Cdr Miranda Hawthorne

MISSION BRIEF: When we last left off, two Jem'Hadar fighters had ambushed Excalibur in the gravitational anomaly field. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::monitors the situation from Engineering:: Rhan K'hal -> :: still at auxiliary tactical, now feeding data to Hunter and NDak as he tries to find the least fighter-friendly paths in the gravitational eddies :: Hunter Matheson -> ::at aux helm, coordinating with master helm to stop the ship from spinning out of control from the blast-created eddies::: Cptn Swain -> ::Hesitating for a moment, weighing the risks of using the weapons versus being fired:: Tactical prep gravimetric charges. Cptn Swain -> ::Looks to Miranda:: Might as well go out with a bang, eh? Hunter Matheson -> ::his head is all patched up by the good doc, and of course, he's not following her orders 'cause he's so macho::: Hunter Matheson -> ::but mostly because he's needed at helm::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting in an empty chair near Rhan. A team had just recently retrieved the dead Tac officer.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Gripping her chair tightly, she coordinated their movements with the fighter squadron, linking them with helm's data. She snorted at Swain's comment.:: Honestly, I'll believe it when I see it. Maryse Dubois -> ::Keeping an eye on Hunter, and a couple others for that matter.:: Hunter Matheson -> Primary Helm Gaither> ::Kal:: Get me more pitch and to hell with the IDS. Rhan K'hal -> :: hearing the call for gravimetric charges, sends NDak the most useful launch vectors in their immediate vicinity :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Gaither:: On it, sir. NDak -> ::Learning the Starflet tactical readout on the fly was more of a challenge than he expected, but he was able to arm the 'Anti-Torpedo Counter-Measures' relatively quickly and prep them for launch:: Hunter Matheson -> ::adjusting the thrusters to augment the main systems for more pitch::: Cptn Swain -> Set the fuses to detonate on my command. Helm, slow 1/4 impulse. Let the lead attacker get within ::looks:: 2500 km. NDak -> ::Lifts a brow, but does so:: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> Slowing to 1/4 impulse, aye. Spin is under control. Cptn Swain -> ::Tandaris:: Transfer as much power as you can to the aft shields. Rhan K'hal -> :: slight hiss at the order to reduce speed, quickly recalculates all the data and sends it off to the various stations :: Tandaris Admiran -> Aye, sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::picks up the data, then glances to Gaither and he verifies::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::reinforces aft shields:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> As Excalibur slows, the Jem'Hadar fighters close in, their superior sensors allow them to target us in spite of the interference. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Rhan.:: I should really hold onto something, shouldn't I? Rhan K'hal -> :: noting Miranda is now doing the flight wing coordination, copies her with all the data; is glad the XO station has a fully fledged console and not a padd on an armrest like older bridges :: Rhan K'hal -> Strapping yourself in would be a better idea. Hunter Matheson -> ;:mutters:: damn, they have good guidance systems... ::compensates on his end::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Doctor, we're starting to get injury reports from all departments. Grab a station and start directing medical traffic. NDak -> Jem'Hadar closing. Incoming fire. William Chocox -> ::tries to keep up with the damage reports:: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> Holding as steady as possible, sir. ::Swain:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Arrives on the bridge:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods as she straps in.:: Make sure you do the same. ::Glances back to Miranda.:: Of course, Commander. ::Turns to the console and begins coordinating.:: Rhan K'hal -> Makes a rather undignified sound as the nearest gravitational eddy is being unpredictable, forcing him to continue to re-evaluate data and disseminate it :: Cptn Swain -> Launch counter measures. NDak -> ::Does so:: Hunter Matheson -> :blinks several times to focus and finally picks up the data::: Rhan K'hal -> :: would remind everyone to hold onto their butts if they weren't all too busy to use their hands in such fashion :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur is stuck several times by weapons fire, which causes the eddies to flare even more. Cptn Swain -> (( Pick A Number 1-10 K'Hal )) Rhan K'hal -> (( 2 )) Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> ::sweat drips down his face, coordinating attack vectors with eddies with incoming::: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Despite helm's best efforts Excalibur is caught in one of the eddies, sending her veering off course and nearly into another. Hunter Matheson -> Whoa.... ::watching Gaither's tactics while he compensates::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::attempting to shore up the shields:: Hunter Matheson -> (into another vector, or another ship?) Rhan K'hal -> :: winces as the entire area goes guano insane from the weapons fire and before helm can so much as spit they're getting spun around like a lady at a particularly demanding dance contest, not to mention the dips and spins :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Swears under her breath.:: William Chocox -> ((Lol Rhan.)) Cptn Swain -> ::Curses as he nearly falls out of his chair:: William Chocox -> Jeez, can someone keep us steady? Cptn Corizon -> ::Instinctively claws onto the railing as he falls towards it:: Rhan K'hal -> :: paws fly over the console as he tries to figure out the best spot to emerge from the chaos, makes an educated guess and sends to helm :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Cho:: Not until we get out of this goop, sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::grabs onto the educated guess and takes it, with permission from Gaither:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gripping the straps of her harness, frowning.:: That was rather unpleasant. Hunter Matheson -> ::shouts above the chaos:: Permission to increase to full impulse, Captain. NDak -> Jem'Hadar no longer in range of the counter measures. Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns, his plans being foiled:: Do it. Evasive maneuvers. Rhan K'hal -> Doc. Understatement. Century. Hunter Matheson -> Increasing to full impulse, aye. Hold on for... weird maneuvers. Hunter Matheson -> ::Gaither takes aux helm, slipping primary to him:: Cptn Swain -> I am open to suggestions if anyone has them. Rhan K'hal -> :: at the evasives command :: Oh hells bells. Hunter Matheson -> ::Gaither:: Just keep us steady as you can. I'll take the vectors. Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> YOu got it. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar seem less concerned with the growing eddies, and make another run at Excalibur. Cptn Swain -> (( Tandaris give me a number 1-10 )) Hunter Matheson -> Captain, permission to shift galactic axis. Cptn Swain -> ::nods:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((3)) Hunter Matheson -> ::tap..tap tap...configuring a sudden change::: Rhan K'hal -> The IDF isn't going to stand much more of this, we need to make a bold move. I think we're better off turning and giving them all we've got than getting picked apart slowly. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> An eddy forms in front of the two attack fighters, causing them to peel off their attack for the moment. Hunter Matheson -> Hold on, then, sir. Shifting Galactic Axis now... ::Pulls the ship to a full 90 degree axis shift, which would be straight up if there was an up or down::: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither, prepare for a roll.... Cptn Swain -> ::Feels his stomach turning as the IDF struggles under the pressures:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Keeping his mouth shut, though he had some thoughts of his own:: Rhan K'hal -> :: changes his gravitic forecast map to match the new flight axis, is afraid it's still flying through a pot of boiling rocks :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Hopes this will move the eddies away from the ship, he makes one full roll on the axis change::: Cptn Swain -> ::Looks to Miranda::What do you think? NDak -> ::Getting a shooting solution on the two Jem'Hadar:: They've broken off for a moment, but it won't take them long to be back on us. Rhan K'hal -> :: has another option, but doesn't really want to voice it :: Hunter Matheson -> ::bringing it back to as steady course as possible::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Feeding the sensor data to both Rhan and helm, she felt a bit light headed as well.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: takes a breath as they go through a slightly more steady area for a moment, though that will mean the Jem'Hadar will catch up quickly :: Hunter Matheson -> ::and if we weren't in this mess he'd take a run straight at the Jem'Hadar::: Hunter Matheson -> ::guns blazing, like in the old holovids::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We need to use these eddies against them. Our hull is stressed. Much more is going to cause a breach. We could use the fighters to harry them to where we want them to go. Set them up for something. IF we could predict the flares. William Chocox -> I'm going to get spacesick at this rate. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I can give it my best guess... but... Hunter Matheson -> (Sick bags are in the seatback in front of you. Flotation devices are under your seat. Thank you for flying Excal Airlines and have a nice day.) Rhan K'hal -> Without weapons fire I can give you maybe 3 seconds with 96% certainty. The curve goes down sharply from there. If we can get one of our fighters to fly lead and shine the headlights ahead so to speak, we might be able to do better. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes a deep breath and his nerves steady just a bit::: Cptn Swain -> ::nods:: Do it. Rhan K'hal -> :: contacts a pilot with whom he has a good working relationship with and sends it forward with its sensors on high beams :: Hunter Matheson -> ::feels pretty much like a DC-3 flying the hump at 10,000::: Rhan K'hal -> :: starts looking at the data as it comes in - not as sharp resolution-wise as the Excal but it's a foggy window at the least :: Tandaris Admiran -> Shields are holding. Barely. Hunter Matheson -> ::glances over to check Gaither's status::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Jem'Hadar have navigated their way through the eddies and are once more closing on an attack vector, their superior sensors and higher maneuverability clearly shining. Rhan K'hal -> Forecasting gravitational eddy forming at :: gives coordinates :: in 52.3 seconds. Hunter Matheson -> ::then catches the latest from K'hal, relayed from the fighter::: Hunter Matheson -> Copy eddy forming... Rhan K'hal -> Strength... 87.2K G. It's a big one. Hunter Matheson -> :::finally sees it coming:: Aye, sir. Rhan K'hal -> If you want a mouse-trap Commander, I don't think you can do better. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Head straight for it. Rhan K'hal -> Though, for the record, it's going to push our present limits too. William Chocox -> ::is sending damage control teams every which way:: Cptn Swain -> Noted. Hunter Matheson -> Entering in 5.... 4.... 3.... Hunter Matheson -> 2.... 1... ::deep breath as they enter, then their hands fly over the console, adjusting and coordinating::: NDak -> Jem'Hadar closing... Cptn Swain -> (( Everyone, give me a number 1-10 )) Hunter Matheson -> 7 Maryse Dubois -> ((8)) Rhan K'hal -> :: looks at the more detailed data now that Excal's sensors are fully on it, sends useful vectors back to NDak :: Rhan K'hal -> (( 1 )) Tandaris Admiran -> ((5)) Hunter Matheson -> ::damn, he wasn't kidding:: William Chocox -> ((8)) Rhan K'hal -> :: activates the turbulence alert again :: Hunter Matheson -> ::glad he didn't eat much today::: Hunter Matheson -> ::blinks hard to focus::: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither, take main helm control. Rhan K'hal -> :: glances at the IDF indicators, flattens ears and bares teeth; about as close as a Cait gets to "today's a good day to die" kind of attitude :: Hunter Matheson -> ::shifts to aux helm again::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The eddy forms directly in front of Excalibur, and it is slightly larger than K'hal had estimated, Excalibur veers off at the last moment with a more than friendly shake, rattle and roll. However the two Jem'Hadar fighters are not so lucky and collide with each other in a brilliant explosion that luckily for us, breaks us free of the eddies. Rhan K'hal -> :: slumps into his console out of a combination of fatigue and relief :: Cptn Swain -> (( Pretty darn good roll, y'all )) Hunter Matheson -> ::Gaither:: Good work, man. William Chocox -> ::barely makes it to the waste receptacle:: Cptn Swain -> ::Exhales:: Good work everyone. Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> Want it back? ::smirk:: Hunter Matheson -> No, man. You keep it. I'm good here. Cptn Swain -> Ihene> ::Forces herself to swallow:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She let out a breath.:: Nice flying. ::Winces, seeing the damage reports rolling in.:: NDak -> Jem'hadar vessels destroyed. No other pursuit in range. Maryse Dubois -> ::Sighs in relief.:: Rhan K'hal -> Recommend we bring the birds back in and resume cloak. If it'll still work after all that. Cptn Corizon -> ::Exhales at well, and releasing his claw-grip from the railing:: Hunter Matheson -> ::continues coordinating with primary to keep us on an even keel;:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Notices something on her sensor relay:: Cptn Swain -> Sirs! Rhan K'hal -> :: huffs out a sigh, looks toward Ithene :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Ithene's shout catches her attention.:: William Chocox -> ::starts coordinating the teams:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I think I have an SOS signal. It's on a very low-band frequency. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::transfers it to Rhan:: Hunter Matheson -> ::both helms focus on stability, pretty much ignoring bridge chatter::: Cptn Swain -> ::Lifts a brow:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes a look at systems status, knowing Chocox is on damage control:: Rhan K'hal -> :: reviews it carefully after receiving the transfer, with a nice dramatic pause :: I concur. Location's a bit hard to pin down it's so weak, but we can hone in on it. William Chocox -> ::Bridge:: Was all of that necessary? Cptn Swain -> ::Lifts a brow:: Can we determine the source? Rhan K'hal -> Moment... NDak -> ::Looks on, anxiously:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Slinks over to Tandaris:: What's the status of the cloaking device? Rhan K'hal -> :: paws fly over the console again as he tries to pin it down :: There is a Dominion base on that signal path. I'm also picking it up a bit better already as we fly into it. Definitely a Starfleet signal. Tandaris Admiran -> ::checks a few diagnostic readouts:: The cloak is stable, such as it is. Hunter Matheson -> ::stops, hearing Cho, and wants to give a snide remark, but Cho is commissioned and Kal is a pee-on::: Tandaris Admiran -> Of course, those fighters managed to detect us at close range. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Chocox+ What's the status down there? Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: I wondered how effective it would be in this mess. ::Frowns:: Suppose I was right. NDak -> A Dominion base? They might have taken them there to work on it. William Chocox -> +Bridge+ How many different ways are there to say "All hell has broken loose."? Rhan K'hal -> Helm, need an attitude shift for sensor effectiveness. :: sends the desired 3D orientation :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Anything of note in the signal... or is just a light in the dark? Hunter Matheson -> ::running helm diagnostics, pretty surprised that they are as stable as they register::: Tandaris Admiran -> +Chocox+ I know a few choice ones in Breen. Tandaris Admiran -> +Chocox+ But unless you have a voice modulator the intonation is difficult. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She smirked. She always missed working down in engineering.:: Rhan K'hal -> It was definitely put together by someone that knows how to bury a line. If we hadn't been looking for it I doubt we'd have caught it. That fits Mr. Abronvonvich's profile to a T. Cptn Corizon -> ::Makes a strange growling noise, then smiles:: Cptn Corizon -> Dameon is also fairly good at it. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Cptn Corizon -> ::His ears twitched at the conversation on the other side of the room:: William Chocox -> +Bridge+ Funny sir, but seriously, what did you guys do to my ship?! Cptn Swain -> Very well. As soon as the birds are in, set course. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets a blip, after a quick peek, remarks :: All fighters accounted for. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Chocox+ Your ship? Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> ::prepares to change course when coordinates arrive:: Rhan K'hal -> Commander Admiran, you can turn on that Klingon contraption any time. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Just grins. Every engineer she'd ever worked with had the same attitude.:: Cptn Swain -> Given that the cloak didn't seem to work last time, we might as well fly the flag. Stay at Red Alert. Rhan K'hal -> Or not. Hunter Matheson -> ::leans back to relax for a few::: Rhan K'hal -> :: sends the coordinates to Gaither :: Cptn Swain -> ::R'han:: I thought you'd be happy not to be using the cloak. NDak -> ::Takes a deep breath. He would have preferred the message to be from his brother, but if the human was alive, there was a good chance Issaha was as well. He hoped.:: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> Coordinates received. Changing course to three zero five mark two. Rhan K'hal -> You have no idea. Not to mention people might want to use the replicator. Those MRE's were getting on my stomach's nerves. Hunter Matheson -> Engage at full impulse, Captain? Cptn Swain -> Ahead full. Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> All head full, aye. Engaging. Maryse Dubois -> It would be nice to get some better food for a little while. Cptn Corizon -> ::Makes his way over to R'han:: Can I see the communiqué? ::lowly:: Rhan K'hal -> :: sorts through the frequencies for a moment :: Aha. :: found the Dominion carrier signal for the base, ties it over for helm to follow without having to bloodhound for the SOS :: Hunter Matheson -> ::bolts to max warp::: Rhan K'hal -> :: ear tilt toward Corizon, then tappity taps the console to pull it up :: William Chocox -> +Bridge+ I'm trying to fix the damn thing! Cptn Corizon -> ::Looks it over for a moment, nods, then walks away, slipping off the bridge:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Unstraps herself from her chair and stands.:: Hunter Matheson -> Gaither> ::hearing reports from engineering over the comm, hope she holds together::: Cptn Corizon -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> :: hearing Will :: Someone needs a nap. Maryse Dubois -> I could make that Doctor's orders. Cptn Swain -> +Engineering+ Doing our best, Mister Chocox. Rhan K'hal -> :: smiles :: I'll leave that to your discretion. NDak -> ::Notices Corizon slip off the bridge, and does the same -- figuring no one would miss him:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0717.2016 When we last left off, two Jem'Hadar fighters had ambushed Excalibur in the gravitational anomaly field.

SD 0626.2016 - No Sim SD 0703.2016 - No Sim SD 0710.2016 Excalibur has entered into the "soup" of a the gravimetric disturbances in pursuit of the Dominion attack ship that escaped from the station with two crewmembers and the prototype for a subspace weapon originally designed by the Excalibur.

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has entered into the "soup" of a the gravimetric disturbances in pursuit of the Dominion attack ship that escaped from the station with two crewmembers and the prototype for a subspace weapon originally designed by the Excalibur. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::monitors the cloak from Engineering:: Cptn Swain -> ::On the bridge, frowning:: Hunter Matheson -> ::His focus intense as he navigates through the gravimetric mud, not having much success in avoiding the eddies, which is taking a toll on the IDS::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::thinking:: NDak -> ::Also on the bridge, trying not to hover: Rhan K'hal -> :: hijacked the aux tactical station and is using all the scientific sensors to peer through the soup, sending constant updates to Hunter at helm :: William Chocox -> Penny for your thoughts sir. NDak -> Ithene> ::Keeping a weather eye on the eddies:: Hunter Matheson -> ::notes the upcoming level of activity, thankful for the updates:: IDS might not work well in this next mess. I'm going to suggest strapping in, or at least hold on tight... ::general announcement:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I'm thinking about how to stop the subspace weapon. Tandaris Admiran -> The weapon as it was originally designed was made with a wormhole in mind—and not just any wormhole, mind you, but an artificially-constructed one. Tandaris Admiran -> Consequently it functions slightly differently from more general-purpose subspace weapons. William Chocox -> Ok. What if we blow it up? Tandaris Admiran -> Well, worst-case scenario we inadvertently detonate it and create a subspace rift that destroys everything within a half-light-year volume and prevents warp travel for several decades. William Chocox -> Never mind then. Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: It's too quiet. Tandaris Admiran -> Best-case scenario, we destabilize the component elements and cause a pinpoint implosion of space-time that destroys everything within 3 to 5 AU, Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda sat in her usual seat on the bridge, busy scrolling through her data padd. She was most worried about the toll that was being taken on the ship from the cloak's power drain and the rough riding through the nebula. She glanced up at Swain, scowling.:: You're never supposed to say that. William Chocox -> Still not reassuring. Tandaris Admiran -> I mean … ideally … I would love to prevent them from _building_ it in the first place. Rhan K'hal -> Gunny, try changing attitude to go aft first into the next rollercoaster. The subspace field is always slightly stronger around the nacelles, that may make it easier for IDS to compensate. That is if you feel comfortable making course changes in reverse. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Never. That's like rule number one in Command class. Tandaris Admiran -> But if that's not possible, we need to have a countermeasure William Chocox -> Right. Cptn Swain -> ::Smirks:: I have never followed that rule. Tandaris Admiran -> And I've been trying to see if there is anything about the weapon's unusual original target that might offer insight. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> So whatever follows is your fault. ::Waving a finger at him.:: Remember that. Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps out onto the bridge, leaning on the rail to look around.:: William Chocox -> What was the target? Tandaris Admiran -> The wormhole. William Chocox -> Ah. Rhan K'hal -> :: tilts ear at the door swoosh, sends an distracted wave to the door after getting the telltale whiff of whatever soap Maryse uses :: Hunter Matheson -> ::hearing K'hal, he shifts to calculate the move:: Trying is better than dying, sir. And there really didn't any forward or back in a starship.... ::::shifts gears to reverse in:: Tandaris Admiran -> I'm going up to the bridge. Continue monitoring the cloak. Hunter Matheson -> ::macabre humor:: Like backing into a parking place at full in a gale.... William Chocox -> Will do sir. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles, waving to Rhan.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Smirks:: Has Commander d'Aubigné and that fighter wing managed to get the Lancelot's retrofitted for this ::makes a motion to the mostly obscured viewer:: Rhan K'hal -> I have complete confidence in you Gunny. Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns at a spike in gravitational energy:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::sends the update to Hunter:; Hunter Matheson -> Thank you, sir. Not sure I have that much confidence in the ship, though. Tandaris Admiran -> ::eters TL:: Bridge. NDak -> ::Glances over K'Hal's shoulder:: Rhan K'hal -> :: frowns at the same spike, uses the algorithm he set up to send all possible avoidance routes to helm :: Hunter Matheson -> :::as he continues to press into the controls:: I'm guessing this doesn't affect the cloak? Rhan K'hal -> :: does a few energetic tail-whips as he senses NDak getting too close - AGAIN :: William Chocox -> ::keeps monitoring, trying to compensate where he can:: NDak -> Ithene> Assuming the cloak is actually being effective in this mess. The Dominion has better sensors than we do. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I think so, or nearly. The last report said they were just about ready to test it. You want me to give the go ahead? Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Yes, though do tell her to be careful. Hunter Matheson -> ::his eyes sweep the data as it flies by from K'hal, chooses the best one and leans into it::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shows up on the bridge:: Rhan K'hal -> You might want to wait to send the fighters out for a few minutes, sirs. Sending them out now would be like chicks learning how to fly in a hurricane. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Coordinate with flight ops. Hunter Matheson -> ::damn, K'hal got that right::: Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Captain. NDak -> ::Makes his way back over to the ring:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::goes up to Ithene:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances at Tandaris:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Commander... Rhan K'hal -> :: lets his more standard operations officer that's manning the standard console deal with the flight ops communications :: Rhan K'hal -> Nice glide there, Gunny. Just a few more of those pimples in space-time before it goes back to what qualifies as normal for this sector. How's the aft-first handling? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: I have some questions about verteron field inversions. Hunter Matheson -> Not as bad as I thought, sir. It seems to be making a little better ride, and we'll hang loose as long as you feed me the data. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::narrows her glance:: i see. Hunter Matheson -> ::wan smile:: I sure wouldn't want to do this on a regular basis, though... :::jumps at an unexpected eddy surprise::: Rhan K'hal -> :: adjusts forward sensor strength momentarily to get a better sense of the next bump in the road, sends the optimal paths again to helm :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She sent a message to Commander d'Aubigné with the Captain's orders and additional warnings to be careful. The flight crew would have been monitoring the conditions outside, but it never hurt to be overly cautious.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::lets out a breath, checks the gauges and grabs onto the best path::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Walks to and leans over Rhan's shoulder, similar in fashion as NDak previously did. She did it mainly to tease the Kitty.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: As far as I can recall, the original subspace weapon was designed to reverse the polarity of the verteron nodes within the wormhole. The resulting field inversion was supposed to destabilize the nodes, pushing the entire wormhole out of subspace, collapsing its manifold as a result. Rhan K'hal -> You want to try this, Doc? It's just like an old-fashioned video game, with an extremely realistic vibration feature. :: like clockwork, the ship shudders a bit as they come out the far side of the last bump :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Pretty ingenious, really. But Cptn Swain -> Ithene> That makes it a little less suitable for other purposes. Hunter Matheson -> ::doesn't realize the sweat is wicking through his uniform; that's the least of his worries::: Tandaris Admiran -> Exactly. I'm wondering if we could turn that to our advantage. Rhan K'hal -> Last one is a doozy, Gunny. Sending your the paths now. :: does so :: Hunter Matheson -> On it, Sir. Tandaris Admiran -> Is there a way to simulate a verteron field inversion without, you know, destabilizing the local subspace grid? Hunter Matheson -> :::brain kicks in, he grabs the best path on instinct, and runs with it::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Possibly. Rhan K'hal -> :: zings a variant on the collision alarm through the ship that he came up with to signal for potentially more violent turbulence :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Puts her hands on Rhan to keep her footing, then smiles.:: No thanks. I'm not much for video games. ::A little quieter.:: Beside, I figured you would prefer me over your shoulder instead of someone else. Rhan K'hal -> :: loud enough for just Maryse :: He's a bit of a vulture, hovering over everything, isn't he? Cptn Swain -> ::Leans back in his chair:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and if he was a telepath, he'd tell everyone to sit the hell down and strap in::: William Chocox -> ::makes sure he's holding on to his chair:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mutters:: Damn... ::louder:: Hang on! Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Message sent, she glanced up to the main viewer, gaze flitting between the various stations. At Hunter's warning, she gripped her chair tightly.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: gets a grip on the console with one arm, gets a hold of Maryse with the other :: NDak -> ACTION> Excalibur pitches as the IDS are already heavily compromised with the cloaking changes. Tandaris Admiran -> So what if we saturated a volume with verteron particles and simulated the inversion while the weapon was being activated? Its systems would—whoa! ::stumbles, grabs edge of the console to keep himself from hitting the deck. William Chocox -> Whoa Maryse Dubois -> ::Grips tightly.:: I'm sure you wouldn't catch him like that. ::grins.:: NDak -> ::Grips the railing:: Rhan K'hal -> :: claws out, on the console only, putting yet another K'hal stamp on the furniture of the Ship :: Hunter Matheson -> ::madly varying the angle of insertion and the speed to match whatever we hit ,but it doesn't seem to work, and he hits his head on the console, but he's alive::: Cptn Swain -> ::Feels his stomach turn:: Tandaris Admiran -> As I was saying, its systems would react with the verterons—but as it's in normal space, and the field inversion is already in progress, that should cancel out the weapon's effect and keep subspace intact. William Chocox -> ((How many Catian scratches are there on this ship?)) Hunter Matheson -> (cat tats) Hunter Matheson -> (mark of the mastah) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Having nearly lost her seat:: Yes, but knowing when that launch happens... