Compile#15 June 20-26 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into The Breach Day: 4 Stardate: 2414.01.18 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - ACMO Ensign Candle - 0929) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACE Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 0937) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 0938*) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 1009*) (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1011) (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - Candle’s Office - ACMO Dr Candle - 1013) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1017) (Runabout Lorimar Ensign Maria Holly Science Officer Day 4 1045) (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Day 4- 1048) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Station 1 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1050) (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1055) (Runabout Lorimar – Science Officer Ensign Nickolas Romanoff - 1058*) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1100) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1115) (Runabout Lorimar - Science Station 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly - 1116) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1121) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1123) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - 2O/COPS -Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 1126) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1127) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1128) (USS Rosenante - Bridge 2O/COPS LT Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1129) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - ACMO Ensign Candle - 0929) An eminent scholar once said that nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possibly exception of bad news. Word of someone contacting the Borg reached Basil through one of his female nurses. Through a mixture of excitement and dread the Nurse had imparted the news, almost as if the Borg would be the next things to walk into sickbay. Basil, strangely felt calm, as if a weight of expectation was lifted from his shoulders. He looked up at the Nurse and smiled, as reassuringly as he could, but didn’t know what to say. He just said his thanks and let her go back to her work and worry. He hoped that both Captains have contingency plans to deal with a situation like this but deep down he knew both Captains expected complete loyalty so this would never had occurred to them. Basil’s mind was already thinking ahead, perhaps it could be used to their advantage. That shuttle needed time, time to do what it needed to do but with the tactical cube nearby it was a large risk. Now that the cube knew of the ships (or is that ship?) presence then it could be a blessing in disguise. Could the cube ignore the federation ship? Maybe not, thereby giving more time for the shuttle to investigate. The pyramid ship would still be carrying on its work so, hopefully, that wouldn’t come after either. All these ideas went through Basil’s mind. ~It’s not as if we weren’t going to engage the tactical cube anyway. The Borg are not here for a holiday, the Captains just wanted a reason to attack rather than attack first and ask questions later.~ he mused, ~ its just that the timetable has been mildly accelerated.~ He just hoped that the Captains would act soon, focus the attention on the Borg for he was sure that the Borg would be making a move soon. (Reply None) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACE Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 0937) =^=Matrix to O'Neill, report your status,=^= came the command over Eian's combadge. "All systems operational, Sir. Repairs are complete," Eian answered. =^=Mister O'Niell, please select a crew of your choosing and get to work on double checking the aft Quantum torpedo launchers. I'd like you and your crew to enhance the guidance systems. I'd like to offer the Captain the ability to put a QT up the Borg's tailpipe in a firefight. We may need to put one through a gap in their shields, weak area of their ship.=^= Eian assumed that Matrix wanted him to remain on the Bridge and send a crew down to inspect the torpedoes. As much as he was itching to go on an excursion after sitting at the Bridge console for so long (or at least it *felt* so long), he knew he had to stay there in case the Borg discovered their position and decided to engage them. They had traitor on the Boudicca to thank for that. "I'll send a team down, Sir." =^=Excellent, keep me posted on progress. Matrix out.=^= Eian tapped his combadge and selected four crewmen who were previously repairing bridge systems and were now unoccupied. He ordered them to the aft Quantum torpedo launchers, and then gave them more specific instructions. "After you finish double-checking the normal systems of operation, I want you to route guidance systems directly through localizing target control system standard tests, but keep the tolerances low--no more than .01%. Understood?" =^=Understood, Sir,=^= came the replies. "Good. When you've got those readings, you're authorized to keep the lower tolerances and then re-route the guidance systems back through the normal localization energy conduit. We want to be able to take out the apple pie in the Borg mess without even blinking." Of course, the Borg didn't have a mess, let alone eat apple pie, but it got the point across. "And another thing, when you're finished with that, tap into the QT shield sensing systems and get the tolerances a little lower on that, as well. I want it as accurate as you can afford without blowing out other systems." When their replies came in, he responded, "Keep me updated. O'Neill out." He looked back at his control panel and since no engineering systems were requiring attention, he stretched his legs slightly and glanced over at some of the other stations. Now that their position may have been discovered, he was finding it difficult to sit still...so many things could go wrong, and he wanted to be *doing* something. ~I wonder if Jessica feels the same way. Or maybe she's too busy guarding the dunderhead over there.