Compile August 5-11 (Champlain) This compile is for the Wyvern and the Champlain. A few minor timestamp issues Note: Whenever there were multiple locations in a single post, I spilt them up so that every thing falls chronologically. This does not alter the post count. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Beyond Vengeance Day: 1 Stardate: 2407:03:14 Compile Summary --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain - Bridge - Chief Tactical - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 0057) (USS Champlain - Main Engineering – ENG – Crewman Chuss – 0058) (USS Wyvern – Deck 1, Outside the bridge – Sec Chief/Acting FO, Lt. Jono Janeway – 0123) (USS Champlain, Main Engineering – Crewman Carol Anderson– 0125) (USS Champlain, Forward Shield Generator – SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0126) (USS Champlain, Forward Shield Generator – Crewman Carol Anderson– 0129) (USS Wyvern, Bridge, Cmdr - FO Martin O'Shea-0130) (USS Wyvern – Deck 1, Outside the bridge – Sec Chief/Acting FO, Lt. Jono Janeway – 0131) (USS Wyvern, Bridge, Cmdr - FO Martin O'Shea-0132) (USS Champlain, Main Engineering – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird , Crewman Carol Anderson – 0135) (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0151) (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird – 0152) (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0153) (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird – 0154) (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0155) (USS Wyvern - Main Engineering - James Alexander, Lt Cmdr CEO Carson Purdue, Tac CPO Kohlass - 0200) (USS Wyvern - Main Engineering - James Alexander, FO Commander Martin O'Shea - 0205) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Chief Tactical - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 0211) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain - Bridge - Chief Tactical - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 0057) =^=Engineering to Bridge.=^= came Ensign Suvik-Bertorelli's voice over bridge comms, T'Larah looked to Bree who was quite busy with other matters and Lt. Janeway was on an away mission, that left her next to handle it. "Engineering this is Lieutenant Sullivan, is there something I can help you with?" she inquired in a calm voice. (Reply Gabe) "Understood Ensign, I will pass on the information as soon as I get the chance, as Lieutenant Frazier is quite, occupied, carry on with your repairs and other efforts, keep us apprised of any changes. We will inform you if the status changes. Bridge out." she said curtly and closed the channel. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain - Main Engineering – ENG – Crewman Chuss – 0058) It had been one hell of a night, and Chuss was feeling it, in soul as well as body. It seemed like the Champlain was being rent at the seams, with one system failure giving way to another, and it tore her in two. On the one hand, her Klingon blood was up, provoked to near boiling-point by the incessant attacks on her vessel by the interlopers - who or what they were scarcely mattered. At moments like this, she envied the security and tactical personnel the privilege and honour of battle. Yet, on the other hand, she felt a strange mingling of pride and shame. Pride that she was, in her own way, playing just as vital a role, and shame for wishing it were otherwise; that she could somehow be the speartip instead of the binding of its haft. That was not where her aptitude lay - it never had been. It was her affinity for technology, the unusual and uncharacteristic maternal approach - especially in light of her species - to the equipment under her care that had led her down the engineer's path. And so her battle-lust had to find its clumsy, inexpert expression in other ways. And beneath that conflict of her moods, both mother and murderer, submerged under the minutiae of conscious operation, there lay something else, something darker – visions of massacre, genocide, of violent and hideous torture that flashed unbidden whenever she thought of the enemy that harried the Champlain's flanks, cast in a pall of blackening blood and agony, lit with the colours of running sores and gangrenous flesh, and scored with the screams of dying worlds, put to a torch of her own making. She ought to be worried about the atrocities she routinely imagined, she idly supposed, her hands busy about this menial task or that. But really, there just never seemed to be time to think it through. Her time was divided equally between her station, the holodeck and her quarters, and her demanding duties meant much of her downtime was spent slumbering soundly. She had no use for socialising. And besides – and this was the part she only reluctantly admitted to herself – didn't she find the ghoulish imaginings deliciously thrilling? Their illicit nature was at the heart of their appeal, she realised. Perhaps that was the barrier she needed to keep them in the realm of imagination. “Chuss,” shouted an