NRPG: Okay, so I guess you folks aren't Love Boat fans. I'll try again. I have to go find something else. So for today, here is the Compile Index: Day 1 (USS Boudicca ­ Science Research Facility ­ Scientist Raymond Masterson ­ 1306) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Laroon - 2101) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 2102) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Lorak Laroon - 2104) Day 7 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 7 - 1331) (USS Boudicca - Admiral's Office - acting CO - Archibald Stakes - 14:15) (USS Boudicca - Admiral's Office - Admiral Sevant - 14:18) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Capt Falthgood -1610) (USS Boudicca - Security Center - Security Senior Chief Petty Officer Melody Haverstaad - 1900) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Capt Falthgood -2045) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Mei Ling Hikaru - 2046) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Admiral Sevant - 2047) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 1 - Yeoman, PO Esme Stakes - 2103) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 7 - 2110) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Mei Ling Hikaru and Tommy Tucker - 2122) Day 8 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting FO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 8 - 0802) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting FO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 8 - 1412) Day 12 (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 10:15) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 13:28) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 13:59) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Lorak Laroon - 14:05) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.06.28 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca ­ Science Research Facility ­ Scientist Raymond Masterson ­ 1306) It had been a good day. No one had bothered him and he had managed to make substantial headway on his current project. It was not often that he was allowed to pursue his research with so little distraction, after all the Boudicca being a warship, scientists were often pulled from their work to come up with some strange new way to kill someone. Ray tried to remain above it all, but the scuttlebutt around him even within his lab buzzed about like mosquitoes that refused to leave him alone. ~Yes, yes, that will do nicely.~ he thought, as he made some notes in the computer. ~Ah... Eureka!~ Ray's elation was shattered by the sound of a voice saying, “Lieutenant Munroe I presume.” ~Not now!~ bemoaned Ray, as he turned slowly to face the newcomer. He looked around to see if there was even a glimmer of a chance that the intruder was speaking to someone else and to his dismay found himself alone with the stranger. Sighing noisily, Ray said in an exasperated tone, "You presume incorrectly, I am Crewman Masterson and you are?" “Ensign Carft Kea AOPS,” the young man answered. ~How delightful~ Ray thought, as he sneered. Ray drew to his full height, a few inches taller than the ensign before him, hoping that he would be able to intimidate him into leaving alone. Unfortunately for him, the ensign did not seem to notice because he continued, “I have been given the task to tune our sensors and reinforce the communication system and I was told to work with your department,” "Very well," Ray said, extending his hand for the information the ensign brought him. Clearly he would not be allowed to return to his work until this assignment was complete. As the ensign had said he had been given the assignment, so some higher up had come up with this brilliant idea. He doubted there was much they could do, but they had to try. Protecting the lines of communication though was something he though they could do a little bit more about. "Do you have any particular plan of action, ensign?" asked Ray, as he looked over the information. (Reply Kea, Any) (Posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Laroon - 2101) Lorak had just gotten back from the armory when he head his door chime go off and he turned half facing the door and his hand on his phaser. "Enter" was his reply to the door chime as he thought to himself. ~I made sure no one followed me when I place the sensors in the armory~ When the door opened he smiled a sharp toothed smile that still looked out of place on poor Lorak's face. His hand went from his phaser to extend an open hand to Donald as Lt. Johnson enter his room. "Ah your here I didn’t know it was this late all ready" (reply Donald) "Yes, I'm sorry I have been busy all day. So how have you been? We seem to be missing each other these last few weeks with all that’s been going on." (Reply Donald any) (Posted by Jay) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - OPS Lt (jg) Donald Johnson - 2102) Donald stood outside, his hand on the enunciator, wondering why there seemed to be no response. ~I wonder if he's even here.