~ (reply none required) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 0938*) The FO had arrived to relieve the 2O and a discussion ensued about fear and proper appointment of personnel, Tom was a competent officer who hadn't found his command face yet. Ben felt for him, no doubt he'd have felt the same in his place. Command wasn't for everyone, not all officers were cut out for the center seat. One day Ben would find out if he was, but for now he was more then comfortable at the tactical station. Updates were called for, status reports came in from all over the ship and it seemed that everything was as ready as it was going to be. The Captain was on the Boud with Sanok confronting who ever had made contact with the Borg, that individual was in more then a little trouble. At least Salid took someone who was level headed, no one could keep their cool in a difficult situation better then a Vulcan. Ben had relied on Sanok's composure more then once, they had worked well together in the past and hopefully would do so in the future. So far the Borg hadn't seemed to notice the Rose or the Boud or even the runabout for that matter, they were concentrating pretty heavily on the planet. They were looking for something, the Borg didn't waste energy or resources on trivial pursuits. What ever was on that planet would give the Borg some kind of tactical advantage, everything they did was to further their so called perfection. It was only a matter of time before they found out what it was and then the time would come to make the decision to intervene or pull back. Ben felt somewhat torn, he wanted to confront the Borg and take some small measure of vengeance but at the same time he wanted to withdraw to a safer distance and regroup with a larger fleet. He had no doubt the Rose and the Borg had enough quantums to destroy at least one of the Borg ships, two was highly unlikely. Had they taken enough precautions to give them a fighting chance, were the automodulated shields and the phaser firing sequences enough to hold the Borg back? He hoped they didn't have to answer those questions, at least not until the Captain and Sanok were back on board. (reply any on bridge) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 1009*) After the lengthy discourse among all parties involved, Alan arrived at yet another difficult decision. ~That's what they give you the extra pip for baby... all the good jobs...~ He looked at Salid quickly, hoping for his assent. "With your permission, sir?" (Reply Salid iyw) He turned to Signos with a very serious look. "Ensign, kindly escort Mister Trei to Sickbay. I want him under armed guard at all times. He will undergo a complete examination. I'll give the medical staff specific instruction to that end. I'd also ask that you explain to the physician in charge what you've witnessed here. If you have any questions contact me directly. No one may countermand these orders, save myself or Captain Salid. Understood?" (Reply Signos, Any) As Trei and his escort departed, Durand tapped his commbadge. "Captain Durand to Doctor Candle." (Reply Candle) "Doctor, I have an important assignment for you. Commander Caskie is commited on the Battle Bridge, so I need you to act in her stead. Lieutenant Trei is enroute to Sickbay under escort. I need you and/or your staff to perform a complete physical and psychological examination on him as soon as possible. Report the results to me at your earliest opportunity." (Reply Candle) "Very well Doctor, I understand this is unusual and the timing is no doubt awkward, but I wouldn't take these actions if they were not absolutely necessary. Thank you for your cooperation." (Reply Candle iyw, Any) Having addressed that, he needed another answer. "Durand to engineering," he began quietly. "Have you made any progress in your investigation thus far? Have you determined how our Mister Trei was able to access the holodeck under the alert condition?" (Reply Engineering, room for more) He turned his attention once again to his superior officer. "Sir, will there be anything else for the moment?" (Reply Salid, Room for more) He drew himself to rigid attention, and spoke words he had hoped never to say. "Captain, I take full responsibilty of course for the conduct of my subordinate. I have no excuse, nor do I make any justification for his compromise of communication security. I submit myself to your discretion for whatever disciplinary action you see fit. I shall accept any reprimand you feel appropriate, sir." (Reply Salid, Any, Room for more once again) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Observation Lounge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1011) Captain Durand ordered Signos to escort Trei to the Boudicca sickbay for a complete medical examination. While Trei was leaving with the diminutive security officer, Sanok lowered