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Matheson. ::Having seen that head crack.:: Doctor, if you would... Tandaris Admiran -> Well, yes. That is the hard part. I would much rather we stop the weapon from being built or apprehend it before it comes to that. Rhan K'hal -> :: releases Maryse as the turbulence levels out, calls in relief for Hunter :: Cptn Swain -> ACTIONS> Tactical alerts begin tripping to our starboard and dorsal port section. Hunter Matheson -> ::still focused on the console, he doesn't notice the drizzle of blood::: Rhan K'hal -> Craptastic, now what? :: looks to the alerts :: Hunter Matheson -> Bringing the ship around to defense position. William Chocox -> That's hardly ever a good sign. Cptn Swain -> ::Glances over to Tandaris: Can we do that? Maryse Dubois -> ::Releases her grip of Rhan, then straightens up.:: Thanks. ::Looks at his screen a moment.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Swain:: Do what? Cptn Swain -> Take a defensive posture with the cloak up and your modifications active? Rhan K'hal -> Anonymous Helm Relief Person #1> :: jogs onto the bridge and down the helm console :: Tandaris Admiran -> Well if we need to defend ourselves that suggests the cloak doesn't need to be up Hunter Matheson -> Maximum defense position achieved. It's still not a smooth ride, but it's not as bad as it was. Tandaris Admiran -> I mean, normal rules apply: cloak up means no shields William Chocox -> ((Glad he was able to get a job in Starfleet. Anywhere else and that name would be awkward.)) Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns:: Any better idea of what we're working with? Tandaris Admiran -> And these gravimetric eddies means phasers are useless and torpedoes are … well … hazardous. Hunter Matheson -> ::doesn't notice the helm relief, and when he does, waves him/her off::: Rhan K'hal -> Stand down, Gunny. Your head may be hard as neutronium but Doc needs to look at it. Plus you've been flying for nearly 4 hours in this, you need a break. Maryse Dubois -> ::Turns her attention from Rhan and his console, then moves down to see Hunter.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::glance from K'hal to relief, not sure what to do, but he does obey:: Aye, sir. Maryse Dubois -> Sit over there, Mr. Matheson. ::Pointing to an unused chair.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick recap to the relief, then hands it over:: Cptn Swain -> Tactical> I am detecting what appear to be Dominion power signatures. Rhan K'hal -> AHRP1> :: takes over now that it's at the "easy" part :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs an emergency medkit from a wall panel, bringing it over.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::unspoken swear, he sits::: Cptn Swain -> Let me guess... tactical display is inoperative. Hunter Matheson -> I'm good, Doc. It's only a scratch. I'm good. Hunter Matheson -> Water would be nice, though. Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: The only time you'll hear me say I don't like space phenomena. Tandaris Admiran -> I highly recommend we do not get involved in a firefight here, Captain. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She smirked at Swain.:: What? You? I thought you loved them all equally. Cptn Swain -> ::Admiran:: I agree, let's hope our cloaking device works. NDak -> ::On the edge of the bridge continuing to frown, deeply:: Hunter Matheson -> ::one leg bounces from the adrenaline rush:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Visually examines the cut before grabbing a tricorder.:: I'll be the judge of whether you are good or not. Here. ::Places a gauze pad on the cut to stop the bleeding so she can scan.:: Hold it there please. Rhan K'hal -> I can't even let the lounge use full lighting Captain, let alone have the holographic tactical display on. That cloak sucks up power like a Klingon guzzles bloodwine. Like creator like creation, I suppose. Tandaris Admiran -> ::peers over Ithene's shoulder at the sensor read-outs, nervous because of the Dominion's past abilities to see through cloaks:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Holds it there::: NDak -> (( everyone give me a number 1-10 )) Hunter Matheson -> 7 Rhan K'hal -> (( 8 )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She spared the Romulan a glance, remembering his brother was captured.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((9)) Maryse Dubois -> ::Scans.:: Hmm...You are lucky it's just a laceration. ::Pulls out a dermal regenerator, moving the guaze pad gently.:: Maryse Dubois -> ((6)) Hunter Matheson -> ::still pumped from the last 4 hours:: Hunter Matheson -> :;slight wince::: Maryse Dubois -> How long have you been on helm today? ::Running the regenerator along the cut.:: William Chocox -> ((4)) Cptn Swain -> << rip >> Maryse Dubois -> ((uh oh)) Hunter Matheson -> Yeah, they say I have a hard head. But I don't think they mean physically. ::slight smirk:: William Chocox -> ((Oops)) Hunter Matheson -> I don't keep track, ma'am. I just do the job, however long it takes. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Tactical arms trip as polaric surge heads towards us, e.g., weapons fire Maryse Dubois -> Well give yourself 30 to 40 minutes to get food and something to drink, then you'll be fine to return. Rhan K'hal -> Oh [redacted]. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::seeing the polaron build-up on the sensors:: Oh dear. Maryse Dubois -> ::Finishes up just as she looks up at Rhan's comment.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur is struck by weapons fire from a Dominion fighter. William Chocox -> ::a string of expletives can be heard from William's station:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Finds herself falling backwards.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::jolted by the weapons fire, he doesn't want to leave the bridge and glances from Swain to Hawthorne and K'hal::: Cptn Swain -> Tactical> ::Quite dead:: Hunter Matheson -> ::grabs Maryse:: NDak -> ::By second nature takes the tactical console:: Cptn Swain -> Bring us about. Drop cloak. Tandaris Admiran -> ::knocks into Ithene before hitting the ground:: Agh Hunter Matheson -> ::slips into aux helm:: Hunter Matheson -> ::but not before securing the doc, of course:: Maryse Dubois -> ::With aid from Hunter, doesn't find herself hitting the floor. Stands upright.:: Thanks. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::grasps for Tandaris:: Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over, sees Tactical is quite dead, then sees NDak moving to the console - mutters a second before granting his DNA signature access to it :: Rhan K'hal -> (( NDak* ... just the thought of him being NDad is enough to spark nightmares for a month )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Moves over to the dead tactical officer, checking his pulse. She sighs.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((Well, Rhan, let me tell you about this time N'Dak visited Cait….)) NDak -> Shields up... ::frowns as he quickly tries to familiarize himself with the weapons arrays:: Hunter Matheson -> ;:coordinating with Helm#1::: Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::rights himself with Ithene's assistance:: Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: Don't say a word. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Cuts a glare in Swain's direction, her frown matching the Romulan's.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes the engineering station, pulls up systems status:: NDak -> Incoming weapons fire. Tandaris Admiran -> It's a fighter. Cptn Swain -> Tandaris... if we activate the gravitec counter measures in this stuff? Tandaris Admiran -> ((What counter measures?)) Rhan K'hal -> :: half to himself :: Guess this is as good a time for testing the fighters as any. :: calls down to d'A :: Hunter Matheson -> ::to helm 1:: Take care of maneuvers. I'll see what I can do with positioning. Rhan K'hal -> :: reviews how the enemy is flying :: Tandaris Admiran -> Captain, recommend we set a course directly for the eddies rather than trying to avoid them. Maryse Dubois -> ::After checking on the now dead tac, she gets up and sits in the chair next to Rhan, so she isn't bounced around.:: So much for cloak, huh. Cptn Swain -> (( We're armed with gravitic counter measures for anti-torpedo warfare )) Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Do it. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Well they aren't using torpedoes, so ...)) William Chocox -> ::monitors the damage reports:: Rhan K'hal -> I concur, the fighter can handle the lower-spec anomalies as if it were in normal space, but they don't have the power to deal with the larger ones according to my analysis of their flight pattern. Cptn Swain -> (( Right, but they basically generate gravity wells of their own using charged gravitons)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods at Rhan:: Exactly. We'll take a beating, but they'll have to choose whether to follow us and risk being destroyed or let us go. Tandaris Admiran -> Far better chances for us than trying to fight it in this. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I concur. NDak -> Another round of weapons fire incoming. ::Frowns:: They appear not to care if they further distabilize the area or not. Rhan K'hal -> :: begins setting up a "hold on to your butts" flight path through the anomalies if Swain gives the go ahead :: Hunter Matheson -> ::monitoring the destabilization of the area, conferring with his "relief":::: Cptn Swain -> Do it. Rhan K'hal -> :: sends the possibilities to helms :: Hunter Matheson -> ::helm 1 looks at him and he nods::: Tandaris Admiran -> +Chocox+ We are about to enter even more powerful eddies. Reroute power to engines and shields, and shut down secondary EPS conduits to prevent overload. Hunter Matheson -> ::helm 1 takes the major points, he takes the stabilization areas::: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods over at his Ops counterpart to do the usual optimizations while he continues to play Map That Eddy :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Sure, we're not supposed to get into a firefight, but did anyone tell them that? ::Scowling at the viewscreen.:: William Chocox -> On it sir. ::starts rerouting:: NDak -> ACTION> The Dominion weapons fire misses us, but it causes additional eddies to flare up. Hunter Matheson -> ::bypasses the expletive that wanted to jump out in favor of making the best of their position::: Rhan K'hal -> :: continues to update the picture for the helmsmen as it evolves, both naturally and artificially, this time picking a hard path :: NDak -> Should I return fire? Cptn Swain -> ::Bites his lip:: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Maryse Dubois -> I doubt the Jem Hadar care if they are destroyed in the process. Victory is life, or so they say. Hunter Matheson -> ::thinks hell yeah::: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> Though if you could all hang out for a moment... I have some good things for folks! Cptn Swain -> Mister Matheson, K'hal and Chocox, please step up will you. William Chocox -> ::hides behind K'hal:: Cptn Swain -> Now now... no hiding. Rhan K'hal -> :: steps up, drags William out from behind :: William Chocox -> Alright, alright. Hunter Matheson -> ::sharp attention, moving forward, ignoring the pain in his backside from sitting for FOUR hours at helm:: Hunter Matheson -> ::cough:: Maryse Dubois -> hehe Cptn Swain -> It had been brought to my attention by Commander Hawthorne that the three of you have performed above the call of duty on numerous occasions and that all of you are overdue for a good whipping. Cptn Swain -> I mean... promotion. Cptn Swain -> I guess we can do a whipping too if you're into those sort of celebrations. William Chocox -> Ooooooh. Hunter Matheson -> : :blink:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Whip in one hand, pip box in the other.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Snickers:: Cptn Swain -> Commander if you'd please... William Chocox -> No whips please. Cptn Swain -> Mister Matheson, you are herby promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. Hunter Matheson -> Sir, thank you, Sir. Cptn Swain -> Mister Chocox, you are herby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, with all the privileges and duties expected of that rank. William Chocox -> (W) Careful with that stick up your ass Hunter. William Chocox -> Thank you sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Like the responsibility of not blowing up the ship with a homemade bomb. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Glare:: Maryse Dubois -> busted William Chocox -> What homemade bomb? Tandaris Admiran -> Yes, much better to blow up an allied vessel with a homemade bomb and cause a diplomatic incident. Tandaris Admiran -> I mean, uh Tandaris Admiran -> Homemade bombs bad. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns to Cho:: The one that's in your.... ::notes the glare:: Cptn Swain -> Mister K'hal, you are herby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all of the privies and duties expected of that rank. William Chocox -> Commander Admiran, are you building a bomb? Rhan K'hal -> Dangit, I can't call Hunter "Gunny" anymore. Stupid promotions. Cptn Swain -> Congratulations to all three of you. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, you can, Rhan. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> His rank is actually Master Gunnery Sergeant. Hunter Matheson -> ::grin:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ;) William Chocox -> Lol Rhan K'hal -> Oh good. Never mind then, yay promotions. Maryse Dubois -> yay Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Dispenses the pips, drawing blood on at least two of the sacrifices.:: William Chocox -> Ow! William Chocox -> Everytime! Rhan K'hal -> Also yay for a layer of fur padding. Hunter Matheson -> Thank you, ma'am... sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Congrats to the three of you and keep up the good work. Cptn Swain -> Hear, hear. Hunter Matheson -> ::SWCC don't feel the pain::: Maryse Dubois -> Don't make him bleed again. I just patched him. Hunter Matheson -> There ya go. I already need a new uniform. Cptn Swain -> Alrighty, good work. Hunter Matheson -> And I think I better move over, if that's acceptable. Cptn Swain -> We'll pick up where we left off next week. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Nice simming, all. See you next week. Cptn Swain -> Have a good week.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur believes they have located the general area where the rogue Jem'Hadar vessel has fled to -- a rather unsavory area of space rife with gravimetric disturbances. Engineering has been making modifications to the cloaking device, while science, helm and operations are working with data shared with our new Romulan compatriot on the prototype of the subspace that was stolen, along with a Romulan and Federation officer. Having assured the Ardent is in some shape to make the trip back to Camelot, we have gotten underway ourselves under cloak. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> (hype skipper, questionable space, covert operation... what else could a crew want?) William Chocox -> ((How in trouble is Will about the alleged bomb?)) William Chocox -> ::working in engineering:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, observing.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::studying the data from Ithene, he looks up:: So, I see several routes here, ma'am. You have a favorite? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: The first one takes us awfully far afield. Hunter Matheson -> ::mentally ticks that one off:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Khal:: What have you been able to make of those schematics? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Having fled Engineering for fear of losing her sanity, Miranda was back in her place on the bridge, keeping a watchful eye on the things she could control and ignoring what she couldn't.:: Rhan K'hal -> That I wish the schematics had been beamed into space and allowed to burn up in a star. William Chocox -> You know commander, for an engineer, Commander Hawthorne sure ran away fast. Hunter Matheson -> ::stops and looks up, glancing from Ithene to K'hal::: Rhan K'hal -> But more useful to our current scenario, the containment unit shielding for the trilithium oscillates at 14.7 terahertz, so we can try to tune our sniffing for that particular substance at that frequency. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: And what about the containment units they still need? NDak -> ::Below decks, finally getting some rest.:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Making his way to engineering.: Hunter Matheson -> ::returns to studying his alternatives, keeping one ear on the convo:: Rhan K'hal -> They still need a central containment unit where the subspace reaction takes place. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Yes, well. I don't think she entirely agrees with how I run this department. Tandaris Admiran -> _I_ don't entirely agree with how I run this department. Rhan K'hal -> Which means they'd most likely be trying to go to a subspace field coil production facility to special order one. Tandaris Admiran -> But as the Klingon proverb goes, sometimes you don't get what you want, but you do get what you need. Cptn Corizon -> Ithene> I doubt they can just barge into one, but perhaps they think they can modify one? ::Frowns:: Thought the last I heard Jem'Hadar were hardly very... technologically savvy. William Chocox -> That's true, and how do you not agree with yourself? Cptn Corizon -> Ithene> ::Miranda:: What do you think... you're the engineer. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: This department would run much more smoothly if Hawthorne were here instead of me. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs:: But I definitely wouldn't change places with her for the galaxy, so here we are. Cptn Corizon -> ::Enters engineering:: I see you're still too hard on yourself. William Chocox -> But what about the ship as a whole? Doesn't it run better when the XO can focus on that job? Hunter Matheson -> ::calculating the odds for every route::: Tandaris Admiran -> Indeed, hence my—::hears a familiar voice:: Hunter Matheson -> ::then merges a route or two, but that doesn't work either:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Corizon:: What … how? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced up from her data padd.:: Hmm? Ah, they aren't known for it, no, but they have... had... control of many worlds. I wouldn't discount their resources. If they don't have a unit that can be modified, they certainly have the raw materials to craft one to their specifications. Tandaris Admiran -> Were you on the Ardent? Tandaris Admiran -> ::eyes widen:: Or were you on the Romulan team? Hunter Matheson -> ::then finally he asks to anyone who is listening::: I don't suppose that engineering has anything that could modify the shielding for this. Or keep the cloak running through it, for that matter? Cptn Corizon -> I left the Ardent in command of Lieutenant Cor'le, she's more than capable of returning it to Camelot on her own. Hunter Matheson -> ::still looking at and figuring from the data he has from Ithene:: Cptn Corizon -> Swain asked me to stick around. Tandaris Admiran -> Well that would make sense. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> So... if you were looking for a containment unit... Rhan K'hal -> I would guess they would have to build one. This isn't exactly your everyday piece of hardware. Which again would lead me to a subspace field coil assembly, as it would have all of the equipment necessary, and 99% of the parts. Tandaris Admiran -> Seeing as we're trying to deal with a subspace—::stops, remembering Chocox is still there:: Uh, you know. From back then. Tandaris Admiran -> ((I'm trying so hard, guys. You can hear me try from the bridge, right?)) Rhan K'hal -> ((is that what that creaking sound is?)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If I was looking for a containment unit, I'd stop by one of a dozen worlds or stations that I used to control and take one. Maryse Dubois -> ::Listening to all the technical talk.:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Nearly smirks. Nearly:: Yes, and my um... knowledge of that time is rather invaluable to him, it appears. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> So where might there been one in this ::wrinkles her nose:: mess of gravity wells. Hunter Matheson -> ::finally puts it aside to listen:: William Chocox -> ::goes back to working:: Hunter Matheson -> ::neck crack:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Corizon:: Maybe we should talk in my office. I think I have some of that contraband still in there somewhere. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> You're the Science geek. What looks likely? ::She glanced up to Rhan.:: K'hal, bring up our current heading on screen. Let's get a large view of what's ahead. Cptn Corizon -> ::Smirks:: I think you can include your junior there... Tandaris Admiran -> ((I think there is a rule that Corizon and Admiran can only have chats if there is illegal alcohol involved.)) Rhan K'hal -> Somewhere that has a supply of one of these 3 elements. *inputs them onto the screen* The subspace injection that goes on inside this type of containment unit has to be made of a certain type of alloy, and these elements are the only ones that can make an alloy of that type. Rhan K'hal -> :: scowls, grabs his remote access PADD and puts the map up for Hawthorne :: William Chocox -> Hm? Tandaris Admiran -> What, you mean read Chocox in on sensitive material involving the Jem'Hadar procuring secret Starfleet plans for a subspace weapon that collapses wormholes, then stealing the materials necessary to build those weapons and possibly alter the balance of power in the quadrant as we know it? Tandaris Admiran -> ((Welp, I tried.)) Rhan K'hal -> :: no one can say he doesn't do his homework when he's thrust into arena; probably knows as much about the subspace weapon as the RomuGeek does :: Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: I mean, it's not my problem. William Chocox -> I'm going to need a bigger bomb. Tandaris Admiran -> ::grins, though out of Chocox's line of sight:: He does learn fast. Cptn Corizon -> Always a good thing for this ship. William Chocox -> Not that I'm necessarily building a bomb. Tandaris Admiran -> Sure, sure. ::waves at Chocox as if that was convincing:: William Chocox -> ::shuffles his device further under the pile of crap on his workstation:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes a few entries in the computer:: Let's see.... Tandaris Admiran -> ::Corizon:: So do we know what the Jem'Hadar are planning to do with this? Or if there is someone else pulling the strings? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Here are the possible locations within their range that have those elements. Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels back and forth in the helm chair as he listens, arms crossed, not sure he wants to hear, but since he's there, well....::: Cptn Corizon -> Honestly I don't know. The Hundred seemed to think they're completely separated from Keevan's control. Maybe we can get them to help us? Hunter Matheson -> ::and if they ever get through this mess he's going to have a hell of a memoir::: Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over the locations :: Hunter Matheson -> ::yeah, memoir... speaking engagements... total chick magnet:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((I will enjoy reading your memoir, Hunter. I assume that it will be a quick read, what with most of it being black rectangles.)) Rhan K'hal -> There's one that looks considerably more habitable than the others, and is in an area with less gravitational wonkiness. If I had to build a factory somewhere in this spaceswamp it'd be there. William Chocox -> Who's Keevan? Tandaris Admiran -> Hmm. They've never been very eager to help in the past. Tandaris Admiran -> For all we know, they're waiting for the Jem'Hadar here to finish their little project, and then they will swoop in and take it for themselves. Hunter Matheson -> ::hands clasped behind his head, he continues to rock and listen:: (true, but that makes it more..interesting) Cptn Corizon -> Leader of the Dominion, such as it is. Kind of a little worm. William Chocox -> Ah. Aren't most of the leaders of the Dominion? Tandaris Admiran -> It does seem to be a defining characteristic. Hunter Matheson -> ::and he figures that sooner or later they'll get around to discussing how they're actually going to get through the muck to accomplish the mission::: William Chocox -> Hm. Hunter Matheson -> ::but in the meantime, he's enjoying their little discussion::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Then that's likely our best bet. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: You finished your homework on subspace weapons? Rhan K'hal -> I'd hate to have to put latinum down on it, but yeah. Cptn Corizon -> ::Tandaris:: Where is the um... contraband you spoke of? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Ever paranoid, she checked the status of their cloak, worried the modifications might fail or overly stress the ship.:: William Chocox -> Uh...what I could at my security clearance. It's almost like Starfleet doesn't trust Junior Lieutenants with that sort of information. Cptn Swain -> ::Hunter:: Then we should make our course for there. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods:: Aye, Captain. Cptn Corizon -> ::Will:: You have a terminal handy? Rhan K'hal -> :: sends all the info over to Hunter :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She inhaled deeply and glanced up again.:: Is there any sign of the other ship? Warp trail? Leakage? Anything? William Chocox -> Yep. ::turns his on:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels back, he pulls up the info and begins programming::: Hunter Matheson -> :;as well as some alternate routes in case the routes are... patrolled:: Rhan K'hal -> Not yet, but it's not likely we would until we got very close. The gravitational eddies disperse such useful info very quickly. Hunter Matheson -> ::mulls that one over a minute, then continues::: Cptn Corizon -> ::Makes his way over and runs his hands over the console, putting in a series fo codes.:: Cptn Corizon -> There, that should get you some more information. Cptn Corizon -> ::Grins, fangily:: Just don't tell anyone, eh? William Chocox -> Tell anyone what? Hunter Matheson -> ::feeling a disturbance in the force, he looks up:: Rhan K'hal -> Also, their ship may be better suited for this area than ours, meaning they can take more interesting routes to get to the location. Tandaris Admiran -> I really hope we can stop them before they complete the weapon. Hunter Matheson -> :;then shrugs and continues:: Tandaris Admiran -> But if we can't, we need to figure out a way to undermine it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: I've been working to modify our sensors with the data the Enarrain so helpfully provided us, but the signature is muted by a number of factors... and the cloaking device... ::trails off:: Tandaris Admiran -> That will be difficult, considering my predecessor built it with the intention of making it impervious to ordinary disarmament. Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: Well, we didn't know what we were up against with the Scorpiads. Cptn Corizon -> ::Frowns at Tandaris:: This would be an awfully useful time for that knowledge. William Chocox -> ::reads:: Rhan K'hal -> :: gets up from the sci 2 console, starts a stretch that uses just about every muscle in the body like only a cat can :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::spreads his arms:: I fear my knowledge of the Scorpiads is no longer as … thorough … as it once was. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Sucks in a lot of power. Yea, I'm worried about that. If things get hairy, something is going to blow. Cptn Corizon -> So I heard. Cptn Corizon -> You should have been more careful with that resource. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Sighs:: I'll continue my work. The closer we get, the better it might be. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sharp laugh:: Hah, well, next time, _you_ can have the memories of a ship forcibly implanted into your brain. Cptn Swain -> ::Aside to Miranda:: We still haven't heard from Camelot. William Chocox -> It's not like he was reckless with it. Rhan K'hal -> :: sidles over to Maryse :: Trying to figure out just how many of us you'll have to fix the longer this goes? Cptn Corizon -> ::Lifts an ear:: William Chocox -> ::doesn't know if that's good or bad:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She threw Swain a glance.:: I've noticed. A bit worried about that, too. But then, we haven't exactly been easily found. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I'd feel better if they knew what we'd gotten ourselves into. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks.:: Possibly. Hunter Matheson -> ::then he begins to study the options, mentally calculating where the most likely places for patrol craft might be::: Cptn Corizon -> ::Takes a drink:: But, hey, I am not exactly the one to start lecturing people on damaging their career prospects, am I? Hunter Matheson -> ::several different exit vectors:: Hunter Matheson -> ::none of which looks good:: William Chocox -> I wouldn't know sir. Hunter Matheson -> ::so.. how about the most unlikely exit vectors, just to throw them off::: Cptn Corizon -> ::Grins:: Another time, maybe. Hunter Matheson -> ::and the most unlikely entry vectors, just in case::: Rhan K'hal -> :: lowers voice, leans into Maryse :: I know the ones of us that are in on the specifics of this crazy escapade are a little high on the stress levels. I'm afraid the XO is going to blast out of her seat... and why do I feel like I need to add "again" onto that. :: shakes head :: William Chocox -> Worst I've ever done is blow up the EPS network. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The Ardent should inform them, but you know how it is when we're in deep space. More on our own than not. ::Not happy about that, either.:: Cptn Swain -> << Two minute warning >> Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods, speaking quietly.:: I've noticed. I'll have to have a talk with her. Might have to put in a recommendation for crew wide leave once this is over. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( Maybe you want to specify crew wide leave on a pleasure planet. Not a backwoods scummy market where everyone will get kidnapped. )) Cptn Swain -> (( ::innocent grin:: )) Cptn Corizon -> ::Snorts:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Very true)) Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Preferably far, far away from here. :: stands up straight, returns to a normal tone, smiles at Maryse with a little nod :: Doc. :: heads over to his own station :: Maryse Dubois -> ((We're still allowed to go to Risa right? Pretty sure we were banned from a couple.)) Rhan K'hal -> :: settles in, logs in and pulls up information on everything, the marginal limits of his domain, at least in his own mind :: Cptn Corizon -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0619.2016 The Excalibur believes they have located the the general area where the rogue Jem'Hadar vessel has fled to -- a rather unsavory area of space rife with gravimetric disturbances. Engineering has been making modifications to the cloaking device, while science, helm and operations are working with data shared with our new Romulan compatriot on the prototype of the subspace that was stolen, along with a Romulan and Federation officer. Having assured the Ardent is in some shape to make the trip back to Camelot, we have gotten underway ourselves undercloak.