ensign, hurrying over, snapping her to alertness. “We have a hull breach on Deck Three! Come on, let’s go play hero…” It was the Vulcan, T’Kusilaya. Chuss sighed inwardly, silently forming a Klingon epithet and wishing she could just be left alone. It wasn't that she didn't like the ensign. It was more that she didn't like anyone. “Yes, sir,” she gruffly called in reply. “At once.” She trotted to catch up with the scurrying ensign, and said nothing more as they hurried towards the turbolift, the lunge of the ship's deck barely slowing her pace. There was room in her mind only for the desire to be elsewhere – preferably assisting some miscreant on their way to damnation. Her lip tweaked in an involuntary grin at the notion, and she glanced with sudden nervousness at T’Kusilaya as the turbolift hummed into motion, hoping she had not noticed. (Reply Teak) (Posted by Noel) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern – Deck 1, Outside the bridge – Sec Chief/Acting FO, Lt. Jono Janeway – 0123) =^=Ryan here, Sir. We're making our way slowly along Deck 2 but hitting resistance all the way.=^= Jono looked around as the sound of a grenade hitting the floor somewhere near Ryan came over the comm. link, =^=Hawk, take Hellman and check them out, will you? If there are any injuries, treat them, But for now, Sir, we're doing OK. Slow but steady, Sir. We're not too far from the hatchway to Deck 1. I'll keep you informed as I can, Sir. Ryan out.=^= Jono understood the amount of pressure that the Ensign was being put under, she seemed to be coping fine. However he was concerned with amount of resistence that team seemed to be recieving. He was about to tap his comm. badge to speak with Kohlass when just that second there was large booming sound, Jono quickly feared the worst for his team. Somehow Ryan knew what he would be thinking, =^=Ryan to Janeway. We're all unharmed. Continuing on.=^= "Excellent, Ensign. Keep me informed" =^=Attention all hands. This is Commander O'Shea speaking. As of a few minutes ago I relieved Captain Smithwick of her command for violating several regulations concerning the rules of engagement. The breaking of which rules has brought us to where we are now.=^= the man paused, over what seemed to be on a ship wid comm. signal ~Captain, relieved.. Hmmm~ =^=We are heavily damaged and have been boarded by seditionist forces from the USS Champlain. My duty is to defend the ship as necessary to ensure the survival of her crew. To those ends, I am attempting to withdraw from this engagement. However, that still leaves us with the problem of the boarding party from the Champlain.=^= =^=It is my intention to resist all efforts to capture this ship. To this point I have ordered phasers to be used only on non-lethal settings. If all actions by the boarding parties is not immediately halted, I will be forced to rescind that order. I urge the commanding officer of the Champlain boarding teams to consider a cease fire to discuss our situation through comm.=^= =^=Further updates shall be given as they develop. O'Shea out.=^= Janeway looked around at his team, and smiled. "Get me a link with that man." He ordered to his tech expert, and find me a way for us to keep an eye on the Wyverns sec teams. I want to know what they're doing at all times." "YES, Sir." Janeway paced for a few minutes before he was told they were able to set up a a comm. link so that he could speak with the commander, "Is this going ship wide or just to the bridge?" He asked, "I can't be too sure, Sir. It's the same frequency so It could be ship wide." Jono nodded, "Hook it up." The officer nodded and Janeway began to speak into the comm. "You wanted to speak with me, Commander?" (Reply O'Shea) (Posted by Jono) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Main Engineering – Crewman Carol Anderson– 0125) As Carol crossed other to the young ensign , standing at forward shield generator , she smiled to herself when she noticed DiCosta's feet sticking out of the access panel , ~ probably fixing it the 'DiCosta way ' ~.Nodding politely at the ensign Carol didn't have long to wait before the senor CPO , wriggled out of the cramped space . " Hello Carol " he said as he sat up and stretched , " Hi Al " she replied "I was just finishing up here " , as he spoke he began to put his ' archaic ' tools away , Carol prefered the modern engineering tool kit , but had to admit that in the chief's hands , he fixed systems quicker than she did with her prefered kit . " What's up chief ? , you got a big problem there ? " Carol was now a little worried that the chief may be too busy to help them out , but his answer reassured her . "Not much really , the primary magnetic actuators in magnetic resonator power relay switch were dead in the number five and six positions . I just crawled in past the coils and forced them closed and sealed them there . As a quick fix , you understand ? " " Oh I understand perfectly , Pops , 'Battle repairs ' . Now .. " Carol stopped speaking as the older man waved his index finger