~ he pondered, as he cast his mind back to the note he had received earlier in the day. He was about to look it up in his padd when the doors suddenly slid open. "Ah, you're here. I didn't know it was this late already," Lorak admitted. "Not at all," said Donald, as he stepped into the quarters and the door slid behind him. "Yes, I'm sorry. I have been busy all day. So how have you been? We seem to be missing each other these last few weeks with all that's been going on." said Lorak. "I've been good," said Donald. "Could be better, after listening to our briefing today, I'm not sure what to make of things. Oh, congratulations on your promotion, by the way. Well deserved." Donald clapped Lorak on the shoulder while he took a seat at the table. "And what do you think of our new assignment?" asked Donald, as he put his food basket on the table. (Reply Laroon) (Posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Boudicca - Laroon's Quarters - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Lorak Laroon - 2104) Lorak smiled at Donald and sat on the other side of the table as he and Donald spoke. "It will be a hard one that’s for sure, but its going to be even harder if I can't stop a few things from happening" Lorak looked down and to the side as if he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He then looked up at Donald with a worried look on his face. "I wish we could catch up on what has been going on these last few weeks, but I must talk with you about something most urgent before hand." Lorak paused for a moment looking around the room and then back at Donald. "What I tell you will only be part of something much bigger than you know, and if you chose not to help me I will understand but I need someone outside of Security to do this otherwise I fear my chance of fixing this problem will be much less than what it all ready is." Lorak tried to muster a smile at Donald but failed to make it look real. (Reply Donald) (Posted by Jay) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 7 Stardate: 2407.07.04 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 7 - 1331) Stolev was browsing through the status reports on the annoyingly small terminal built into the armrest of the FO's chair when an incoming message alert flashed. He tapped the blinking icon and a message from ATT Zzt appeared. =^= Hi. This Zzt. Zzt want know if you all want meet Zzt here on Boudicca 10 Forward for milkshake. Zzt think be nice to get together with old Nimitz crew one last time before big fight where we may all die. You come and have final drink with Zzt? How about tonight around 2100? May no be time tomorrow. Bring friends or family too if want. Zzt be glad to meet. May Goddess keep you and bless you. End message. =^= Sasha quirked an eyebrow. This would certainly prove interesting, if any of his previous experiences with Zzt were anything to go by. He quickly tapped out an acknowledgement, then he forwarded the message to Eva, asking her to meet him there if she felt up to it. (reply Eva iyw) (USS Boudicca - Admiral's Office - acting CO - Archibald Stakes - 14:15) Archibald realised that his 'battle-plan' was failing. The Admiral hadn't reacted the way he should have reacted. Or, how Archibald had expected the Admiral to react. Which, in his mind, was really the same thing. He had accepted the sting of not understanding the psychology of the crew. It was a common mistake that people made. But you didn't get to become a Captain of a starship if you didn't understand the crew's needs, physically and mentally. The only difference was that Archibald gave strength-of-heart by providing everyone with a rigid structure, established procedures and a certainty of understanding one's role in the big clockwork that kept a starship going. He noticed that Sevant stopped, "There is no place of safety. So tell me, Mr Stakes, where should I hide?" Archibald looked at the Admiral, then stepped over to the map and pointed to a small group of markers. "There would by my first choice, on board one of the Neg'Vahrs. They will see action in the beginning of the battle but most action will then shift to positions closer to the MDP. And they have good shields, good crew and a dedicated group of pokey escort vessels. No Captain of any ship would consider attacking a group of three Defiants because they would rip him to shreds before he could even destroy two. AND they will have a perfect position to overview the whole of the battle." Archibald looked back at the Admiral for a second. "But if your presence is required within the defended zone, then there are 49 other places I could think of. Anywhere, *but* on the Boudicca, I would say, seeing where we are going. In fact..." Archibald examined some of the markers and tapped on one. "The USS Hermes," he concluded. "A Galaxy class in the rearguard of the 19th. Good defensive capabilities with a limited expected amount of battles. Captain Devaney already informed me that he would be willing to take you and his staff on board. We, Sir ..." Archibald turned back to face the Admiral. "*I*, Sir, understand the psychology as well and if the enemy knew of the position of the task force commander in the first battle line of the group, and they will, then the enemy will do everything in their power to wipe it out. They'd be taking the sting out of our tail where it is easiest for them to do so. Early on in the battle and on their turf. As for the crew of the Boudicca, if you believe that they would fight just that little bit harder, just because they know that you are on board, then perhaps, Sir, you are not understanding their psychology as well as you think you do. They will understand why 'their' Admiral can not be with them in the battle." (reply: Sevant) (posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Boudicca - Admiral's Office - Admiral Sevant - 14:18) Sevant's face became stone as other ships were suggested for him to raise his flag. The man didn't get