SD 0612.2016 Last week, we learned that the Romulans were working with the Hundred to refine a subspace weapon based upon a similar device originally constructed by the crew of the Excalibur nearly 5 years ago at the height of the Scorpiad Conflict when Corizon contemplated his directive to interdict the wormhole. We also learned the identity of the Romulan and Starfleet officer who were taken by the rogue Jem'Hadar along with a prototype of the device.

SD 0605.2016 The Excalibur has rescued some of the members of the original Starfleet team as well as several Romulans who were working on another project and are apparently connected to the reason the Ardent and Corizon are in orbit. The bad news, however, is that the leader of the Romulan science team and the leader of Starfleet team were apparently taken hostage by the attacking Jem'Hadar -- who fled in the closing moments of the battle.

MISSION BRIEFING: Last week, we learned that the Romulans were working with the Hundred to refine a subspace weapon based upon a similar device originally constructed by the crew of the Excalibur nearly 5 years ago at the height of the Scorpiad Conflict when Corizon contemplated his directive to interdict the wormhole. We also learned the identity of the Romulan and Starfleet officer who were taken by the rogue Jem'Hadar along with a prototype of the device. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::in his quarters changing and feeling better than he was before, thanks to the doc's expertise::: NDak -> ::In engineering, which felt like a very strange place for him to be as the last time he'd spent any time in a ship's engine room, he'd ended up get smacked with a spanner; but at any rate he was working with Tandaris and company to complete modifications to the cloaking device.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, hands-deep in the cloaking device, pulling things out seemingly at random:: Hunter Matheson -> ::well, that's better physically, but not exactly mentally, given the information he has but doesn't have::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::On the bridge, thanks to Rhan saving her from sickbay and wondered what she'd owe the feline for this one.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes out a strange piece of greyish metal, and lies it on the table next to several other strange pieces of greyish metal:: Maryse Dubois -> ::After checking and clearing the away team and guests, she finds herself back on the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::gives a final tug on his uniform, checks his hair that's pretty screwed by the extraction, so he shrugs and exits for the lift:: Bridge. Rhan K'hal -> :: plopped next to Ithene :: So, Eddy's in the space-time continuum again, and he's hiding a Jem'Hadar ship. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Lovely. William Chocox -> ((Eddy?)) Maryse Dubois -> (9Did you name the device?)) Hunter Matheson -> ::exits on the bridge and wanders over to helm to check in::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And we're looking for trilithium isotopes? ::Frowns again:: What the hell were they doing mixing Trilithium with a subspace weapon? Cptn Corizon -> ::Is in sickbay, checking on the Ardent crew who were recovering:: Rhan K'hal -> :: shrugs :: Romulans? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda strode into engineering, somewhat better for her time in medical. She wasn't having dizzy spells, anyway.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Exhales, deeply:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and since he's not on duty, he takes aux helm to check on things, just in case::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> At least that gives us something to look for I suppose. NDak -> ::Glances over as the Commander walked in:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::N'Dak:: So, just jump in at any point if you think I'm going too far. Tandaris Admiran -> ::yanks out a worryingly-large component that has several blinking lights and a label, in Klingon of course, that says "DO NOT REMOVE WHILE DEVICE IS INSTALLED":: NDak -> ::Then back to Admiran:: I am less... familiar with these Klingon designs, to be honest. Hunter Matheson -> (w) Well, damn... NDak -> ::Lifts a brow:: This is generally why we do na give our devices without a Romulan officer present to... troubleshoot. William Chocox -> ::is back in engineering:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sighs and begins his AAR that he totally forgot about because his brain was scrambled at the time::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She approached Tandaris' work table and leaned on the surface, eyeing the components.:: What are you doing, exactly? We need that functional. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans on the bridge railing for a moment. She glanced over to Rhan and Ithene. It was good to see her back on her feet.:: Rhan K'hal -> Assuming Admiran doesn't blow us up with that cloak first, yes. We have something to look for. Problem is, trilithium is pretty light and with all that gravitational soup going on in that system... Hunter Matheson -> ::replying to CSEC's request that it'll be there asap:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Yeah... have we got schematics of the prototype yet? Hunter Matheson -> ::and idly wondering what his paygrade is:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We might be able to get a better idea of where they're headed if we know what they still need component wise. Tandaris Admiran -> It's still functional! ::hears the cloak emitting a plaintive beeping noise, hits it a few times::Shut up. ::turns back to Hawthorne:: We are … ::turns to back to N'Dak:: Wait, what _are_ we doing again? William Chocox -> ::tinkers:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and he hears something about a cloak and blowing up, but what else is new::: Rhan K'hal -> I haven't checked to see if anyone unlocked the mystery file yet. I doubt the Romulan is going to hand it over. Rhan K'hal -> I suppose that leaves Corizon. NDak -> ::Exhales:: We were modifying the cloak to better handle the gravitational eddies in the region we believe the Jem'Hadar fled to. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Well, we might try the Romulan via Corizon. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I'd like to know the changes they made to the original device because that could tell us what they hadn't backengineered yet. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Or the Captain. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You said he was... what was the word "fired up?" Tandaris Admiran -> ::sticks his head inside the device, voice echoing:: Yes, that. Hunter Matheson -> ::pulls his PADD, swivels away from the console, and begins the AAR, if he can remember it all::: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Considerably. He even raise his voice! NDak -> ::Glances to Miranda with a sympathetic look:: William Chocox -> How likely is it that this blows up in our faces? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Interesting. Sad I missed all the excitement. Rhan K'hal -> I'm sure there's plenty of "excitement" left. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She squinted at the device and then the Romulan.:: Don't let him blow us up. He tries that now and again. ::Hearing Chocox, she snorted.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::side glance to the K'hal-Ithene convo::: Rhan K'hal -> +Corizon+ K'hal to Corizon. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Says the man building a bomb! William Chocox -> No I'm not! Cptn Corizon -> +K'Hal+ Corizon here. William Chocox -> ::hides his device:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> WHAT?! ::Head swivel.:: NDak -> ::Smirks, broadly.:: William Chocox -> Nothing. Don't know what he's talking about. Maryse Dubois -> ((The room is quickly filling with spies! :P )) Hunter Matheson -> (so what else is new) Annisha -> (I'm innocent) NDak -> ((I am not taking notes on your systems or anything, nope never!)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> You know what... I don't want to know. ::She held up a hand.:: I don't even know why I come down here. I only find a dozen infractions that I have to ignore. Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Rhan K'hal -> +Corizon+ Since we're looking for a ship with an experimental subspace weapon, Cdr Vallorn and I were wondering if we could get a better idea about it. Like a blueprint maybe. And I doubt I could get it out of NDak even with a "pretty please with a cherry on top." Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: There's actually thirty-n—uh, never mind. Good idea. Ah-hah! ::emerges from device holding a single, tiny component just larger than his thumb:: This is it. Tandaris Admiran -> ::puts it gingerly on the table, then starts meticulously re-installing all the components he had removed:: Cptn Corizon -> +K'Hal+ You might be surprised. He's been fairly forthcoming with details when it suits him, but I'll see what I can do for you. Rhan K'hal -> +Corizon+ Appreciate it, Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::ends up with Razor and Whip in sickbay along with him because of the M84s::: Hunter Matheson -> ::and adds that'll never happen again::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Looks at the readings again:: Well I can give Hunter a reasonably safe path through this muck, though we'll need to do some real time adjustments, but there's a bunch of noise out there that's hard to isolate. William Chocox -> I keep to regs...ish Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Carry on, then. ::She turned from the table and stopped by Chocox, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder, which she squeezed. Hard.:: I hope you aren't picking up any bad habits. Hunter Matheson -> ::blink, looks up to Ithene::: William Chocox -> Bad habits? Me? NDak -> ::Miranda:: I learned a long time ago to leave engineers to their own kingdom. Hunter Matheson -> ::puts the AAR aside to join them:: NDak -> ::Obviously oblivious that Miranda was also an engineer:: Our Daise Engineer once hit me with a spanner for 'meddling' in her realm. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods to both:: Sir. Ma'am. You have something I need to take a look at? William Chocox -> Commander Hawthorne is an engineer. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She gave Chocox a pat.:: Yea, exactly. ::Giving N'Dak a look, she smirked.:: I bet you deserved it. Tandaris Admiran -> ::has almost finished re-installing the components:: This should do it. Rhan K'hal -> Not yet, Gunny, unless you want to look at a bunch of swirls and arrows. NDak -> ::Bats his eyes innocently:: Hunter Matheson -> Swirls and arrows of.... ::yeah, that got his attention::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Gravitational anomalies and eddies. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Fun stuff! Hunter Matheson -> Hey. Sweet. Hunter Matheson -> We going through it? William Chocox -> And if I was hypothetically building an explosive...I have saved the ship with an explosion before. Tandaris Admiran -> ::hands the tiny component to Chocox:: Put this somewhere safe. We'll need it later. Hunter Matheson -> Or.. I should say, we gonna try? Cptn Corizon -> +NDak+ Corizon to Enarrain N'Dak William Chocox -> ::takes it:: Alright. ::stashes it away:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Rhan:: Rhan K'hal -> Assuming the engineers can get the cloak to work in that "muck." NDak -> ::Glances to Miranda at all excusingly before tapping his communicator:: +Corizon+ Go ahead. Rhan K'hal -> At least I hope that's a caveat. :: frowns :: Hunter Matheson -> Huh. What's the muck made of? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> That ought to be a good challenge for Tandaris. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Listening to N'Dak's comm.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Forwards the readings to Hunter:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Because she could.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::pulls 'em up on his PADD::: Hunter Matheson -> ::a bit of hesitation creeps into his expression:: Whoa... Hunter Matheson -> So... we gotta go through this to exfil the guy we don't know got kidnapped? Cptn Corizon -> +NDak+ The Excalibur team working on tracking the Jem'Hadar are looking for a report on the prototype and possibly some blueprints, they'd like to know what they still need to finish it. ::pauses:: It is an incomplete prototype, right? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And stop the subspace weapon from being completed. Hunter Matheson -> ::paging down, checking it all out re density, composition, how many died trying to get through:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::coy:: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up:: Subspace weapon, eh? That's the one we don't know about, right? Rhan K'hal -> Just another day at the office: ::dryly:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nods to K'hal::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::finishes reassembling the cloak, then goes over to the control console and starts running some diagnostics:: Hunter Matheson -> So.... how many times has this ship done anything like this, or even close to it? NDak -> ::Frowns, deeply:: +Corizon+ I do not have any complete records, but I do have the mission reports Issaha was preparing to file for me. I'll send them shortly. ::Pauses:: And yes, the prototype was incomplete. They were having trouble with a few parts in particular. William Chocox -> How's it look? Hunter Matheson -> ;:as he tilts his head this way and that, comparing it to the present configuration of the Excal and trying to fit it into the muck::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Shrugs:: I mean, from what I've heard, back when Corizon was in command this was sort of... you know... a regular thing. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Or do you mean the gravity stuff? Hunter Matheson -> Huh. Nice. Then he'll be aboard? Hunter Matheson -> Oh, everything. Hunter Matheson -> Well, not *every* thing. Hunter Matheson -> But what's important. Cptn Corizon -> +Corizon+ Good. Thank you, Destorie. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: That component you just stowed is the cloak's graviton field sensor. Normally it would detect mass fluctuations caused by the ship's space-time driver coils when travelling at impulse speed, then the cloak would compensate. Hunter Matheson -> You know, that'll keep us mostly alive? NDak -> ::Closes the comm and makes his way back to the gaggle of engineers:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Now the cloak is unable to tell when our mass fluctuates. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I'd like to see that report and those plans, as well. ::To N'Dak:: William Chocox -> Ok NDak -> ::Lifts a brow, Vulcan-esque, but decides not to press the point.:: Of course. NDak -> They're aboard the Ardent with my things. You don't suppose you could have a porter pick them up for me? William Chocox -> ::barely suppresses an eye roll:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Leans back in her chair, still a little sore from the whole experience.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::half wishing he'd paid attention in Romulan Avoidance Configurations 101::: Tandaris Admiran -> Now … ::pulling up a program and plugging in parameters:: we'll be able to feed the cloaking device instructions to compensate for the eddies. Kind of. William Chocox -> Kind of? Rhan K'hal -> :: glances over to Ithene :: You need to take a break and stretch, do it. We'll need you more during the upcoming crazy stunt than this very minute. Hunter Matheson -> ::absently returns to aux helm still working out the odds and the best route as he sits, almost missing the chair:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> If you give me a list of what you need, I can send for them. Since you'll be going with us on this next leg, best you get everything you require. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles:: If you insist. NDak -> ::Nods, produces an ISD from his pocket:: Here. Rhan K'hal -> Plus if you end up back in sickbay because you overdid it, Maryse will skin me for insisting that you get let out. Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ Engineering to Bridge. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And here I thought you actually cared. ::snorts:: Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Go ahead. Hunter Matheson -> ::perks up to listen:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She took the ISD from him and scrolled through the list, reviewing his requirements. The last thing she needed was for a Romulan to smuggle over an explosive disguised as chapstick.:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ I have modified the cloaking device as best I can to compensate for our unpredictable eddy situation. There are a few … restrictions. KhreRiovtRex -> (dang N'Dak...they're onto the Chapstick ruse) Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Command team is still walking about. I doubt you want to repeat yourself three times. Let me set up a conference. NDak -> ( Rats! We'll have to rethink! )) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Getting a warm drink:: William Chocox -> ((::hides his bomb disguised as aerosol deodorant:: Hunter Matheson -> ::swivels back to begin a diagnostic program on the muck to check for eddy patterns, frequency, duration, and that kind of stuff::: Rhan K'hal -> +Swain,Hawthorne+ K'hal Captain Swain, Commander Hawthorne: K'hal here. Cdr Admiran has something you should probably hear. Patching you into the conversation. :: goes all operator for a moment :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Three... dress capes? ::Raises an eyebrow.:: You think you will have need of formal capes? NDak -> ::Looks innocent:: You never know! KhreRiovtRex -> (substitutes explosive chapstick for Folger's Crystals) Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Everyone's online, Commander, go ahead. William Chocox -> ((Who drinks Folger's?)) Tandaris Admiran -> +All+ Thank you, K'hal. As I said: caveats. Firstly, we need to be moving, or specifically, under thrust—at sublight speeds. It should be fine at warp in general. Secondly, we can't orbit large gravity wells and stay cloaked while these modifications are in place. Stations are fine; planets are not. Finally, I've had to bypass several safety protocols. It's no danger to the ship ::can already predict the questions:: but the longer we have to operate in this mode, the greater a chance the cloaking device will burn out on us. Hunter Matheson -> ::he turns back to listen while his program runs, catching the eye of the doc for the first time:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Huh. ::She transferred the list from his ISD to her data padd and offered him back his device. Looks to Tandaris for his explanation.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mental notes, thumbs up to K'hal:: Cptn Swain -> +All+ Noted. Good work Tandaris. I'm waiting on a reply from Command to our status update, but until we have orders otherwise, we're going to continue our efforts to rescue the members of the team we set out to rescue. Cptn Swain -> +All+ Once we're confident that Ardent can make the return trip on her own, we can get underway, following the Jem'Hadar ship. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Now, you have work to do. William Chocox -> Ok? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: I need you to brush up on subspace weapons. Hit the databases. Tandaris Admiran -> Don't ask me why. Cptn Swain -> +All+ Swain out. Tandaris Admiran -> It just may be … germane … to our current mission. William Chocox -> Will do sir. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> He sounded rather... ::sitting down with her drink:: more direct than usual. William Chocox -> ::gets started:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::at least _trying_ to maintain the "need to know" secrecy:: Hunter Matheson -> ::wondering if Admiran realized that the comm was open when he said that about the subspace weapons::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::doesn't _always_ violate regulations:: Rhan K'hal -> I think he's probably at the point where he's had it with things. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::With one last glance at engineering, she shook her head and headed for the turbolift.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::gives K'hal the yathink? look::: Cptn Swain -> ::Following Miranda:: William Chocox -> What about clearance though? Cptn Swain -> ...and... NDak -> ::Is actually the one following Miranda:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: hmmmm? Tandaris Admiran -> I'm not asking you to learn how to _build_ them! Just the basics. History, theory, etc. Whatever is in the open databases. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She held the lift for the Romulan.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shakes his head:: I swear, I don't know where you get these ideas sometimes…. ::sighs:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur has rescued some of the members of the original Starfleet team as well as several Romulans who were working on another project and are apparently connected to the reason the Ardent and Corizon are in orbit. The bad news, however, is that the leader of the Romulan science team and the leader of Starfleet team were apparently taken hostage by the attacking Jem'Hadar -- who fled in the closing moments of the battle. As we pick up -- Miranda and her new Romulan BFF Enarrain N'Dak have made their way to the bridge where we hope to find out more about what the heck is going on . Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::in the debrief, still in his gear, minus the armaments::: NDak -> ::On the bridge, leaning against the railing:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in engineering, tallying up repair scores:: Cptn Swain -> ::Not entirely sure he wants to know up all the details of what the hell he'd gotten himself and his crew into this time.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, keeping Rhan company as she watches their new guests.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::along with Razor, Hulk, Whip, Tank, and Digger::: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, stewing :: William Chocox -> ::sits in engineering as he tinkers:: Hunter Matheson -> ::or not, if they're not there::: Cptn Corizon -> ::Still looking at the readout from Rhan's readings:: Maryse Dubois -> Bridge is getting quite crowded. Tandaris Admiran -> Johannsen, you get 15 points for the power converters but only 10 points for the EPS tap repair--the efficiency rating is well below optimal o that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda blew out a breath and glanced at the Romulan.:: Yea... so... there's that... Cptn Swain -> So.. don't everyone speak at once. Hunter Matheson -> ::defers to the ex oh:: NDak -> Well, first hann'yyo for au timely arrival and for au rescue rhae the station. It will not be forgotten. Tandaris Admiran -> Tezmir, nice work on the shields. 18 points. Maryse Dubois -> ::Watching some of the mannerisms from the group.:: Tandaris Admiran -> Chocox, I know you had help, so I'm giving you 15 for the Ardent warp drive. But a bonus 10 points for improvising with the resources and doing it off ship. Rhan K'hal -> :: adjusts his personal universal translator to properly remove the Romulan :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: So ... ::Looks to Miranda:: I am still a little hazy on the details here. You brought back people from both teams? Maryse Dubois -> ((5 points for Hufflepuff?)) William Chocox -> Thank you sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Whatever was left. ::She nodded.:: The Romulans had their own team trapped with what was left of ours, besieged by the Jem'Hadar. NDak -> We were meeting to discuss the situation when we were attacked. Cptn Corizon -> Right, I was about to beam over. Apparently there's a Rogue faction of Jem'Hadar involved. They must have been blocking transmissions from the base for some time now, which is why neither time had reported in. Hunter Matheson -> ::his head is pounding, but he manages to hide it::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Listening in, but taking note of how some of the away team are standing and acting, especially a couple of the security members.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::crinkles nose:: Don't thank me just yet. I haven't decided what these points are worth. Cptn Swain -> Great... so they attacked. Why did they kidnap two officers and run? Rhan K'hal -> :: going back to his multi-tasking, keeps an ear (still mostly flattened against his head) to listen to the goings on, while going back to work on nailing down where that Jem'Hadar ship went :: Maryse Dubois -> :;Eyes Hunter a moment, a curious look on her face.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::parade rest, eyes front:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, Matheson rigged up a system so we could code the shuttle, but we had no comms. ::She shook her head, which was a mistake. She squinted.:: The security team shocked the rogue Jem'Hadar and took them out so we could get to our team. ::She looked to N'Dak at Swain's question.:: I'd like to know that, as well. Maryse Dubois -> Hmm... ::Notices Miranda's expression.:: NDak -> They took the prototype that our team was working on. They didn't seem to have much interest in the cloning project your team was working on. Cptn Corizon -> ::An edge to his voice:: They took the prototype? Cptn Corizon -> You didn't tell me they had a damned prototype. Hunter Matheson -> ::the light makes it worse, and he can't seem to control his blinking:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::notices that Chocox has become rather cardboard:: I'm going to wander up to the bridge, let the captain know the repairs have come along nicely, see where we're at with everything else. Cptn Corizon -> ::Though he had highly suspected it:: NDak -> Ie. They took the damned prototype. ::Frowns:: Rhan K'hal -> :: silently roots Corizon on, as he currently can't verbally kick anyone's tail himself at the moment :: Cptn Swain -> Wait ... the prototype of what? ::Glowers:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Glad Swain said it because she was about to ask that same question herself.:: NDak -> ::Exhales:: The Romulan team was working on a subspace weapon with the Hundred. They have taken it. Cptn Swain -> :Blinks: Rhan K'hal -> :: audible weary sigh :: Tandaris Admiran -> :rides the TL to the bridge, completely oblivious to what has been going on:: Maryse Dubois -> And this just turned interesting... ::To Rhan, quietly.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods in acknowledgment of Maryse's statement :: Cptn Swain -> ::Corizon had neglected to tell him that detail about the Romulan project.:: Cptn Swain -> I am not sure I even have words to describe this... what the blue bloody blazes were you people doing developing a subspace weapon with the Hundred? Hunter Matheson -> ::jaw clenches at the shout:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::exits the TL on the words "subspace weapon with the Hundred":: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Seven hells... ::Miranda scowled.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Notes Tandy's great timing in his entrance.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes in the surprise guests of N'Dak and Corizon, blinks at the assembly, and briefly contemplates just backing into the TL and going back to engineering:: Tandaris Admiran -> Well. You have been busy. NDak -> To be honest I don't have good reason for it. This isn't exactly a Galae sponsored project. I am only here because it involved my brother. Cptn Swain -> And just what the hell are you doing involving Starfleet in this Ah-Windu? Did you know about this... no don't tell me. I'd rather not know. Cptn Swain -> ::Beside himself:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Starts to respond, but is cut off by the Romulan:: Rhan K'hal -> :: very quietly, to Maryse :: So we have an Admiral's son and an Ennarrain's brother, along with a stolen prototype subspace weapon, all in the hands of the Jem'Hadar. Did we bring enough real alcohol to deal with this. NDak -> Starfleet was already involved, Captain. The original blueprints the Hundred were working off came from this very ship. NDak -> (( If this were a TV show, we'd go to a dramatic commercial now )) Maryse Dubois -> If only...Though I don't think there is enough in this quadrant to help. Rhan K'hal -> :: that gets an ear to perk up :: Hunter Matheson -> ::thinking he's hearing a whole lot more than he should:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and wondering how far above his pay grade he already is::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sidles up to Maryse and Rhan:: (q) What's going on? Tandaris Admiran -> (q) I've never seen Swain this shouty. Cptn Swain -> Excuse me? ::It had occurred to him maybe this was a conversation for a ready room, but he was long past it.:: William Chocox -> ::tinkers, blissfully unaware:: NDak -> ::Looks expectantly to Corizon:: Rhan K'hal -> :: repeats his earlier summary quietly for Admiran's sake :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods, speaking quietly.:: A huge bomb was just dropped as you can imagine. The Jem'Hadar ran off with a prototype and part of the team from our mission. Cptn Corizon -> ::Winces, slightly.:: A few years ago... I was authorized by ATAG and Starfleet Command to interdict the wormhole using a subspace weapon called Merlin -- if the situation called for it. When the Scorpiads showed up and made a base on the GQ terminus side, I authorized the construction of the weapon. Cptn Swain -> ::Closes his eyes:: William Chocox -> ((Dun dun dun!)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::listening to Corizon, nods:: (q) Those were good times. Cptn Corizon -> Ultimately we chose not to deploy the weapon and it was scrapped. The Hundred must have gotten a copy of it through nefarious means. They approached the Romulans to assist with for reasons that escape me. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> So you're basically saying that with this prototype, they can... close the wormhole? NDak -> They were interested in developing it beyond a simple subspace weapon. ::Frowns:: In return we would also have the weapon as well some other technology. As I said this was not a Galae project. Maryse Dubois -> ::Quietly:: Oh and since you're going to find out anyways, one of the men on the team, and who also ironically was kidnapped, is the Admiral's son. Cptn Corizon -> That's the gist of it. Maryse Dubois -> But that pales in comparison to the bomb that they just dropped. Rhan K'hal -> :: mutters :: Not only does Starfleet's right hand not know what its left is doing, I don't think it knows it has a left hand anymore. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She pinched the bridge of her nose.:: And I suppose it will be able to wreak all sorts of havoc in other ways... William Chocox -> ::carefully sets down his "toy" and starts looking over some diagnostics:: NDak -> Ie. Though it is still in the prototype stage. Many of the components in the original design were Federation only and could not simply be replicated ... including several primary pieces which our team was apparently still working on. Cptn Corizon -> That explains why they took the two officers with them then. Hunter Matheson -> ::and as he listens, he makes a vow that he will decline the opportunity for a commission, if the opportunity arises::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> They need it completed. ::She sighed and moved over to Rhan, asking quietly.:: Any indication of where the Jem'Hadar vessel went? A warp trail for us to follow? Rhan K'hal -> :: knowing what he knows now, modifies his parameters a bit for where that Jem'Hadar ship would've gone :: Maryse Dubois -> Captain, if I may, you said yourself there were two separate teams. If the Jem'Hadar find out that the Starfleet officers might not have the knowledge of this weapon... :;Frowns.:: NDak -> Issaha will protect him. Cptn Swain -> Let's hope so. Rhan K'hal -> :: Miranda, quietly :: I've already narrowed it down a bit based on how far we were able to track it. Based on this new information... I'd bet on here. :: points at a particular system :: At least if the intelligence the Admiral gave us is worth his weight in spit. Tandaris Admiran -> ((Rhan, ew)) Tandaris Admiran -> ((No one wants that)) Maryse Dubois -> ((haha)) Cptn Swain -> Enarrain once your people are cleared by the medical staff I want a full report on how far along the weapon was and what parts they'd need to finish it. Cptn Swain -> Corizon... the Ardent isn't in any shape for a fight... Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: But they should be safe enough here to finish repairs and head back to the barn. Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands.:: I need the entire away team as well. ::Looking to a few in particular.