his phaser from shoulder level to hip level, rotating in place to keep Trei in front of him. It seemed as though the troublesome Klingon was submitting to everything, but one could never be 100% certain in situations like this. It took only a fraction of a second of letting down one's guard, for something tragic to happen. While Durand was issuing orders to other officers on his ship, and while Captain Salid spoke as well, Sanok began to wonder what was in store for their people on the runabout. He hadn't thought of them until now, but with the Borg being aware of their presence, were those people being assimilated at this very moment? How could this situation have gone from bad, to so very much worse? Sanok had already made peace with himself that they most likely weren't going to survive the mission anyway, but with Trei contacting the Borg, whatever chances they had, were sinking into a black hole. Sanok had made it through tough situations in the past. Some may have even had worse odds of survival. In each, he had done his very best to stay amongst the living. With others, he had to depend on the skills of others. He had faced each of them with the typical face of logic. Many considered Vulcans to be negative, or even fatalistic, but that wasn't the case. Their unique perspective simply allowed them to see each situation for what it was. That perspective told him no one from either ship would ever see home again. However, something deep inside him, something from a part of him that no longer existed, was screaming to him that he shouldn't feel that way. A deep part of him, some would call it his soul, was trying to push something different to the forefront. It was trying to say to him that logic wasn't the ultimate way. An old feeling was rising out of what had been purged from him in the deserts of Vulcan. He didn't know what to do with this thing called.... Hope. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - Candle’s Office - ACMO Dr Candle - 1013) Basil was tired , staring at monitors does that. No need for a doctor to tell, you that. He was tense, on edge, from looking at the slow progress of the shuttle towards the borg which didn’t help when he was trying to find out more from his other screen filled with a person’s life details. His commbadge chirruped, =^="Captain Durand to Doctor Candle.=^= Usually Basil didn’t notice any tension in the Captain’s voice, which then led to Basil getting into trouble. It was quite plain so Basil’s reply was simple, “Sir, how may I help you?” =^=Doctor, I have an important assignment for you. Commander Caskie is committed on the Battle Bridge, so I need you to act in her stead. Lieutenant Trei is enroute to Sickbay under escort. I need you and/or your staff to perform a complete physical and psychological examination on him as soon as possible. Report the results to me at your earliest opportunity.=^= ~By my stars and garters~ “A complete physical and psychological exam, sir, are you …“ ~Careful … not the time! ~ ".... certainly but it will take .. a while for the results” =^=Very well Doctor, I understand this is unusual and the timing is no doubt awkward, but I wouldn't take these actions if they were not absolutely necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.=^= Basil thought about asking if there was anything in particular he was needed to look for but felt that if there was something wrong he would find it with the exam. Instead he just left the Captain to his own tasks and left his office to prepare his staff for his incoming patient. It wasn’t long until the procession arrived, Basil smiled at the escorting officer, “Take him over to the biobed .. Umm sorry I don’t think we’ve met have we?” (Reply Signos, Any) “Anyway, what sort of precautions do you want to take with your …..prisoner?” (Reply Signos, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1017) Jacobs circled engineering gathering information on a padd. The pad contained the report Ensign Gesar asked him to prepare for the captain in regards to how a holodeck was powered and how contact was made to the Borg. ~ I am still trying to figure out why someone would try and contact them. And what did they think contacting them would accomplish? I hope this hasn't doomed the away team, there are good people on that shuttle!~ Captain Durand chimed in and broke Henry's thought. "Durand to engineering," he began quietly. "Have you made any progress in your investigation thus far? Have you determined how our Mister Trei was able to access the holodeck under the alert condition?" "Yes sir, actually I have a report ready for your review." (reply captain) "Apparently he stil posses the necessary security command codes to allow him to reroute power to the holodeck. Because he has access to these commands no alerts sounded for unauthorized access. The program he was running coupled with his empathic abilities actual made the contact possible. What ever he was doing in the holodeck actually magnified his abilities." (reply captain) " The computer actually logged the telepathic spike readings in his cerebral cortex during the established contact period. This may be beneficial in the future, essentially we know what frequency necessary for contact. This may be useful for an attack if all else fails." (reply captain, any) (posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar Ensign Maria Holly Science Officer Day 4 1045) Maria was jolted as the shuttle was gripped by what reminded her of a giant hand pulling them toward the Borg vessel. "Commander