at her , she knew what that meant and was prepared to be impressed ." "Ensign , if you'd be so kind as to restore the power flow through the EPS Conduit , I think we can tell Meng that they have shields again ." At this the young ensign restored the power connection , and exclaimed , as they came to life "Well I'll be ... , and we didn't even have to pull the generator . That's simply amazing chief . " "It's nothing , " replied the SCPO " just experience , you'll get it soon enough . " he then turned to Carol ' I'm sorry Carol , what do you need ? " She replied , with her usual mischievious smile on her lips " Oh , just another one of those miracles of yours . " ( Reply DiCosta ) " As you might of noticed , we're down to one working Nacelle , now the Chick " , Carol used the nickname the engineering staff had give Ensign Bird behind his back " is working on the Dorsal nacelle . " ( Reply Dicosta ) " It's the warp coil , and your favourite's , EPS taps . I think the ensign can cope , but I think we'd better get them fixed as soon as poss , so that where you come in . " she beamed at him . ( Reply DiCosta ) ( Posted by Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Forward Shield Generator – SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0126) Carol turned to him and gave him one of her mischievous little smiles. "Oh , just another one of those miracles of yours ." she said coyly. "And in what shape is my miracle supposed to manifest this time?" he asked playing along with her. "As you might of noticed, we're down to one working Nacelle, now the Chick," Carol said," is working on the Dorsal Nacelle." Al smiled even as he shook his head. "Just figures, give them three and they still manage to knock them all out but one. So what's the main trouble with it?" "It's the warp coil, and your favorites, the EPS taps. I think the ensign can cope , but I think we'd better get them fixed as soon as poss, so that's where you come in . " she replied. Dicosta rolled his eyes art her bad grammar, but let it pass. There was too much work to be done. He turned to the ensign that had been supervising with the shield generator repair. "Son, remember what I said about experience?" he asked. "Sure do Chief." the young man replied. "Well, here's your chance to get some. I'd appreciate it if you'd close up the Generator panel and make sure that the ODN links are re-engaged. Then when that's done, report that the shields are ready for use again to Meng, will ya?" The ensign just nodded eager to stay on DiCosta's good side. "Sure thing Chief." Al nodded and turned back to Carol. "Shall we? I need a PADD and for someone to move a grav lift generator up to the 5th junction on the Dorsal. Oh, and invite the Chick along. I think it's time he really got his hands dirty. Have me a couple of guys meet me at the Dorsal Hatch with the Gear in about 15 minutes. I got to stop by my quarters and grab Betty for this one." (reply Carol) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Forward Shield Generator – Crewman Carol Anderson– 0129) DiCosta turned to Carol " I need a PADD and for someone to move a grav lift generator up to the 5th junction on the Dorsal . Oh , and invite the Chick along . I think it's time he really got his hands dirty . Have me a couple of guys meet me at the dorsal hatch with the gear in about 15 minutes . I got to stop by my quarters and grab Betty for this one . " Carol's smile got impossibly larger at the mention of Betty , " Will do , Al < see you there then " , and with that she rushed back to main engineering , and to Ensign Bird . (reply none) (posted by Paul) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern, Bridge, Cmdr - FO Martin O'Shea-0130) "Commander, they're on the channel. It was going to go out MC1, but I switched to a solid dedicated line to the bridge sir." Soolay report ~Very good.~ Martin thought, ~now lets stall them.~ "See if you can get a fix on the source and find their exact location Lieutenant. And patch them through." Martin replied. "Aye sir, on speakers now." =^=You wanted to speak with me, Commander?=^= "Indeed I did. If you're the senior officer in command of the boarding party. But first I think introductions are in order. I'd like to know to whom I am speaking." (reply Jono) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern – Deck 1, Outside the bridge – Sec Chief/Acting FO, Lt. Jono Janeway – 0131) =^=Indeed I did. If you're the senior officer in command of the boarding party. But first I think introductions are in order. I'd like to know to whom I am speaking.=^= Jono smiled slightly, ~I'm not telling you who I am~ He thought to himself, he thought for a moment before responding... he wanted to keep the man waiting a little. "Have you found a way to monitor there teams yet?" He whispered in a low voice away from the comm. "A few more minutes, Sir." Jono nodded to the crewman, "I think we all would love to know who's really speaking most of the time. However I dont think I'll indulge you with my name, not now anyway." Jono said finally back into the comm, to O'Shea. (Reply O'Shea) (Posted by Jono) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern, Bridge, Cmdr - FO Martin O'Shea-0132) =^=I think we all would love to know who's really speaking most of the time. However I don't think I'll indulge you with my name, not now anyway.