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She tilted her head at Rhan's screen and had to close her eyes for a moment as the room shifted abnormally.:: Set long range sensors at maximum. See if we can't pick up any sign in that direction. We'll be heading that way shortly. Hunter Matheson -> ::still holding it together::: Rhan K'hal -> Already done. Knowing that I'm tracking trilithium helped a wee bit. :: askew glance at Corizon :: Cptn Corizon -> Just a hunch. NDak -> ::Lifts a brow, making a mental note that Corizon was even more clever than he'd given him credit for already.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced to Maryse.:: I think that's a good idea, Doctor. They have wounded that need tending. And they all need to be looked over. Cptn Swain -> ::When this was over he was going to melt down on someone, but he knew that it wasn't the time. He was already mildly ashamed at having shown so much emotion and let so much be discussed openly, but this wasn't time for self-recrimination either.:: Maryse Dubois -> And so do you, Commander. Cptn Swain -> Tandaris... perhaps engineering can help the Romulan team.. once they're healthy with figuring out the best places to find the remaining materials and resources they'd need? William Chocox -> ::opens a channel to the Ardent's engineering department:: Excalibur to Ardent. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She opened her mouth to argue, but another dizzy spell made her think otherwise.:: After you, Doctor. NDak -> ::Exhales:: Hunter Matheson -> ::waiting for dismissal:: NDak -> ::Makes his way over to the Caitian's panel to see what he'd found:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Swain.:: Captain, with your permission? Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Of course. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> +Chocox+ Hello again, Lieutenant Chocox. Rhan K'hal -> (( for some reason there's a voodoo doll of Abronvonvich in the replicator system, not sure why Rhan is credited as the creator though. maybe Swain could one )) Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Tandaris Admiran -> ::Swain:: Certainly. William Chocox -> Hello Val. I realize you really haven't been able to put much strain on the systems, but how are the patches holding up so far? Hunter Matheson -> ::snaps to, smart turn and follows the others out, wishing that the gangway lights weren't so bright:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sends a message to sickbay to expect company. Then waits for the away team to file into the TL.:::: NDak -> ::Points:: Hmm can you enhance this grid? Hunter Matheson -> ::enters the lift, turns front:: Cptn Swain -> ::Slumps into his chair.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: ear swivel at the approach of the Romulan, notes that the area he pointed to was where he himself was betting on; zooms in without a word :: Cptn Swain -> Corizon put a message together for the Admiral. Hunter Matheson -> ::as soon as the doors close, he gives a long, slow exhale, his eyes close, and he leans against the bulkhead::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> +Chocox+ The readouts look good. Better than good, actually. I just hope we ... you know. Don't get attacked again. William Chocox -> Every Engineer's hope. Even when the ship is at full capacity. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She glanced at Hunter, then to the doctor.:: Good call, Doc. Maryse Dubois -> :;Follows in once everyone is onboard. Watching everyone briefly.:: Was there an explosion or a concussive blast? NDak -> ::Considers:: Gravitational eddies in this sector would make sensor detection difficult, ie? Cptn Corizon -> Should I tell him about his son? Rhan K'hal -> Considerably. It basically screams "hide something here" in 10,000 languages. Cptn Swain -> I'd rather we didn't...but I don't think we have much of a choice. Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. ::quietly:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: They need to get a tactical team to the wormhole ASAP -- they won't be able to get a ship out here sooner, but they can at least get the wormhole defended. Hunter Matheson -> ::without looking up:: Three M84 stun grenades in close quarters, ma'am. Cptn Swain -> There's a secure terminal in my ready room. Tandaris Admiran -> ::listening to N'Dak and Rhan:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Starts to make a remark about 'duh,' but thinks better of it.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Flashbangs. ::Translating.:: Cptn Corizon -> Of course. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I see. I can tell you all might be suffering from some sort of mild trauma from the concussive shockwave. Hunter Matheson -> SOP is to stand outside the room and wait for it to go off, but there wasn't exactly an "outside the room". Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up, nods to Hawthorne:: Yes, ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> And... uh.. we weren't exactly sure how much the Jem'Hadar needed to stun. NDak -> ::Frowns:: It will also make use of a cloaking device... complicated. Hunter Matheson -> So... we used three. Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps off the lift once it arrives and walks towards sickbay.:: NDak -> The io on the Ardent was damage already... Hunter Matheson -> ::steps off behind them::: NDak -> Though I suppose we could attempt to repair it and bring it over here. A cloaking device would be... most useful. Hunter Matheson -> ::Doc:: Razor and Hulk were in on it, right in the line of fire. Rhan K'hal -> Hmm, yes. Cloaks. :: swivels and stares at Swain in the universal gesture of "this one's yours to explain" :: Tandaris Admiran -> Yes, ::raises voice and looks at Swain:: if only we had a cloaking device. Hunter Matheson -> So.. uh... yeah, we got it full force. Cptn Corizon -> ::Slips off to the Ready Room:: Cptn Swain -> We have one of our own. Maryse Dubois -> ::Enters.:: Everyone grab a bed. I'll try to make this quick enough. But understand there will be some rest to immediately follow. That goes for everyone. :;Eyeing Miranda.:: It will take us a little time anyways before we arrive at the next destination, even if we left right away. NDak -> ::Lifts a brow:: Did io of my officers give au one? I thought I told them no loaning them out without my permission. Hunter Matheson -> ::opens his eyes enough to find a biobed, lies down, one arm across his eyes::: Cptn Swain -> No, ours is Klingon. I presume Governor K'Vorlag obliged since we were looking for the Admiral's son. NDak -> Klingon? ::Frowns, shakes his head.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sympathetic murmur of agreement:: It's nowhere near as nice as a Romulan one. Tandaris Admiran -> But we must make do. Maryse Dubois -> ::Her staff gets to work on some of the away team.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She frowned and was about to shake her head, but stopped. The room was tilting again.:: As long as it is needed to fix this... ::She pointed to her ear.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: not nearly so diplomatic :: It got us here to save you, didn't it? NDak -> ::Smirks:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Stands next to an empty biobed, motioning for Miranda to sit.:: NDak -> We should be able to modify it to handle the gravimetric eddies. Rhan K'hal -> :: leaves that one for Tandy :: Hunter Matheson -> ::trying as best he can to answer the med tech's questions without puking:: Maryse Dubois -> ::One of the other doctors gives Hunter a soft towel to drape over his eyes to help relax.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::mutters a thanks::: Rhan K'hal -> I suppose I'll have to drag Ithene out of bed, because we'll need some gravitational expertise to track them. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She took a seat and held the edge of the bed.:: Just dizzy, a bit of ringing in my left ear... Hunter Matheson -> ::he'd ask for morphine, but he knows that's not gonna happen:: Rhan K'hal -> :: wonders if he can manage the time to do it personally or if he'll have to delegate :: NDak -> ...two minute warning... Tandaris Admiran -> Yes, when we were testing components the first time around, we didn't realize how strong those were going to be... Tandaris Admiran -> ::repeats himself:: Those were good times. Rhan K'hal -> :: orders up his relief while letting the sensors do their thing while they're still parked, heads for the lift :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Checks her ear.:: You are lucky it's not punctured. Just some pressure. NDak -> ::Admiran:: Perhaps you and I can take a look at the cloaking device while we wait for the others to get clearance. Maryse Dubois -> But it is messing with your equilibrium. NDak -> I am no engineer, but I do know enough about tactically modifying a cloaking device to get myself in trouble, Rhan K'hal -> :: takes the lift down to sickbay :: Tandaris Admiran -> Sure. Just make sure you hold your nose ::leans closer, whispers:: I did my best, but it still smells Klingony. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gives her a little something in a hypo, then runs a small device over her ear and temple area.:: NDak -> ::Smirks:: Hunter Matheson -> ::still answering questions, most of which he's responding with a "Yeah, it hurts" or "yeah, that works, doc":::: NDak -> ...and... Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEFING: On the Excalibur, work continues on tracking the ship that left in a hurry, healing wounds, and repairing both starships. On the base, the Team has linked back up with he advanced tactical team, where they've found themselves on the flank of a shoot out -- as we paused they were about to attempt to swing the battle in our allies favor. cptn swain -> BEGIN SIM cptn swain -> BEGIN SIM cptn swain -> BEGIN SIM Maryse Dubois -> ::On the bridge, watching Swain and Corizon.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::taking cues from the commander re strategy::: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, refining the possibilities of where the ship went to :: William Chocox -> #::looks around after the transporter beam finishes:: cptn swain -> ::Frowns:: I feel like we should get a message to Camelot but... Cptn Corizon -> ::Lifts an ear:: Perhaps better to wait till you know the status of the teams. William Chocox -> #What's the most broken thing here? cptn swain -> ::Makes a non-committal noise:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Miranda had used her engineering savvy to access the station fire systems. While access was limited, the security on basic station functionality was minimal -- at least to a trained Starfleet engineer.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::his HUD is giving him an idea of the fighting, but not much:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ACTION> Station alerts klaxons blare briefly, then cut off, but lights continue to flash. William Chocox -> ((Anyone want to be crew members of the other ship?)) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ There... fire doors have been disabled, so we won't be vented to space. ::She motioned to Hunter and his security team.:: It's now or never... Hunter Matheson -> @ Aye, Ma'am. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans over to Rhan.:: Is there a way we can keep tabs on the station away team? cptn swain -> #ACTION> The Ardent is a mess. The small Defiant-class was already cramped, but collapsed bulkheads and areas exposed to space have made it worse than usual. Cptn Corizon -> ::Casually makes his way over to an unused terminal on the bridge.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: shakes head :: We don't have direct contact with the team due to some sort of interference. Everything we're getting is filtered through the shuttle they flew over on. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::rushes into the room, sees Chocox, catches her breath:: Woo! Sorry I'm late, sir. William Chocox -> #It's ok, you have about half the usual maneuvering room in her it looks like. Lieutenant Chocox. ::holds his hand out:: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::sticks out a hand, which is smudged and grimy like the rest of her:: Crewman Val Mettis. Um. Acting chief. Maryse Dubois -> ::Frowns:: cptn swain -> ::Considering, thoughtfully, sort of starring into space.:: William Chocox -> ((Sorry)) cptn swain -> Rhan send a message down to security to get a second team ready. Rhan K'hal -> Aye, sir. :: does so :: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::sticks out a hand, which is smudged and grimy like the rest of her:: Crewman Val Mettis. Um. Acting chief. cptn swain -> ::Straightens his uniform:: If we haven't heard from Miranda's team in ten minutes, I am heading over there. Maryse Dubois -> ::Surprised:: You are, Captain? Cptn Corizon -> ::Turns around at that.:: Rhan K'hal -> Ah, Captain? I'm not one to spit out regulations usually but we only have so many command officers. Officially. William Chocox -> # Wish we were meeting under better circumstances. cptn swain -> Corizon you'll have the bridge. Rhan K'hal -> :: if he had eyebrows, they'd be on the ceiling :: William Chocox -> #::shakes her hand:: Warp drive first? Rhan K'hal -> :: as it is, his ears twist like pretzels for a second :: Cptn Corizon -> Far be it for me to contradict the Captain of a ship on his own bridge, but uh, I am not only more expendable but uh... combat is kind of my thing. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Yes! We haven't made much progress, beyond clearing out the debris. But we have access to the injectors now. This way. ::gestures:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods in agreement of that point :: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::takes up position with the team, nods to Razor and Hulk, pulling flashbangs, holds them up, and fingers do the one-two-three, then they THROW::: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::and the compression wave from the bang is almost overwhelming ,but they get through it::: ndak -> @ACTION> The flashbangs do their work and the attacking Jem'Hadar team is stunned. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::thinking about damn CQB, but it does the job::: cptn swain -> ::Frowns:: Is this a mutiny? William Chocox -> #::follows her, trying to maneuver the anti-grav behind him:: That's a good sign though. Maryse Dubois -> I agree with Captain Corizon Sir. And if it's mutiny... ::Smirks.:: Then I guess so. Rhan K'hal -> I'd prefer to call it common sense, really. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Looks like you came prepared. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::noting the positions of the defending 'Fleet, he signals the team to coordinate with their movements::: cptn swain -> ::Frowns:: Well looks like I am outnumbered then. Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: You'll thank me later I am sure. cptn swain -> ::Grumbles:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Heads towards the lift:: Have the team meet me in hanger. Rhan K'hal -> Will do. Maryse Dubois -> This isn't like the old days that I have read, where the entire Command Staff beams away to gods know where. ((Ala TOS)) Hunter Matheson -> @ ::they seem to be contained, though some movement is detected, and the tazer does the trick to contain them, so he nods to Hawthorne:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Advance Sec Team> ::Having been given the signal, they shielded themselves from the flashbangs and then rushed forward, firing at the stunned Jem'Hadar.:: cptn swain -> ::Waits for the lift door to close:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::or what she said:: cptn swain -> One of these days -- I am going to get to be the hero. William Chocox -> #I try to be. Didn't know how bad it was over here. ndak -> @ACTION> The attacking Jem'Hadar are dispatched, leaving what appears to be a handful of Jem'Hadar that were defending the entrance to another lab to point their weapons at the new arrivals. cptn swain -> ::Heads back to his chair.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Advance Sec Team> ::Takes cover to fire at the remaining Jem'Hadar.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::pew.. pewpew::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::arrives at the more narrow corridor that leads to the stubby nacelle access:: Here we are. And it's bad. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::duck and cover::Pewpew... pew... pew... pew.... ndak -> @ ::From behind the defenders, yelling loudly:: Hold your fire! Hunter Matheson -> @ ::signals hold fire::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Only me and three other engineers still fit for duty ... and I'm the senior-most! Me. I've barely been enlisted a year. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ HOLD! ::Miranda moved forward, inching from cover to see what lay beyond.:: Are you with the Hundred? Hunter Matheson -> @ +helmcom+ Sound like Fleeters. William Chocox -> #Well, good thing an officer showed up. ::sticks his tongue out:: I've also seen worse. ndak -> @ ::Emerges from the smoke, holding a disruptor pistol, and in his Galae uniform:: Na exactly. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Excuse the jury-rigging. ::points to where several metres of ODN line have been ad-hoc rigged across the ceiling of the corridor:: We lost one of the two computer cores and have been getting ... creative ... to get the command processors back. Rhan K'hal -> 2nd Sec Team> :: enter the hangar, all ready to go :: William Chocox -># I love a good jury-rig. Don't worry. ::starts looking over it:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::weapon at ready down, he straightens up::: ndak -> @ ::Lifting an eye brow:: I do na recognize au. ::points to Miranda:: Did Corizon send au? Hunter Matheson -> @ ::flips up his visor:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Blinks in surprise. Turning to Hunter, she jerked her chin at the corridor behind them.:: Contact the shuttle to forward a message to Excalibur. We've liberated the station survivors, but comms are still down. Send a runner back if you need to. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::nod:: Yes, ma'am. ::turns to Whip:: Clear? Rhan K'hal -> :: gets Swain a nice fresh, hot cuppa to make up for being told to go back to his Captain's Chair like a good boy :: Hunter Matheson -> @ Whip> Clear. ::nods and takes off::: cptn swain -> ::Looks over to Rhan:: Thank you. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> We've already cut power to the injectors. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Moving forward, she studied the Romulan and his companions.:: Not exactly. We were searching for our own team. Tracked them here from the mining colony on the ice planet. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you? Maryse Dubois -> We all should enjoy a hot mug more often. ::Finishing up the hot tea she had.:: Rhan K'hal -> You're welcome, sir. :: settles back into his seat :: ndak -> @ Ah, the Starfleet team. Ie, we were surprised to find them here as well. We arrived only a few days ago ourselves, looking for a team of our own that had failed to report in as scheduled. Captain Corizon and the Ardent have been assisting the Empire in this matter. ::Frowns:: William Chocox -> #Alright, good thinking. I ndak -> @ It seems that a faction of Jem'Hadar not loyal to either Semil, Weyoun or the Hundred have become aware of the activities, rhae this station. William Chocox -> may have the parts we need. ::pokes around:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::turns when his helmcom pings the accomplished signal::: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::taps out the ack::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> When I spoke to your chief engineer--Commander Admiran?--he seemed to think we needed to replace almost the entire injector. ::looking at the supplies Chocox brought:: But I think I figured out a way to salvage most of it. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::quickly backtracks, doubting herself:: M-maybe. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ The Ardent is here, in orbit. They were battling it out when we arrived. ::She threw a glance back at the lab.:: Something in here is preventing our communications and needs to be disabled. Anything of yours? ::She holstered her pistol and pulled out her tricorder.:: William Chocox -> #Hit me with it. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::standing by with the message when she is ready::: William Chocox -> #In my experience there are very few stupid ideas. ndak -> @ ::Frowns:: A dampening device the attackers left in the main control room. It's been cut off by an explosion. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::smiles:: Well in that case you haven't been around my brothers... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She frowned and turned to Hunter.:: Link established? Hunter Matheson -> @ Yes, ma'am. Message sent. ndak -> @ We were meeting to discuss the future of both projects underway here when we were attacked. Captain Corizon was just about to beam over before the attack started. William Chocox -> #::snorts:: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Anyway. If we tear out the whole assembly, nothing we make is going to be good enough that it won't get replaced when we're back in spacedock. William Chocox -> #Right. Hunter Matheson -> @ Coms are down, but our helmet coms pick up a code tap. William Chocox -> #But does it need to be? Rhan K'hal -> :: gets the forward from the shuttle :: Commander Hawthorne sends word that the survivors have been liberated. ndak -> @ The Vorta in charge of the station, Elezia, was killed in the initial attack. I doubt there are any survivors other than this group. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Well what I mean is that we can maybe ... get away ... with something not exactly ... safe. William Chocox -> #I was building a bomb before I got here. You're in good company. ndak -> @ ::Frowns, motions behind him for a group of two Starfleet officers and two Romulan officers to come join him.:: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> I did a visual inspection. The main focusing nozzle is mostly intact. I figure if we strip out the damaged components and replace the secondary nodes, we can essentially make a "bare" injector, without the stabilizing manifold. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Then send another message, both for Excalibur and the Ardent. No sign of our team, but we have found one of theirs. ::She turned to Ndak.:: Sorry -- your name was? Rhan K'hal -> Apparently we still have to play tag to get messages through though. cptn swain -> ::Exhales:: Good, tell Corizon to stand down. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> She'll run hot and complain, but it'll save us several hours of labour. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: +Corizon+ Bridge to Corizon, the kittens are safe in the basket. William Chocox -> #Will she survive to spacedock? Cptn Corizon -> @ Enarrain N'Dak. ::Motions:: These two are all that is left of au team, Commander. ::Bites his lip:: And ours. Rhan K'hal -> :: looks to Maryse :: You may be getting more wounded soon. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods and sighs.:: I figured as much. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::with a deep breath, he steps back just as Whip comes up beside him:: Another Whip. Excal and Ardent, "No sign of our team, but one of theirs has been found" - "theirs" being... ::turns to Hawthorne:: Theirs being Ardent, Commander? ndak -> @ Both teams, myself and the Vorta were in the meeting when it started. They were after the project the Galae-Hundred team war working on. They took a member of au team and our own with them before they broke off their attack. Cptn Corizon -> +Rhan+ Understood. I am on my way back to the bridge. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::To Hunter, with a nod.:: He said Corizon has been assisting the empire to find them. They were obviously here for them. ::She gestured to the Romulans.:: William Chocox -> #Because my orders were literally "make sure it runs". Hunter Matheson -> @ ::back to Whip, relays, and he runs off::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> That's where I could use your help, sir. I'm not a warp drive expert. Ensign Arnestri was killed in the initial attack. I can strip it down and rebuild it, but I need help making sure it stays built. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::To NDak:: Who? Which member did they take? ::She knew already who it would be, but wanted to make sure he wasn't dead.:: William Chocox -> #Good thing I'm here then. I have experience tinkering. ndak -> @ Lieutenant Abronvonvich ndak -> @ And El'Arrain N'Dak. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::hears the name just as he steps back: :blink::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Her nostrils flared.:: A relation of yours? ndak -> @ My brother. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::and if the team wasn't serious before, they sure were now::: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::leads him into the access crawlspace, which is slightly larger than your standard Jeffries tube, so has just enough room for the two of them plus a little bit of equipment:: Wait, did you say earlier you were building a BOMB? Rhan K'hal -> :: gets another relay :: Apparently our team isn't there, or at least alive from the way I read it. There was apparently a Romulan team. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::deep breath, followed by a slow exhale:: ndak -> @ ::There was little sense in hiding that detail from them.:: They also took most of the data related to our project ... and the prototype. William Chocox -> #::waves her off:: A small one. Let's see what we've got here. ::pokes around with his tools:: Maryse Dubois -> A Romulan team? ::Surprised tone.:: cptn swain -> See if you can confirm that. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::gulps in awe:: Rhan K'hal -> By the Great Hunter, if this is what communication was like in the past I'd have gone crazy. cptn swain -> ::Not giving away which part he was worried about, but there was concern in his voice:: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::grabbing a tool, exposing the panels they need to begin the procedures:: Hunter Matheson -> @ :: then hears the tap in his helmcom, he gives a thumbs up to Hawthorne:: Rhan K'hal -> :: pokes the shuttle pilot to get a confirmation of that, or more detailed info :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Picks up on the tone, and has an idea of what Swain might be thinking.:: William Chocox -> #Remind me to tell you about the time I blew up an EPS system. ::helps remove panels:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::replies, standing by::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She nodded.:: We will need you to return to the Excalibur with us. The Ardent was damaged in the firefight. We are assisting with their repairs and providing medical attention. Do you have injured? ndak -> @ ::Motions:: They're mostly okay, but I think they should get a look over. Au two crewmembers are also unhurt, but shaken up a bit. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::steps back and checks the team as they have secured the perimeter:: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> I ... that ... maybe best not to. ::grimace:: I think this tour has had enough excitement for me. Beginning to think Aunt Erlene was right. Staying in sports might have been a better idea. But no. Had to go off and enlist, and look at me! Posted to a ship in the Gamma Quadrant. With actual, literal Jem'Hadar! ndak -> @ Lead the way. Cptn Corizon -> ::Exits onto the bridge"" cptn swain -> They've found survivors... ::to Corizon as he walks on:: Confirming more details now. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> ::lowers her voice to a whisper, even though no one is around and they are literally in a crawlspace and Corizon is not on the ship:: And this new captain who took over for Balfour ... this Captain Corizon. He's SCARY. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Gestured back to the corridor.:: Come, we have a shuttle. I would not risk station transporters without having time to check them over. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Like, chill-down-your-spine-before-he-pulls-it-from-your-still-living-body scary. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::signals "move out" to Tank, who takes point and leads them back to the shuttle. Hunter taps a power up into his comhelm:: Rhan K'hal -> New update coming in... William Chocox -> #How so? Also, it was an accident. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Matheson, send another message. We're returning via shuttle. All of us. Rhan K'hal -> :: reads it, re-reads it, re-re-reads it :: ndak -> @ ::Nods:: Lead the way. :::Glances to the Jem'Hadar:: Third... ndak -> @Third> We will wait here for Everin and reinforcements. Good luck, Enarrain. Hunter Matheson -> @ Aye, ma'am. ::taps that to Digger, holding up in the shuttle, number, and wheels up::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Rhan.:: You are being pretty suspenseful. Rhan K'hal -> Confirmed that none of ours is alive there. However apparently a Lt Abrowhateverovich and an El'Arrain N'Dak were on the ship that skipped out on us. cptn swain -> Abronvonvich. cptn swain -> The Admiral's son. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( ::collective gasp from the audience:: )) Maryse Dubois -> Well. Seems that cat is out of the bag. ::Pauses.:: No offense, Rhan. Rhan K'hal -> I know what it is, but I can't say it without hissing. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> So this Captain Corizon, he comes down to engineering one day. And he takes my chief aside, all quiet-like, and they start talking about subspace. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::enters the shuttle, shedding his gear as he goes and checks the shuttle settings, prepared to return::: Rhan K'hal -> :: headbobs at Mayrse to acknowledge it :: Cptn Corizon -> (( Point of clarity, two of the starfleet crew are alive, and two of the Romulan team )) William Chocox -> #Alright. Maryse Dubois -> ::Doesn't look surprised at all, as if she already knew.:: Cptn Corizon -> The Romulan is the reason we're here too. ::Frowns:: Destorie's not going to be excited. Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> But not subspace like communications. They're talking about verteron field densities and tachyon inversion pulses and all this stuff that has nothing to do with comms, as far as I know. Rhan K'hal -> (( couldn't tell if you meant the rescue crew or the crew to be rescued )) cptn swain -> ::Glances over, sharply:: Hunter Matheson -> @ +COM+ Flight OPS, Flight OPS, Shuttle Canberra com check. Do you copy? Rhan K'hal -> (( or the Ardent crew... too many dang crews! )) cptn swain -> (( NP -- realized it wasn't entirely clear )) Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> Next thing I know, the chief gets really red in the face and starts protesting, like he's angry with whatever Corizon is saying. Or like he doesn't believe it. And Corizon just gives this little ... I don't know what you'd call it. A growl? Cptn Corizon -> ((two minute warning )) Rhan K'hal -> FlOps> +Canberra+ Acknowledged, read you 5 by 5 Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> The chief just clams up. Doesn't say a word after that. And now here we are, orbiting a Jem'Hadar base. ::pries out a useless component, junking it:: Hunter Matheson -> @ +COM+ Flight OPS, Shuttle Canberra preparing to return. Stand by. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::looks back to see if all are aboard:: Rhan K'hal -> FlOps> +Canberra+ Acknowledged. cptn swain -> ::Glances to Maryse:: You should be down there. Rhan K'hal -> :: let's just say the ears are flat... very flat :: Cptn Corizon -> ::A very worried look on his face, leans over to Rhan, and whispers:: Scan for traces of trilithium on the readings from the Dominion vessel that broke off. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She and the others board and get settled for the return trip.:: Hunter Matheson -> +COM+ Flight OPS, Flight OPS, Shuttle Canberra, wheels up, RTB. ::liftoff:: Rhan K'hal -> :: jerky nod, reviews the scan data :: ndak -> @ ::Miranda, once they're seated.:: Thank you. William Chocox -> #Corizon can be intimidating. ::junks another part:: William Chocox -> #And Starfleet works in mysterious ways. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::swift, smooth turn, shoots directly toward Excalibur::: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::weapons on full power, all scanners active:: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> The scan does, in fact, reveal traces of trilithium. Cptn Corizon -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> :: wags a finger to make sure Corizon is looking, points to a part of the scan data he highlighted :: Cptn Corizon -> ::Looks extremely worried.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She nodded to N'Dak, though reserved her looks of pity for later.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: looks even more annoyed, his ears practically disappearing into his mane :: Tandaris Admiran -> #Val> You KNOW Captain Corizon?? Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0529.2016 On the Excalibur, work continues on tracking the ship that left in a hurry, healing wounds, and repairing both starships. On the base, the Team has linked back up with the advanced tactical team, where they've found themselves on the flank of a shoot out -- as we paused they were about to attempt to swing the battle in our allies favor.