we have been tractored by the Borg pyramid" Maria reported rather loudly. (Reply: Commander Mclaren) The group was shocked by her announcement. (Reply: all on Lorimar) Maria wondered what to do next? (Reply: any on Lorimar) (Posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Borg Pyramid, Command Nexus, Volus- One of Seventeen, Day 4- 1048) Volus watched with a very un-Borg-like sense of pride as the small federation craft continued to get closer and closer to conduct their scans of the site. The vessel was under the illusion that it had not been detected, but every eye in the Borg collective, at least those nearby, was aware of the federation presence. The More Volus observed the ship, the more and more convinced he became that the Federation vessel was nothing more than a bait-and-switch tactic. It was an elaborate attempt to dangle this intriguing craft in front of the Borg in the hopes that Volus would perform a very Borg-like act and order the craft to be assimilated. Then, of course, the Federation craft would flee, at best speed back behind the moon from which it originated, and the pursuing Borg ship would find itself encountering a Federation task force. It would be better to make them come to him. The large circular view screen in the command nexus shimmered and the smaller craft was firmly placed in the center of the screen, dominating it in a single half story high visualization, that allowed Volus to see every detail of the vessel. {{The vessel's design indicates it is modular}} came a hundred or more voices from the collective. {{It should be destroyed. It poses a risk}} {{No assimilate it}} {{There are six biological life forms and an artificial life form on board.}} {{Query the artificial life form's design}} {{Data not available at this time.}} Volus stood thinking and observing. The line of thought was along the lines of turning the tables against the Federation task force lying in wait to ambush his Borg Fleet. With a single mental command through the collective, The Borg Pyramid suddenly activated it's tractor beam. Unlike other ships in the Borg Fleet, it's beam was capable of operating at ranges far beyond those of other Borg Ship's. The beam was powerful enough to span the distance to the Federation vessel with ease and strong enough to move a ship a hundred times it's size at the same distance without worry. {{Assimilate the ship}} Volus commanded. {{It is time to draw the Federation task force from their position behind the moon.}} The brilliant beam lanced across the gulf of space separating the smaller, nearly minuscule Federation support craft and the Borg Pyramid. The smaller vessel shook and was rapidly being pulled towards the larger Borg vessel. Soon they would be aboard the Pyramid. The individuals aboard could be assimilated, information gathered and the ship and occupants could be assimilated to serve the Borg. They would receive the gift of knowledge in return for their service to the Collective. (reply away team) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Station 1 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1050) Maddox was still under the console hooking up his equipment, he was just about finished when the craft was suddenly jolted violently to one side that was not their direction of movement. This sudden jolt smacked the side of Andrew's head against the pylon holding the console to the deck. "OW!" he yelled. ~That lost me some cool points in front of the ladies way to go Drew.~ "Commander we have been tractored by the Borg pyramid" Maria reported rather loudly. (Reply any) ~Crap. The pucker factor just went up.~ "Holly, let's get to work on those shields. You start rotating the shields on a random setting." he suggested. (Reply any, presumably from the cockpit) "What?! Our shields aren't up?" he paused only briefly and came up with an answer. "Polarize the hull plating!" he said snapping his fingers the moment he said it. "I know it's kinda low tech but if we get out of the grip of this tractor beam before they pull us into transporter range that will give us a chance." (Reply any, presumably from the cockpit) "Right, sir I'm on it." The ship began to shudder under the strain of the Borg's powerful tractor beam. (Reply any on Lorimar) (Posted by Todd) -------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 1055) Bob had been caught up in the technical discourse that had gone back and forth among the crew of the runabout. At least it had calmed his fear somewhat. Several reports in quick succession jolted him rudely to the situation at hand. Had he had a second to consider it, he might have realized that for the first time nearly since launch, he wasn't afraid. For all the good that did. He was about to order evasive action, but that was a bit pointless once your ship was already in the grip of a Borg tractor beam. ~Which shouldnae hae anything like the range tae get us this far oot! But we hae mair immediate problems tae deal with...