=^= Martin scowled at the arrogance of the man on the other end of the line. "Have it your way. But since I don't know your name or rank. I'll refer to you as Mister." he replied. "I have a proposal for you." Martin continued," It's a simple one. And you should be able to make a decision reasonably soon." He paused. (reply Jono) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Main Engineering – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird , Crewman Carol Anderson – 0135) Paul agreed with Carol when she told him what Dicosta had told him , ~ I've got to have a word with ~ . " Carol can arrange the personal needed for this through Chief Suvik , and let him know what's going on . Also if you could find out what's going on out there , " at this Paul waved vaguely away from the engines indicating the world outside of Engineering , " that will be great . I'm just going to grab my stuff and get to the pylon to meet the SCPO . " ~ meet him on his own you mean , and have a conversation in private ~ , but to Paul she said " Will do boss " , and with that she activated her comm , as Paul hurried away ." Crewman Anderson to ensign Suvik - Bertorelli " ( Reply Gabe ) (posted by Paul) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0151) Alonzo pulled himself through the crawlspace and into the larger chamber that led to the engineering access hatch to the Dorsal Nacelle Pylon. The LCARS panel was showing that there was still atmosphere behind the panel, but that didn't mean that there wasn't hull breach. He reached back behind him into the crawlway and pulled Betty into the chamber. She was a large Teranium rod, nearly 2.5 meters long. She was his secret weapon for making certain that the warp coils could be readily shifted back onto their mountings, if they'd dropped loose. He hoped that wasn't part of the problem. He stood and waited for the other engineers to arrive. (reply Carol and Bird) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird – 0152) Paul pulled himself out of the crawl way , and was relieved to see that DiCosta was on his own , " I'm , eerrrr , glad to have got you on your own , Chief , can I have a quick word ? " ( Reply DiCosta ) " Well it's just that officially I'm in charge down here in front of the men , but I'm not stupid enough not to realise that you're running this show and outstrip we by a mile on experience and expertise . So chief , how do we play this right ? " Paul hoped that Dicosta would except this cry for help in the manner it was intended and not as Paul exerting his authority . It had taken him a lot to get over his natural shyness , and hoped the older man could see that . ( Reply DiCosta ) ( Posted by Paul ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0153) Alonzo hadn't been waiting too long when he heard the sound of footfalls on the metal rungs, A couple of moments later the Chick, ACEO Bird, craned his head through the hatch before pulling himself the rest of the way up into the junction. Once the ensign was settled he glanced around and spoke. " I'm , eerrrr , glad to have got you on your own , Chief , can I have a quick word ? " Bird asked him. "Course, you can sir. You've the rank for it." Al replied honestly. " Well it's just that officially I'm in charge down here in front of the men, but I'm not stupid enough not to realize that you're running this show and outstrip we by a mile on experience and expertise . So Chief , how do we play this right ? " he asked voicing his concern. Al nodded. It was an honest question, and one that he'd heard before over the years. As a result Al could have given Bird the same canned answer that he'd given lesser men. But DiCosta honestly believed that the ACEO was being sincere in his intent even if the question came out a bit raw. "Well sir, it's like this. It doesn't matter how much experience I've got, or whether I'm right or wrong about any of this." he motioned towards the pylon above him. "What matters sir is that you use all the resources that you have available to get the job done as efficiently and quickly as you can. And that pip means that you get to make all the decisions. It's a pretty powerful thing that little hunk a metal. Just like everything else in this universe you can use it the right way or you can use it the wrong way." Al smiled. "I've been around long enough to know who's wearing a pip or two that are worth more than they are, sir." ~And the other way around too, I'd suppose~ "But If you want my honest opinion, sir. I'll give it to you straight. Just realize you may not like what I have to say, if you give me permission to speak freely?" (reply Bird) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon – ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird – 0154) " What matters , Sir < is that you use all the resources that you have availiable to get the job done as efficently and quickly as you can , and that pip means that you get to make all the decisions . It's a pretty powerful thing that little hunk a metal . Just like everything else in this universe you can use it the right way or you can use it the wrong way . " At this point Dicosta smiled , and Paul absentmindedly reached out to touch the little pip at his neck , ~ never really thought about it like that before ~ , he thought as the elder man continued ." I've been around long enough to know who's wearing a pip or two that are worth more than they are , Sir . " ~, and do you think I'm one of them , chief , or are you thinking I'm not worth the one pip I've got . Let's see if I can make it the right way round .~ DiCosta Finished his short speech " But if you want my honest opinion Sir , I'll Give it to you straight . Just realize you may not like what I have to say , if you give me permission to speak freely ? " " Certainly you can chief , and whilst we're here alone you can drop the 'Sir' " ( Reply DiCosta ) " Mmmmmm , carry on " (Reply DiCosta , Arriving Engineers ) (posted by Paul) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Beyond Vengeance Day: 1 Stardate: 2407:03:14 (USS Champlain, Dorsal Nacelle Pylon– SCPO - Alonzo DiCosta– 0155) " Certainly you can chief , and whilst we're here alone you can drop the 'Sir' " Bird replied. Al nodded. "Alright then I'll give it to you straight. You've a lot of potential, but you spend too much time wondering if your right or not. It's almost like you're afraid to make a decision. And leadership is all about making decisions. Another thing that I've noticed is that you tend to defer to the other ACEO on a great deal of things. I understand you needing to work with him, but you're both the same rank and you both hold the same position, so you shouldn't be calling him sir. You and he are in charge regardless of the length of service I may have and you shouldn't ever say otherwise" "It sends a mixed message to the engineering crew. Something they think you're in charge and sometimes you lead them to believe that Suvik - Bertorelli is in charge, when really you both are…equally." Al continued. " Mmmmmm , carry on " Bird replied "And don't be afraid to say you don't know. If you don't then ask for an opinion or confer with the other ACEO. Don't try to bluff your way past it. A lot of your engineering crew have been in service longer than you have, and they know that book smarts only go so far. You learn by doing." He sighed. "And one last thing. Make your decision and stick with it, unless new information causes you to change your mind. Be decisive. People will follow you if you're decisive, but if you're not...well they won't. I've got years of experience and a couple of service stripes, but you're the officer and there's a good reason for that." (reply Bird) (posted by Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern - Main Engineering - James Alexander, Lt Cmdr CEO Carson Purdue, Tac CPO Kohlass - 0200) "Chief Kohlass, I formally request your acknowledgement of my request for myself and my crew to be classified as prisoners of war and afforded all conditions permitted by established Starfleet regulations." Carson stated a second time. The Klingon was still giving orders to his people instead of acknowledging Carson’s statement. Kohlass rounded on the Engineering Chief. ~ Didn’t I just SAY that? ~ But perhaps this one required a bit more… clarity. “I formally heard you the first time, Chief…” he snarled. “Consider your request officially acknowledged… now shut up!” Carson nodded, there was no reason to irritate the Klingon any farther He knew well enough that if he had any honor, that the SCPO would protect his engineers. It had required much ducking and weaving, but Lex had finally arrived at Main Engineering. The doors slid open silently as he overrode the lock… he had been unwilling to reveal his position on the comm., even though Kohlass had requested his presence here. Alex quickly found himself face-to-face with a half-dozen phaser rifles carried by the Champlain's third boarding party. He holstered his phaser and held up his hands as he slipped inside, the door closing behind him barely ahead of the Wyvern’s dispatched defenders. Lex glanced around, and found the Champlain’s big Klingon Tac CPO, where he stood glaring at Purdue. “You rang?” Lex said to the grumpy-looking mountain of meanness, unable to hold back a quick grin. “Call ‘em off, and I’ll get to work. BTW, you have company coming,” Lex added, glancing back toward the door. But when his eyes met Purdue’s, an unexpected and rather unwelcome wave of sadness washing over him as he realized what he might have to do to keep the man alive. They had almost been friends… inasmuch as the atmosphere of paranoia on a Doenitz ship had allowed between an honorable, straight engineer like Carson, and an Intel