it. "*I*, Sir, understand the psychology as well and if the enemy knew of the position of the task force commander in the first battle line of the group, and they will, then the enemy will do everything in their power to wipe it out. They'd be taking the sting out of our tail where it is easiest for them to do so. Early on in the battle and on their turf. As for the crew of the Boudicca, if you believe that they would fight just that little bit harder, just because they know that you are on board, then perhaps, Sir, you are not understanding their psychology as well as you think you do. They will understand why 'their' Admiral can not be with them in the battle." "I don't have the time to argue this with you all day, Mr. Stakes." Sevant said as he took his seat again. "The Boudicca remains my flagship. You can consider it hubris, pride or stupidity... I don't care which. But one way or the other, I will be on Starbase Valhalla commanding the line... with the rest of the battle-group." He leaned back in his chair, "Is there anything else?" (reply: Stakes, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Capt Falthgood -1610) "I don't think the Goddess cares much about me any more, my furry friend." Falthgood said as he closed the message and let the screen go blank after watching Zzt's message. He closed his eyes and briefly saw the horrified look on Arianna's face pace over his lids, though he quickly banished the image. "Nope, don't think she cares at all." Zach turned away from the screen. "Still, I could use a drink." He paused in thought for a moment. "In fact, I could use one now." He muttered to himself. (USS Boudicca - Security Center - Security Senior Chief Petty Officer Melody Haverstaad - 1900) "Aren't you still supposed to be on light duty, Senior Chief?" one of the Ensigns in Security said as they came upon her cleaning a phaser. "Melody looked over and gave a nod, she couldn't exactly drop the phaser at this moment without destroying the power-cell and screwing up the alignment... and the Ensign would know that. "We're going into battle Ensign Chase," she said. "There will be no place to hide, so I might as well do something useful. My Security team is preparing their gear as per regulations. I'll do... light chores... until the final battle." Ensign Chase considered that for a moment, and then nodded once. "If you're eye pops out and you have a hemorrhage, don't come crying to me." Haverstaad chuckled and blew some small speck of dust out of the phaser coils before saying, "Sir, if my eye pops out, it'll just serve to make me that much more terrifying. Don't worry, I don't just fall apart." The Ensign shook his head and walked off. Melody finally finished putting the phaser together and immediately flicked it on and ran it through diagnostics. Everything came back clear. She put it to her shoulder and closed her bionic eye, looking through the sights with her good right eye. A few seconds later she put it back on the rack and pushed a button that would retract it back into the armory. "We're ready." She said to nobody in particular. She turned around with barely any vertigo and looked around HER domain, Security. There were plenty of men on duty, fully armed. Some were in tactical BDU, sitting in formation much like the Marines. Nobody was paying attention to her, shying off because of her eye, or looking at her with hero-worship because she was still fighting after such grievous injuries... or simply because she was a Senior Chief. The amount of energy being used by Security to charge phasers and power force-fields often-times gave her fake eye scan lines, but all that was at a minimum now. It was times like this she could forget about her scarred face and fake eye, about her rank and all the hell they'd been through. She could feel like a proud mother, watching her children. Even if they were at war, marching to their deaths. That pride, and her own dedication to her principles, kept her here when she long-since could have been shipped off to Geneva pending the end of hostilities and a return to Earth as a civilian. If there was going to be a battle on board HER ship, then by god, SHE would be there to see it through! She straightened her uniform and stepped into the controlled chaos of Security. She stopped occasionally, barking commands or giving a small compliment when she found something she liked. The whole time she gauged the mood of her crew. There was a mix of emotions, ranging from unbridled enthusiasm to quaking fear. Nobody was ready to break... yet... but it might happen before this battle was done. Her words bridled those spoiling for a fight, and gave some hope to those who were scared to death... or so she hoped. Only time would tell. She tapped her badge once she'd gotten to the main doors, "Chief Haverstaad to Security Chief Laroon, do you have a moment Sir?" (reply: Stolev) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - Capt Falthgood -2045) Falthgood stepped into ten-forward and looked the place over from over the top of his shades. Nobody was here yet, but that was fine. He walked up to the bar and said, "A glass, please." He pulled a bottle of blue liquid out of his coat and set it on the bar before the bar matron could ask what he wanted to drink. "We have a special set of toasts coming up, so just the glass if you don't mind." (reply: Mei Ling?) Falthgood looked over where Zzt was still busy playing and almost shuddered. He could immediately see that Zzt hadn't been kidding, there