Reply none) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Exeter – Bridge - CSO Lt JG Erin Cortez - 1901) As Erin kept her scans running, she pulled up the details on protomatter. Not being a chemist or biologist, she knew that Foxglove had been right with what she had said. As she read further, something began to itch in the back of her mind. An idea…. A solution to two problems at once possibly? Taking a breath, she looked over towards Trip, then looked back to her console. ~he probably already thinks I'm crazy so… suggesting this might be a step too far. It does take care of two problems at once though.~ she thought to herself. Closing her eyes for the briefest of moments, she opened them again and spoke, "Captain?" (Reply Trip) "Sir, I may have a solution to our protomatter problem." (Reply Trip) "It's a little left field but it may take care of two things at the same time." (Reply Trip) "Well, what if I were able to fly a shuttle close enough to the base to get a transporter lock on the protomatter and yes, I know transporting it is dangerous. But what if we were to transport it onto one of the Sabres as a last resort. If we can't talk them down… that way, this is something I carry on me. I know.... it's crazy..." she stopped, looking at her screen and hoping that she hadn't just made a very bad suggestion. (Reply Trip) (Reply Trip, any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Rapier – Bridge – Vessel Master – Ofik Daj – 1905) Daj was a Starfleet man through and through. He wasn’t overly ambitious, he had made Commander working his way up through Security and First Officer on a vessel assigned to the Bajor sector of space. For a while he was senior Commander in the fleet. They kept throwing Commands at his feet. Commands of vessels that took him away from Bajor. He turned them all down. He stayed in over 30 years before he retired. A nice little Kava farm so he could make spring wine and spend some time with his grandchildren. Then the Federation betrayed Bajor by allying with the Cardassians. He Searched out his old second officer, the one who had retired to become a Vedek. The news that he had died was a shock to the system, but he did find his son, who in a way had followed in his footsteps and became a Vedek himself. Trentin’s boy was a good man. He had a good set of ideals and a plan for Bajor. Daj told Jost he wanted in. They did some raids with an old Bajoran flier that Jost had before Daj gave him the idea to Raid the moth-ball fleet to get more ships. It worked flawlessly. He was pretty sure they hadn’t realized the ships were gone for months. As a reward for originating the plan Daj was given command of the best of the three Saber classes. Shortly after he was presented with the red metal jewelry marking him one of the leaders of the Prophet’s Fire. He kept the Starfleet name she was commissioned under, as a final insult to the Fleet he had served for over three decades betraying him by making their ancient enemy an aly. He wanted them to know that he had taken what they discarded and used in against them. As a retired Commander the ship’s computers gave him access to the command codes, he quickly changed them all so that Starfleet would not be able to use it to take down their three ships easily. The command codes for other ships in the fleet were, of course severely limited as all the codes were to ships that were also outdated. They hadn’t heard from the third Saber, they were supposed to check in when they took out the freighter they found. Something was wrong. He contacted the second Saber formerly the USS Talwar, that Vessel Master and Daj agreed they should go searching for the head strong Vedek that Trentin gave the third vessel. Maybe they were lucky and that idiot threw himself out of an airlock. They weren’t lucky. It didn’t take them long to find the third vessel’s wreckage. Split down the middle like some over ripe Kava. Daj ordered them back to base to check in. They took opposite vectors to come at the base from different angles. If there was someone there, who had done this, it was likely they wouldn’t see the Sabers approach due to the plasma storms. Knowing this region of space was a huge advantage to not be caught, or to attack unnoticed. ~We should be getting close.