SD 0522.2016 An away team from Excalibur has shuttled to the Dominion (Hundred) controlled base where they are looking for survivors. Excalibur is assisting the Ardent with repairs while Corizon and Swain talk in private about the situation.

MISSION BRIEF: An away team from Excalibur has shuttled to the Dominion (Hundred) controlled base where they are looking for survivors. Excalibur is assisting the Ardent with repairs while Corizon and Swain talk in private about the situation. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::directing the team on the station:: Rhan K'hal -> (( location indicators? )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( ::slaps a @ on Hunter:: )) Hunter Matheson -> (::smacked with a gooey @: :) Hunter Matheson -> ::cough, choke:: Rhan K'hal -> :: on the Excal bridge, still having to use the telefax with the Ardent and not having a whole lot of fun in the process :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Checking on patients in sickbay. Things have started to quiet down.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::Hulk and Striker on flank, Whip on point, Razor on six, Kal sticking to the Commander like glue:: William Chocox -> ((What is this, the 80's? Rhan?)) William Chocox -> ::is working with Tandaris:: Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ K'hal to Cdr Admiran, how are we doing with getting full comms up with the Ardent? Hunter Matheson -> @ +Sander+ ::who is on standby on the shuttle:: Be advised, intermittent weapons fire, and Jem Hadar bodies evident. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::receives his reply, then looks to the commander:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ACTION> The first lab area is clear of fighting, but bodies of Jem'Hadar are scattered throughout. Weapon's fire up ahead where one lab bottlenecks into the other. Their advance security team still isn't responding to comms. Tandaris Admiran -> +Rhan+ Nearly there. Replacing the transceiver components didn't take long, but the power guides to that section were completely destroyed. And we've had to put out more pressing fires before we could run temporary lines. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Has the repair team reported back with an ETA on that? Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Acknowledged. William Chocox -> I believe they said 30 minutes still. Maryse Dubois -> ::Walks over by Ithene's bed.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::slow advance, clearing areas before they move forward:: Tandaris Admiran -> +Rhan+ Last reported estimate was 30 minutes. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She gave Hunter a nod and they continued forward. She stayed in the middle of the pack, but kept her weapon at the ready.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::stepping over debris as they make slow progress, watching Whip on point:: Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Better than never, I suppose. Thanks, Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ACTION> The first lab area ended at a decon chamber that led into the second. Just beyond the narrow passage, they could see a line of Jem'Hadar firing across the room at another. Their security forces were bunched in with them, firing from whatever cover they could find. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::signals hold:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::shakes his head at the commander, making a withdraw motion:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::and the rest of the team plasters against a bulkhead::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Other than the transceiver, we need to focus on the warp engine damage, in case any more Jem'Hadar ships show up. The Ardent doesn't have the luxury of cloaking like we do. William Chocox -> Alright sir. Tandaris Admiran -> ::throws up a real-time MSD of the Ardent:: Tandaris Admiran -> We can't do anything about this warp coil damage. But we can use a few dirty tricks to bypass those coils, and then as long as we repair the injector manifolds, she'll make Warp 5. Hunter Matheson -> @ (w):: Hawthorne:: Suggest withdrawal, ma'am. Not a good idea to go in there with a small team. Hunter Matheson -> @ (w) There is no dampening field, so I'm guessing the station team is down or captured. Tandaris Admiran -> Now let's see what the problem is. ::hands move over the console as he calls up the injector status:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> ::One of those on the firing line, watching the rear, broke off at seeing the other team approach. He ducked into the decon chamber to meet up with them, wiping a line of sweat from his brown and breathing heavily.:: Commander... William Chocox -> Hopefully it's no too hard. Hunter Matheson -> @ (w) or not.. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::She waved a hand at Hunter to hold for a moment.:: Report. What's the situation? Why aren't you answering comms? Tandaris Admiran -> Hmm ... looks like the port nacelle sustained several direct hits after shields failed. I'm surprised it isn't worse. The injector's assembly superstructure has been compromised. William Chocox -> Damnit. Maryse Dubois -> ::When she is satisfied with her rounds, she leaves sickbay, entering a TL.:: bridge Tandaris Admiran -> Well, the good news is that the starboard injector seems intact. The hit to the port side caused an imbalance and then a power surge, knocking that injector offline. It will just need realignment. William Chocox -> That's better than I expected. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> Our comms stopped working once we got into the secondary lab. We've been pinning the Jem'Hadar down in there. There's a team on the other side keeping them trapped in the crossfire. We've got limited line of sight, though. Can't break through their line. Tandaris Admiran -> The Ardent has a team working on the port injector already, but their replicators are still offline. I want you to oversee replication of the replacement components, then take another team over to help install them. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> They've got the station personnel trapped at the other end. We've been considering a work around, but don't want them to break through this way. Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps out onto the bridge.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Miranda gave Hunter and her security force a glance.:: I think we can handle it. You keep them pinned. We'll find a way around. Find a way to flank them. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::steps forward to White:: What's the layout of the station? Rhan K'hal -> :: glances over to the door, smiles when he sees Maryse :: That's a good sign if you can step away from sickbay. William Chocox -> Will do sir. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods, going to sit over by Rhan.:: Very good sign. Managed to get everyone stabilized. Most are resting. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> ::He pulled up the station specs on his readout.:: Lab area runs through here, ends at a holding facility. Cold storage, I think. That place is sealed up, so no way out for the station crew. They're lucky they have weapons with them, else they'd be overrun. Tandaris Admiran -> ::before he leaves:: And Chocox .... William Chocox -> Yes? Rhan K'hal -> Hopefully by the time you're ready to send them back to the Ardent we won't be using morse code anymore. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::White:: What's our best approach? ::glancing at the readout:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Looking at the setup on his console.:: Comms are still down? Tandaris Admiran -> ::gestures in the direction of Chocox's TOTALLY SAFE, not explosive device:: I approve of the tinkering. Restoring Ardent's warp capability is top priority--by any means. I know warp drive isn't a system to be trifled with, and safety procedures are there for a reason ... but the Jem'Hadar won't care about that if they come back and Ardent is a sitting duck. Tandaris Admiran -> Use any and all means at your disposal to get the warp drive online as soon as possible. That includes whatever ... creative ... solutions you can come up with. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> We're here with a few Jem'Hadar from the Hundred. The other Jem'Hadar are holed up between in this area. More storage, I think, but conventional. Only way in there is through the maintenance tubes, but they're locked down and secured with laser grids. We haven't had time to try and deactivate them. William Chocox -> Yes sir. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Miranda gestured to the firing line.:: We brought medics. Do you have wounded? William Chocox -> ::goes to replicate the parts he needs:: Rhan K'hal -> They've had higher priority things to fix. :: rubs eyes :: Not nearly as bad as I make it out to be but these short burst data transfers are like watching grass grow when you can't do anything else until you get the full file. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> ::He shook his head.:: Not us, no. The station team? Yes, probably. Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins, glancing between the console and Rhan.:: That bad, huh? Hunter Matheson -> @ ::looks to the commander:: Sometimes the shortest way is through the fire, Commander. Except... Hunter Matheson -> @ Lieutenant, what kind of weapons do you have? Anything for diversionary tactics, blinding, or otherwise? Rhan K'hal -> Worse, because I know Cdr Admiran and his counterpart managed to hook up a direct comm link between the engineering systems while my operations counterpart and I suffer. Tandaris Admiran -> ::turns back to systems status for Excalibur:: William Chocox -> ::stacks the parts on an antigrav as the replicator makes them:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::waves Razor up with his collection of flash-bangs, smoke bombs, tear gas, and electronic stingers haging on his vest:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> ::He nodded.:: We've got strobes and flash. Smoke would set off the station's fire systems. Hunter Matheson -> @ Setting off the station's fire systems would actually be a help, unless the bulkheads will lock. Maryse Dubois -> ::Playful pout.:: You poor thing. ::Smiles, getting up from her seat.:: Be right back. :;She heads off towards the conference room, coming back a few minutes later with two mugs of hot beverage. She hands one to Rhan.:: For your troubles. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ;:Miranda threw a glance upward.:: The labs would lock down and all oxygen would be sucked out, killing everyone in this area. Rhan K'hal -> :: accepts the mug with a grin :: Just what I needed. :: takes a nice healthy gulp :: Maryse Dubois -> Doctor's intuition. ::Grins.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::his lips draw tight:: Right. So, no smoke. Hunter Matheson -> @ Is your team rigged with breathing apparatus, Lieutenant? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> We are, but the Hundred aren't. I don't know what they can withstand. Rhan K'hal -> Plus you remembered my favorite. :: raises mug in emphasis :: Which means you must be aces at trivia if you can remember such a insignificant detail. Hunter Matheson -> @ Got any more ideas, Lieutenant? Hunter Matheson -> @ The only other things we have are electronic stingers. They'll take down just about anything, but we gotta be close. Cptn Swain -> ::Exits the Ready Room, Corizon in tow:: William Chocox -> Alright, who am I taking with me? Cptn Corizon -> ::Frowning, slightly.:: William Chocox -> ::looks at available engineers on a PADD:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::satisfied that the Excalibur's own, comparatively minor repairs are well underway:: Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over :: Captains. Cptn Swain -> Have we heard anything from the station team? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Lt. White> ::He shook his head.:: No, I'm tapped. I don't know how close you need to be, but there isn't much cover in there. The side lab areas are isolated and not connected to one another. Only way through is the central corridor. Cptn Corizon -> ::Looks over to Maryse and, despite himself, smiles.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::looks to Hawthorne:: Rhan K'hal -> Nothing since they went inside, sir, but still in contact with the transfer shuttle. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::Maryse:: If we get close enough, Commander, we can tag the team for emergency beamout. Maryse Dubois -> It's a gift I have. ::Smiles. Then notices the two Captains, giving a little greeting.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I know you're busy, but I'd like to see if we can get a bead on where that Dominion fighter that broke away from the station went. Rhan K'hal -> The one advantage of the Ardent's kaput subspace comms is I have time to do some extra multi-tasking during packet bursts. I tracked the ship as far as our sensors could go, and I've had the computer chewing on the map since then. Rhan K'hal -> :: pulls up that thread on the right side of the main viewer :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Good work. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Not if they have a jammer that's interfering. We need to disable the fire systems so you can throw in some diversionary tactics. If we're going to flank them and try that approach, then we need to also disable the security features in the maintenance tubes. Rhan K'hal -> :: complete with projected course, expanding potential travel radius, points of interest along those areas highlighted, and a helpful "You Are Here" pointer for the Excal :: Hunter Matheson -> @ ::nods affirmative:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::with everything else secured, he turns back to those cloning plans:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Smirks at the graphic:: Almost as helpful as your brother. Cptn Corizon -> ...Almost. Rhan K'hal -> :: snorts :: Just because he can sew up a projectile wound and I can't. [Action] William Chocox -> sends messages to Engineers Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee, and Baker to meet him at the transporter room as he keeps stacking parts. Cptn Swain -> Well I think you're just fine. William Chocox -> ::::* Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Which would you prefer to attempt? Or both? Rhan K'hal -> Although admittedly I have much better aim so if you need to GIVE someone a wound I'm your K'hal. Cptn Corizon -> ::Lifts an ear, as if making a mental note:: Hunter Matheson -> @ I'd go for the fire systems, Commander. Unless the security area is closer. Rhan K'hal -> :: muzzle points to the map :: If you see anything on there you'd like me to poke into, just give the word. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Through the middle, then. Let me see what I can do. ::She moved into one of the isolated lab areas to get to the nearest console to hack their station security.:: Hunter Matheson -> @ There should be a fire junction close by. Lieutenant, are the systems standalone? Cptn Swain -> No... though do let me know when we've gotten contact with the station team again. Rhan K'hal -> Aye, Cap'n. Cptn Corizon -> and... Hunter Matheson -> @ ::nods to Hawthorne:: Rhan K'hal -> :: turns attention back to Maryse :: How's Ithene doing? I have a feeling we're going to need her nosy nature soon? Maryse Dubois -> She's sleeping for the moment. But after a little rest she'll be cleared. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Excalibur has arrived at the coordinates for the Hundred base where they'd hoped to find the missing team they were tracking; on arrival they found a pitched battle between Dominion forces and most unusually -- the USS Ardent. We have driven off the attackers, but not before a Jem'Hadar vessel broke off from the station and fled to high warp. We pick up with more questions than we had to start with. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::In sickbay under the care of the doctor and staff:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::checking systems status:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Standing by Ithene's bed, checking up on her.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Glances to Miranda:: Take Hunter over there and see what the devil is going on. Rhan K'hal -> :: figuratively settling in with his popcorn as he waits to see what the Ardent is up to :: Hunter Matheson -> ::at helm, checking out ship status, but he turns when he hears his name:: Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns:: R'Han see if we can raise the Ardent, they're bound to have casualties. Hunter Matheson -> ::stands, logs off, since Admiran is taking care of it anyway:: Rhan K'hal -> Aye. :: hails the Ardent on more than the usual number of frequencies :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded and set her data padd aside, calling for a small security team and medics to join them.:: I'll be taking a few medical officers, as well. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Of course. Hunter Matheson -> ::forms up next to the commander:: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Ardent responds via text that they've taken heavy damage, and would appreciate assistance with wounded. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods to Hunter and heads for the lift.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::following:: Rhan K'hal -> Commander, Ardent confirms casualties so maybe take a few more medical. Rhan K'hal -> They've also taken heavy damage, Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::mental note, large extraction vehicle::: Cptn Swain -> +Tandaris+ Status report. Maryse Dubois -> ::Happy with the results so far, she steps away from the bio bed and has her team prepping for possible Ardent incoming.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods to Rhan to coordinate the transports:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Hawthorne:: Take the type 6 that's outfitted for extraction, ma'am? Tandaris Admiran -> +Swain+ It actually could have been much worse. I wouldn't want to get into another fight right away, but we've gotten off lightly. Minor damage to the forward dorsal hull, some overloaded shield generators that need some repairs. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded.:: They should be bringing what we need to the transporter room. ::Sends the lift to that level.:: We already saw weapons fire on the station, so I expect the place to be chaotic. Possible enemies remaining. Hunter Matheson -> Due respect, ma'am, we're transporting when there's a possibility of attack? Cptn Swain -> +Admiran+ Good. Contact the Ardent and assist them as needed. Rhan K'hal -> :: sends a text down to sickbay to that they'll be having incoming, then coordinates with Ardent to start moving some cases over here :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, there's a possibility. There's always a possibility. Your thoughts? Hunter Matheson -> Well, ma'am, with hostiles in the area, and given the area we are in, I would be concerned about transport hijacking. Hunter Matheson -> There's nothing better than having a Fleet Commander for a hostage. Maryse Dubois -> ::Replies to Rhan's message saying she is already prepared for them.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Stands and heads from the perch and heads over to Rhan's station:: Hunter Matheson -> At least with a high voltage shuttle, we have a chance of getting away, or repelling. Rhan K'hal -> :: after getting Maryse's go ahead, gets the transporter rooms working :: Tandaris Admiran -> +Rhan+ Admiran to K'hal. Please get a list of anything the Ardent could use, in terms of repair assistance, and I'll prep my teams. Hunter Matheson -> And, if need be, you can always use the shuttle transporter in an emergency. Maryse Dubois -> +Swain+ Captain, thought I would give you a little ray of sunshine and tell you that your science officer is just fine. ::Looks back over to Ithene's bed.:: She's resting right now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded, considering.:: Cptn Swain -> +Maryse+ ::Exhales:: Good, that is good news. Rhan K'hal -> +Tandy+ Subspace communications equipment for one, we're chatting the old fashioned way at the moment. I'll send it down as they can get it over. Cptn Swain -> ::To Rhan, leaning over and low enough for his feline hearing to catch it but not much of anyone else would:: And send a message to their command that I would like to speak to their CO as soon as they can get away. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods in response to Swain's request, adds that to his novella he's sending over to Ardent's telegraph operator :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I don't like the delay, but we could transport a security team over first while we join them in the shuttle. ::She redirected the lift to the shuttle bay and sent a message to the security team, shunting the main party to the transporter room and the others to the shuttle bay. The medics were sent to the shuttle bay, as well.:: Their ships are gone, for the moment, but we don't know if or when they might return. It can't hurt to have a vessel available for our use if needed. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Yes, ma'am. Tandaris Admiran -> ::directs a team to prep some components for a transceiver repair:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Watching as Ardent crew members begin to arrive. Her staff begins getting to work right away.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Gives a firm pat to Rhan's shoulder before heading back to the center ring.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: gets everything sent over to the Ardent, waits for a reply while checking in on other things :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Exits the lift and strides into the shuttle bay where a team was already prepping their ride. Several security officers were waiting with a variety of gear. Medical was already on board with theirs. She nodded to them as she boarded.:: Everyone on. Let's go. Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Ardent begins sending replies, and also notes an incoming transport from Ardent directly to the Excalibur bridge. Rhan K'hal -> :: skims through :: Ah, Cap? Incoming. Hunter Matheson -> ::getting the okay from the shuttle captain, he gives a thumbs up, jumps in, and takes the helm for pre-launch sequence:: Cptn Swain -> ::Lifts a brow:: That was quick. Hunter Matheson -> Pre-launch sequence complete. All aboard? Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Corizon materializes on the bridge, looking only a little worse for wear. Rhan K'hal -> :: sends the engineering bits down to Tandy, the medical bits down to Maryse, and keeps the rest to work on while he hears shimmering behind him; one sniff is all it takes to figure out who :: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks around:: Cptn Swain -> ::Turns to see Corizon materialize. Closes he eyes, wondering what circle of hell he'd fallen into.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Strapped in and ready, geared up with a phaser pistol.:: We're ready. Get clearance for launch. Hunter Matheson -> +COM+ Flight Ops, Shuttle Canberra ready for launch, on your mark. Cptn Corizon -> Captain. Maryse Dubois -> :;Steps in when need be to help with treatments.:: Rhan K'hal -> FlOps> +Matheson+ Clear for launch. Cptn Swain -> Captain. Hunter Matheson -> +COM+ Copy, Flight Ops. Moving out. Hunter Matheson -> ::easy lift, turn, and exits the bay::: Hunter Matheson -> Taking heading one zero three, making for the station. Cptn Swain -> Well. I might have known you'd somehow be mixed up in all of this when the Admiral told me you were on some sort of assignment. Hunter Matheson -> ETA is five minutes. Hunter Matheson -> ::initiates constant sweep for hostiles and checks the armament setup:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::having dispatched teams, turns back to monitoring repairs on Excalibur:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Cocks an ear:: With all due respect Captain, I am fairly sure that I am the one who gets to be indignant about you being here -- well if it wasn't for you saying our tails. Cptn Swain -> You have tails? Rhan K'hal -> :: can't help himself, snorts :: Cptn Corizon -> ::Grins, fangily:: Metaphorical ones, of course. Cptn Swain -> That's good. I was beginning to wonder if you were actually a kitsune. You seem to cause as much trouble as one, anyway. Cptn Corizon -> Ardent Patient> ::severely burned, he's brought into sickbay on a stretcher:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Shuttle approaches the station without incident. There's no response from station comms. Hunter Matheson -> Station is not responding to coms, commander. Continue? Rhan K'hal -> :: finally receives everything from the Ardent, finishes off transmitting it to the relevant department heads :: Cptn Corizon -> ::Cocks an ear, leaning on Rhan's station:: Is Captain Swain always this witty under pressure? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes. ::Firm nod. She leaned forward to get a look at the main viewer.:: +@ Security+ Report. What's the situation? Hunter Matheson -> ::setting up landing sequence and looking for the best bay for landing and quick takeoff:: Hunter Matheson -> ::or maybe just one that's not half destroyed;: Hunter Matheson -> ::pings com system:: Hunter Matheson -> ::after a head shake, he takes her in::: Rhan K'hal -> That depends on how hard he's biting his tongue, Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::Hawthorne:: You did bring a sidearm, correct, Commander? Cptn Corizon -> ::Smirks:: Good to know. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Getting no response from their own security team, she frowned.:: Of course. I may not be security or SpecOps, Matheson, but I do know how to use a phaser. Cptn Swain -> ::Clears his throat:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Tends to the burn patient, scanning him with a tricorder. She turns to a nurse.:: Bring me 4 units of plasma. ::Watches as she moves off, then give the patient a hypo to help ease the pain.:: Hunter Matheson -> Yes, ma'am. ::takes her into the bay, setting down in the best area for a quick evac::: Hunter Matheson -> Wheels down. +Excal FOPS+ Flight ops, flight ops, Shuttle Canberra wheels down on the station. Tandaris Admiran -> ::sighs:: When did so much of my life become paperwork— ::stops, remembering the past mission, and the one before that, and the ones before that:: Never mind. This is good. ::looks up, at nothing in particular:: I'm fine with this! ::waves arm:: Move along. Rhan K'hal -> FlOps> +Canberra+ Confirmed. Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods at the throat clear:: Of course, Ardent is heavily damaged, but not a total loss I think. We were pretty heavily gunned. We were lucky you arrived when you did. Hunter Matheson -> ::power down to standby sequence:: At least we know that we have coms to Excal, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> So there's no blocking signal. Cptn Swain -> Good. Rhan and Tandaris are coordinating repairs with your crew. Cptn Swain -> I didn't expect you to drop everything you know. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ Yes, but there's something on the station itself that's causing an issue with personal communicators. Make sure that ours remain linked to the shuttle for the boost. ::She stood, checked her weapon, and gestured for security to clear the area for them.:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Frowns:: I know, but to be truthful I am not much use for them right now. They're not really even my crew, but I appreciate you taking care of them and her all the same. Hunter Matheson -> @ Copy, Commander. Hunter Matheson -> @ ::secures the communication system for relay:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sets up a unit of plasma into a transfuser once they arrive. She then hooks it up to the patient. With a dermal regenerator, she begins patching up minor wounds.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ((LOL, Corizon is all, "Well, this ship isn't much fun to command anymore, so it's time to move on!")) Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I know the feeling. ::Glances to Rhan:: I think you've got everything well in hand here? Perhaps Captain Corizon and I should talk somewhere more private. Maryse Dubois -> ((lol)) Cptn Corizon -> (( They don't even having a working cloak! )) Tandaris Admiran -> ::prepares some repair estimates, forwards them to Rhan:: Rhan K'hal -> I'll be sure to let you know if all hell breaks loose, sir. Cptn Corizon -> ::Nods:: I think that would be a good idea. Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> ::takes the lead in security, forms the team into a perimeter for check::: All clear. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Of that I have no doubt. Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> ::signals for close in protection, one on point::: Hunter Matheson -> @Hulk> All clear, Commander. ::stands by to accompany her and the medics:: Cptn Swain -> :Heads to the ready room, Corizon tagging behind:: Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> Striker, take our six. Stay frosty. Rhan K'hal -> :: looks over the repair estimates, forwards them on to Swain's system should he be interested in reading them if he needs to play the "ignore Corizon for a few minutes to make a point" game :: Hunter Matheson -> @Striker> ::forms up behind the group and they move out:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Checks up on a couple other patients while her burn patient is getting his transfusion.:: Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> Whip, on point. Hunter Matheson -> @Whip> ::moves to take point:: Cptn Swain -> Gage> ::Takes the helm as the backup, and once Dog and Man disappear into the ready room:: He seemed awfully... familiar. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ ::Steps out of the shuttle, followed by their medics, phaser out at the ready. She checked her tricorder.:: I've got interference in our sensors, though only intermittent. Multiple bio-pings on all levels. ::She frowned.:: And weapons fire. Hunter Matheson -> @::takes flank as added security::: Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> ::leaves Stand behind to guard the shuttle::: Hunter Matheson -> @I can smell it, Commander. I'm not familiar with this station's layout. Which way? NDak -> @ACTION> In the corridor, there a signs of a firefight and dead Jem'Hadar bodies. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> @ I'm showing several lab areas to the left. Looks like storage to the right. Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> ::signals Hulk to take left flank and check, Striker to take right::: Cptn Corizon -> ...TWO MINUTE WARNING Hunter Matheson -> @::stacks up next to Striker while Razor stacks up with Hulk:: Hunter Matheson -> @::Moving in to clear the area, then repeats Striker's:: Clear! Tandaris Admiran -> ::sighs:: Well, at least we beat the Jem'Hadar and saved the Ardent. I wonder what it was doing out here. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrug:: Can't possibly make our job any worse though, now could it … Hunter Matheson -> @Razor> ::echoes Hulk's:: Clear. ::then moves into each lab, one by one::: Cptn Corizon -> ...and... Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Corizon -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0508.2016 - No Sim SD 0515.2016 Excalibur has arrived at the coordinates for the Hundred base where they'd hoped to find the missing team they were tracking; on arrival they found a pitched battle between Dominion forces and most unusually -- the USS Ardent. We have driven off the attackers, but not before a Jem'Hadar vessel broke off from the station and fled to high warp. We pick up with more questions than we had to start with.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur is en route to the coordinates we discovered from the holocube that was found at an abandoned Dominion facility. The holocube indicated that the cloning facility has been moved to another planet within the held territory of the Hundred. Our cloak has continued to function well and keep us from harm. We're now almost in sensor range of the coordinates. Cptn Swain -> BEGINS IM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ;;at helm, watching for bad guys, dodging whatever gets in the way, normal day at the office:: William Chocox -> ::is tinkering in Engineering at a workbench:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking destination coordinates:: Hunter Matheson -> ::whoever is the DO:: we should be close to sensor range of the destination. Rhan K'hal -> :: on the bridge, hovering behind the science station seat and looking over the new sensor data coming in :: Cptn Swain -> ::Drinking tea:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Being hovered over:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Seated in her chair on the bridge, she nodded at Hunter's announcement.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps out onto the bridge.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the area for hostiles, knowing that TAC is on top of everything anyway::: Hunter Matheson -> ::just being his normal OC::: Rhan K'hal -> :: hears the door swish, looks over to see Maryse and grins :: Maryse Dubois -> :;Noticing Rhan hovering, so she walks over and hovers too, just cause. Gives him a little smile.:: I trust everyone is feeling alright. William Chocox -> (m)Where can I test this? Rhan K'hal -> Right as rain. Though I've never actually asked rain how right it feels, so for all I know I'm dying and just don't know it. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We should be in sensor range soon. Though with the cloak up we won't be able to get as clear of a picture. Hunter Matheson -> ::refrains from a glance at K'hal, figuring it's his normal self::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::wanders into engineering:: Maryse Dubois -> I guess I should probably check you out then...Just to be sure. :;Grins.:: Rhan K'hal -> I'm in excellent hands then. Hunter Matheson -> ::standard report:: Steady as she goes, Commander. William Chocox -> ::is deep in his tinkering and doesn't hear Admiran enter:: Hunter Matheson -> :::no longer fidgeting, no longer looking in all the wrong places::: Hunter Matheson -> ::feelin' kinda good, actually:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::sees Chocox in tinker-mode, starts making lots of obvious noise so as to not sneak up on him, because that could be dangerous:: Rhan K'hal -> :: leans over Ithene a bit to poke at the screen :: Bloody cloak. William Chocox -> Ah! ::nearly drops his device but recovers:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles, brushing some hair behind her ear, trying not to blush. She then turns her attention to Ithene's console.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and now he looks over, concerned, at K'hal::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow, worriedly:: Rhan K'hal -> Next time we get a "present" I want the full technical manual so we can adjust the other systems, including sensors. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Are you … tinkering? Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan:: Do I need to adjust the vector, sir? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> As soon as we're within range, put the planet on screen. ::Goes back to looking at ship reports. Climbing had helped her to focus and work out some of her nervous energy.:: Rhan K'hal -> Nothing you can do, Gunny, we'll just have to squint harder. Hunter Matheson -> ::slight sigh:: Aye, sir. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Clears her throat:: I am getting some unusual readings. Elevated energy signatures in the area ahead. William Chocox -> Um...maybe? William Chocox -> ::slides his new toy under something to hide it:: Hunter Matheson -> ::attentive to the bridge chatter:: Cptn Swain -> ::Looks over, concerned:: Elevated energy signatures? Rhan K'hal -> :: looks down on Ithene's head, then to the display :: Looks widespread, in a limited area. That makes no sense when said out loud, does it? Tandaris Admiran -> Is it dangerous and potentially unwise? Cptn Swain -> Red Alert. Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the area for places to hide::: Hunter Matheson -> ::doesn't see any in the immediate area::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::hears the alarm:: Hold that thought. Hunter Matheson -> ::prepares for an encounter, examining several different scenarios::: Rhan K'hal -> :: finally stops invading Ithene's personal space and settles into the second science console :: William Chocox -> Ok. Hunter Matheson -> ::plugs in an emergency exit plan::: Tandaris Admiran -> +Bridge+ Engineering to bridge, what's our status? Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a seat at an empty console.:: Cptn Swain -> Put the fighter squadron on alert. Weapons and shields on stand by. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Narrows her glance:: I am trying to clear up the interference, we should be in visual range soon,. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> +Admiran+ Unknown. We're reading energy signatures, possible weapons fire. Tandaris Admiran -> +Hawthorne+ Understood. Rhan K'hal -> :: while Ithene is adjusting the Excalibur's corrective lenses, attempts to clean up the data they already have :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Ready for possible battle situation. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur enters visual range of a small, M-class planet with an orbital facility. The facility is under attack by a squadron of Jem'Hadar vessels and is being defended by several. Also there appears to be a Federation vessel in the mix as well, a Defiant-class. Rhan K'hal -> :: blink blinkety-blink blinken :: Hunter Matheson -> ::focus::: William Chocox -> Aye sir. Rhan K'hal -> Why do I have a sense of deja vu here? Maryse Dubois -> I thought we were supposed to be the only Starfleet ship out here. Hunter Matheson -> ::several attack/defense vectors set in as well as a few battle maneuvers:: Hunter Matheson -> ::painting the hostiles::: Cptn Swain -> At this rate, I am expecting to be given a cavalry sword. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Exactly. ::Frowning at the other Federation vessel.:: William Chocox -> How bad do you think it might be? Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> The battle is pitched, the attackers have a slight upper hand. The Defiant-class is doing it's best to draw their fire, but its taking a beating. Rhan K'hal -> I'd take bets that it's Corizon again but that would be entirely unprofessional while on duty. Cptn Swain -> I thought he saved you last time? Cptn Swain -> How long until we're in weapons range? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Judging from these sensor readings, pretty bad. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Exhales and switches sensors to working on the orbital facility.:: William Chocox -> Damn. William Chocox -> ::slowly walks back to the workbench and secures his device a bit more securely:: Rhan K'hal -> It's sort of a give and take situation. :: abandons the science console and moves over to the auxiliary tactical, because renaissance cat :: Hunter Matheson -> ::status check on helm::: Hunter Matheson -> ::the adrenaline has already kicked in:: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Excalibur is nearing weapons range. Rhan K'hal -> :: assumes random goldshirt at tac gave Swain the ranging, so goes about coordinating with the flight wing :: Hunter Matheson -> ::seriously wants to get some::: Cptn Swain -> Tactical, target the lead ship. Helm prepare to drop out of warp and cloak on my mark. ::Looks to Rhan:: Have the fighters launch hot as we swing around. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Is this where the human phrase about riding in on a white horse comes from? Hunter Matheson -> Preparing to drop from warp, aye. Hunter Matheson -> On your mark, Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::hands fly across the board, then hover::: Cptn Swain -> Mark. Hunter Matheson -> Dropping from warp... Hunter Matheson -> Cloak. Cptn Swain -> ::Miranda:: And see if we can figure out what the hell is going on here. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> That's exactly what I want to know. Who is on that other ship? ::She scowled at the screen and gripped her chair in preparation for battle.:: William Chocox -> ::goes to his console in Engineering:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: Looks like another Federation ship is in a dogfight with several Jem'Hadar ships. Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Excalibur decloaks into the middle of the battle -- gotta use up the SFX budget somehow, right? -- and fires a full spread into one of the attacking Jem'hadar attack ships. Rhan K'hal -> :: unleashes d'A and company as soon as they swing in for the lead ship :: Tandaris Admiran -> I'm guessing we will render assistance … and then tear a new one into whoever is commanding that ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::bring the ship for maximum effect::: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking the IDS:: Hunter Matheson -> ::straps in:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Once the cloak is down, she uses her console to check life signs status of the Defiant ship. Smirks as she turns to Rhan.:: I guess you would win that bet. Picking up a Dameon life sign. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::pleased to have the full use of her sensors, begins scanning the facility:: Heavy damage to the orbital facility. Looks like they've been boarded. William Chocox -> Can we watch? Maryse Dubois -> But they have taken casualties. Rhan K'hal -> :: smirks :: Knew it. :: assists with the various countermeasures while continuing to track the fighters :: Hunter Matheson -> ::continuing to maneuver through the fray:: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> :Looks like we've given them something else to shoot at! Two fighters break off an attack run on Defiant-class, which Miranda can ID as the Ardent, and head for us, unleashing a salvo on our port side. Hunter Matheson -> ::minding the fighters::: Hunter Matheson -> ::evasive maneuvers to minimize their print::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::feels the ship shiver a bit at the impact to its shields:: Uh, no. We have work to do. William Chocox -> I meant when we rip the CO of the other ship a new one. Cptn Swain -> Bring us around Mister Matheson, Evasives. Hunter Matheson -> Bringing the ship around. Evasive maneuvers, minimal print in sight. Rhan K'hal -> :: notices a bit of a hole form up where the Jem'Hadar fighters left, tips off d'Au about an opportunity there :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The Ardent? ::She checked the sensor readings.:: Doctor, do you see any sign of our team on the station? Tandaris Admiran -> Oh. Depends on if K'hal sells tickets ::moves over to the other side of the area to shoulder-surf someone working on power distribution:: William Chocox -> Ok. Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> The Ardent takes a broadside from a Jem'hadar cruiser, sending her spinning. The same cruiser trains itself on us. Hunter Matheson -> Coming around for maximum effect on the hostile. Cptn Swain -> How many ships are there attacking? Maryse Dubois -> ::Checking to see if she can get a clear life sign reading on the station.:: Rhan K'hal -> 1 cruiser, 6 fighters remaining on their side. With the Ardent out, that puts us plus 7 fighters and our wing. Hunter Matheson -> ::angling for maximum defense::: Maryse Dubois -> I'm getting mixed readings. Some of them are possibly ours. :;pauses:: Also getting Romulan life signs...and small weapons fire... Cptn Swain -> Romulans? What the hell. ::Shakes his head:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We need to get a team to the station for support. ::Signals security to have a team waiting for first available opportunity to transport over.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: William Chocox -> ::keeps looking over his console:: Hunter Matheson -> :::and weaving through the mess, avoiding and giving cover to the fighters::: Cptn Corizon -> ACTION> Excalibur takes a direct hit a midship from the cruiser as we're evading. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: We need to watch that shield balan— Rhan K'hal -> :: mentions something in Caitian that he would never say in front of his mother :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::does the whole, "duck as console explodes because why install surge protectors?" move:: William Chocox -> ::dives away from his console:: William Chocox -> Damnit! Hunter Matheson -> ::swings out, sharp dive to come below the cruiser as avoidance and unexpected maneuver:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Butt meets floor momentarily as she wasn't paying attention.:: Cptn Corizon -> ::Pulls his hair out of his face:: Okay... that's enough to ducking and running for me. Hunter Matheson -> ::hoping to frazzle, maybe confuse them::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Injury reports start rolling in from all decks. Rhan K'hal -> :: gets some satisfaction however that while the cruiser was pounding on us, the fighter squadron formed up and gave the cruiser's backside a good zing :: Hunter Matheson -> ::grins at the fighters' response::: Cptn Corizon -> K'hal signal two of the Jem'hadar fighters to form up on our wings. Helm, bring us about. Rhan K'hal -> Aye. :: calls in the reinforcements :: Hunter Matheson -> Coming about, aye. Cptn Corizon -> Tactical, target a full spread, everything we have at that cruiser. Maryse Dubois -> ::Pulls herself back up, checking the console. As soon as she sees the reports, she heads to the TL.:: Hunter Matheson -> Full about, ready for action. William Chocox -> ::grabs his toolkit:: William Chocox -> Where do you need me sir? Cptn Corizon -> Ithene> ::laying on deck:: Cptn Swain -> (( I like how no one was confused by Corizon giving those orders )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Had stopped to look back, when she noticed Ithene. Moves back over to her, kneeling to check on her.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Excalibur packs quite a whallop, and blasts the cruiser into pieces. Rhan K'hal -> (( we're professionals! )) Hunter Matheson -> ::and now he's evading the debris::: Cptn Swain -> Helm.. ::straightening his jacket:: swing us by the complex so we can get a security team beamed over. Cptn Swain -> What's the status of the Ardent? Rhan K'hal -> :: guides d'Au to do some cleanup work with the rest of the Jemmies on our side :: Hunter Matheson -> ::shoots through, the pieces bouncing off the shields::: Approaching the complex. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Chocox:: That last hit took out one of our fusion reactors. Hunter Matheson -> Slowing for transport. Rhan K'hal -> Still in one piece, but it's not going anywhere. Still detecting small-arms fire inside William Chocox -> Aye sir. Tandaris Admiran -> Make sure any damage is contained to that area, then get it back up immediately. William Chocox -> Aye. Maryse Dubois -> ::Points to a couple random ensigns in the background.:: You! Help me get her to sickbay. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> A Jem'Hadar ship breaks away from the orbital facility forcibly before jumping to warp. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Seeing Ithene down, she jerked in her chair, almost as if she was going to jump up, but restrained herself at the last moment. Seeing the doctor was tending to her, she forced her attention back to the screen.:: Rhan K'hal -> Aaaand now the station has /another/ hole in it. Hunter Matheson -> ::coming close::: Maryse Dubois -> :;With the help of the two ensigns, she is able to get Ithene safely into the TL, heading to sickbay.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: plots the general direction where that ship went, in case it does anyone any good at some point :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The remaining Jem'hadar vessels retreat. Hunter Matheson -> ::steady flight, waiting for transport::: Cptn Swain -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> :: phews :: Hunter Matheson -> ::wait for it... wait for it...::: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0501.2016 The Excalibur is en route to the coordinates we discovered from the holocube that was found at an abandoned Dominion facility. The holocube indicated that the cloning facility has been moved to another planet within the held territory of the Hundred. Our cloak has continued to function well and keep us from harm. We're now almost in sensor range of the coordinates.

SD 0424.2016 Having discovered some unsettling secrets on the planet and a holocube we hope will point us in the right direction, we pick up in another meeting to discuss findings of the above.

MISSION BRIEF: Having discovered some unsettling secrets on the planet and a holocube we hope will point us in the right direction, we pick up in another meeting to discuss findings of the above. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::sits in the conference room:: Hunter Matheson -> ::sitting in the conference room, drumming his fingers on the table::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting at the conference table again.:: Cptn Swain -> So.. you first doctor. Cptn Swain -> What more did you find from the scans you took from the lab? Rhan K'hal -> :: slumps his way into the conference room and into a chair, still pretty drained from his personal rescue mission :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::in the conference room, looking somewhat pale:: William Chocox -> ::listens:: Maryse Dubois -> Well I found that we all have some of the modified Ketracel in our systems. It will take a few days, but it should clear out of our systems soon enough. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> And the side effects we can expect in the meanwhile? Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: William Chocox -> Damn. Hunter Matheson -> :;drum... fidget... drum... fidget::: Maryse Dubois -> Some irritability, cravings, other desires. Maybe a headache or two... Hunter Matheson -> ::drum...fidget:: What.. .other... desires, doc? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Lifts a brow:: Tandaris Admiran -> Don't hold out on us. Tandaris Admiran -> I know you have the good info. Tandaris Admiran -> ::twitch:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Mildly surprised she wasn't the one making that comment.'' Maryse Dubois -> ::Reaches over, grabbing Kal's hands.:: Stop that... Hunter Matheson -> ::forced to stop::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Wondering if Will's shyness had rubbed off on her.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up at her:: What others, Doc? Cptn Swain -> ::Clears his throat.:: Well, I am glad that it's only mild. Please keep the Commander and I informed. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips his hands under the table::: Cptn Swain -> Tandaris, what progress have you made on the holocube? Good news I hope. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Stares across the table at Hunter for a moment before shifting to the engineer.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Lets go and rests back in her chair. Nods to Swain:: Unfortunately I don't have anything to combat this, if I did it might make things worse. Tandaris Admiran -> Well, that depends on what you define as "good news." Tandaris Admiran -> ::stands up, slightly less smoothly than normally, and goes over to the display:: Hunter Matheson -> ::his gaze drops to the table, feeling... really looked at::: Tandaris Admiran -> The good news is that I did indeed crack into the holocube, and it has some detailed information. I can tell you part of why the team was there. Cptn Swain -> ::Leans back:: Tandaris Admiran -> And I also know where they might have gone. Rhan K'hal -> :: watching the proceedings through slitted eyes, slumped in the chair like a puddle of fur :: Tandaris Admiran -> ::brings up an image that looks like a schematic eerily familiar to those who found the lab:: That is where the good news ends. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks up to Admiran at that one:: Maryse Dubois -> That looks familiar... Maryse Dubois -> It's what we found in the lab. Hunter Matheson -> ::stares, the bouncing of his legs stops:: Tandaris Admiran -> The lab you discovered? Experimental facility. You get three guesses what they were doing. I'l'l give you a hint: it's a Dominion standby. Hunter Matheson -> ::aw damn;:: Maryse Dubois -> Cloning Vorta? Rhan K'hal -> :: squints at it a bit more :: Mmmhmmm. William Chocox -> That's weird. Tandaris Admiran -> ::nods at Maryse:: Got it in one. Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns:: Now we know why this mission isn't on the record. Maryse Dubois -> With brand new Federation tech no less. Tandaris Admiran -> It looks like the Hundred have been having trouble producing new Vorta. Tandaris Admiran -> So they turned to the Federation, or at least a very unofficial, very low-key part of the Federation, for some assistance. Rhan K'hal -> So the Federation is now in the Vorta production business? Are there going to be dealerships where you can buy or lease yours with qualifying credit? William Chocox -> When can we get an on the record mission? It's a dream of mine. Maryse Dubois -> Section 31 maybe? Tandaris Admiran -> ::spreads hands, notices they are shaking, sticks them behind his back:: Maybe, maybe not. The holocube doesn't say. Tandaris Admiran -> It does say they were meeting with mixed results, when they started detecting transmissions that got them spooked. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> So they were using a facility that the Dominion had officially abandoned? Cptn Swain -> Or were hiding in semi-plain sight. What better place to have your secret facility than as aprt of another secret facility? Cptn Swain -> ::Leans forward, steepling his fingers pensively:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> There was no activity in the lab you discovered, so they left this secret facility for another? Or perhaps relocated to another location on the planet? Hunter Matheson -> Uh... excuse me, Sir. Ma'am. ::referring to Swain and Hawthorne::: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Hawthorne:: The former, Commander. Cptn Swain -> Yes, Hunter? Tandaris Admiran -> They believed that Semil's faction had located this facility— Hunter Matheson -> Just because there's Fed tech involved, doesn't mean it's a Fed facility. Cptn Swain -> ::Lifts a brow.:: Hunter Matheson -> I can think of quite a few groups that could get their hands on Fed tech and do something like that. Cptn Swain -> We know there's a Starfleet team working with them. Cptn Swain -> Five Starfleet officers to be exact. Hunter Matheson -> Aye, Sir. But that still doesn't mean it's Federation. Covert ops? Tandaris Admiran -> ::coughs:: We can discuss the provenance of the idiots at another time, please? Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Hunter Matheson -> ::knows he's stretching the bounds of his non-disclosure agreement::: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrinks back:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda swung about in her chair, fingers twirling one lock of her hair as she stared out toward the stars.:: Cptn Swain -> My sentiment exactly. That's above even my paygrade. Our mission is to find them and return them to Camelot. So, you said you had information about their whereabouts? Maryse Dubois -> ::Drumming her fingers on her leg as she listens.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Exhales, still thinking about the sauna she missed out on.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::leg starts bouncing again, not so much as last time::: Tandaris Admiran -> Indeed. ::switches display to show a sector map, with a system about half a sector away:: They moved to—you'll never guess—another abandoned Dominion base. Tandaris Admiran -> This one is, fortunately, located on a somewhat warmer planet. Maryse Dubois -> Thanks the gods... Cptn Swain -> Why do I feel there's another shoe. Cptn Swain -> Let me guess, this one requires us to go through a conflict zone? Rhan K'hal -> :: dryly :: Because most species in Starfleet are bipedal. Cptn Swain -> ::Smirks at Rhan:: Tandaris Admiran -> Not officially a conflict zone, Captain. Maryse Dubois -> ::Trying not to snicker at Rhan.:: Tandaris Admiran -> But it is deeper within Hundred-controlled territory, which is probably why they chose it. Cptn Swain -> That's somewhat positive then. Cptn Swain -> ::Noticing the crew was still somewhat, fidgety:: Very well then, good work both of you. I think we're good here then. Unless there was anything else? Tandaris Admiran -> Well, the cube had some details on the cloning program. Tandaris Admiran -> I would just pass that on to yourselves and Maryse, though—it's rather technical. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I would like to have a look at that, Commander. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Realizes that she'd started to daydream and snaps herself out of it with a shake of her head, shifting her chair back to face the others.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Ithene:: Of course. Cptn Swain -> Alright then. You're all dismissed, except for Commander Admiran. William Chocox -> ::gets up and heads for engineering:: Cptn Swain -> Miranda, have helm set a course for the new coordinates and break orbit. Hunter Matheson -> ::jerks back to reality at the word "dismissed":::: Hunter Matheson -> ::stands, tugs on his tunic, and exits::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets up from her chair, stretching a bit before exiting the room.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Nods tiredly and slowly pulls herself out of her chair, heading out to the bridge.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: pools out of his chair and slinks out of the room, following Maryse :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Exits following Rhan and Maryse:: Rhan K'hal -> I hope it takes a week to get to wherever we're going. At least. Cptn Swain -> ::With the room cleared except for Admiran, Swain exhaled. He knew they were going through things, so he'd decided to be a little lighter than normal, but it was still frustrating.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: I haven't had a chance to thank you Rhan. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looks at Swain, wonders if he has something he wants to say:: Maryse Dubois -> it would be nice. ::Slips into the TL, holding it for whomever as she leans on a wall.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Warmly:: Thank you. Cptn Swain -> ::Admiran:: I am assuming by now you've figured out from the cube that the Admiral's son is commanding the team we're searching for? Rhan K'hal -> You're welcome. Though I imagine you would've loved a place where you could sauna every day and ogle the populace. Hunter Matheson -> ::as he walks down the hall and suddenly notices he's looking at every woman:::slips into the lift::: William Chocox -> ::steps into the lift:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smirks:: I do miss home. William Chocox -> Anyone want a pizza? Hunter Matheson -> ::I am not on that planet.. I am not on that planet... I am not on that planet...::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Gives the new coordinates to the bridge watch with the Captain's orders, waits long enough for them to engage, before joining the others in the lift.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Swain:: The name did ring a bell. I thought it best not to bring it up. Cptn Swain -> Pizza sounds lovely. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: I appreciate you doing so. Hunter Matheson -> ::pressed against the bulkhead::: Rhan K'hal -> Only if it has extra anchovies. William Chocox -> You ok over... Cptn Swain -> The crew is on edge enough with the type of missions we keep getting assigned, without needing to know that we pulled this mission because of that connection. William Chocox -> ::fixes K'hal with a death glare:: Cptn Swain -> Though I like to think of it as a vote of confidence. William Chocox -> Excuse you? Tandaris Admiran -> This is not the first time an admiral has sent a ship after a wayward child, and not even _my_ first time on such a mission. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She cleared her throat, looking at the others that had been on the away team.:: Who is interested in some vigorous exercise? Cptn Swain -> Likely not the first time on this ship either. Hunter Matheson -> ::glance up at the commander:: What you have in mind, ma'am? Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs:: If this is as important as the data on that cube imply, this is bigger than that though. Rhan K'hal -> I'm more interested in a nap. And no, five naps a day isn't too many. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> The only vigorous exercise I have in mind is a mud bath in the pools of Terna William Chocox -> It's against my religion Ma'am, but thank you anyway. Cptn Swain -> ::Frowns:: The admiral did not go into any great detail about the mission, but I am aware from briefings that the Vorta are running out of clones that can be ... well cloned again. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She shrugged and then looked to Hunter.:: Rock climbing. I've got a program I've been wanting to try. Hunter Matheson -> Sure. I'm game. Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts rubbing Rhan's furry arm.:: So soft...Your fur has really come in well. Better than your old fur, I think. Tandaris Admiran -> Do you think Abronovitch was aware of the nature of his son's operation? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I've heard it is very challenging. Good for... concentrating on the moment. Maryse Dubois -> *your Cptn Swain -> I venture a guess that he did. Little happens in this quadrant that he doesn't know about from what I've come to understand. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Takes your mind of everything but staying alive, ma'am. William Chocox -> ::rolls his eyes:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, exactly. Meet me in Holodeck 1 in ten. Cptn Swain -> But to be fair to the Admiral what they were doing has very little impact on our mission -- much as that might irk me. Hunter Matheson -> What're we climbing? El Cap? One in ten, yes, ma'am. Rhan K'hal -> :: half smile :: Considering the missions I've pulled since coming aboard I haven't had the chance to condition it as often as I was accustomed to at the Academy. Though you still won't hear me say that getting forcibly depilated was a good thing. Cptn Swain -> You know that better than most people on this ship. Hunter Matheson -> ::half wishing he'd brought his climbing gear along::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Will you can join me in the holodeck for mudbath and pizza if you'd prefer. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She stepped out of the lift once it stopped at her floor, heading to her quarters to change.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grins.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and he stopped at his, stepped out to change into whatever he had::: William Chocox -> There's worse things K'hal. I still sometimes have stray memories from Ithene running in my head. And...I'll actually take you up on that. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::grins:: Good meet me there in 10 minutes. Cptn Swain -> ::Exits:: Anyone else who wants to come relax can join as well. William Chocox -> Yes ma'am. Rhan K'hal -> True. When I got Ithene's body it was just all the mass in a half second. You got it a little more... interestingly. Hunter Matheson -> ::in his quarters;: Hm... ::pulls the mountain bag and zips it open::: Rhan K'hal -> :: and eyes Ithene :: And no, I'm still not going to let that go. Hunter Matheson -> ::then empties it on his bunk, glad his DI isn't around:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::grins at Rhan as she leaves::: I expect nothing less. Maryse Dubois -> ::Laughs.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Sighs:: Well, thank you Commander. I appreciate your work on the cube and as I said, your... discretion. William Chocox -> ::steps out of the lift and heads for his quarters:: Interesting is a kind way to put it. Hunter Matheson -> OKay.. so there is some stuff::: Cptn Swain -> I know this transition back to every day work hasn't been what you'd expected to doing. Maryse Dubois -> Um...hmm...Everyone else left now. Tandaris Admiran -> ::shrugs again:: I don't know what I expected to be doing. I had become used to being … an inconvenience. Tandaris Admiran -> Now I find myself uninteresting once more, and I am surprised how lonely that makes me. Cptn Swain -> (( I like the idea that the senior staff is just taking a vacation day lol )) Maryse Dubois -> ((hehe)) Hunter Matheson -> ::nylon rope, shoes, etc:: William Chocox -> ((How often does that happen?)) Rhan K'hal -> Yup. Can't say either of the recreation options appealed. I should probably stop by sickbay and get another hypo. Now I know why Cait children get it drilled into them to not use that ability unless it's life or death. :: sighs :: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Well, for what it's worth Commander, I am very glad we have someone with your expertise and experience aboard. Cptn Swain -> I know that Commander Hawthorne appreciates the workload you've taken off her for sure. Hunter Matheson -> ::rappel harness:::links::cord::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> (( They still haven't been cleared from medical. Duh. )) William Chocox -> ::makes his way down to the holodecks:: Cptn Swain -> Even if you two sometimes have different... approaches. Hunter Matheson -> ::checks the time and bolts out of his quarters and into the lift::: Hunter Matheson -> Holodeck 1. William Chocox -> ((Another polite way to put it.)) Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::At the holodeck waiting for Will because Television, in a striking wrap:: William Chocox -> ((Lol)) William Chocox -> Commander. Maryse Dubois -> ::Rests head on Rhan for a moment. Wishes she could take a nap here. Then she straightens up.:: Oh yeah, you do need checked up on again, don't you? ::Smirks.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Call me Ithene. William Chocox -> ::walks up:: Hunter Matheson -> ::gears up on the way and steps out of the lift at that level, half ready::: William Chocox -> Ok. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Swain:: Thank you. For what it's worth, while you are very different from either Captains Corizon or Varen, you are not so bad yourself. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You and I are maybe closer to each other than anyone on this ship, no need for formality when we're off duty, eh? Hunter Matheson -> :::deep breath, enters:: Cptn Swain -> ::Smiles:: Thank you. I sometimes wonder if I made the right decision taking and then staying. Hunter Matheson -> ::looking for the CDR::: Rhan K'hal -> :: smiles :: Yeah, I'm the special one that has both withdrawal, cravings, AND a metabolic system that was drained to within an inch of death. Though it could've been worse, Ithene could've landed on me again. Cptn Swain -> Arden is always telling me I am too self-critical, but ::smirks:: there I go talking about myself. Anyway, I am sure you're tired like the rest of the crew. Perhaps if you're looking for some company, we could have drinks in the lounge later? Rhan K'hal -> :: steps off the lift on deck 11 across from sickbay :: William Chocox -> That makes sense. Tandaris Admiran -> All right. I should check in on engineering first, and then I'm going to lie down for a bit. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda had changed into minimal clothing, favoring function over form. She wore tight pants that covered her legs to her knees and a tanktop, both in black. She'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail to keep it out of her eyes. Hunter spotted her as soon as he entered the holodeck, immediately stepping into a forest clearing. Miranda had her hands on her hips, staring up at a formidable cliff face that towered above. She already had her gear on, wearing a harness with several lengths of coiled rope beside her.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Laughs a little as she walks with Rhan to sickbay.:: Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Good, see you around 1900 then? Tandaris Admiran -> Sounds good. ::moves to leave:: Hunter Matheson -> ::tosses what he won't need to the side::: Guess I made it, Commander. ::checking out the cliff face:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Trying so hard not to just hang onto his paw.:: Hunter Matheson -> Um.. not as bad as El Cap, but it'll do. I'm not sure I'm up to El Cap anyway. Hunter Matheson -> ::takes a knee to tighten his shoes::: Hunter Matheson -> ::checks the gear bag at his left::: Hunter Matheson -> ::pulls on his gloves:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I'm told that this is one of the faces from Janitza on Bajor. ::Glancing over and down.:: Have you ever been there? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::punches in the programs:: Holodecks do a reasonable facsimile of the mud baths, but it's not the same as the real thing. Hunter Matheson -> Can't say that I have, ma Hunter Matheson -> Ma'am. Hunter Matheson -> Anything I should know? Quirks? Pitfalls? Rhan K'hal -> I'd have to say we worked pretty well together down there. My brother speaks highly of you, and considering he's such a sourpuss, that's high praise. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::enters through the arch where a lavish mudbath facility complete with very attractive people have been created.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::takes TL to engineering, just to check in:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Me, either. ::She didn't wear gloves, but she had taped each of her fingers at the first knuckle. Dipping her hand in the pouch behind her, she came out with a white powder that she clapped between her hands to get rid of the sweat.:: Cptn Swain -> (( three minute warning )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles, trying not to blush. She brushed a few strands of hair from her face.:: Thanks. Hunter Matheson -> So, we're free climbing? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Makes her way over to the pool, taking off the wrap and sliding into the pool naked.:: William Chocox -> ::averts his gaze as he slips into the pool in a bathing suit:: Hunter Matheson -> ::secures his gear:: Base jumping from the top? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Whatever you like, though the safety controls are still in effect. I like the risk, but can't justify it when we just barely escaped the very real dangers of the away team. Hunter Matheson -> I'm with you on that one, Commander. Rhan K'hal -> :: hops up onto a biobed, pats the empty space next to him :: Might as well make this a two-fer for your staff, save them from slaving away with you being out of commission too. Hunter Matheson -> ::checks the face to choose his angle of approach and route::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snorts:: You can't do a mudbath in a suit Will. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods in a agreement as she sits up on the bed.:: William Chocox -> Damnit. ::slides it off:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Mildly surprised her inhibitions didn't wear off on him.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It's not like the holograms care. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> And I certainly don't. I mean I was in your body. Hunter Matheson -> ::approaches and takes a hand hold, judging the degree of difficulty:: William Chocox -> I'm just really self-conscious. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I know. Hunter Matheson -> ::fairly sturdy, not exactly without slough offs, though:: William Chocox -> You would. Rhan K'hal -> :: smiles over to Maryse :: You're surprisingly serene for someone that's served on this ship so long. I'm half suspicious that you're El Aurian. William Chocox -> ::chuckles:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::As she orders them Pizza and drinks:: I told you we'd work on that. Next time we're at Camelot, I am taking you shopping. Hunter Matheson -> :::having chosen his route, he begins::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grins:: Hunter Matheson -> Last one up..? Hunter Matheson -> :::hand... grip...foot...::: Cptn Swain -> (( Stockholm Syndrome Rhan )) Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles as she looks up.:: I guess I'm so used to things here, I don't let it bother me anymore. Rhan K'hal -> (( LOL )) William Chocox -> For what? Maryse Dubois -> ((lol probably)) William Chocox -> ::sounds worried at the thought:: Hunter Matheson -> ::both hands gripping, steps from one foothold to the next::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda watched Hunter for a moment and then chose an area to his right to start. Planting her back foot, she took the short distance at a run, bounded off one of the lower outcroppings, and sprang upward two feet to grip hand holds out of her reach. Her fingers curled, holding her as she slammed against the face and she grinned down at Hunter.:: Last one up... what? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Whatever we find! Cptn Swain -> ...and... Rhan K'hal -> Bottle it and sell it, you'd make a fortune. Hunter Matheson -> Last one up is probably going to be the safer one and come back alive, ma'am. ::headshake:: Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0417.2016 The AT having uncovered new information has returned to the shuttle with incident, but Tandaris believes they'll need to return to the Excalibur, which has waited patiently cloaked in orbit, to be able to crack the encryption on the PADD they found in the contact's quarters. We pick up en route to Excalibur, leaving Hoth-like-planet behind.

MISSION BRIEF: The AT having uncovered new information has returned to the shuttle with incident, but Tandaris believes they'll need to return to the Excalibur, which has waited patiently cloaked in orbit, to be able to crack the encryption on the PADD they found in the contact's quarters. We pick up en route to Excalibur, leaving Hoth-like-planet behind. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> ::in the copilot chair, monitoring everything::: Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Bringing them along the line where Excalibur should be. He wasn't thrilled at the idea of landing on the hanger of a cloaked ship, but there were worse things.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Sitting with her arms folded. She was trying to put some things together in her head.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking for tachyons::: William Chocox -> ::sits bundled up in his coat:: William Chocox -> Glad to be off that ice cube. Hunter Matheson -> I think you got it. ::nods to the pilot:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::just glad to be in a warm, climate-controlled environment:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Tying her hair back, sad she missed out on the sauna, but also thinking about the reading Maryse had shared with her from the science lab:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Considering:: What kind of ore were they supposedly mining down there anyway? Oricite? Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Nods:: Bringing us inline. They should be 50,000 km ahead of us. Maryse Dubois -> I believe so. Did you find any Federation tech like we did? Hunter Matheson -> You got it. Bringing us in line with the field... estimated 47,693 km ahead now. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We'll debrief with Swain as soon as we're on board. ::She'd been frowning since they left the planet, but that might have been the work of the headache she still had throbbing at her temples.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Pilot:: You've done this before, right? Cptn Swain -> Pilot> Landed on the Excalibur? Lots of times. Tandaris Admiran -> This is all very bizarre. Hunter Matheson -> When it's under cloak, I mean. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oricite? Oh lord I am an idiot. Why didn't I think of this before. Tandaris Admiran -> I'm getting the sense that we weren't told the whole story. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks up at Ithene.:: William Chocox -> Are we ever? Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Smirks:: You know we have so many opportunities. Tandaris Admiran -> Point. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> They wouldn't have wasted their time mining oricite on this planet. Why didn't I think of that before we went down there. ::Mildly flustered.:: Hunter Matheson -> No, sir. Just askin'. But I do have... um... a little experience? ::hesitant, not knowing the senior's reaction:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oricite is *highly* reactive with strong magnetic fields. If there's oricite down there, it'd be worthless. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Tricky. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yes, of course. There is definitely something odd going on there. Hunter Matheson -> Coming to 43,000 km... Hunter Matheson -> Realigning... Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Smirks:: Looks like flight control has spotted us. ::Points to the nearly undetectable opening in the cloak that represented the hanger bar. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She scowled, glancing to Ithene.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Nice. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Feels 'the look':: Hunter Matheson -> ::pilot:: You have the bird. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I can't be expected to remember everything about everything Miranda. Maryse Dubois -> Why do I feel like a set up is coming... Hunter Matheson -> ::relinquishes all control:: William Chocox -> This was a bizarre mission. Hunter Matheson -> ::only half listening to the convo::: Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Brings the shuttle into the Excalibur hanger without incident, because somehow the dice like your people.:: Maryse Dubois -> I mean other that the actual signs, and maybe a small scattering of small tech, There was absolutely nothing that screamed "Dominion" in that place. Hunter Matheson -> ::hands on his thighs, he watches the console:: Maryse Dubois -> Ketracel aside. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Sighs as they land safely on the deck of the Excalibur.:: William Chocox -> Home sweet home. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It is good to be back, but we're no closer to solving the mystery of where the team went. Maryse Dubois -> And came back with even more questions. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Tandaris:: Well I suppose we're a bit closer, if you can crack that thing without ruining it. Cptn Swain -> Pilot> ::Smiles:: Thank you for flying Air Excalibur. You are now free to disembark. Maryse Dubois -> ::Steps out, coat in hand,:: William Chocox -> ::stretches as he gets up, walking out of the shuttle:: Hunter Matheson -> ::stays behind to clean up, check the engines, finalize the flight plan, and check the shuttle inside and out::: Cptn Swain -> LtNadir> ::Previously known as Pilot, begins his post-flight checks as the others, sans Matheson finish up:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Grabs her coat and heads out the door:: Hunter Matheson -> ::doing the dirty work::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She stood once the shuttle landed, gathering up her things and heading for the door.:: Matheson, hustle up. The others can finish. We're briefing asap. Hunter Matheson -> ::steps outside, scanner taken from its pocket in hand, for visual and scan of the exterior:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She ducked out and quickly strode across the shuttle deck.:: Everyone up to the conference room. Hunter Matheson -> ::nod:: Aye, ma'am. ::engineer:: A few dings from space debris. You get the rest. ::moves on out with the others:: Cptn Swain -> ::In the briefing room, waiting, steepling his fingers:: Cptn Swain -> Nadir> Aye, thanks for the help. William Chocox -> I was just about to take a nap as well. Hunter Matheson -> ::stripping off his arctic gear as he moves::: William Chocox -> ::follows Miranda:: Hunter Matheson -> ::quick salute to Nadir, still on the move:: Hunter Matheson -> ::almost a two-finger salute:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Following behind, hair finally braided.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::making her way to the briefing room.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Everyone zooms up to the bridge. Hunter Matheson -> ::his arctic gear rapped and tacked, he holds the bundle under his arm when he enters the conference room behind the others:: William Chocox -> Captain. Hunter Matheson -> ::tosses it into a corner and remains standing, not sure where or if he should sit::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Drapes her coat on the back of her chair before sitting.:: Cptn Swain -> Welcome back. I hope you had a fun away mission. Hunter Matheson -> ::since he's low man 'n' all:: Cptn Swain -> ::Sometimes wonders if he should be a little more impulsive and demand to go on the missions.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Grabs a glass of water from the center tray on the table.:: Parts were fun. Other parts not so much. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Miranda dumped her stuff in the corner of the conference room, freeing her from the many layers of winter clothing. Taking her usual seat next to Swain's chair, she gestured for Hunter to sit.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::reserves comment and sits:: William Chocox -> ::sits down at the conference table:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Just once, I'd like us to end up with a mission to Risa. Anyplace is warmer than that planet. Cptn Swain -> I'll ask the Admiral. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods in agreement.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> You know the last time we were on Risa, Miranda.... William Chocox -> What happens on Risa stays on Risa, Ithene. William Chocox -> Please. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Snickers:: I remember what happened the last time you were on Risa, Will... Cptn Swain -> ::Clears his throat before Miranda or Will can hit her:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Chuckles, glad she didn't take a drink at that moment.:: William Chocox -> Sir. William Chocox -> ::shoots Ithene a glare:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She looked toward Maryse, Hunter, and Will.:: I think you should inform the Captain what you found. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks to the senior officer of their little group::: Cptn Swain -> ::Leans forward, expectantly.:: Maryse Dubois -> Well I can tell you what we didn't find. Dominion, anywhere. ::Folds her arms then getting serious.:: We went "exploring." Found a little basement lab. Found brand new, Federation stasis tubes that were modified. Cptn Swain -> Modified? Maryse Dubois -> They also happened to have Vorta DNA traces in them. And just to clarify. These tubes weren't something you can find on market. They are so new, that we don't have them on our ship yet. Cptn Swain -> Well... then. Cptn Swain -> That wasn't exactly in the dossier the Admiral gave me. Maryse Dubois -> So how the Dominion somehow got a hold of these, that's a good question. If the Dominion is even really involved... Cptn Swain -> My assumption, Doctor, would be that we loaned them to whoever we were working with on this front. Cptn Swain -> So no team? Maryse Dubois -> ::Shakes head.:: Maryse Dubois -> Though the other team might have more on that. Hunter Matheson -> ::looks to Maryse as though she has left something out:: Maryse Dubois -> Also, Rhan took some scans. We'll get you the results when they are analyzed. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Maryse Dubois -> Ah yes. I almost forgot... ::Smirks:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> The hot springs. ::She sniffed.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::the highlight of the trip? how could she forget::he flashes a minimal smile, tongue in cheek::: Maryse Dubois -> They had a big resort, hot springs, rodent hockey, food, drinks. All laced with Ketracel. Cptn Swain -> Lovely. William Chocox -> I still want to know how that game ended. Maryse Dubois -> We...barely made it out of there. Cptn Swain -> Well ::soberly and stoically:: I am glad you did. Cptn Swain -> So what is this other information from another group of you? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> We found our covert team's contact, or at least his room and things. He had several examples of alien tech, some Federation. Admiran has a holocube we recovered that we hope contains our team's location. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Good. Tandaris Admiran -> ::tossing holocube from hand to hand:: Cptn Swain -> You think you can break it then? Cptn Swain -> ::reconsiders:: The encryption. William Chocox -> I could blow it up. Hunter Matheson -> ::glad he clarified::: Tandaris Admiran -> Yessir. Hunter Matheson -> ::hides a smirk at Cho's comment:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::shoots strange glance at Chocox:: Have you been hanging around me too long? Maryse Dubois -> ::facepalms:: William Chocox -> No sir. William Chocox -> Just the right amount I feel. Cptn Swain -> ::Leans back in his chair:: Miranda...why did I ever let myself get talked into this command? Hunter Matheson -> ::he can think of a few words that might fit, but is going to keep them to himself::: Cptn Swain -> ::Exhales:: Very well, see to it. I want a full report of those scans from the stasis tubes ASAP. And that cube decrypted as soon as you can. Cptn Swain -> Was there anything else? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> There didn't seem to be any security that we could see, but our team's contact died a mysterious death, so there's someone operating behind the scenes. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Doctor, I want you to run detailed scans of the samples we brought back of the food and such. A blood sample from one or two of us wouldn't be remiss, either. I want to know exactly what that compound is and how it effects our minds. Cptn Swain -> ::Nods:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: I know that a few of us came back with less scars and bruises than when we started. Cptn Swain -> Interesting. ::He frowned, pensively:: Cptn Swain -> We'll remain in orbit until we've decrypted the holocube. Long range sensors continue to show no signs of Dominion activity in the area. William Chocox -> Well that's good. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I'm more interested in how it was impacting our emotional state. ::She shook her head as if to clear it.:: I didn't forget who I was, but it made me not care about the mission, the ship, anyone. I just wanted to relax. If someone is using it as population control, I want to know why. Hunter Matheson -> ::sudden thought:: Commander? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes, Matheson? Hunter Matheson -> It could be an explanation for the disappearance of the team, ma'am. Maryse Dubois -> Right. I'll want blood samples from everyone then. As soon as possible before whatever it was metabolizes. Hunter Matheson -> Or at least a partial one. If they don't care about the mission anymore, what is the sense of continuing it? Hunter Matheson -> Why not just... disappear into the population? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She nodded slowly.:: It could, it is possible. I'm inclined to think that they aren't just wandering about, however. Cptn Swain -> ::tilts his head:: Something to think about. Perhaps once we get some more data. Cptn Swain -> ..and.. Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

MISSION BRIEF: Part of the team has discovered a hidden laboratory which seems to have been given the one over by a hostile party. They also located a mix of Dominion and Federation technology in the lab, including a set of stasis pods with traces of Vorta DNA. Meanwhile, the rest of the team has begun searching the home of the Starfleet team's contact and think they have found something promising. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Hunter Matheson -> In the sixth book of the trilogy, right... Hunter Matheson -> ::begins:: Rhan K'hal -> :: blinks a lot at the "Vorta" readings on his tricorder :: Hunter Matheson -> ::doin what he does best - watch for bad guys::: Maryse Dubois -> ::Perplexed as she looks over the stasis tubes.:: How did they get these? This is a new model. Rhan K'hal -> And why did they stick Vorta in them? Maryse Dubois -> Exactly. This makes no sense. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The Vorta DNA also contains several isotopic markers that are used in the cloning process. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Glances over to Tandaris and Miranda, keeping a watch on the door, phaser in hand.:: Maryse Dubois -> May I see your scans? Rhan K'hal -> :: nods, hands it over to Maryse :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> #Finnius> ::Pawing over his new found box of tech, not even paying attention to the rest of them anymore.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: We should rendezvous with the others, find a location where we can crack open this holocube and look at the rest of this information together. Maryse Dubois -> ::Glances over it, seeing the markers right away.:: Cloning... :;Hands it back.:: They were using these for cloning. Rhan K'hal -> :: takes it back, hmms :: Maryse Dubois -> But that makes no sense. The Dominion certainly doesn't need Federation technology to make clones. They have whole facilities for that. Rhan K'hal -> We came into this room looking for answers, but just found a lot more questions. Maryse Dubois -> I'm afraid so... ::Frowns.:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::Miranda nodded.:: Yes, I'm uneasy about us being apart for so long. Do we need anything else from here? ::She threw a glance at the mole-ish man and back to Tandy.:: Maryse Dubois -> We probably shouldn't stay any longer. Make a few more scans and we can check them out later. Maryse Dubois -> *stay Hunter Matheson -> ::not really liking what he's hearing:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Yeah, let's wrap it up. Hunter Matheson -> ::absently:: And don't leave any of your DNA here. Rhan K'hal -> :: takes those few more scans :: Hunter Matheson -> ::still checking the stairs:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::has the tricorder and holocube, in addition to the PADD they had already confiscated:: No, I think we're good. Luckily this parka has lots of pockets. Hunter Matheson -> ::or more watching the stairs:: Rhan K'hal -> :: Hunter :: What, you don't want a bunch more of me running around? Maryse Dubois -> ::Makes her way to the stairs.:: Let's go. Hunter Matheson -> ::snort:: Think I shouldn't answer that one, Sir. Rhan K'hal -> :: head nods to indicate Hunter should lead the way :: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> Let's go then. Hunter Matheson -> Movin' out... ::X800 on the stairwell::: William Chocox -> ::follows everyone:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slow ascent, Kbar in hand, a few more things in his pocket for good measure:: Rhan K'hal -> Now if we can find a spot that's free of the local Febreeze Air Effects. William Chocox -> Well, this is amazing. Hunter Matheson -> ::Rhan:: Seems like we found one place, sir. It's not exactly fresh down here. Hunter Matheson -> ::reaching the top, signals hold:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> #Finnius> ::He glances up, finally noticing that they were leaving.:: Ah... I suppose... I'll just be on my way... Hunter Matheson -> ::steps out to check:: (w) Clear Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ::She eyed the mole.:: Yes, and keep your mouth shut. Talking to us was a risk. You may not be so lucky next time. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Frowns:: Rhan K'hal -> :: steps out in front of Hunter, leads way back where they came from :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Exits the facility.:: We need to find the others. Tandaris Admiran -> ::accompanies them out of the residence:: William Chocox -> ::steps out carefully:: William Chocox -> Yes we do. Hunter Matheson -> ::Now watching their six:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> We're relatively close to the saunas at least. I suppose we won't have time for a stop. ::Almost pouts:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::restores the security seal on the door:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Indeed, but we need to keep moving. We've already been standing out like sore thumbs. We'll revolve between the areas we've been in, the others should know to check between them. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> #::Outside, in the hall, she glanced down the corridor.:: So, does someone know how to get back to the hot springs? Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Smirks:: It's that way. I can always find a good pleasure sport. Cptn Swain -> spot* Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Motions for Tandaris and Miranda to follow:: William Chocox -> Including the rodent game? Rhan K'hal -> :: Will :: You really want to know who wins that, don't you? Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: Where did you find her again? Maryse Dubois -> Maybe start at the pools? Rhan K'hal -> :: nods at Maryse :: Though keep the exposure time short, we don't want to turn into the local pleasure zombies. Maryse Dubois -> ::nods.:: Of course. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> #::Leaving Finnius to scurry back to wherever he'd come from, she moved with the others at a quick pace, following Ithene through the twists and turns back to the hot springs. She smirked at Tandaris.:: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. William Chocox -> Don't you? William Chocox -> It was fun. Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts walking towards the pool area.:: William Chocox -> ::follows:: Hunter Matheson -> ::blank look at Cho:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Some people read minds. Some people had supernatural logic abilities. Her people? The ability to find pleasure in all things. Smirking she lead them through to the pool area.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shrugs, movin' on::: Tandaris Admiran -> Good thing I've sworn off science officers for the rest of this lifetime. Rhan K'hal -> :: tries to make it look a wee bit less like they're a Starfleet team and people that might just belong here and takes Maryse's arm and walks all romantic-like :: William Chocox -> ::rolls his eyes:: William Chocox -> You're going to give me diabetes. Hunter Matheson -> ::suppresses a smirk:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Me, too, though some habits are hard to break. ::Sighs.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Smiles as he takes her arm.:: Remember to enjoy yourselves. Hunter Matheson -> ::passing thought to take Cho's arm, and shakes it off:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> As soon as Tandy, Ithene, and Miranda enter the muggy air of the hot springs, they're immediately stricken with a peaceful easy feeling. They should just enjoy themselves. Have a dip. Relax. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> I can wear an engineering uniform if you two would like. Tandaris Admiran -> ::Miranda:: We can be strong for each other. William Chocox -> I can enjoy myself anywhere, anytime. William Chocox -> As long as there's a warp core to work on. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Turns to smile at them.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::oh, for a rebreather:: Maryse Dubois -> ((Yeah the first part of that line....)) Maryse Dubois -> ((Good thing you continued)) Tandaris Admiran -> This is much better. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Smiles:: This place really is... relaxing. I mean... the people back home would be jealous. Tandaris Admiran -> ::looking around for the others:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Enters the pool area.:: William Chocox -> ::follows behind her, looking around:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Enjoying the view:: Hunter Matheson -> ::trying not to look::: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> As soon as Maryse, Hunter, Will and R'han enter the muggy air of the hot springs, they're immediately stricken with a peaceful easy feeling. They should just enjoy themselves. Have a dip. Relax. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Yawns. Feels a bit tired and weary.:: Think we'll have time for a dip? Hunter Matheson -> ::hums... I got a peaceful, easy feelin... I know you won't let me down::: Tandaris Admiran -> Still not going near those pools. William Chocox -> Anyone else hungry? Tandaris Admiran -> ::stretches:: But I'm sure we could find a nice, secluded spot here. Rhan K'hal -> :: starts getting that feeling again, so uses a Caitian predatory mechanism to tip his body into hunting mode with heightened adrenalin to try to combat it :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Tandaris:: I am sure we could find some place for me to practice my massages. I even some oils somewhere... Maryse Dubois -> ::Stretches her arms out, trying hard to fight but it's becoming difficult.:: Maybe...maybe this wasn't such a good idea? But then again. I really did enjoy those pools... Hunter Matheson -> Yeah, I could use a bite. Rhan K'hal -> :: which comes in handy, because he'd recognize Ithene's grating voice anywhere and homes in on it :: Hunter Matheson -> But I think we should move on... Rhan K'hal -> :: to the others in his group :: Get back out, I'll get the others. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Still walking, though flagging a bit.:: Hmmm... nice, secluded, relaxing... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> I like it... William Chocox -> Fine, I'm going to find the game. William Chocox -> ::tries to head towards that area:: Hunter Matheson -> ::slips his arm through Cho's:: Hey, buddy... hang tight. William Chocox -> ::blinks:: Hunter Matheson -> ::steers him the other direction:: William Chocox -> You ok there Hunter? Maryse Dubois -> ::Was about to turn and leave, but she thinks she sees the others. Starts waving and smiling.:: Hunter Matheson -> Yeah.. I'm good. You? William Chocox -> Fine...you going to explain your arm there? Rhan K'hal -> :: without further ado, stalks over to the other group, and literally pounces up behind Ithene :: Hunter Matheson -> ::then points in the direction of the others, while he gives the smile that ends all smiles:: Hunter Matheson -> Comeon, Man... time to give in... William Chocox -> No...I really want to see the game. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Thinking about massaging the Trill, is a bit startled when R'han comes up behind her:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::smiles lazily at Rhan:: Hunter Matheson -> Yeah, I know. There's better things to do, though. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oh hello R'han. How have the hot springs been? William Chocox -> ::tries to extricate himself from Hunter:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Blinks as Rhan suddenly appears.:: Oh, good... you're here. Everyone else good? Having a good time? Hunter Matheson -> ::suggestive smile that fades quickly when he drags Cho in the other direction:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Starts taking her coat off.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::vice grip on Cho's arm:: Rhan K'hal -> :: glances between Miranda, Tandy and Ithene, decides this is no time to play nice, clicks the claws out and grabs hold of Ithene and Tandy's uniforms, and then herds them at Miranda :: Rhan K'hal -> Out, out, out, out. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Blinks:: Is this some kind of Caitian mating ritual? Hunter Matheson -> ::also herding:: Tandaris Admiran -> Hey, buddy. What's the rush? Tandaris Admiran -> Calm down. Enjoy the heat. Maryse Dubois -> ::Still trying to fight, but it's simply not working out anymore.:: William Chocox -> ::starts to relax:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> I mean I am flattered Rhan. William Chocox -> Whatever. Hunter Matheson -> ::slips in and grabs the XO's arm::: Rhan K'hal -> I don't care if we end up back up at the surface, but we need out of here fast, I don't know how much longer I can do this. :: eye dilation going sort of wonky, hair standing on end :: Hunter Matheson -> ::puts it in a tactical arm lock:: This way, darlin'... Hunter Matheson -> ::figures he'll deal with that move later::: Hunter Matheson -> ::pretty certain he'll have hell to pay:: Tandaris Admiran -> Take what? Maryse Dubois -> ::Trying so hard to run complex equations in her head, but the answer keep coming up as pool or strawberries.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: sees Maryse struggling, kicks her in the shin :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Has to move her butt with Rhan herding Tandy and Ithene at her.:: Hey, what's the rush? We just got here... William Chocox -> All I wanted to do was watch the damn game. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> It's not fair Miranda... they got to sit by the pool the whole time we were doing real work. Hunter Matheson -> :::Cho:: It's over, man. Maryse Dubois -> Ow! ::Grabs at her leg.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::almost pouting:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Glances at Hunter and then Will.:: You boys having fun? ::Lazy smile.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::charming grin back:: Yeah, we are. You? ::dragging her along with them::: Rhan K'hal -> :: with a mighty last heave, gets the three senior officers out of the hot springs room and into the hallway :: William Chocox -> Not really. William Chocox -> And how do you know Hunter? Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Rhan and Hunter manage to herd the group out of the springs area and back towards their original entry point. Hunter Matheson -> 'Cause I know about these things. Tandaris Admiran -> Rhan, seriously, buddy. You're starting to make me feel mildly less satisfied with you. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Everyone's heads begin to clear. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Blinks:: What in the Goddess' name was that. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Dragged, pushed, whatever... she found herself in the rat hockey room. Blinks as she looks around and the feeling of need begins to fade.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::releases them as they come out of it:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Takes a deep breath as she was pushed out by Rhan, starts to settle, but then turns and kicks him in the shin.:: Thanks and sorry, but that hurt. William Chocox -> Hunter, why are you holding me like I'm your boyfriend? Tandaris Admiran -> Uh-oh. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks to Ithene and the others.:: We were being drugged. Rhan K'hal -> :: notices they're coming out of it :: Thank the gods. :: gets kicked in the shin :: All in a day's. Hunter Matheson -> Gotta make it look authentic. ::brushes off his hands:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::starts turning slightly green:: Uh ... Rhan K'hal -> :: collapses and heaves on Ithene's boots :: Maryse Dubois -> Not just us...everyone. Tandaris Admiran -> ::vomitvomitvomit:: Hunter Matheson -> ::Admiran:: Nice, man. Add to the decor... Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::She took a deep breath and scowled.:: Something... in the air? I thought I smelled... ::Wrinkles her nose at the vomit.:: ah... nevermind. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: Maryse Dubois -> Not just anything...Ketrecel. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Was that really needed? Rhan K'hal -> :: thankfully for Ithene's boots, all he had was one bite of drugged ambrosia earlier so it's not much :: Maryse Dubois -> It's in everything. The pool, food, drink, even the air. Rhan K'hal -> :: sits back with the shakes :: Hunter Matheson -> ::relaxing and rubbing his arms:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Wipes her boot against the wall:: William Chocox -> What the heck? Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Ketrecel? That's... interesting. Maryse Dubois -> ::Leans on a wall as she tries to compose herself more. Starts unconsciously rubbing Rhan's back to relax him.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: We should get back to the shuttle. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Is that what makes the springs so appealing? ::Tense now, she rubbed her neck and glanced back through the doorway.:: Crowd control? Rhan K'hal -> Seriously, let's not do that again. Tandaris Admiran -> ::massaging his temples:: Maryse Dubois -> There is more. We found...stuff? :;Still trying to clear her head.:: Tandaris Admiran -> We find a holocube. And some other Federation technology. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Is used to hangovers:: Tandaris Admiran -> Definitely something not right going on here. William Chocox -> We found some Federation tech too. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> Oh? Rhan K'hal -> Yeah, definitely some stuff. Some stuff we shouldn't discuss in an open environment. William Chocox -> Weird stuff. William Chocox -> ::does the Jack Sparrow hand movements:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Glances to Miranda:: The shuttle then? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods at Rhan's comment.:: Yes, not here. Hunter Matheson -> (afk) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> Yes... someplace else. The shuttle seems safest, but... we'll have go to through that room again. ::gestures to the springs.:: Maryse Dubois -> :;Sighs as she realized they came out the wrong end .:: Rhan K'hal -> :: manages to haul himself back to his feet, smiles at Maryse for the support, but still pretty weak :: Hunter Matheson -> (bak) Maryse Dubois -> :;Helps Rhan up.:: Tandaris Admiran -> Hold your breath.... Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Frowns:: We have to get back at some point. Cover your faces.. ::rips off a piece of cloth from her tunic:: Try not to breath in. Maryse Dubois -> ::Uses her scarf.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::zips up parka and pulls over his nose:: Hunter Matheson -> ::pulls up his kifaya::: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Zips her parka up and covers her face with the cloth from her tunic.:: William Chocox -> ::brings his shirt up:: Rhan K'hal -> :: does one of the above :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Puts an arm around R'han to help steady him too:: Hunter Matheson -> ::checking to see if anyone needs assistance::: Rhan K'hal -> Nobody screw up, Supercat doesn't have an opening for two saves in his schedule today. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Pulls on her coat and zips up, covering her nose and mouth against the cold. It was chilly in the room, anyhow. They could make it through the springs without dying of heatstroke.:: Let's go. And hurry. Maryse Dubois -> ::Smirks under her scarf.:: I think we're ready. Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Nods:: Rhan K'hal -> :: takes a biiiiig breath of good air :: Maryse Dubois -> :;Deep breath and then starts in with Rhan.:: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Thinks she hears a ticking clock in her head and they begin to scurry across the room.:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::runrunrunrun:: Cptn Swain -> (( Two minute warning )) Rhan K'hal -> :: goes through, wobbling like a drunken white rabbit that's /extremely/ late for an important date :: Hunter Matheson -> ::standing by to catch any fallers:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Trying to keep him steady as they move as quickly as they could under the circumstances.:: William Chocox -> ::follows them:: Rhan K'hal -> :: manages to go a straight line with Maryse and Ithene's help :: Cptn Swain -> Ithene> ::Under other circumstances she'd tell the Caitian he needed to lose weight, but decided it was best to focus on just getting to the other side of the room.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::aside to Cho:: You okay? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ::Her lungs were burning from holding her breath by the time they made it through to the corridor. She gasped for air.:: William Chocox -> I'll be fine. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Makes it out after Miranda. Gasps and then deep breaths.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: gets through and collapses again, though very nicely doesn't bring Maryse or Ithene down with him; starts gulping for air :: Maryse Dubois -> ::Patting Rhan's back again.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Everyone gets to the other side safely in time for us to PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM

SD 0410.2016 Part of the team has discovered a hidden laboratory which seems to have been given the one over by a hostile party. They also located a mix of Dominion and Federation technology in the lab, including a set of stasis pods with traces of Vorta DNA. Meanwhile, the rest of the team has begun searching the home of the Starfleet team's contact and think they have found something promising.

MISSION BRIEF: The Excalibur crew continues its search for the missing Starfleet crew. Part of the crew is watching a rat hockey match, while the other team is about to begin searching the contact for the team's house. Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM Cptn Swain -> BEGIN SIM William Chocox -> ::watches the match:: Tandaris Admiran -> ::continues to follow down increasingly suspicious-looking corridors:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> A keen eye might see the food, drinks and oils from the pool area coming from a central facility not far away. Hunter Matheson -> ::he winces every time one of the rats squeals and flies across the ice:: Hunter Matheson -> ::his eyes are focused on the carnage:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Attention was drawn to the server that had gone by, and the facility she went into.:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Nudges Rhan and points.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: nods, grunts :: Hunter Matheson -> ::and the smell is getting to him, so he turns away and spots them looking at something:: William Chocox -> Come on ref! Maryse Dubois -> Pretty sure we might find chemical X in there. William Chocox -> How is that not a foul? Maryse Dubois -> ::thwaps Will.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::elbows Cho, then points in the direction of the food:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Following along as they come from the back alley to the contact's house:: Hunter Matheson -> ::and it looks like he got it from both directions:: William Chocox -> Huh? William Chocox -> And I thought Doctors swore to "Do no harm". Maryse Dubois -> Well we probably aren't going to run into the others any time soon. Plus it is getting harder to focus in these areas. We might as well try and do something while we are still cognitive. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods, grunts :: William Chocox -> Fine. Maryse Dubois -> ::Gets up and heads for that facility.:: Tandaris Admiran -> # Hopefully we'll find something more useful. Rhan K'hal -> :: follows Maryse :: Hunter Matheson -> ::follows along, wincing one last time at the rodent's scream:: William Chocox -> ::follows Maryse:: I was starting to get into the game too. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Nods:: Let's hope. Hunter Matheson -> ::Chocox:: Made me glad I'm not a rodent. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::Pauses at the next junction and peeks around the corner, then scampers across. He stopped at the next door. The security panel on the outside said that it was under security lockdown.:: Oh, dear... Tandaris Admiran -> # What now? Hunter Matheson -> (You sure this guy isn't a rodent? He scampers a lot...) William Chocox -> ((Are we sure Finnius isn't actually an anthropomorphic mole?)) Hunter Matheson -> ((ditto)) William Chocox -> Does anyone ever want to be the puck? Hunter Matheson -> Nah. Don't imagine they do. Rhan K'hal -> :: enigmatically :: Some people like it rough. Hunter Matheson -> ::gives K'hal a questioning look at the connotation, and wonders::: Maryse Dubois -> :;Approaches the facility, staying on guard.:: William Chocox -> Shush. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> Ah... it's locked. ::Obviously.:: I can pick it, if you give me a minute. ::He pulled a curious little device from his coat and began messing with the settings, then inserted it into the lock. It whirred as it worked. The panel turned orange, then green, then back to red, blaring -access denied- at them. Finnius winced.:: Well... that's... troublesome... William Chocox -> ::looks around:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::has that look of physical pain on his face experts get when they watch someone try to do something they could do faster and better:: Hunter Matheson -> ::shifting gears, he takes left flank as they approach:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::He tried again, adjusting the settings and inserting it into the lock. -Access denied- flashed across the screen along with an loud alert.:: Double ice picks! ::Swearing.:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> :sweetly:: Why don't you let My associated here handle this. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The team approaches without any resistance from the various servers. Tandaris Admiran -> #::clears throat:: No, really, please allow me ::reaches for the device:: Cptn Swain -> (( rhan, give me a number 1-20 )) Maryse Dubois -> Strange... Rhan K'hal -> (( 2 )) Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> Ah, well... if you insist. ::Steps back with a grumble.:: Never been good with tech... though I do like to collect it. Hunter Matheson -> ::slows, casually checking the area:: William Chocox -> They don't find it weird that we're just walking up? Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Rhan notices to the far left of the facility another door that seems partially hidden in the wall, and what looks like maybe a door terminal. Tandaris Admiran -> #::takes a moment to inspect the device:: Rhan K'hal -> :: narrows eyes, changes course to check out the hidden door :: Hunter Matheson -> ::Cho:: (w) They look drugged. Something in the air, the food, the water. Not good. Tandaris Admiran -> #::resets it, adjusts several settings:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::shakes it ever so slightly:: William Chocox -> Hm? K'hal? Maryse Dubois -> :;Follows after Rhan, feeling he may have found something.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::follows Cho's stare::: Tandaris Admiran -> # Looks like a standard low-security Dominion-based encryption protocol, albeit with a twisted dual-layer cipher. William Chocox -> ::follows:: Rhan K'hal -> :: visually assesses as he approaches :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> Hey! ::He started at Tandy shook it, looking worried.:: Don't break it. Only one I got... Hunter Matheson -> ::ditto, on six::: Tandaris Admiran -> # You need to compensate by running a heuristic cracking algorithm. Tandaris Admiran -> #::runs the decryption routine again:: Rhan K'hal -> :: stops outside the door, checks out the terminal :: Curious. William Chocox -> This whole place is curious. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ACTION> -Access granted- The panel flashed green as the door unlocked. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Good work. ::She glanced over at Finnius, gesturing to the door.:: You first. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Rhan can make out a door and can see the panel, which looks like a standard Dominion door lock. Maryse Dubois -> ::Looks at the panel.:: Rhan K'hal -> Finally something that looks like it should be here. Hunter Matheson -> :::listening, his eyes on the area:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> ::Shrugs and walks through the door and into another set of quarters that looked very much like his own.:: Rhan K'hal -> :: pulls out his tablet, which is still linked to the tricorder, and looks to see if there's anything on the other side notable on a passive scan :: William Chocox -> Well, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Tandaris Admiran -> #::looks around as he enters, noting nothing out of the "ordinary":: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Between the EM interference and shielding, all Rhan can make out is there looks like some sort of lab behind the door down some stairs. Rhan K'hal -> :: tips the tablet to Maryse :: Look familiar? Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Looks like a lab. Hunter Matheson -> :sniffs the air and turns toward the door::: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ACTION> Dahl's quarters had yet to be cleaned out. It was a wreck and had obviously been ransacked. The heat had been shut off, so it was frickin' freezing in there. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: The real kitchen behind the kitchen. Question is, what do we do about it? Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::shivvers:: Tandaris Admiran -> # Oh great, more cold. Tandaris Admiran -> #::keeps an eye out for any Federation tech:: Maryse Dubois -> True. We really aren't here to shut things down, but searching it may lead to clues we could use for our mission. Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Glancing round:: William Chocox -> As long as we don't get caught. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> On further inspection by Rhan, the door looks like it might have been forced open, recently. Rhan K'hal -> :: crouches down :: Hmm... looks like I won't have to worry about breaking the lock myself. Maryse Dubois -> ::Nods.:: Yeah I see what you mean. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # What a mess. ::Scowling at the floor.:: Cptn Swain -> #Ithene> ::Frowns:: Looks like they've done a number on the place. Tandaris Admiran -> #::Finnius:: Did Dhal have any place you know of where he would put important things? A hidden safe? Loose floorboard? ::teeth chattering:: William Chocox -> That can't be a good sign. Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> I found the storage device in the closet. I think he hid stuff under the floor. Maryse Dubois -> Think our people might have done this? Hunter Matheson -> Breach won't be difficult. The problem is what might be inside. ::checks it out:: Not sure we should go in. Rhan K'hal -> If so, they're pretty amateur about things. Effective, but not what I'd expect from people trained for this BS. Hunter Matheson -> ::nods agreement:: Hunter Matheson -> And it looks Dominion, but they wouldn't work this way, either. So who does that leave? William Chocox -> And they have Tandaris who I suspect has quite some experience breaking into things. Rhan K'hal -> What do you think, Maryse? You're senior. Tandaris Admiran -> #::takes out his tricorder and starts scanning for hollow spots below the floor:: Maryse Dubois -> ::Thinks for the moment.:: It's the closest thing we have to a lead so far. We should at least do a in and out. Let's not linger too long. Rhan K'hal -> Okiedokie. Hunter, up front with me. Time to be conscientious guests and make sure our hosts aren't lying in pools of blood. Hunter Matheson -> ::steps up, one hand on the knife in his pocket:: William Chocox -> There's something to keep me up at night. Hunter Matheson -> Want me on point? Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> ACTION> Tandy's tricorder picks out a space beneath the floor and one behind the back wall. The area beneath the floor was empty, but pulling open the panel of the closet revealed a cache of tech -- Fed, Dominion, Cardassian, Romulan -- jackpot. Rhan K'hal -> :: nods :: Here we go. :: uses the already pre-pried section of the door to force it open again :: Hunter Matheson -> ::flicks out the Kbar:: Tandaris Admiran -> # Ah-hah! Hunter Matheson -> ::checks left, then right, and enters:: William Chocox -> ::waits for Rhan to enter. William Chocox -> :: Rhan K'hal -> :: follows the Marine in :: Hunter Matheson -> (there any light in here?) Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Behind the door is a stairwell down to a basement. The lights are flickering. Maryse Dubois -> :;Follows behind the others, looking back behind them.:: William Chocox -> ::follows:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> What! I didn't know he had all that. ::Tries to get at the crate of tech, almost salivating.:: Hunter Matheson -> ::his hand up in a HOLD:: he listens a minute, then::: Watch your step. Tandaris Admiran -> #::grabs Finnius by the scruff of his collar:: Whoa now big boy. Rhan K'hal -> :: gives the air a cautious sniff :: Tandaris Admiran -> # Tell you what, you can help yourself to whatever … AFTER we're done with it. Call it your fee. William Chocox -> Smell anything? Hunter Matheson -> ::flicks out his X800, slowly descending::: William Chocox -> ::follows Rhan and Hunter:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> Descending into the lab, they find it a bit messed up. There are padds strewn about, mostly Dominion tech BUT in the far corner there appears to be some stasis pods, but they don't look Dominion. Hunter Matheson -> ::quietly, as he descends:: Yeah. Must and mildew. Tandaris Admiran -> ((This isn't ominous at all)) Hunter Matheson -> ::comes to the bottom, stops and checks the area::: Hunter Matheson -> ::then moves in:: Clear. Rhan K'hal -> :: pulls out his tricorder, scans the pods :: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # Finnius> Alright... ::He was already rubbing his hands greedily.:: Tandaris Admiran -> #::moves to sort through the pile:: Hey, look at this. William Chocox -> I've got a bad feeling about this. Tandaris Admiran -> #::holds up a tricorder, similar to his:: This model wasn't issued until quite recently. Hunter Matheson -> ::as Rhan checks the pods, he checks the rest of the basement:: Maryse Dubois -> :;Moves over to the pods.:: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The pods are empty, but they are not dominion in origin. In fact, they appear to be Federation technology. Rhan K'hal -> :: walks over with Maryse :: Nothing in them... Maryse Dubois -> I recognize these models...Why would they have them? Rhan K'hal -> Which is good. I hate the "wipe the film off the glass and get startled" reveals. Hunter Matheson -> ::turns back to the rest:: Basement is clear. William Chocox -> Like this? ::wipes away the film dramatically:: Cdr Miranda Hawthorne -> # ACTION> Fed tech in the cache includes a couple of tricorders, another data padd, and a holocube. Rhan K'hal -> :: Gibb slaps Will :: William Chocox -> Ow! Hunter Matheson -> ::moves to the bottom of the stairs to listen and watch:: Rhan K'hal -> Maybe this was how the team was delivered here. Tandaris Admiran -> #::sees the holocube:: That's interesting. Rhan K'hal -> Not exactly first class. Rhan K'hal -> :: does a full bio-scan to check for DNA fragments in the pods :: Cptn Swain -> ACTION> There is also evidence of other federation technology. Cptn Swain -> ACTION> The residual DNA in the stasis unit is... Vorta?? Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM Cptn Swain -> PAUSE SIM