was an ice-cream bar set up. Zach had little interest in sugar at this point. He turned back as a glass was put before him, and nodded his thanks. He unscrewed the top of the glass and poured himself a generous portion of his private booze collection and then took a deep drink, putting off the inevitable 'good times' for a few more minutes. (reply: any, if desired) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Mei Ling Hikaru - 2046) "A glass, please," Zach Falthgood said, pulling a bottle filled with blue liquid out of his coat and setting it down on the bar. "We have a special set of toasts coming up, so just the glass if you don't mind." "That's fine, Zach," Mei Ling said, setting the glass on the bar. She got a nod of thanks as he unscrewed the top of the bottle and poured a generous measure into the glass. He took a deep drink with rather the air of a man about to face a firing squad. "What are you drinking?" Mei Ling asked. (reply Zach iyw) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Admiral Sevant - 2047) ~at least they're not saluting me.~ Sevant thought as the doors to ten--forward closed behind him and a couple of crewman moved out of his way. Sevant stepped into 10-Forward and looked around. So far there were only a few people here, Rivers and the entourage was missing, but not Zzt. There was a large sign and whole getup done in one corner, big enough to house a small army. Falthgood was at the bar, sitting on a booth and drinking something. He didn't look particularly happy, and he hadn't made it yet to where Zzt was nibbling on something. Apparently, neither had he been noticed. Not surprising, since there was a throng of people between him and the party area. The Admiral nodded his head to a couple more crewman and slowly made his way over. He still hadn't traded his Captain's uniform and jacket for an Admiral's uniform yet, so he still kind-of blended into the crew, as long as they didn't see his face or pips. "Mister Falthgood." He said as he took a seat at the bar next to him. Falthgood bowed his head once and grinned, almost insolently. "Can I get the Admiral a drink?" Without waiting he poured some of a blue substance into a glass and pushed it Sevant's way. Sevant took the glass and looked at it at eye-level for a few moments. "What is it?" he finally asked. "Jobarian Gin, my last bottle." Falthgood said with a chuckle as he took a sip. "It won't put hair on your chest, but it'll certainly clear your sinuses." Sevant took a moment to sniff it, then gingerly took a sip. Falthgood was right, the stuff wasn't raw spirits- but it was certainly powerful. Whatever else could be said, it was certainly fruity. He felt a light mental touch from Vicki, and the barest fragment of an image of her in front of a mirror wearing something informal. She planned on joining them later and was obviously asking him what he thought. He sent back feelings of approval, which was met by a feelings of exasperation and the image of yet another outfit. Sevant closed his eyes and thought, ::Whatever works for you, my love.:: ::You're a big help:: was the amused return, before the link went dead again. Falthgood was staring down at his booze, so Sevant didn't bother him. Instead, he took another drink and mused over the people he would soon be seeing again. Finally he shook his head, "We should join the others, they will be here soon." Falthgood looked at him for a moment, then bobbed his head once. Sevant took up his glass and began making his way through the crowd to where Zzt and the rest waited. (reply: any) (posted by trout) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 1 - Yeoman, PO Esme Stakes - 2103) “Your behavior so far has been most exemplary, Yeoman Stakes.” Esme looked at the officer who had said those words and just nodded to him, accepting his words. He was an Ensign after all. She made a mental note to strike up a conversation with him later on, so she could thank him when things where less formal. She wondered briefly if he was one of the medical staff of the Hades as he was wearing teal. But then again, so did Oggie. She nearly grinned when the man in teal apologised to Sash. Oggie would never do that, not even to her father. But then again, Oggie clearly wasn't your run-of-the-mill Ensign. She nodded again and took a step sideways whilst signaling the two guards to start moving. There were more groups coming. As the ensemble walked past her, she noticed a Lieutenant suddenly slowing his steps when he came close to her. "Excuse me, Yeoman Stakes. I'm curious about something and I was wondering if you could answer a simple question for me." For a second she thought that he was going to ask for the nearest set of toilets but she dismissed that thought. Somehow she didn't get the feeling the question was going to be trivial. "You mentioned that your father is the Commander here. Is he by chance Archibald Stakes, formerly the Captain of the Rose of Samarkand?" She looked at him with half a frown. How would he know her father by name? Or their ship? She licked her lips for a second, then took a decision. "He is and he was, much to his chagrin. But I guess Admiral LoDona must know what he is doing, even if it doesn't make much sense. Do you know him, Sir?" she countered with beginning suspicion. She knew the men her father knew, thanks to her position, and she was pretty sure that her father didn't know the Lieutenant. Or was it that the Lieutenant knew of him? (Reply