operative for a brutal regime, such as Lex had been. “Good to see you alive, James, even if you have gone over to the other side.” Carson said with a frown. He was somewhat pleased to see James alive. He was a likeable sort. But while he was pleased he was simultaneously disappointed in James’ apparent treason. Still if the circumstances had been reversed, might he not have done the same? As Kohlass ordered his team to let him pass, Lex darted for the nearest computer terminal. His inner turmoil as not significantly abated as he sensed Carson’s reaction to him. Anything even faintly resembling a friendly attitude toward him was so sweet it was almost distracting, after the hatred he’d been battered with on the Champlain. But there was no going back for Alex. He’d learned too much… and he knew what would happen to Carson, and all the others, if they came back under Doenitz’ thumb after a disaster like this. With an effort, he shoved aside the sensory input, adopted as well as he still could the cold professionalism he’d been trained to maintain. and got down to business. Barrett hopped out of the way as Lex took her station, glaring at him like all the rest of the Champlainers. He knew their feelings toward him were reasonable, but she, too, was a professional. “They have this computer, Sir. They’ve reset the command codes, and we’re locked out.” Lex nodded sharply. Just then, the ship lurched violently, and Lex was almost thrown to the floor. It became apparent quickly that he’d need to get those codes to pull off his plan, and that he didn’t have time to hack into the system without them. After the merest spit second of reluctance, he turned to Carson. “Carson, I’m on my own damned side, like always, and you know it. But right now, we are all in the same boat, literally. I need your command codes, now. I’ve got nothing left to loose here, so I wouldn’t recommend arguing with me,” he said quickly, focusing sharply on the CEO. “You’re out of luck, Jim. I won’t help you.” Carson replied as he wagged his finger at the man he had once considered his friend. “You’ve made your choice Jim, and I can respect that, but I’m not about to become a turncoat as well. I still believe in my duty and the oath I took.” He paused. “You’ll not get any help from me Jim. I’m sorry.” He finished with, "Lieutenant Commander Carson James Purdue, Chief Engineering Officer USS Wyvern NCC-26753, ranking.” Lex sighed, and shook his head, which was already beginning to ache. He knew this was going to hurt… not only him, but an honorable officer who had never done him any harm. But he had no choice… the scans had told him that the Champlain’s tractor beams had lost their hold. It was now or never. “All right, I understand,” he replied to Purdue, nodding respectfully once. Then he hardened. “Sorry, buddy, I’ve got no choice…” It wasn’t as easy as it had been with his implants in place. He had been trained with them, and they helped him with finesse as well as amplifying his telepathy. This was like trying to use a claw hammer in place of a laser scalpel… brutal and clumsy… but it had to be done. He started to probe Carson’s mind for his codes. “I’m a prisoner of war, now Jim. You can’t---“ Carson started then stopped mid sentence his mind filled with searing pain. :: No!:: He shouted mentally as the pain intensified. “Lieutenant… Commander… Carson…” he muttered as images of his life began to flash before his eyes. Kohlass watched in growing concern as the prisoner started to struggle under Alexander’s intense gaze. Kay knew little about the ways and means of telepathy beyond his Starfleet training, but it was plain that Purdue was under attack. He knew Alexander needed those codes, but as prisoners of war, these people were under HIS care… ~His son, Michael, his wife Rebecca, both killed in a LaDona raid. They never stood a chance.~ “Phi….” Purdue muttered. There was blood on his uniform now, dripping from his nostrils. The pain was incredible. ~Congratulations Carson, you really deserve it couldn’t think of a better man for the job. His promotion to CEO… it had…….PAIN!~ “Gamma… he added aloud. ~An image of James and him playing a game of three-dimensional chess in the Rec room. It was an almost serene image. Jim’s face turned to him. Excellent match, Carson. What is the rest of the code?~ The image was an impression of a desire, there were no words. “six-three” he muttered aloud. Lex kept pressing. His own pain was not eased by the feedback from Purdue’s, but he was making progress. He tried to focus, shutting out the growing sense of threat from Kohlass as Lex tortured the codes out of his charge. He held up a hand, silently asking for just a few more seconds as he sensed rather than saw the big Klingon approached him, rifle raising as he came. His eyes never wavered from Purdue. ~His wedding. Rebecca in her white dress, smiling, then her laying in the casket. You took an oath to the Federation Carson… A voice was saying. Uphold it.