Compile#30 September 20-22 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 5 Stardate: Age of Makto Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Deck 10/Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0938) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO, Lt. Steven Matrix, Day 5 - 1052) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1053*) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 - 1054) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere else on Deck 28 - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1056) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1059) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere else on Deck 28 - Science Officer Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1102) (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1105) (USS Rosenante - Deck 13 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1320) (USS Rosenante - Main sickbay- SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 –1323) (USS Rosenante - BioHazard lab 1, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1328) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1329) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - ACEO Eian O'Neill & Volus, Day 5 - 1330) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1331) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1332) (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Lieutenant jg Sanok – 1335) (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1337) (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Day 5 1820) (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 5 - 1822) (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - 2nd Officer / COPS - 1830) (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1837) (USS Rosenante Deck 10 – Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2d Officer / COPS Day 5 1845) (USS Rosenante- Deck 10- CSec- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 1847) (Dovek II - Research Facility - Chief Scientist D’askto - 1900) (Dovek II - Research Facility - Chief Scientist D’askto - 1920) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10/Sickbay - ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel Day 5 0938) Tom and Isra were taking 'ten'. Isra was doing well considering her injury. Jackson himself was in need to the rest. "Thanks Isra. You've done well. This was a rough 1st mission I would say" Tom said with a smile. "I wish I'd had an easier first mission, to be honest..." she said, preparing herself to engage Borg once again. "O.K., time to earn our pay kiddo" T.J. Said as he rose and extended a hand to help his you friend up. "Did you forget that we're not in the 21st century any more?" Isra joked, trying to lighten the mood a bit. (Reply Tom) Tom and Isra moved thru the labyrinth. Isra could only imagine how long it took him to memorise the layout, at least she could forget about the layout of this ship once it was all over. ~I need SO much sleep right now~ she mused. Tom stopped suddenly, nearly causing Isra to run into him. Jackson smiled and cried " Ah ha". "What, did you find the key to wiping out the Borg once and for all?" she asked, at least giving herself false hope for the future. Any hope was better than none. " This panel leads into Sick Bay" Tom said in explanation. "Oh... Not quite as spectacular as I was hoping..." "We need to be real careful Isra. Our mates are probably very jumpy and will shoot first then ask questions. So once I activate the code to open it, I go first - O.K.?" Tom asked. Isra just nodded in response. Her wrist was beginning to throb, the adrenaline of the moment wearing off. Taking a deep breath Tom Jackson punched in the 2nd officer override code. Jackson quickly shouted " It's Tom Jackson- hold your fire". Tom entered the department. And then helped Isra enter. Tom re-seated and sealed the access way. " I need someone to look at Ensign Caliel" Tom ordered. Isra moved over to one of the beds, just to stand next to it and give her wrist somewhere to rest. The reprieve was more than welcome, instantly making it feel better. (Reply: Medical Staff) Tom called out for kimiko. "Tom! Can we fill the corridor with Hydrogen?" Isra interrupted, "If there's enough, when we ignite a power conduit, it'll spark the whole corridor... They probably won't react to two explosions fast enough." she said, having a moment of clarity sparked on by the more friendly light of the sickbay. She swore the corridor outside had begun to take on the green tint that seemed to follow the Borg everywhere. (Reply Tom) "I can set it up as soon as my wrist is fixed." she said, hoping it would work. (Reply Tom/Medical Staff) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO, Lt. Steven Matrix, Day 5 - 1052) Matrix woke up abruptly from his rest-bit. Still exhausted, sore and hungry. The doctor did a fine job of patching his shoulder up and he was feeling somewhat better. The pain had subsided significantly. Matrix arose to find some information on the current situation. During his brief slumber things may have changed significantly...against them. "Excuse me...can you tell me what's the latest information on our status?" asked Matrix to the nearest officer. The hurried lieutenant didn't stop or even acknowledge his inquiry and to her credit the observation lounge was rather noisy. "Excuse me crewman...can you tell me what's going on? Where are the Borg now?" asked Matrix to the next passerby. The crewman stopped, "Sir its bad, the Borg are all over the ship...I must get to my duty station!" and she ran off quickly out of the room. Matrix gathered up his backpack and slung the Mark VI over his shoulder and walked toward the authority figure just on the other side of the room. ~Perhaps I can get some information?~ Matrix asked himself. "Excuse me sir...what is the situation?" asked Matrix. (Reply any) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1053*) "Volus, for all I know you are trying to trick me. Perhaps if I had evidence that I am an artificial life form like you say I am, then I might be inclined to believe the rest." the android stated evenly. "I see." Volus stated and took a step forward as he commanded the left hand restraint to release on the holding platform. "As you require proof, then allow me to provide it. He reached out slowly so as not to unduly alarm Maddox gripped his wrist firmly but gently and then quickly injected his nanotubules into the scientists arm. He commanded the nanoprobes that were slowly swarming through the injection site of the flesh covering to perform one task, reveal the sophisticated frame work that lay beneath the false covering of flesh. Andrew jerked his arm backwards as if he had been struck by a serpent. The biomonitoring systems noted elevated micro pump pressures and even a capillary response. "Relax, you have not been assimilated. Observe." It took only a few moments for the nanoprobes to complete their task and await further orders. Andrew looked at his Decellularised wrist, gawking at the nanoscoptic circuitry and micro laser pumps. "Your true nature Andrew. The white components that you are observing is the structural framework of the body you possess. It is comprised of a calcium ion alloy, overlaying an intricate sensor web devised of Trillium oxide atoms suspended in a selenium and tritanium paste. The embedded control units are very advanced platinum and latinum nanowires. Fundamentally it appears that they maintain the same basic functions of a biological body, even going so far as to mimic complete autonomic biorhythms and biofeedback. They are sophisticated enough to fool Federation medical scanners provided that one didn't inspect their structures too closely." Volus explained. "Fascinating. I had no idea." he said in all honesty. He flexed his hand a few times, and it still responded to his