Trinin, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - aFO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 7 - 2110) Stolev wandered into Ten Forward to see that there was already quite a crowd gathering. He noted the self-serve ice cream bar against the far wall, Zzt sitting on the floor nearby. He made his way through the crowd towards the bar, stopping when he came up to Zzt, who appeared to have a cherry stuck to one of his claws. "Well Zzt, this was a pretty good idea," he said with a smile. "Looks like people are enjoying themselves." (reply Zzt, anyone else there) (posted by Aaron) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Mei Ling Hikaru and Tommy Tucker - 2122) Tommy Tucker was sitting on the bar, picking gloomily at a bowl of peanuts. He had already had his paw smacked for trying to pick the orange slice out of someone's drink, and he was contemplating escaping Mei Ling's supervision next time a customer took her attention. The room was filling up nicely from his point of view; with so many people there it should be easy for one psammead to grab a few bits and pieces from unwary revelers. The door opened yet again and a yellow-haired female entered, almost wearing a dress. Tommy's eyes shot out to the full extent of their stalks and he wolf-whistled loudly. Twice. This drew the unwelcome attention of several pairs of eyes, and he subsided, scratching himself with his paw before grabbing another handful of peanuts and throwing them into his mouth. To his delight the yellow-haired woman came and stood near to where he was sitting. A judicious extension of his eyestalks got him quite an eyeful. As it were. She ordered a banana split and sat down on a stool. Tommy sidled closer. Shayhiloosh stepped over to the bar and asked, "Could I please have your best mineral water in a large wide glass?" "Of course, Shayhiloosh," Mei Ling answered, choosing the glass carefully and pouring the water into it. "Nice to see you again," she added. Tommy scratched himself again, then reached into the bowl and selected a large peanut. He held it out to the woman - just as the talking tree appeared and began making suggestive comments about yellow-hair's apparel. Shortly afterwards a big cat came up and purred at the woman, and finally a human male. Tommy sighed and ate the peanut. (reply any, none) (Posted by Liz) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 8 Stardate: 2407.07.05 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting FO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 8 - 0802) Stolev listened as Stakes announced the communications lockdown and that they would be setting course for the Sol system later today. ~So it begins.~ He was glad that Zzt had arranged the gathering in Ten Forward last night; it had provided the crew with a much-needed stress reliever before the battle royale. "Commander Stolev, you have the Bridge. I will be in my ready room." "Aye, sir," replied Stolev. (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting FO Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 8 - 1412) Stolev froze as he heard the urgent beep from his armrest terminal, indicating an incoming priority message. That could only mean one thing, and his suspicions were immediately confirmed upon reading it. He tapped his badge. "Stolev to Stakes. Sir?" =^= Yes, Mister Stolev? =^= "Word has arrived from the Admiral, Sir." =^= And the word is, Commander? =^= "Cross the River Acheron, Sir." Stolev almost thought he heard a sigh come from the other end of the comm link before he heard Stakes's voice again. =^= Very well, Mister Stolev, pass on the word to the other ships. I'm on my way. =^= Stolev tapped in the necessary commands to send the message to the other ships in the battle group, overriding the communications lockdown and encrypting it as securely as possible. He looked up as Stakes reentered the bridge, and followed the aCO's eyes to the viewscreen, where they could see the first ships already moving into position. "Mister Sevant, take us underway to Alpha point. Yellow alert. Ready all systems. Gentlemen, this is it. Earth awaits us in four days time." Stolev watched the acknowledgements pour in from the rest of the ships. "Sir, Vanguard group is following and ready to proceed," he reported. Stakes nodded. "Very well, Mister Sevant, new course, 390:29. Move at full impulse until we leave the system then go to warp. Warp 8." He then looked at Stolev and made a gesture not to get up from the command chair. "Mister Stolev, inform the Admiral. We are underway." Stolev nodded, tapping his com badge. "Stolev to Admiral Sevant. We are underway." (reply Sevant) Stolev then leaned back in the chair and watched the viewscreen as the planets sped by, then as the stars' pinpoints stretched to lines upon the ship's jump to warp. ~Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!