~ Carson absently moved his hand to the trickle of blood coming from his nose. He awkwardly smeared it across his lips and cheek in an attempt to wipe it away. “Alexander. Stop this”. Kohlass' snarl came as only a faint echo to Lex’s preoccupied mind. “Lambda- two- Epsilon” he said. The pain was so intense. ~The ship! Quick change the codes! The image froze on the display panel showing the last character of the code he’d used….~ “Sigma!” He screamed, his voice cracking as his cry turned into a howl of incredible pain. His body jerked, blood still flowing free from his nose. Lex barely felt Kohlass’ heavy hand as it yanked him to his feet, roaring “ENOUGH”! He snapped into focus, facing the ridged mug inches from his. “Yes… it is. Now if you would be so kind as to put me down and let me go back to work, I think your boy over there needs a medic,” he hissed evenly. Kohlass was inches away from snapping the snake’s skinny neck like a twig. His fury had risen like smoke, almost to the point of stripping his reason from him. His honor was at stake, from this… thing… who didn’t know the meaning of honor… and yet, the mission had to come first… Kohlass tossed the creature from him. “Proceed… and this had better work, mister…” he growled. Then he turned back to the bleeding CEO, and yelled “Medic” and he went to the prisoner’s side. Carson was only dimly away that he was conscious, his surroundings were, blurry. His head swam in a surreal bath of flashing memories and the constant throbbing that was rapidly become the worst headache of his life. He felt someone’s hands on him, on his shoulder, on his arm. Carson couldn’t think clearly. “Rebecca?” he muttered, “I’m so sorry honey.” He started sobbing. =^=Attention all hands. This is Commander O'Shea speaking. As of a few minutes ago I relieved Captain Smithwick of her command for violating several regulations concerning the rules of engagement…=^= He was trying to recall where he was. When he heard the Intercom snap on, he realized he was back aboard the Wyvern. And with an immediate clarity he knew what had just happened. He pushed the medic away from him then, and taking one quick step, he punched James in the jaw, sending the younger man reeling. Carson wanted to kill the man for what he’d done. But three security officers wrestled him to the floor. He stopped struggling when one of them pointed his phaser at him. He watched James now, like a lion waiting for the right moment to pounce. “You Ba**ard!” he hissed. “I’ll kill you for this!” Once of the security men raised his phaser again and Carson regained control of himself. He stared at Kohlass. “And you, you call yourself an honorable Klingon?” Carson spit on the floor between them. “You wouldn’t know honor if it bit you in the ass.” =^=…Further updates shall be given as they develop. O'Shea out.=^= the intercom finished Kohlass bit back the fury that arose in him at Purdue’s insult. Obviously, the man was not so damaged as to be unable to hurl verbal abuse, as well as physical. Besides, for a man in that condition to deck the snake was undeniably satisfying to watch, regardless of the circumstances. His people re-secured Purdue, he yanked Alexander unceremoniously to his feet and slung him back toward his station… then he rounded on the seething CEO. “Mr. Purdue,” he snarled, but not without a certain amount of respect, “I am a Starfleet officer first, a Klingon second. Be careful how you judge honor. The honor of any who will serve the likes of Doenitz willingly is at best… dubious. Your people attacked us without just cause… and MY honor is best served by protecting MY people first.” He bore down on the bloodied human until he was within inches of his face. “If you do anything like that again, I’ll kill you. Understand?” “Perfectly, well.” Carson hissed. ~But I don’t have to like it.~ (Reply none) (posted by Connie Francisco and Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Wyvern - Main Engineering - James Alexander, FO Commander Martin O'Shea - 0205) Lex shook his head to clear it as he was dumped back at the terminal by the honorable Mr. Kohlass. He had entered the command codes as he received them, but before he'd been able to take control, Carson had knocked him off his perch. Lex had been so focused he hadn't seen his ex-crewmate coming…. now, he didn't have time to worry about it. He rubbed his blurred eyes, still feeling the recently healed scars, and forced himself to concentrate. Concentrate Already his jaw was beginning to ache from the impact of Carson's fist. First, he threw down a few hasty coding locks, to buy himself some time. Then, he gained access to the Wyvern's warp core containment field controls, his long fingers flying across the keypad… no time to program voice access. Once he had them, he entered his own covert com codes, the ones the Wyvern had used to eavesdrop on the Champlain. He didn't have time to be shocked that they were still active... he would have expected them to have been cancelled after he hadn't sent for several days. ~ What did they think I was, a magician? I should have been dead.. ! ~ He sent out a silent, coded message to the Champlain Bridge. That done, he forced open a shipwide channel, and spoke evenly, his soft voice clear, if edged with ice. "Bridge, this is Lieutenant James Alexander. This ends here. Surrender, now, of I'll blow the warp core… check your containment field strength." He twitched the field strength down a notch. "It's over… give it up, O'Shea." Martin jerked at the suddenness of the voice coming over the intercom. "Soolay?" he asked. "It's being controlled from Main Engineering. I can't shut it off." she replied. "Sir, I'm showing a 3% drop in warp containment field strength. They've got control of it." The operations officer chimed in. ~Da*n it!