commands. "You are genuinely unique. We have encountered artificial life forms before but none that were this sophisticated. You are fundamentally a cybernetic organism, much like we are, although different in appearance. You appear human, and so your colleagues will not reject you outright, and you do not appear Borg which will allow them time to come to terms with the fact that you are merely a progenitor of peace between our species. You will make a fine ambassador to the federation." "Ambassador, huh? Are you sure I'm up to the task?" Andrew asked, pride creeping into his words. "I have faith and hope that you are willing to risk everything to prevent more needless bloodshed. I know that you have the ability, you are more than the sum of your parts Andrew. You are our best hope for peace. The question is are you willing to aid us to achieve something that is so long overdue?" "I'm glad you have such faith in me, but I can't represent both peoples with this," he said raising his now boney hand. "It might cause unease." "Indeed. Will you allow me to remedy that obstacle for you?" Volus asked despite the fact that he knew he did not need permission. "We have the ability to do so within our power." "Well, then you may proceed." Maddox said. {Repair his arm. Use the nanofiber flesh and restore it to its original specifications. And then install the transmitter/receiver so we may communicate with this unit.} Volus commanded. {We will comply} several of the nearby drones responded. {There is an intruder in the environmental duct.} One of the drones stated evenly. {Capture him but do him no harm.} Volus commanded. Suddenly the Drone standing across the room from him, ripped an environmental cover free and pulled a frightened human from the duct work. {Joseph Willowbrook, science officer. He is no threat.} the collective advised him instantly. "I normally execute spies, Joseph."Volus stated evenly, allowing his cold gaze to fall across the man trembling on the floor in front of him. "Are you a spy, an assassin or something else altogether?" he asked. (reply Maddox, Willowbrook) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 5 - 1054) Ahmed was beginning to feel that the weight of the entire universe was resting on his eyelids. He couldn't remember the last time that he had actually gotten any rest, but figured it had to be pressing almost forty-eight hours now. There was a slight hiss as the air-hypo was pressed against his neck and the drug released into his system. The stimulant was one of the more potent known to the Federation. It was also highly addictive. The fact that Ahmed knew that he had no real choice but to stay awake and deal with the situation was the only reason that he had even considered it. "There you go Captain." The medic stated evenly, "That should keep you going, but I don't recommend any more treatments once that wears off. This stuff is dangerous and prolonged use will develop into an addiction as well as serious physical and psychological side-effects." Ahmed nodded, already feeling the beginnings of the drug as it hyper saturated his brain cells with oxygen and other chemicals that brought him quickly back to full alertness. in another few minutes he knew that he wouldn't even feel tired at all. He could at least understand the psychological addictive nature of the stimulant. "Thank you Ensign, that will be all." He replied, not wishing to go into any more detail than that. "Aye, sir." She replied and then headed across the bay to work with other wounded that had made their way here. Ahmed took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and then slowly released it to get himself centered. There were far too many of his crew that had been assimilated or killed by the Borg in this encounter. He was pushing every resource to it's limit and some well beyond. He couldn't even get an accurate casualty count. For all he knew there were only the people he could see still operating with any kind of efficiency, it was possible that the Borg were all around them and no one would be the wiser at this stage. He shook his head in an attempt to cast away the defeatist thoughts that resided there. The false clarity of the stimulant wasn't helping him to focus on the more important aspect of survival, it was simply keeping his body and mind alert. Where his thoughts went, were under his own control, or at least they were for the time being. "Excuse me sir...what is the situation?" a voice asked him. For a brief moment Ahmed wanted to turn around and scream 'We're Losing the ship, you moron!' to the holder of the voice, but he restrained himself because he realized it was his own irritation at his lack of ability to take control of the situation that was causing him to be irritable. He turned to face the voice and looked at Lieutenant Matrix. he blinked twice. "I thought you were summoned to the isolab in sickbay, lieutenant?" he asked, genuinely concerned that Matrix was here to give him some very bad news. (reply Matrix) "Ah I see. Well, that's understandable. I think we're all running a little low on rest lately." Ahmed said with a nod. He gestured for Matrix to follow him over to a section of the compartment where they were unlikely to be overheard. "I'll give you the basics. Ensign Signos came up with an idea to modify Borg nanoprobes into something that will actually stop and reverse, as much as possible the Assimilation process. A means to stop their spread and possibly do enough damage to the collective on the two ships to give us our edge to bring this conflict to an end." "Commander Caskie is leading a team in the research for the modifications. I need a couple of things. A test subject from which we can extract some nanoprobes for modification and conduct tests upon. A means to disperse or deploy those modified nano probes. And then the equipment or devices manufactured that will allow them to be deployed." "As an engineer you will be critical in the deployment and manufacturing phase. It has to be a means from which the Borg are going to be unable to adapt rapidly, or we'll have wasted all our efforts. Staffing is a problem, so it may be that you are going to be forced to develop this on your own. One thing is certain though, I need you on that team and that means you need to be in the isolab instead of here." (reply Matrix) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere else on Deck 28 - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1056) Joseph watched with fascination and horror as his friend was revealed to be a cybernetic life form. He had nothing against artificial life...in fact, he was known to prefer it at times in his youth. But given what they were up against, and given that he had previously thought Maddox to be human, it was more than freaky. Add that to the fact that he had just been thrust upon the floor by the very beings who were either killing his coworkers or turning them into mechanically-enhanced cyber-zombies, and it was easy to see why Joseph was completely petrified at the moment. He thought he might be able to do something to help Maddox. ~Is that what you were thinking?~ he demanded of himself. He didn't actually know *what* he was thinking...just that he needed to get out of the crowd at Sickbay and that he couldn't leave his friend to be assimilated. And now it appeared that his friend wasn't a friend after all, but a traitor. He agreed to go over to the other side. It brought up a surge of anger in Joseph's stomach, and he wanted to scream at Maddox. ~You've lost your mind! What did they *do* to you?! Don't you see what they *are*?!?