~ “Science.” Daj barked, his anger of losing the third crew finally breaking to the surface. “We should be in range, what do the sensors show?” “Scanning,” The Bajoran woman at the station said, seemingly unaffected by his anger, but working diligently. “A ship! In close orbit around the base.” Daj’s dark eyes narrowed on the viewscreen as it came to life. He didn’t even have to give the order. His crew was starting to anticipate his commands. “Starfleet warp signature.” The blond haired woman at the science station called out. Through the plasma flames they were hiding in Daj could make out the very familiar Starfleet design of saucer with twin warp nacelles, though he wasn’t familiar with the specific design. He ignored her very obvious statement and asked the information he needed. “What’s her output?” “Warp core is similar to Sovereign class, she’s putting out tremendous power, for her size….” Her green eyes analyzed the readout. The older Bajoran’s eyes weren’t quite that calibrated to measure a ship at this distance. “Which is?” “Just over 300 meters.” She announced. “Larger than us, but half the length of a Sovereign, we have the maneuverability advantage.” Daj announced. There was an eerie silence on the bridge, but just for one long moment. “Arm phasers, shields up, go to Red Alert.” The elder Bajoran announced. Several Responses came from stations on the bridge. The lighting changed from normal to a sinister red hue. “Engineering. Bring the phaser lance on line.” Vessel Maser Ofik said reluctantly. “Sir, it could overload!” The science officer said, her green eyes showing concern. “We haven’t needed it before…” “That is not a freighter!” Ofik called out. “That is a bleeding edge Starfleet Cruiser! It’s a ship of the line and we’re over half a century behind the times.” The science officer remained silent. “I don’t like the risk either, but it must be taken.” He said. He had heard that one of the Odyssey class dreadnaughts had survived the Andorian Purge, at least they hadn’t sent that after them. =^= I figured you might call for it eventually. She’s hooked up ready to go. =^= “How long will she last?” Daj asked. =^=One, two shots….three if the Wraiths are with us. I don’t think much more than that…=^= “It will have to do.” He adjusted his shirt. “Helm, full impulse. Present minimal aspect, attach pattern Ofik – Alpha – Three.” “They’ve spotted us!” Science reported. “Her shields are going up.” ~It doesn’t matter now.~ He thought watching the Starfleet vessel getting closer on the screen. (Reply Exeter) “They’re hailing us….” OPS reported. “Let them eat static.” Ofik responded. “Closing in on optimal range…” Tactical reported. “Rain the prophet’s fire upon them! Fire the lance!” Ofik ordered. Tactical pressed the fire button. There was a build up of power in the center forward section of the Saber and a narrow white hot beam lashed out at the Exeter. =^= Lance is fried!=^= “Direct hit! Their aft shield is down!” “Attach pattern Delta 3! Fire all phasers!” the Vessel Master ordered. The Rapier dived steeply, narrowly avoiding the Exeter’s return fire. The helm pulled up just as sharply moving their attack vector to come at the Exeter’s Aft Ventral side. The Rapier’s quad phaser arrays fired in unison striking the Exeter as various points. (Reply Exeter) “The Talwar just showed up!” (Reply Exeter, Talway IYW) (Posted by Todd) (NPC Ofik Daj) (USS Exeter - Bridge – CO, Lt. Commander Trip Williams - 1906) Trip was deep in thought as Ronnie entered the bridge and took her spot at the Helm. "Captain?" Trip turned as he was brought back to reality. "Sir, I may have a solution to our protomatter problem." "Go ahead Lieutenant." "It's a little left field but it may take care of two things at the same time." "Let's hear it." "Well, what if I were able to fly a shuttle close enough to the base to get a transporter lock on the protomatter and yes, I know transporting it is dangerous. But what if we were to transport it onto one of the Sabres as a last resort. If we can't talk them down… that way, this is something I carry on me. I know.... it's crazy..." "It's definitely thinking outside the box, and it could work. But too risky. Especially with one shuttle already out there." (reply Cortez) "But I like that you're thinking. Shows initiative." At that moment one of the auxiliary stations spoke up. "Captain, incoming vessel, saber class." "Red Alert," Trip bellowed, "All hands prepare for battle." Sitting down Trip looked at the OPS station, "Ensign M'Rurrh open a channel." (reply M'Rurrh) Though unfortunately the other ship was not willing to talk. Tapping his commbadge, "Ire get your ass out there now!" (reply Ire) At that moment the ship rocked as it was hit by a phaser lance blast that rocked the Exeter. ~Damn I wish I hadn't sent Keira to the Base.