~ "Right. Launch that comm beacon right now! The torpedo launch initiator should have mair then enough power tae kick it free of that tractor beam's radius of annular confinement. Get it launched wie whatever information we hae so far." (Reply Any) His mind had been racing at full speed in the moments since they had been gripped by the Borg. He heard the suggestion from Maddox about rotatating shield frequencies. Of course, they hadn't had their shields up, trying to be crafty and coy and sneaky. Time for that had passed. He spun to face McLaren. "Commander, bring the warp reactor and the auxillires tae maximum power, standby tae divert all power tae the shields, and then the engines if we can break the lock." (Reply McLaren) "Shea, plot an escape course. Any heading... the instant we break that tractor lock -- if we break it --, get us oot the range o' that bloody Borg ship. I dinnae care about safety limits, acceleration protocols, shearing forces... just get us oot of here if the opportunity presents itself." (Reply Shae) He was still thinking more rapidly than he could get the words out, and started to theorize out loud. "It stands tae reason that superiour technology or not, that tractor beam cannae have as much angular cohesion and resistance tae shearing forces that it would at a more normal range. Might we disrupt it somehow? Just break the lock long enough tae get away? What about a static warp field? Inverted shield harmonics? There's got tae be a way tae break the lock... Anyone wie ideas I want tae hear them now!" ~Because if we cannae break free soon...~ (Reply Any/All) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar – Science Officer Ensign Nickolas Romanoff - 1058*) Everyone on the runabout had been working on their orders; running scans and collaborating ideas as to what the Borg were actually doing on the planet surface. Out of nowhere there was a tremendous jolt, which rocked the runabout. Nickolas was launched from his chair onto the floor. As he regained his footing he could see from the nearest view port that the jolt that had rocked the ship was cause from a glimmering green beam coming from the Borg Pyramid. The shuttle was now caught in a tractor beam and was being pulled towards the pyramid. ~So much for not being noticed, I didn’t feel like being assimilated today. ~ As the ship moved closer to the Borg Pyramid it continued to shack and rattle under the shearing force from the tractor beam. "Right. Launch that comm beacon right now! The torpedo launch initiator should have mair then enough power tae kick it free of that tractor beam's radius of annular confinement. Get it launched wie whatever information we hae so far." Once again Nickolas had been knocked down to his feet. Hearing commander Lorimar’s request Romanoff jumped up once more and leaped to his console. Before he could actually launch the communications probe he had to set the coordinates for its trajectory. As quickly as possible he set reverse course headings for the probe to travel back in the direction the runabout had taken. Faster than he thought possible, Romanoff began downloading information from the different terminals to send out with the probe. The little information he got was downloaded and condensed to the probe. “Coordinates set, sir. Launching probe!” Romanoff sounded off to Commander Lorimar as everyone watched the probe launch from the runabout and soar into its designated destination. ~I hope to God the Borg don’t find the need to destroy the damn probe. ~ “Keep an eye on the probe, lay down some cover fire if necessary, we need to make sure the probe makes it out to the ships.” Romanoff tracked the probes trajectory and sent out a general distress message for both ships to pick up. “This is the runabout Lorimar sending a general distress message. We have been engaged by the Borg and are currently being tractored by the Borg Pyramid. Need immediate assistance.” Romanoff again turned back to Commander Lorimar and informed him of his progress. “Sir, probe has been launched and en route to both ships. I also sent out a general distress message that should be picked up once the comm probe has reached its coordinates.” (Reply Lorimar, any) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 4 - 1100) "Analyzing telemetry from the probe," Joseph said. His heart was pounding. The Borg were about to tow their runabout in, and no doubt assimilate them. He was terrified, and for the first time in his life, wished that he had someone to talk to. He had been through terrifying things before, but nothing like this. If someone had told him just an hour ago that he would be wishing for someone's shoulder to cry on, he would have laughed and walked away. It was impossible. He was not even remotely inclined to talk about his problems...which happened to be everyone else's problems, at the moment. He was much more inclined to try to fix the problem, and that was exactly what he was trying to do. But he found his focus was so out of whack that he was having difficulty understanding the telemetry readouts. The simulations at the Academy, years of practice reading signals from every known source in Federation databanks, a decade spent on starships, analyzing signals no one had ever seen before...none of it prepared him for the terror that nearly paralyzed him now. But somehow, he managed to read what was on his screen. "The probe is working and sending data back to the ships," he reported. "It's getting data off the sphere, the drones on the surface, the cube...and the Pyramid that's tractoring us in." He couldn't look up from his screen. He couldn't force himself to look his fellow officers in the eye knowing that they, and he, could all be assimilated very shortly. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1115) Ben was still wondering how the encounter with the Borg would go when his console indicated trouble. The Runabout was heading directly for the pyramid and he doubted it was intentional. "Commander," He stated. "the runabout is in trouble. It's heading for the Borg pyramid, most likely caught in a tractor beam." He awaited instruction, he wanted to do something but there was little that could be done that wouldn't put both crews at a greater risk. After the crew on the runabout was assimilated the Borg would know all their plans, they would know two Federation starships were in the area and both would be deemed worthy of assimilation. The biological and technological distinctiveness of both ships would service the collective well. That was something he wanted to avoid at any cost, he would not become a drone. He would not serve the collective as a mindless automaton. (reply any on bridge) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Runabout Lorimar - Science Station 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly - 1116) The tractor beam held the Lorimar in a death grip. She struggled against the vise grip. Andrew Maddox and a few others were knocked about like rag dolls. Maddox shouted to Maria "Holly, let's get to work on those shields. You start rotating the shields on a random setting." he suggested. "Andrew, shields are down" she replied after a glance at her console. This stunned Maddox. He replied quickly with ""What?! Our shields aren't up?" he paused only briefly and came up with an answer. "Polarize the hull plating!" he said snapping his fingers the moment he said it. "Roger that" she replied. Maria tried to polarize the hull opposite to that of the beam. "Commander, we're shaking ourselves to bits. I am re-routing transporter power to the structural integrity fields. Hopefully that will prevent us from sucking in cosmic dust" she added dryly. (Reply: any in shuttle craft) "Sir, a probe has been launched. It appears designed to strike to tractor beam" Maria reported. (Reply Cemetery McMahon, others) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1121) "Commander," Ben stated, "the runabout is in trouble. It's heading for the Borg pyramid, most likely caught in a tractor beam." ~Dear God...~ Eian thought. Those in the runabout would likely be assimilated. Very shortly. That gave them literally only minutes before the Borg knew their plans. ~Within the hour,~ he realized, ~they'll be able to board us, assimilate us...~ He honestly preferred death. After thinking about it for a considerable amount of time the evening before, he couldn't imagine himself as a Borg. His humanity stripped from him, reduced to parts in a machine. He would become nothing more than a warp coil or a PADD. He would simply be a thing, to be used by the collective for their purposes. He had no idea what would happen to his connection with God. Would he even be able to think of God? Or would his mind's thoughts be silenced along with its ability to control his actions? ~Please be with us, God. We need you now...protect that runabout.~ He knew fully well that he was requesting physical salvation. It went against his own faith's teachings--that God did not jump at the command of an individual or group, but rather moved only according to His purpose. But that hardly mattered in his mind at the moment. What mattered was how close they all were to oblivion. He looked over at Ben. He could see the tension in his fellow officer's face. His skill of reading body language showed him the tension everyone was feeling, but it wasn't telling him anything common sense wouldn't. Of course they were all tense. But knowing what he did about Ben's past, and seeing the man's expression differing slightly from the others' on the Bridge, he could guess that Ben might be thinking the same thing he was. It would be better to die than to be a drone. ~If I am to be assimilated, God, then let me be killed by someone here...I honestly can't imagine a worse hell...and God...~ he stared at one readout on his screen, not really seeing it, ~I'm scared. Give me strength.~ (no reply necessary, any welcome) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1123) "Commander," He stated. "the runabout is in trouble. It's heading for the Borg pyramid, most likely caught in a tractor beam." the tactical officer stated. "Mister Soma, get me a fix on the tractor beam's point of origin." she ordered. (Reply Lt. Soma) "I said a fix mister Soma that's not precise enough, Mister Jackson, shunt power from other systems to boost the sensors so our Chief Tactical Officer can see more clearly." she corrected. (Reply Lt. Jackson) Once the power was re-routed an exact location was given. "Launch a class 8 probe at these coordinates." she said and typed a speed and heading into the center seat arm panel. "It will require sniper deadly accuracy." (Reply Soma, any room for more IYW) "Launch the probe." she ordered. At the press of a button at the tactical station a blue streak issued from the Rosenante's torpedo tubes as the probe launched at near warp speeds. Mister Soma's aim was true the probe struck the tractor beam at it's narrowest, but strongest point. The 2 meter long probe was 'caught' by the Borg's ominous emerald colored beam like an errant fly ball from an ancient Terran pass-time. The device's duranium alloy shell cracked and strained under the pressure but it had done it's job. The tractor beam was interrupted, and the Runabout broke free. (Reply Lorimar Runabout) The freedom was purchased at the cost of the probe as the near diamond hard casing finally cracked in two and imploded under the severe gravitational force of the Borg's mighty beam. "Good shooting Mister Soma. Mister Jackson status on the Borg Pyramid and Cube." she said praising for a job well done but still working