~ (reply Sevant, any) (posted by Aaron) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 12 Stardate: 2407.07.09 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 10:15) "Sir! Incoming message from USS Alexander. Heavily encrypted and narrow band transmitted." Archibald looked up and nodded. He had waited for word from the scout group that had been sent in advance, probing the defenses and making themselves as much of a nuisance as possible. "Forward to Colonel Straton, her eyes only." he replied, hoping for the Strat Ops to relay that vital information to the group soon. He hoped it wouldn't contain bad news, like the arrival of two or three fleets in the sol system, requiring an overhaul of the battleplan. They were behind schedule as it was, with a number of ships inexplicably suddenly failing warp drives. Sabotage, no doubt, and a sure sign that the enemy was 'within'. He looked at the CONN-officer. "Mister Sevant, ETA?" "Currently we are to arrive at our destination in three hours and seventeen minutes, Sir." Archibald nodded. "Looks like we are going to miss lunch then," he suddenly heard a familiar voice say behind him and turning his chair he regarded his daughter, who blushed slightly then grinned at him with a wink. he bit off a stern reprimand when he heard a few laughs ring out on the Bridge. So, instead he just shot her *the* look and turned his chair back. "Yes, quite," was all he said. (Reply Eva, any) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 13:28) "Dropping out of Warp, Sir!" Archibald nodded, plucking a non existing speck of dust off his trousers. "Red alert!" he barked as he stood up, viewing the large screen that gave them a magnified view of the MDP and the ships nearby. He disregarded the klaxon as he imagined how on the other ships the same activities were happening. "Mister Carft, ship wide if you please." He waited for the nod from the OPS-officer. "Now hear this, now hear this. We have arrived at Sol system. The next hours will determine what future there will be for us and the Federation. But whatever happens, I am assured that at the end of the battle, I will be proud to have served together with you. Good luck and good hunting." He signaled the link to be cut then took a place behind the CONN-chair. "Mister Sevant, you know the drill. Full impulse. Course as set." he said tapping on the back of her chair. There was still a long way to go yet, flying at full impulse. It was unfortunate that they couldn't have warped closer to Mars and the MDP but the warp fields would have reacted badly to the changing gravitational fields around the planets and it could tear the planets to shreds. Unfortunately it was more likely that the ship would be torn to shreds long before it would become a danger to the planet. So they had landed several light minutes away from their final destination and would have to 'crawl' towards it, adding an additional hour to the journey. Luckily with their big disruptors, the Neg'Vahrs wouldn't have to travel all the way. About half way, they could already start the bombardment of the platforms, perhaps not as effective as at shorter range but still considerable enough to make them a target for attack. Which was what they were intended to do. Draw out at least a significant part of the local defenders and leave less for the B- and C-group to worry about. The escorts of the 4 Neg'Vahrs, 16 ships in total, together with the tough shields of the Klingon battleships would make sure that the attackers would be bound for a long time. "Sir! A-group is splitting off." Archibald looked up at the screen and saw the 20 ships slowly move away from the 50 remaining ships of B- and C-group. It was the plan that the 50 ships would be seen as a screen for the A-group, attacking large groups of enemy ships that wanted to engage the Neg'Vahrs far away from their targets. Of course, when B- and C-group would not engage those groups, the enemy would know something was wrong. But by that time both the Champlain-group as well as the Boudicca-group would be much closer to their target, or assumed target, the MDP platforms. (USS Boudicca - Bridge - acting CO - Commander Archibald Stakes - 13:59) Archibald looked at the viewscreen, still standing behind the CONN chair and nodded appreciatively when the A-group halted their advance and spread out. So far no enemy ship had apparently left the safety of the MDP, but that did not worry Archibald overly. "They're opening fire," someone said and Archibald at first looked away to find the source but then his head turned back, viewing the screen. Two small strips of light could be seen emanating from one of the 20 dots, then followed by two more, and two more and after a second two more. After a few seconds of firing, the stripes disappeared from the screen and a small flash could be seen at the opposite end. "One down," someone said. It took a full minute before the ships fired again and another flash could be seen. "Two," Archibald mouthed as he turned his head. "Mister Laroon, keep a .." he started to be followed with : "look out for enemy ship movements." but he was cut short by a long expected call. "Enemy ships decloaking off the A-group's starboard side! Escorts are moving to intercept." "And thus the battle starts," Archibald said to no-one in particular. (Reply by ALL) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Ensign(sg) Lorak Laroon - 14:05) "Enemy ships decloaking off the A-group's starboard side! Escorts are moving to intercept." Lorak activated the TIHS system and looked at his tactical screens. Spotting several ships on the starboard side of A-group as they decloaked. Lorak taped on his console and began locking the ships weapons onto targets as he places them in strategic order. He scanned the area for any enemy ships about to engage his combat groups and waiting for the CO's next commands. (Reply by anyone) (Posted by Jay) NRPG: Pftt. Love Boat. Feh! At least it can't get worse from here. So far, there's been nothing suspicious. I shall continue... monitoring. -USS Boudicca, NCC 49901 Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com