~ He opened a channel to main engineering. "Damage report, and get Damage control teams working now. Focus on our shields." (reply Engineering) At that moment the other ship showed up on the Exeter's view screen. "Ravok, prepare to fire phasers, full force on the Saber that fired on us. Don't hold back, but down burn them out either. But let's start shaving down her shield strength." (Reply Ravok) "Winters, prepare for evasive maneuvers. Don't let them get a good shot on us, and cover our aft." "Aye sir," she replied as she began using a standard evasive pattern trying to stay infront of the Sabers. "Cortez, scan for any environmental anomalies. See if we can't use a plasma storm or two to our advantage." (reply Cortez) "Foxglove, if you have any tactical suggestions now would be the time." (reply Foxglove) Nodding, Trip sighed, "Ravok, fire at will!" (reply Ravok) (reply Enigneering, and all on bridge) (posted by Will) (Asteroid Base – Lower Corridor – 2O/CEO – Lieutenant Keira Merek – 1907) “ The lighting is not great. We could just walk in there. It will be minutes before they realise we are not part of their group. Zap them to the Exeter before they realise.” He suggested. "Sir, would it be prudent to send someone in, an advance scout per se?" Smith offered. “Hmm…” she softly mused while looking at the read out. "Just to get the lay of the land. One can hide better than all of us and that one stands a better chance of not being seen." Greta added. Keira pointed to her tricorder read outs, “These metal structures all flat and parallel to the floor, like tables.” Keira said as she was putting it together. “The people are sitting at the tables. The power readings could be consistent with a replicator.” Keira announced, “ I think this is their dining facility.” (Reply any Beta) “People gotta eat.” Keira responded. “These three beings opposite sides of the metal tables must be facing the door. They will immediately see us if we open it. I’d like to keep the element of surprise if we can.” (Reply Beta) “The three of us hit them hard we shouldn’t have a problem.” Keira confidently said. (Reply Beta) “I’ll go in first, low, set my type II to a wide stun which should occupy all three facing our way and one of the others, which just leaves the captain of the lonely heart club at the far right. One of you should get that one, stun and tag him, while the other starts tagging the other ones. It should be a quick decisive mop up. Vozi watches our back, and once we’ve cleared the room we can all duck in for a regroup and then continue to head toward the fusion cores.” (Reply Beta) (Posted by Todd) (USS Exeter - Bridge – aCTO/COO Lieutenant jg Ravok- 1909) "Ravok, prepare to fire phasers, full force on the Saber that fired on us. Don't hold back, but down burn them out either. But let's start shaving down her shield strength." " Phasers Ready. " Ravok said as another hit shook the ship. "Winters, prepare for evasive maneuvers. Don't let them get a good shot on us, and cover our aft." "Aye sir," Ronnie yelled out. Handling business at the helm. Trip continued delivering fast orders around the bridge. After quickly consulting Lieutenant Foxglove, Trip gave the definitive order... "Ravok, fire at will!" Ravok brought all torpedo systems online including quantum torpedoes. He keyed in photon spread Alpha 1 Tango. Ronnie brought the Exeter right where he needed it to be and launched 4 photon torpedoes at the saber followed by 2 more torpedoes at their bridge and keyed in almost simultaneously the attack pattern for phaser distribution omega prime. Firing 5 phaser shots directly on the sabers Dorsal/ port shields precisely in the same location the first 4 torpedoes were aimed. The exeter was positioned with her port launchers facing the saber. ( reply Saber) Ravok saw power was being transferred to the Exeters aft shields and backups were online. Ravok keyed in the coordination plans with the runabout to activate tetryon plasma clouds around the saber. ( reply runabout. ) He opened phaser fire full spread at the tetryon clouds. Causing the plasma fields within the badlands to swell and burst in turberlant explosions just off the sabers starboard side. ( reply saber) " Sir we have another saber coming in hot " Ravok yelled out. ( reply Trip) ( reply any on bridge, reply runabout , reply saber ,reply Trip) ( posted by Rob Davis ) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<