~ But he said none of those things. He merely sat on the floor and trembled with fear, unable to move, unable to will himself into any action. When Volus approached him, he felt like he would pee his pants. Where was the warrior that had ran into battle only hours before? Why couldn't he summon the courage now? "I normally execute spies, Joseph."Volus stated evenly, allowing his cold gaze to fall across the man trembling on the floor in front of him. "Are you a spy, an assassin or something else altogether?" he asked. "I...I'm..." Joseph couldn't speak. He didn't even know what he was trying to say. Finally, what blurted out of his stuttering lips and hopelessly panicked expression was, "L...let...Maddox and m-me...go. P-please." He was shaking almost uncontrollably. He willed himself to stop, but his attempt failed. All he could do was sit there in fear and anguish and hope that some miracle happened and he and Maddox escaped. But chances of that, it looked like, were growing slimmer. (reply Volus and/or Maddox) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1059) Volus regarded the man in front of him. He'd seen dozens of others do the exact same thing, every time he had assimilated a new species into the collective. There were always the weak and frightened members that existed within a society. They were fundamentally pathetic excuses for a life form. But they brought a certain degree of amusement to the Borg leader. He understood them. "L...let...Maddox and m-me...go. P-please." the man pleaded with him. A spark of inspiration struck him then. Volus forced his features to relax from their normal grim countenance and he forced himself to smile. "Of course, you can go. You are no threat to us. We wish only peace and as long as you pose no threat to the Collective we will do you no harm. " He turned and looked at Maddox. "Andrew is also free to go, once we've finished repairing his arm. " he added. "Again we have no desire to cause harm to those that wish to seek peace with the collective." Volus nodded and the Drone reached down and lifted Willowbrook to his feet. Once the man was standing under his own power, Volus looked back at him. "Are you injured? You seem to be favoring your shoulder." (reply Willowbrook) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere else on Deck 28 - Science Officer Joseph Willowbrook - Day 5 - 1102) Let him go? They were going to let him go? What the hell was going on here? Joseph was never very good at reading people, especially not Borg. He couldn't tell if Volus was about to attack him and this was some elaborate ruse, or if the drone was genuine. One of the drones next to him lifted him to his feet, and he winced at the motion. When he was yanked out of the air duct, his newly-repaired, previously-dislocated shoulder had nearly popped out of its socket again. It was sore and he figured a ligament was stretched. But after what he had been through, he was getting used to ignoring pain. ""Are you injured? You seem to be favoring your shoulder," Volus inquired. Joseph looked from Volus down to his shoulder, instinctively gripping it and protectively turning away from the drone. "It's fine...it was...it was injured earlier." He wasn't sure where the odd drone was going with this, but he half expected Volus to jump at him and inject his shoulder with nanoprobes. He shivered. (reply Volus) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Somewhere Else on Deck 28 - Volus - Day 5- 1105) The human made an instinctive gesture to protect his shoulder when it became aware that Volus had noticed his weakness. "It's fine...it was...it was injured earlier." The Borg leader regarded him for a few moments. "Yes, I know this, you were injured on the surface of Dovek II. I was there, you understand?" he replied bluntly, "but if you do not trust me to repair the damage without assimilating you, so be it. I completely understand." {The repairs to the Maddox Unit are complete.} Volus gave out a mental thought and the restraints holding the artificial lifeform in captivity were released. Maddox rose from the bed and then tested his left hand and wrist, putting it through a battery of motion tests. "Well?" the borg leader asked him. "It's perfect. I can't see any sign of damage or repair. It functions...well...perfectly." "I am glad you are pleased. Your companion Joseph Willowbrook risked his life to rescue you. In light of his efforts I could not bring myself to punish him for his indiscretions. He is a braver man than most and he is capable of verifying everything that I told you should it be necessary." "I understand." Maddox replied. He looked over at Joseph, "We should go now, Joseph, we have a lot of work to do if we are to establish a peace between the Borg and the Federation." (reply Willowbrook) "Joseph Willowbrook, I wish you a long and happy existence. Please think more kindly upon us in the future." (reply Willowbrook) Maddox smiled at his friend and then moved to stand next to him. "We should go." he said, while mentally adding the thought, ~While the offer is still good.~ (reply Willowbrook) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 13 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1320) Jessivas small assult team moved quickly to find Soma and Sanok in the lower halls of the Rosenante. PO Cole once finding who they were hunting for rigged a medical tricorder to lock onto and follow the DNA of the two the small group hunted. It was a long shot, they all knew but it was worth a try. At first it didn't even pick up a signal on the two. Now however there were the slightest of signs that they were getting close to their objective. PO lance did his job well, Jessica did take the note, he was breaking the corner to check the next stretch of corridor ahead of them. It seemed clear enough. This area of the ship was beginning to look more Borg than Federation. The small group passed or circumnavigated five separate hunting groups since they left deck eight. Luckily for them they had not to engage any of the unsightly creatures yet. "How does it look" Jessica asked PO Cole has the group stopped to catch there breath. "There are two separate signals on different decks. It seems somehow they were separated." PO Cole replied "Well head to the closest, then go and retrieve the other, safety in numbers." Jessica responded and orders were given both petty officer nodded liking the ideals of traveling in a larger group, with more seasoned officers. Jessica moved to PO Lance, he was always amazed at how silent the small woman could move even armed has she was it was almost impossible for him to tell when she was right nest to him or on the other side of the corridor. "How does it look?" She asked softly, and Lance nearly jumped out of his skin. "It's to damn quite Ma'am, almost like the Borg don't care how far down the rabbit hole we go. Got a bad feeling about getting back out again." PO Lance whispered his response. Jessica nodded it was a growing concern she had has well it did seem that thing were going to well. Why would the Borg have any worry about someone invading the part of the ship they already own. Its the getting back part that Jessica was worried about. Something had to give and soon and that made Jessica worry. "Alright lets move." again the small team was on the move. venturing deeper down the rabbit hole. (reply none needed.) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Main sickbay- SciO, Ens, jg Narvak - Day 5 –1323) Narvak sat in a chair and waited. He was all set to remove himself, go back the sciences section and do what he could do to reduce that Borg population but he was short-stopped by a doctor. Apparently, in some way, he might be more valuable here sitting on his butt then out there dropping ceilings on the invaders. The Tellerite shifted uncomfortably as he unconsciously fiddled with a medical tool that somehow wandered into his hands. Narvak was not given to existential thought so his view of the Borg was very simplistic. They were nothing but machines carrying animated flesh around. Why exactly the Borg did that was beyond Narvaks ken; because, after all, chips and AIs were faster and more precise then neurons and without the vagaries of sentience, not to mention, metal is stronger than meat. But first and foremost, they were bits of data running around pretending to be a race seeking perfection. Narvak flexed his foot and watched as the sickbay being emptied out and the lieutenant setting up lines of defense, his thoughts returned to the Borg. What likely happened was that some loon got some idea that he would be better with a cybernetic arm or leg. Somehow he had the power to influence enough people to create this aberration and countless generations later; this silly bastard is still imposing his views upon everyone. The dermal regenerator came apart in his hands and he looked at it disinterestedly, still wrapped in his thoughts. By that theory, the Borg took a definite turn its initial directives. Instead of seeking just tech to improve themselves, they were snapping up everything in sight that wasn’t nailed down- organic or otherwise. ~Hmm, same board as in the magnetic resonator on the geotracker~ His mind, happy to be distracted from all of this meddlesome introspection, generously supplied the schematics of the geotracker. ~Of course it would be; however if one was to….~ There was an insistent noise intruding upon his thoughts, the science officer tried to ignore it while mentally chasing down couple of ways to ‘improve’ the device and perhaps weponize it. “Mr Narvak” The owner of the voice increased his volume and made it impossible to ignore him. “What?!” Narvak replied with exasperation. “If you are quite finished with the instrument, I am in need of it now.” The human looked at him expectantly. “What are you talking about?” Navak replied, a little put out from the interruption. He followed the man’s glare and noticed the partially dissembled regenerator. “oh.” The Tellerite looked sheepish and within moments the unit was reassembled, handing it the man he said “There, no harm done.” “Let’s hope not.” The man stated as he took the device and left. Annoyed, Narvak pushed himself off the chair and looked around for someone who was in charge of this Friq’dal. It was either that tiny CMO or the lieutenant; Narvak shrugged, not being able to spot the CMO made the decision easy. Narvak walked over to the man whose back was to him. “Lieutenant” the Tellerite stated (Reply Jackson) “Narvak, Sciences.” He supplied “ I was curious if the need for my persons was for my scientific and mechanical expertise or was it more for the warm body slash meat shield variety, because I could be doing things out there.” Narvak motioned towards the door (Reply Jackson) “Nothing specific, but I think with a ship full of Borg, I think that I could find something to occupy my time” (Reply Jackson) “I wouldn’t say fun, as per se” Narvak shrugged “I find it, what is the word, ah yes stimulating” (Reply Jackson) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - BioHazard lab 1, ACSO Ensign Isra Caliel, 1328) Isra followed the others, having little to no experience with the Rosenante. She'd spent most of her time on this ship hiding in the jeffries tubes, which hadn't helped her get her bearings at all. The powerful Klingon in front of them stopped before they had rounded the corner. "Three drones guarding the door. I'll handle the drones. You two secure the lab. I'll be there after I take out the trash. Move when I make my advance on the drones. You have your orders now lets go." He said, taking charge of them. ~Why can't everyone be as informal as Tom? I liked that...~ she thought, but she followed Trei around the corner after he had 'deactivated' the Borg that had been guarding it. "Why would they guard the biohazard lab? Have they got something going on in there?" Isra asked no one in particular as they approached the door, which slid open as they approached. (reply any iyw) As soon as the door opened, Isra felt more at home. She recognised the atmosphere of the lab the moment she breathed it in. Exactly the same as the atmosphere of the one on Jupiter Station. Even the layout was the same. Which meant when the Borg on the other side of the room turned to face them, Isra raised her phaser with her still working hand - luckily her dominant hand - and fired true, hitting the Borg square in the temple. "I'm used to the layout of this room..." she said, not even looking at the other two, but imagined that they had surprised looks on their faces as she'd fired off such a perfect shot without any real training. "I think this room was modelled on the one I was taught in." she added. (reply any, iyw) "Now all we need is a secured living Borg to dissect." she stated. (reply any) "That one wasn't secure, and he had a disruptor on his arm. There's no way we could make that safe without jeapardising the mission." she explained, though to be fair, she'd have fired on that one anyway. She was certain that Trei would have done the same in her position. Their mission was to secure the Biohazard lab, not capture a living Borg drone. Isra moved over to one of the consoles, and started warming up the system. The processing power required for some of the work performed in this lab - or at least the one she'd learned in - meant that the computers needed a little time to get ready. "Computer." Isra said, preparing for their task. The computer beeped in response. "Prepare a level 2 force field around the central workspace, and link its operation to this tricorder." she said, picking one up from the desk next to her terminal. She tested it by turning it on and off. (reply any) "It's just in case. We don't know if the Borg will escape, or if nanoprobes are intelligent enough to try to get away." (Reply any) Written by Andy Jones --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1329) =/\= This......Soma.....What.....Location..... =/\= The response was broken but defiantly there. ~I guess close range communication works~ Jessica thought to herself She pulled out a spare tricorder and passed it PO Cole "See, if you can't use this to boost the comm signal." It didn't take long for the Petty officer to get the Comm-badge hooked though the tricorder. "Lt Soma we are fifty meters out, and heading for you location." Jessica spoke into the improvised Comm device. (reply Soma) "Get ready to move." She told her team, and once they got confirmation that Soma heard them they were off. It did not take long to reach Soma's position. It was clear that the Borg were giving him hell. PO Cole went right to work on the Lt. making sure that he was not wounded, and could move. "Sir," It's good to see you." Jessica spoke softly. Has she scanned the near by area. "There." She motioned to door that lead into a crewman's quarters. "We can rest, and regroup in there. Lance help the Lt. to his feet." (reply Soma) Once in the relative safety of the room Jessica once again went to the task of placing her team. "Lance you got the door make sure we are not disturbed. PO Cole find us another way out." With orders given and the rest of the team going about there task. Jessica turned on the Lt. "Sir, I have new orders for you from the Captain." She then lowered her voice to where only the two of them could hear. "There is a plan of action that could lead to an offensive against the Borg on both ships. The plan is to reprogram the Borg nanites to work against the Borg, in hopes to take away their largest threat assimilation. Commander Caskie is leading a team to the iso-lab on deck ten. Our mission is to link up with Sanok find a live Borg capture, break it from the collective and bring it to the iso-lab." (reply Soma) Jessica moved back and let Soma soak in all that was said. It was imperative that he understood the severity of the mission they were on. Soon they would be on the move again and this time the team would be on the offensive it would be a welcome change. (reply Soma) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - ACEO Eian O'Neill & Volus, Day 5 - 1330) Dangling over the rocky edge, two fingers holding the entire weight of his body, he first tried to get his footing to bring his other arm up. The drop behind him was so far that the bottom was not in view. The inky black mystery loomed beneath him, and he clung to the rock face. Bits of dirt broke off and fell beside him. He couldn't move, or he'd lose his hold. He couldn't pull himself up, because his hold wasn't strong enough. Panting with exertion, sweat pouring down his face, this was the epitome of desperation. And then, out of the blue sky above him stretched a helping hand. Who in their right mind would look at the color of its skin? The story was the only thing Eian's mind registered when he heard Volus' voice reach through the cacophony of the Borg Collective. {There is no need to suffer O'Neill.