~ he thought. "Can you regain control?" he asked. The operations officer tapped on their console. "Open a channel to Main Engineering, Soolay." Martin barked. "All I have is MC1 sir, all other internal channels are locked out." she replied. "So he wants an audience does he?" Martin asked below his breath, then a little louder, "Fine put me on MC1." "Lieutenant Alexander, the last I heard you were on our side. Restore the controls back to the bridge and all you're bad decisions will be forgiven. James ---" Martin began. James interrupted, with a low, bitter-edged laugh. "I'm sure. And so will yours, Commander. I'm on my own side, and if you know what's good for you, you will be too. You have even less chance with the Brass than I do… I cost more to make," he said with a wicked, slightly unbalanced chuckle. "I have nothing left to loose, Marty… do you really want to push me?" He lowered the containment field farther… "Warp containment field down to 80% commander!" the Operations officer reported. "James, Jim…" Martin was out of options, talking was the only possible solution. "Listen to me. These Seds, they're going to put you on trial and they're going to lock you up forever. Restore the systems now, and this incident won't make it in the logs. Your shipmates are counting on you to make the right decision, James. I'm counting on you to do what's right. Now's your moment to stop yourself from doing something you'll regret for the rest of your life." Lex listened. He could clearly sense the growing desperation in the FO's voice. He had nothing against this man… and in fact, he knew O'Shea would probably fare better as a POW with the 52 nd than with Doenitz. But he also knew that the FO was a professional, a courageous man, willing to stand the consequences of his actions… one who always, indeed, did what he felt was right. Lex knew he had to break him, at whatever risk to his own life. He dropped the containment field sharply, just within his ability to maintain a controlled reduction, as he replied. "What life, Marty? It's too late for me. It doesn't matter if it's right, and I'm way past regrets. I'd just as soon die here, now, as to wait for some trial I can't win. So what's it gonna be, Marty? Here and now, or later?" He kept slowly draining power from the containment system as he waited for an answer. "Warp containment field down to 45%," the Operations officer reported, "35%! Sir, and still dropping!" Martin knew what he had to do. He'd lost and there was nothing that could be done to salvage it. "30% Sir!" "You win, Lieutenant!" Martin replied angrily, "We surrender! Now restore the containment field!" He turned to Soolay. "Lieutenant Soolay, hail the Champlain. Notify them that we are surrendering…" he said defeated. "Aye, Sir, hailing them now." she replied For the last time he dropped into the command chair on the bridge. "And someone open the doors…" he added. (reply Jono, Boarding Party, Any on Champlain or Wyvern Bridge) (posted by Connie and Daniel Greene) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Champlain - Bridge - Chief Tactical - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 0211) T'Larah was just about to turn to Derrick to inquire on the status of the tractor beam when an alarm went off on her panel. She inquired to the computer what had caused the alarm. "Bree, we have a proximity alert on the Wyvern, it seems her antimatter containment has dropped exactly three percent. While it's in no danger currently if it drops any more, we may need to consider leaving rather quickly." she said concern inperceptively creeping into her voice. (Reply Bree) "It's now down twenty percent." T'Larah announced. ~Interesting it has dropped twice by an exact percent.~ (Reply Bree) "Now it's down 55%, each time it's an exact percent, an accidental fall would be in several places behind the decimal point, this is too exact, someone must be controlling it forcing it down." (Reply Bree) "Bree it's at 30% If it gets to 16% it will breach." she said pseudo-urgently. (Reply Bree) T'Larah's console beeped demanding her attention. It was a hail from the Wyvern. ~Are they asking for help?~ "They're hailing us.... they wish to convey that they surrender," she told her, "Curious." (Reply Bree, any on either bridge) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------