towards the freedom of the smaller vessel. (Reply Lt. Jackson) "Put it on screen." she said. The image came to life, but not in the sharp vivid colors they were accustomed to. The image was fuzzy in the areas it wasn't collapsing into it's combined digital pixels. The image painted was not inspired but despite it's lack of resolution it was very clear. The Borg were trying to re-establish their tractor lock. (Reply Rose-Bridge, Runabout Lorimar) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - 2O/COPS -Lieutenant Tom Jackson Day 4 1126) The shuttle was in trouble! Tom was given orders by the FO to" Mister Jackson, shunt power from other systems to boost the sensors so our Chief Tactical Officer can see more clearly." she corrected. Jackson re-routed power from the holo-deck system and directed to Ben's console - replying "Power re-routed Commander". (Reply: Ben or T'larah) T'Larah went on to order a class eight probe readied for launch. Tom didn't understand the reason for the order. As he readied the probe, he asked why? "Commander, why the probe launch?" Tom asked. (Reply: T'Larah) Tom listened as she explained the order. Jackson's eyes began to see her rationale. The device struck at a precise point. The probe's duranium alloy shell cracked and strained under the pressure but it had done it's job. The tractor beam was interrupted, and the Runabout had a chance to break free. Jackson mentally filed that neat trick away. The shuttle,battered badly made its break. T'Larah issued additional instructions with "Mister Jackson status on the Borg Pyramid and Cube." she said praising for a job well done but still working towards the freedom of the smaller vessel. "The Borg vessels were surprised - the Lorimar better act quickly though" Jackson added. (Reply any present) Tom sincerely hoped the shuttle would react fast. (Reply: any on bridge) (Posted by Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma - 1127) "Mister Soma, get me a fix on the tractor beam's point of origin." she ordered. Ben ran a scan knowing full well at this range a fix was impossible, there was simply to much interference from the antiproton beam the Borg were directing at the surface. "From this range the best I can tell you is that the beam is emanating from the Borg Pyramid Commander." Ben replied. "I said a fix mister Soma that's not precise enough, Mister Jackson, shunt power from other systems to boost the sensors so our Chief Tactical Officer can see more clearly." she corrected. After Tom pulled power from god knew where the sensors were able to penetrate the interference more effectively, along with the information from the beacon he was able to pinpoint the location of the tractor beams origin. "Have the location of the beam." Ben replied as he sent the coordinates to the Commanders console. "Launch a class 8 probe at these coordinates." she said and typed a speed and heading into the center seat arm panel. "It will require sniper deadly accuracy." Ben went about setting the course and speed for the probe. Tom asked what it's purpose was even though Ben already had a pretty good idea what the Commander was thinking. Her response confirmed what he had been thinking. "Probe loaded and ready." Ben stated. "Launch the probe." she ordered. Ben watched as the probe launched and streaked across the view screen towards it's target. A breif flash and sensor spike told him the probe had done it's job, on his screen he could see the intense force being applied to the probes casing. ~It can't take this for too long.~ "Good shooting Mister Soma. Mister Jackson status on the Borg Pyramid and Cube." she said. "The Probe is begining to break up." Ben announced as the readings on his console red lined and died. ~Hope that did the job and the runabout can get to a safe distance before the Borg can react.~ (reply any on bridge) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 1128) "Commander, why the probe launch?" Tom asked. "Simple geometry Mister Jackson. The tractor beam is at its narrowest point just in front of the beam emitter, just like in all energy beams. With a precise enough shot with a class 8 probe which is 2 meters in length, I theorize that we can block the beam. Now I realize that this is only a temporary fix and that the beam will no doubt crack the casing, and the Borg will attempt to resume a tractor lock on the runabout, but this is the best we can do with out drawing their attention with a hostile action." she stated. (Reply none required) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge 2O/COPS LT Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1129) Part of Tom's mind was chewing over T'Larah's comments about fear and command presence. Jackson sneaked a quick look about the Rose's bridge. It seemed that with few exceptions, most wore determination mixed with fear. A lot of the bridge crew were experienced hands. A few, like Lieutenant O'Neill, were young. This caused him to think of two young ensigns reporting to SB Geneva. They were named Ahmed Salid and Tom Jackson. Tom reflected that he and the CO weren't that much older than O'Neill. But those two young ensigns had seen a lifetime of experiences flash before their eyes. One of those two ensigns was now a starship commander and the other was just beginning his climb up the command ladder. He rose and walked the short distance to where O'Neill was working diligently. "Eian, how are you doing?" Jackson asked the younger man. (Reply: Eian) (Posted by Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------