} Volus said soothingly, {You have the ability to fill the emptiness that lies within you. You can accept the Collective. They can tend to your needs. They will comfort you and guide you. With them you can never be as alone as you are now.} Volus stood in one of the converted compartments as he spoke to the individual named O'Neill. Though he had been assimilated physically , his mind was still resistant to the normal integration of his individuality into the collective. At first it had been an annoying aspect, but then Volus realized that the tendril of what was keeping Eian O'Neill was that elusive, intangible aspect of the species known as Hope. It was hope that sprang from religion, or so the engineer had explained, but now Volus was conducting an experiment in a grand design. He was stripping away every aspect that could be interpreted as a fragment of O'Neill's religion and slowly implementing himself and the collective into the human's subconscious mind, one little bit at a time. {I will protect you Eian O'Neill} Volus stated. {I will reveal the wonders of the universe to you, because I love you. Because I wish nothing more than the very best for you. I will provide you with everything you require in life. Knowledge, faith in the collective, companionship, protection, love} The words registered deeply in Eian's consciousness, and were like a morsel of food for a starving man. When humans are fetuses, millions of neurons fire around the brain and attempt to find connections. This game of musical chairs continues until about age 25, when a human's mind is "mature" and connection formation slows drastically. Depending on their nature, upbringing, and training, they may form connections for music, art, math, literature, or any number of other talents. The better a human is at a task, the larger the clump of neurons is that corresponds to that task. Faith is no different, and Eian's brain had been hard-wired for it from the day his fetal mind was mature enough to remember the sound of his mother reading Bible stories to the baby in her womb. Volus' statements fit into that wiring like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle, and Eian's mind came alive with satisfaction and happiness as soon as he heard those things about the Borg. His higher reasoning skills had been subdued, and almost no thought went into the decision. As soon as Volus ceased speaking, the hole in Eian's heart appeared once more and he begged, {How can I obtain these things, Volus?} {It is simple, you must give yourself to the collective, to me. We will become your family, your friends and I will become your God. Join us Eian and we will reward you with knowledge that no other human beings possess. I can show you star systems that no human has ever seen, I can reveal to you the mysteries of a nebula or the intricacies of a quantum slipstream drive. I can show you a million worlds, let you see the art of a billion species, or hear their music. Humans think the Borg incapable of appreciating art and music, but we do Eian. We appreciate all that is unique and extraordinary. You, your mind, your knowledge and experiences, they are unique, and they can be shared with the collective just as the collective will share their uniqueness with you.} {Surrender your fears and your worries. members of the collective do not experience hate, worry, fear or loneliness, We have evolved past that. I can give you that gift.} {Then I accept the gift!} Eian said, his words in his mind still sounding much like a desperate plea. Almost as soon as he accepted it, the pleasure center of his brain was flooded with emotion as he saw beautiful, spectacular images flash in front of his eyes. Images of worlds so advanced and intricate, their technology brilliantly incorporated into the Collective so that it could grow into something even more amazing. Images of the most impressive nebulae and most amazing creations, some of which were so detailed that Eian couldn't even analyze them himself. But when he hit that road block, the Collective's powerful mind stepped in and analyzed it for him. It was like being part of a vast cosmic family, the wonders of the universe revealed to him as the loving brotherhood, caring parenthood, and devoted friendship of the Collective embraced him and made him feel at home. He hadn't felt this connected to God since before his assimilation, and in his mind's eye he looked up at Volus' face like a toddler looking up at his infinitely stronger and more powerful father. {Thank you, Volus...} Volus looked back at his newly broken charge and physically smiled. He allowed his own pleasure and triumph to be shared with the young man, through the link that the collective provided, further reinforcing his already ecstatic state of mind. {You need not thank me, my son. We wish this very thing for all that the Borg encounter. You have pleased me with your acceptance and your desire to serve. You will come to see that I am a generous and loving God. I will nurture your soul, body and mind, and all that I ask in return is your complete, unquestioning and undying loyalty. Can you give this one thing to me in return for the miracles I offer you now? Will you surrender yourself completely into my trust?} The response was automatic and excited in his mind, like a passionate man at a rally. He couldn't think of his old relationship with God--it was blocked from his mind. He even stopped walking in the corridor. His mind could only register the happiness and familiarity of worship. {Yes! I freely surrender!} {Then we will begin with the most important task facing us. We must enlighten your prior shipmates. We must share with them the joy that you experience now. We will begin by bringing into the fold the woman you love. You will aid me us in assimilating Jessica Signos, so that she too can experience all the wonders that the universe holds.} He nodded eagerly. This was a good and wonderful thing that was to happen. 2 of 5 and Eian were now fully integrated, as Jessica would be with her new identity as a child of Volus. He couldn't wait until she joined him. She was his other half, she completed him in his worldly existence, and now she could share with him in his spiritual existence. {I know her acceptance must be voluntary, Volus, to truly mean anything. I will share with her your love for your children, and the joy that is the Collective. Where is she, so that I can begin?} Volus gave a simple command to the Collective and instantly an answer returned to him. Dozens of drones had seen her lately and it was not difficult to track her down. {Let me show you.} Volus said and then allowed the edited flow of information concerning Jessica and the two other security people accompanying her flow into Eian's mind. {You must be wary 2 of 5, she does not yet understand what you have truly become or of the rewards that you have experienced. She will consider you an abomination, she may even reject you. And the other two that accompany her are frightened. They are likely to cause you injury if you proceed without being prepared for that eventuality.} Serious now, Eian acknowledged with a single nod and the response, {Yes, Volus. I will proceed with caution. I will have three security drones accompany me in this mission.} And it was a mission, in every sense of the word. {Go to her Eian. Let her experience the love that you have for her, just as I love you, my son.} With that, 2 of 5 turned and headed in Jessica's direction. (reply none yet) by Morgan and Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - ATAC/SC Ensign (jg) Jessica Signos- 1331) Her team was getting close around the around the corner and they would find the first, or Jessica hoped both of of there targets. The Borg sealed most of the deck making movement difficult. But her team managed, They came to a corner, again PO Lance with now a practiced motion glanced around the corner. "Corridor is straight for the next fifty meters then breaks left, it seems a defensible enough position." PO Lance answered. "Good" Jessica replied. "Cole, do you have a reading." To which Cole nodded. "Lieutenant Sanok, Lieutenant Soma... This is Ensign Signos, from the Boudicca if your there give us a sign?" (reply Soma, Sanok, or both) Has Jessica waited for a reply, her team set up positions to defend the area they currently occupied. It look promising enough though the ground was littered with the bodies of dead Borg. It was silent, oddly so has everyone waited for a signal of some kind from beyond the break. (reply Soma, Sanok) (posted By Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Rosenante - Deck 15 - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1332) Ben had been moving through the jeffries tubes trying to meet up with Sanok. He wasn't having any luck, they had been separated and the Borg were keeping them apart. Every time Ben tired to advance he was driven back, the drones had taken to the jeffries tubes as well. He wished he had his time back so he could have fought his way through the Borg with Sanok's help and they would still be together. Now he could only hope that his friend was ok. So far the Borg had driven him back to deck 15, the same deck he started out from hours ago. So far he wasn't able to contact anyone, the drones had the comms suppressed. He was tired and becoming frustrated, seemed like he hadn't slept since they first saw the Pyramid at Dovek III. He was suddenly surprised by a noise emanating from his commbadge. =/\=....................... Sanok, ............................. Soma... This ..... ........... Signos, from ............................... if ............. there give.............. sign?=/\= Ben tapped his commbadge. "This is Lieutenant Soma, what's your location?" (reply Signos, Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 9 - Lieutenant jg Sanok – 1335) Sanok's Vulcan internal clock told him it had been two hours since he and Ben had been separated. Still crawling through the Jefferies tubes, trying to make it back to the observation Lounge where Captain Salid had set up the new command center, Sanok had managed to ascend only five decks. The Borg, who apparently controlled most of the Rosenante now, had initially ignored the tubes. That had now changed. Sanok had directly encountered a drone once, prevailing against it by first blinding it with a finger jab, then ripping its cybernetic connections from its head. Three other times, he had seen Borg, but managed to evade them by taking other routes, or leaving the tube for a corridor, then returning to another tube. Each time, it was getting more difficult. He had also periodically tried using his comm badge to try to contact someone, but communications were still erratic. It eventually occurred to him, that if the Borg controlled the comm systems, and if they had any access at all to the personnel database, they could track his whereabouts by scanning for the DNA sample in his comm badge. Therefore, he reluctantly removed his badge and left it behind. Resuming his Trek, Sanok arrived at a cross-juncture. Stopping to listen, he could hear Borg sounds moving towards him from the right. Having little choice, he moved to the left. Moving as quickly as he could; his knees were beginning to hurt and his hands had started to callous, he needed to get as far ahead of the drone as he could. After another few minutes, Sanok came to a dead end. As carefully and quietly as he could, he opened the hatch. Listening for a full minute, and hearing nothing, he stepped out. Getting his bearings, Sanok saw that he was now on deck nine. He moved silently down the corridor and found a weapons locker. Accessing it, he grabbed as many phasers and photon grenades as he could carry. Knowing that the Borg controlled much of the ship, and realizing that they had now begun moving through the Jefferies tubes, a bold plan came to him. He entered a turbolift. Accessing th wall panel, he locked it in place. Opening the escape hatch, he climbed on top of the life and moved to the emergency ladders. ~If the Borg have thought of this, I will turn myself over for assimilation,~ thought Sanok. Grabbing the rungs, he began moving up the turbolift shaft. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 15 - CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 1337) =/\=Lt Soma ........... fifty meters out, and heading ............. location.=/\= Jessica replied. Seems like she was able to clear the comm line a little, it wasn't perfect but at least it worked. He was beginning to think he would be dodging the Borg untill they were banished from the ship, alone without any help. He was glad that someone had found him. "That's good to hear." He said. He moved towards the hatch but as he did so a drone managed to come up behind him in the jeffries tube. He heard it coming and turned to face his attacker, in his excitment he allowed it to get a little to close. Though there wasn't much room the drone swung it's mechanical arm at him, he rose his left arm to take the brunt of the strike. He felt it's pincer cut into the flesh of his fore arm, his right arm brought up his phaser and when he dropped his left he hit the drone point blank in the face. He wasn't sure if it was pure luck or his close proximity to the drone but it's head erupted spraying flesh and bone all over the tube and Ben. He brushed off what gore he could and opened the hatch and dropped out onto the floor. "I hear you approaching." He said into the open comm line. When they reached him one of the PO's immediately came to his side, giving him a once over and quickly tended to his wound. "Sir," It's good to see you." Jessica spoke softly. Has she scanned the near by area. "There." She motioned to door that lead into a crewman's quarters. "We can rest, and regroup in there. Lance help the Lt. to his feet." "It's good to see a friendly face." Ben replied as Lance helded pull him to his feet. "It's good to see any face that isn't Borg." They made their way into the crewman's quarters and relative safety, for now. He was glad for the respite, and somewhat surprised at how stiff he had become hunched in the jeffries tubes for so long. His knees were sore and chaffed and his hands were almost numb and blistered. "Sir, I have new orders for you from the Captain." She then lowered her voice to where only the two of them could hear. "There is a plan of action that could lead to an offensive against the Borg on both ships. The plan is to reprogram the Borg nanites to work against the Borg, in hopes to take away their largest threat assimilation. Commander Caskie is leading a team to the iso-lab on deck ten. Our mission is to link up with Sanok find a live Borg capture, break it from the collective and bring it to the iso-lab." So, no one knew where Sanok was, that wasn't what he hoped. He had hoped his friend was safe and waiting for him in the command center. Any advantage they could get over the Borg was good news, if it worked they wouldn't have to worry about losing anyone else to assimilation just getting rid of the Borg. "Capturing a live drone isn't going to be an easy task." He said. "It's not like we can stun one and drag it back to the lab, once the drone becomes aware of what we intend to do he'll pass that information along to the rest of his friends." Ben sat on the bunk and allowed himself to relax for a couple seconds but no longer, if he allowed his body to completely relax he fall asleep. "If it has a snowballs chance in hell of working we have to take the risk, we can't allow the Borg to achieve their objective." (reply Signos, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2nd Officer / COPS Day 5 1820) Tom Jackson was lost in thought when Mike Rosenbauer and his crew entered sick bay. Jackson breathed a sigh when Mike approached and reported in. Tom greeted the man by shaking his hand. "Please fill me in Mister" Tom ordered. Mike began his report which didn't help Jackson's mood. ~Out of the frying pan and into the fire~ Jackson mused to himself. Rosenbauer finished his report. Tom spoke slowly " Go take care of your folks and report back to me". (Reply: Mike) Tom watched Mike walk away and wondered what would happen next. He needed Rosenbauer's expertise. (Reply: any in area) (Posted by: Bill W,) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - SO Ensign Mike Rosenbauer, Day 5 - 1822) After he had given his report to Jackson, Mike had dutifully allowed his injuries to attended by the medical staff. Satisfied that his overall condition was still amenable to his continued existence, Mike then returned to the second Officer as he had been ordered. While he was being treated, he had been issued new orders by Captain Salid and so he wouldn't be able to join the mission, but he could at least contribute in the only manner left to his, he could offer Jackson the use of what was functionally left of his squad- Saint Jean and T'Vyr. "Sir reporting back as ordered, but I can't stay long I've received orders from the Captain. I'm to coordinate the overall ship's security alongside Ensign Nunez, sir." He reported. “O.K. here’s the low down. We’ve got to have reliable communications to coordinate our assaults on the Borg. So this means we have to re-capture the communications on this vessel” "Ensign Cooper is too badly injured to continue, his left knee was shattered by a disruptor blast at close range. However, I still have two members of my squad that I'd like to send along with you sir. Ensigns Saint-Jean, who has medical training, and T'Vyr who is our squad's Combat Engineer." (reply Jackson) "I'm sorry sir, that isn't possible. Ensign Mosh, he stopped a Borg advance on deck 9 at the cost of his own life, sir. As such he's no longer available for duty." (reply Jackson) "T'Vyr has the latest intel that we have on the Borg locations on that deck. He is also capable of helping Ensign Jacobs repair and regain control of the subspace relay. And Saint-Jean's medical background makes her a useful addition to any team sir. They have both been dealing with the Borg since Dovek II, sir. They're itching for some payback for Mosh and the others." ~I know I certainly am.~ Mike thought. (reply Jackson) "Aye sir." Mike replied with a smile. He turned and raised his voice. "Saint Jean, T'Vyr. Front and center!" The two ex-rangers rose quickly from their seats, grabbed their weapons and reported promptly. "Sir!" the snapped in unison as they assumed the position of attention. Mike smiled. They all knew that it was unnecessary to come to attention, but he could see that the singular act was noticed by almost everyone in the room. He could almost feel the Morale of the room lighten despite the difficulties that they all faced. ~Sometimes professionalism during difficult times can mean the difference between lose and victory~ he reminded himself. "Okay you two, listen up. Lieutenant Jackson here is going to be leading an objective mission to retake the subspace relay on deck 9." He explained, his voice just a little too loud- loud enough to let some of the more disillusioned troops hear him. "He's decided that we're done running from the Borg and that it's time to show them why you don't mess with the Federation." Someone in the crowd screamed "Yeah!" and Mike's smile broadened. You two are going to help the Lieutenant and his team to achieve his goal. I have no doubt that Lieutenant Jackson will push you to your limits. He's one tough sonuva bi**h. He's the descendant of a general and he's determined to make his ancestors proud. You'll follow him to hell and back if that's what it takes. Am I clear?" "CRYSTAL CLEAR, SIR!" They shouted back. Mike noticed a few of the more ambulatory of the injured grabbing weapons and moving to join the team. He gave them each a nod and turned back to Jackson. "My Rangers are with you sir." he reported and then offered up a crisp salute. "So are we Lieutenant." a couple of other security officers who weren't too badly injured added. "If you'll have us sir." (reply Jackson) Mike allowed his smile to brighten even a bit more. "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to report to the captain. I'll let him know what you're doing down here sir." (reply Jackson) Just as Mike was leaving the Sickbay he noticed Lieutenant Raschen arrive and head towards the Second officer. Mike gave him a single, simple nod before exiting the compartment (reply Jackson, Any) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Deck 10 - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - 2nd Officer / COPS - 1830) Tom was frustrated, mad and worried all at once. Communications were still out. No one really knew what anyone else was doing. ~We've got to coordinate and that means we got to take comms back~ Tom mused. His mind was made up. He looked about Sick Bay. The people were limited in experience except Trei, yourself, and E’Mpak along with maybe Jacobs. Tom signaled Emily Graatz to come over. "Emily go tell Lieutenant Trei, E'Mpak and Mister Jacobs to come here at once" he ordered. Emily gathered the three and brought them to Jackson. Once they were there, he outlined his plan. (Reply: Trei, E'Mpak and Jacobs) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sick Bay - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 1837) Jacobs sat still while the medical technician ran a dermal regenerator over his right eye. From her dismal look and slow actions Henry could tell that the damage was permanent and that what he had feared had some into fluition. Looking over to his right with his left eye Jacobs saw Emily Graatz approach with orders. Jacobs nodded as Emily told him what his orders were and he stood up from the medical bed. "If we are done here?" Jacobs asked the medical technician and then in the same breath he said, " Ok Miss Graatz I'm done here." Jacobs walked over to Leiutenant Jackson and reported in and waited for the others to come over. (reply any) (posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Deck 10 – Lieutenant Tom Jackson 2d Officer / COPS Day 5 1845) The group of people Tom had sent Emily to gather had at last arrived. He looked at each intently. “O.K. here’s the low down. We’ve got to have reliable communications to coordinate our assaults on the Borg. So this means we have to re-capture the communications on this vessel” Tom said, allowing a pause sop any could ask questions or comment. (Reply: any of those attacking the Comms issue). As he was discussing this project, Chance Raschen wandered in and headed over his way. NRPG: This is to allow Charlie to post while in Port RPG: “Hi Chance” Tom said in greeting. (Reply: Chance) “I was outlining something we’re about to try” Tom added, outlining his idea. (Reply: Chance) (posted by: Bill W.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 10- CSec- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 1847) The former Privateer had been cut off, alone, and had minor injuries. After, what seemed like, endless hours of trying to avoid contact with the Borg. And killing, or at least badly damaging one or two here and there when he couldn't get around them. Since the Borg boarded the ship, Chance had been cut a few times, knocked into a bulkhead or two, and acquired a couple of burns from disruptor blasts that just barely missed him. In one of his encounters were he tried to hide in the shadows, Chance noticed that the comm-badge and rank pips that he wore reflected the red light that emanated from some of the Borgs eye pieces. So he dropped the pips on the deck and, just for a little laugh, placed his badge on a badly damaged drone. With his 2 personal Disruptors that resembled 1857 Colt Navy service pistols in his shoulder holsters, twin Bowie knives in his suspender sheaths, plus the phaser rifle in his hands with a couple phaser pistols tucked in his belt; Raschen finally made it to Sickbay. And was thrilled to see crew members walking in before he entered. When Chance Raschen wandered in, he saw Tom Jackson and headed over his way but only caught the last of the conversation as he quietly walked up. "Hey buddy, where can a guy get a drink around here?" Chance said smiling at his friend. “Hi Chance” Tom said in greeting. "What's going on here?" “I was outlining something we’re about to try” Tom added, outlining his idea. "I caught part of it. Re-establish communications for our side. I'm in; that is if you got room for a pirate to go with those rangers on you team?" Chance said to Tom as he nodded in Mike's direction. (Reply Jackson, Rosenbauer iyw, any iyw) Raschen suddenly got a questioning expression on his face as he looked at the faces of the assembled team. (Reply Jackson) Focusing on his friend "It has been the better part of 48 hours since the Borg attacked. I understand being scared, I am too. But who has been hitting the stimulants, and who has been cheating with the cat naps here and there. I for one am a cheater with the naps." (Reply Jackson, any on team iyw) "Sir, I suggest that after we take and occupy the comm-suite that we begin nap rotations. Food would be a good idea also." (Reply Jackson) (Reply Jackson, Rosenbauer iyw, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - Research Facility - Chief Scientist D’askto - 1900) Horror- that was the emotion that D'askto was experiencing at the moment- complete and uncontrollable horror. The Borg had finally caught up to them. The narrow ventilation system that they had been traversing had proven ineffective once the Borg had realized how they were getting around the complex. The Drone had smashed aside the heavy grating and locked it's massive cybernetic hand around G-Rova's ankle. The massive being then began to attempt to drag her from the access way. if it wasn't so serious, the situation may well have been comic in nature. D'askto was poised in the shaft, a foot firmly planted on either side of the opening, through which G-Rova was being pulled, straining with every fiber of his being in an attempt to keep his grip upon his assistant. In contrast the Borg Drone was effortlessly pulling her away from the aging scientist. His mechanical adaptations obviously granting the creature a distinct advantage in the arena of tug-of-war. Purple perspiration was beading on D'Askto's forehead and the muscles in his arms were beginning to tremble as they were rapidly approaching their failure point. G-Rova was screaming both in pain and fear as the Drone tried to wrest her free of D'askto's influence. "Don't let me go!" She called desperately. They had both already seen the horrible dissection and changes that had befallen other members of their species. D'askto only grunted in response as he tried to suck even more air into his burning lungs. And then, just like that, she was gone. Her hands had suddenly gone slack as a second drone stepped up and injected her with some tube-like structures which had extended from it's forearm. In an instant, she was gone. The scientist shot backwards as the sudden release of unexpected pressure slammed him into the back of the crawl way. He'd lost her without even telling her how proud he was to have known her. Instinct remains for even the most intellectually capable of creatures and D'askto was no different. His body took over and the neurons in his brain fired sending signals down the line to the more than responsive nerve clusters buried within the fibers of the muscles of his body. Even before his brain caught up, he had covered twenty meters and scrambled out of the access point into the central hanger. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dovek II - Research Facility - Chief Scientist D’askto - 1920) The hanger in itself was a marvel of modern engineering. Massive service spindles stretched from the walls of the domed area to the service connections of the Guardian sphere. The dome's massive curved structure was manufactured of poly-diamond interstice crystals which focused the solar energy into the recharging ports for the sphere. The infraction gradient caused a sweep of colors and bright swaths of light to dance around the room. It was beautiful, but D'askto had to remind himself that if he accidently crossed one of the charging beams, that he'd be fried in an instant. He stepped out onto the gantry, immediately forcing himself to fight done the vertigo that he experienced once he realized that he was nearly 300 meters above the massive launch cradle for the sphere. Below him, the Borg moved about like insects, working diligently to interface with the Tkon systems in an obvious attempt to co-opt the technology that he had spent the better part of a decade to develop and construct. He shook his head and immediately regretted he act as the vertigo threatened to unsettle him. He squeezed his eyes closed and with a lump in his throat stepped out onto the gantry. D'askto was anything but a brave man. He was one of the few brilliant minds of his time, and now the very last to survive the apocalypse that threatened to overwhelm his species. He'd be remiss in his duties if he allowed some aggressive species suddenly destroy their only hope of survival. He dropped to his hands and knees and slowly crawled across the service gantry until he reached the cold iridium shell of the sphere. It was the perfect material to use for stabilized temporal travel and its rarity had made it extraordinarily difficult o acquire enough of the material to construct the 300- meter diameter sphere. There was a certain tactile pride in feeling the cold metal under his fingertips. "Is everything alright D'askto?" a voice asked from the small communications block attached to his belt. It was the Advanced reasoning network that ran the operational sphere. It's name was Adrene, despite the fact that it was created from his own neural imprints. The very familiarity was somewhat unsettling, although altogether necessary for it complete it's task. "We have a problem, Adrene." D'askto responded. " An unknown alien species has arrived and it appears that they are attempting to steal you for their own ends. We can not allow that to happen." "I completely agree D'askto. what should we do?" it asked. "Open the outer hatch for gantry access Three." the scientist commanded. A moment later the hatchway slid open allowing the aging genius access to the interior of the device. He couldn't help but feel safe after the terrors of the day. "You are safe, D'askto" Adrene stated as if reading his mind. "We will work on this problem together. Where should we begin?" (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------