ST:TTV203 | "Warpbait"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 94090.5
Following the successful capture and interrogation of individuals associated with the 'Scryer' underground intel network, SFI picks up the investigation with the aim to devise a suitable means of utilizing their newfound asset and infiltrate said network.
Meanwhile; USS Valley Forge and the rest of Libra Squadron have developed a cunning plan to bait the Branded Lady's forces and track them back to their base. All that remains, is to spring the trap...
View Episode
Keelah@crystyll moves around to the console to check on plans with her staff while the last few arrive Keliaya@anncarise wanders over to Eunha, "Is that the display setup?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks around the table "I see five ships currently.." Keelah@crystyll ...and apparently go this way... Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I think i've set it up right." she lets kelly take a look to check Sulayman@drcrippler moves over to join the Cap Sulayman@drcrippler reads from their PADD. Keliaya@anncarise: "Perfect. Didn't know you were familiar with presentation systems!" William Levesley@Levesley nodds to Nimitz statment. Those from Libra Squadron not here are already briefed and available I believe." Lunya@nevanya1 sets a small item on the table as a small holographic figure of Ghost Squadron appears, so her pilots can be briefed Eunha@turtles#8407: "I picked some things up from my counsellors." Keliaya@anncarise: "Nice." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois steps into the conference room, politely nodding to whoever he knows:"Sorry for being late, technical issues required my attention." he says while taking his seat. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Also to answer you question I heard when you were talking to Keelah, I haved changed my hair again." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods to Timoreev "Commander Thue is looking for you by the way." Keelah@crystyll hears the voice and turns with a chuckle, "The same ones that stopped my last report reaching you, Sir?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Almost didn't recognize you for a second! I thought you were that station counselor...Kat?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois clears his throat, clearly a bit embarassed by Keelah's statement:"I'm afraid so..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Yeah I might change my style so people don't get us mixed up." chuckles William Levesley@Levesley rests his arm on the armrest and leans back. "I'll have to get some Engineers from the Camelot to take a look for you Sir. Or come and take a look myself. Cant be having that." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Don't worry... I won't tell Sam if you don't" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "That might be a good idea. Pretty sure she wears that exact same style!" Lunya@nevanya1 turns the holo display so the mini figure of the squadron commander can look towards Keelah Keelah@crystyll clears her throat Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I think so." Keliaya@anncarise turns to Keelah. Sulayman@drcrippler looks at Keelah Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Waves his hand to Lev: "Don't worry, captain. I'm an engineer myself, after all...it was almost a good way of distrcting myself for a moment..." Sulayman@drcrippler: "There's an empty seat for you Captain," he looks to Vik Zhyl'ia@thecastellan looks over to Keelah Keelah@crystyll: "Alright. I will try to keep this brief... brief, and I assume that we all know why we are here" Keelah@crystyll: "This is first co-ordinated strike against the Branded Lady group; and a joint venture between Command, Inteligence... even our KDF allies" dips a nod to Sadia Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *returns the nod* Keelah@crystyll: "Over the past several days; Libra Squadron has been formulating a strategy to finally gain further information on this group" Keelah@crystyll: "Seeing that past prisoner interrogations have resulted in... limited successes" William Levesley@Levesley shifts in his seat at the mention of the prisoner Keelah@crystyll looks to Sadia, "At least Captain, I assume you have enjoyed no further success since the Republic handed over their clone prisoner to you?" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *shakes head* No, they were a mere footsoldier and their knowledge was limited to their daily duties. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Briefly turns on Sadia when she speaks, then turns back on Keelah Keelah@crystyll nods, "Indeed. But after today, we plan to break this information stalemate..." she pokes a button to bring up a holomap of the Kelterre sector Keelah@crystyll: ( https://i.imgur.com/fXRdbig.png ) Keelah@crystyll FX | A route highlights between the Legia and New Circini systems Lunya@nevanya1 watches and listens quietly to the briefing, the mini holo figure doing the same Keelah@crystyll: "This is the indicated path that our 'civilian traders' will be following Keelah@crystyll: "The is a freighter convoy that will be escorted by the Midway; per her standard operating procedures" Keelah@crystyll briefly nods in Lunya's direction as acknowledgement of her command there Lunya@nevanya1 gives a slight nod in return, the holo figure busy taking notes on a PADD Keelah@crystyll: "This is - by all accounts - a typical trade route commonly used to ship Olelian nanotech from Legia" Keelah@crystyll: "Now. Please all be aware that the freighter crews are not civilian, but MACO's in civilian attire" Keelah@crystyll: "Furthermore; their cargo has been adapted, thanks to some ingenious intelligence tricks courtesy of Captain Levesley" Keelah@crystyll glances to Levs, should he want to elaborate on the details William Levesley@Levesley leans forward. "Quite simply the cargo has been tampered with by us using a variety of equipment. Both hardware and software to maximise the chances of us getting a hit." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Indeed. This will allow us to track the cargo to it's destination" Keelah@crystyll: "And that means... we are letting them get away with it" Keelah@crystyll: "It is imperative that they believe they have won the day. So we can not simply hand them a victory" Keelah@crystyll: "Equally... we can not allow our fellow officers manning those ships to be placed in harms way" Lunya@nevanya1 raises a hand Keelah@crystyll looks to Lunya, "Captain, please" William Levesley@Levesley also inducates he has something to add Lunya@nevanya1 nods "We have completed a program that will make it appear the Midway is suffering from a core instabillity and will have to retreat when given your signal" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Turns on Lunya as she speaks. He looks completely calm Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Excellent. This will be tied in to our follow up plan..." she first looks Levs before continuing Keliaya@anncarise looks curious at this fake core instability program. William Levesley@Levesley: "In responce to the Admirals concerns I have had the Camelot technicans produce emergency transporter bands. So we can extract the disguised MACOs." Keelah@crystyll smiles and nods, "That will a great help Captain, thank you" Keelah@crystyll: "Please can see to it that all participating vessels are armed with the required identification frequencies for rapid evacuation, should the need arise" William Levesley@Levesley nodds. "I'll make sure they are distributed." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright. Now for our deployment..." Keelah@crystyll: "The start and end destinations will be patrolled by by USS Astraeus and Republic respectively. Both are already en route" Keelah@crystyll: "The rest of us - Midway excluded of course - will take up position at these seemingly random spots along the route" Keelah@crystyll: "Each vessel will appear to be conducting it's own affairs - just those who even appear in sensor range" Keelah@crystyll: "All vessels will respond to the distress call from Midway. But it will be a staggered arrival making for a more realistic escape Keelah@crystyll: " Keelah@crystyll FX | The map indicates a number of red dots scattered roughly around the proposed route, each with a ship name allocated Keelah@crystyll: "Needless to say that this operation - dubbed 'Pandora's Box' - calls for an unusual level of finesses and restraint from us all" Keelah@crystyll: "I expect a challenge. But I believe everyone in this room is more than capable of rising to it. Now; does anyone have any questions?" Lunya@nevanya1 raises her hand as she nods at the holo figure Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois plainly shakes his head Keelah@crystyll looks to Lunya, "Speak your mind, Captain" Lunya@nevanya1 motions to the figure as it speaks up "Commander Riley, Ghost One ma'am. How many fighters do you want us to deploy?" the male commander asks Keelah@crystyll: "I leave that at the discretion of your Captain. By all intents and purposes this is a normal escort duty, and so every effort that would be made there, should be" Lunya@nevanya1 looks to Keelah as the figure nods "Noted, thank you ma'am" Keelah@crystyll: "Anybody else?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois raises his hand Keelah@crystyll: "Andrej... I thought you were being a little quiet" she smiles Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Smiles in remand:"Well, just checking how you worked out the briefing..." he turns on the others:"I have no question, simply a reminder for all of us: this an opportunity we cannot miss, gentlemen.+ Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + The Brnaded Lady defied Starfleet, threatened our unharmed colleagues, and did horrible things. This is the time to strike back, and we won't have a second shot. So, I expect the best from all of + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + you." Keelah@crystyll nods to the sentiment as stands Keelah@crystyll: "If that is all then. You have your positions and timings..." she looks around the gathered faces, "Good hunting; all of you" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *nods* See you in space. Eunha@turtles#8407: "This will be fun." Keelah@crystyll looks back to her harem, with a visible sigh of relaxation. she never liked giving briefs Keelah@crystyll: "Ladies. We have a job to do" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Back to the Forge, then." Eunha@turtles#8407 Hands a PADD to Keelah "I managed to sit down with our sercurity team, these are the revised planes incase we get boarded." Keelah@crystyll glances over them, "Have you got to review these with Zee yet?" Keelah@crystyll she asks while reading William Levesley@Levesley holo Lev appears Sulayman@drcrippler silently takes a science console Eunha@turtles#8407: "Not yet, that's why I have another PADD." she waves it at her Lunya@nevanya1 stands on her bridge, the comm chatter from Midway extensive that would accompany a fighter squadron being readied for launch Keliaya@anncarise takes her usual engineering spot. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan hears her name and walks over Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *appears as a holo* IKS Daramar here, we are ready for action. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois an holo-Timo appears not far from Keelah's chair. He says something to an invisible interlocutor before turning on Keelah:"The Attar is ready, Keelah. The others?" Sulayman@drcrippler sits in a bridge officer chair. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Akagi Actual standing by." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "I'll trust the execution of said plans to the two of you" she hands back the PADD Sulayman@drcrippler takes a powernap Lunya@nevanya1 appears as her holo persona "Midway as well as Ghosts One through Five and Shuttle Ajax all ready" William Levesley@Levesley: "Camelot ready." Eunha@turtles#8407 Passes a PADD to Zee when she sees her come over "Commander I spoke with our sercurity department, these are some revised plans incase we are boarded. If you'd like to review them." Keelah@crystyll looks to holo-Timo, "Our task force is coming online now Captain" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Certainly, it'll give me something to do on the trip over" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods:"Very well." To Lunya:"Captain Vel, I'm counting on you and the Midway, but remember: do not take any unnecessary risk." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan steps off the white shoulder platfrom and starts to read over the padd Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "Well i'm going to cover OPs." Lunya@nevanya1 directs her response to Timo "Understood, Ajax will be shadowing our fighters for evac purposes, and our core breach program is ready" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan walks over to Eunha "Seems like a solid plan" To Lunya@nevanya1: (C) MACO Commander: "Freighter teams reporting in. All good to go on our side, sir." Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I'd hoped it would get your seal of approval." Lunya@nevanya1 taps her comm and looks to the display screens "Midway to convoy, set course for destination, we are your escort for this journey. Standby for jump" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan smiles "My only suggestion would be to make sure your counsellor's have a way to keep in touch in case comms go down" Keelah@crystyll looks to her holo-colleagues, "Valley Forge is in position and conducting local stellar survey. Now we wait" Lunya@nevanya1 would direct her attention to the assembled captains "Convoy is ready, we are preparing to go to warp" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I'll try and come up with something. But my counsellors have been too a few combat training sessions, so they should be able to defend them selves at least." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods as well "That's a good precaution to take, seems you've thought of almost everything" Lunya@nevanya1 directs her command to her helmsman "Set course, make sure we match convoy speed. Warp Six" she says as the stars elongate as the convoy would be on its way Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: (FX) The Akagi flies around in a casual manner. Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'd like to thank my Grandmother for that. She taught me be prepared for anything and everything." William Levesley@Levesley: "Camelot is commencing survey of Gaseous Anomalies." Sulayman@drcrippler is quietly monitoring sensor scans of the area Zhyl'ia@thecastellan smiles and returns the PADD, content to just observe things for a while Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I IKS Daramar cloaks and warps to designated position, on the prowl for enemies of the Empire. Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] Midway and convoy drop out of warp at the scheduled destination point, as five of her Peregrines and the shuttle Ajax leave the Midway's hanger bay Lunya@nevanya1: Ghost One to convoy, we are taking point position. Ghosts Two through Five will be on loiter. Call out any and all sensor contacts William Levesley@Levesley: "Lets hope our distress signal can punch through any jamming." Sulayman@drcrippler: "I can amplify the signal to give it more of a punch sir," he turns in his seat Sulayman@drcrippler: "Should be able to break through any low level jamming fields," Lunya@nevanya1 stands behind her Captain's Chair, everything with the convoy escort going as planned for the time being William Levesley@Levesley looks over. "its worth working on. We may only know of the Pirate attack by the disruption in the communications from the escort ship." Sulayman@drcrippler: "Yes sir," he nods and begins working on the science Keelah@crystyll nods her agreement, "Take every necessary precaution that does not compromise our freighter crews cover" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: (FX) The Akagi continues to fly casually with a standard Starfleet patrol style Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "We cannot count on that, captain" he says to Lev:"Remember that this has to appear as much "natural" as possible..." To Lunya@nevanya1: After a few minutes ((AKA whenever you're ready!)), Ghost Four detects a freighter with an unusually high energy signature on approach toward the convoy at Warp 5. Sulayman@drcrippler: "Okay, so I believe this should do the trick," he reports. "It's still very much in believable convoy limits," Lunya@nevanya1: Ghost Four to Midway, detecting approaching high energy contact at Warp 5. Boogey is at One Four Zero mark Two Five Keelah@crystyll leans forward slightly at hearing the comms chatter Lunya@nevanya1 would nod to her sensor officers "Verify that contact. Ghost One, your call" William Levesley@Levesley mutters "Our first catch of the day." Lunya@nevanya1 listens at the flight leader chimes in "Ghosts form up on Ghost Four, identify contact" the response comes over the comms Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "The Akagi will stand by until called." Sulayman@drcrippler begins to do long range sensor sweeps on the energy contact Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: He speaks veeery plainly:"We've no confirmation still...but that is a distinct possibility." Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] The five peregrines head away from the convoy towards where the energy contact was due to arrive at To Lunya@nevanya1: Ghosts confirm it as a heavily modified freighter, similar to the one that attacked the Valley Forge Keelah@crystyll: "Eunha. Give us a map of the field on screen. I want to see where all our vessels are in relation to the convoy" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "This might be just a distraction." Eunha@turtles#8407 Does as asked Lunya@nevanya1 looks up as an alert chimes up "Ghost One to Midway, contact is no longer boogey, contact is now Bandit, sensor readings match that of a heavily armed freighter that attacked the Valley Forge" Lunya@nevanya1: *bogey Sulayman@drcrippler is just about to make the sensor scan when he realises that that's probably not the best thing to do Sulayman@drcrippler shakes his head. He should really go to bed after this... Keelah@crystyll: "Alright everyone. This may be it... all vessels stand by, but do not - I repeat do NOT move until the Midway calls for backup" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Very well...." he murmurs. Sulayman@drcrippler pops a caffine pill Lunya@nevanya1 looks to her comms officer "Open a channel" she says, getting a nod that it was open "Unknown vessel this is the USS Midway, you are approaching a restricted convoy, state your intentions" William Levesley@Levesley: "Camelot is ready on the Squadron COs order." Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Understood. Waiting for distress call." Keelah@crystyll: ((all ship CO's - not Midway - roll pls for arrival order)) William Levesley@Levesley: rolls 56 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll: rolls 60 (1-100) Sadia Cynis@gulremal: rolls 83 (1-100) Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: rolls 12 (1-100) Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "All ships, stand-by." he repeats after Keelah:"Let's see what happens now...they may still not fall into the trap." To Lunya@nevanya1: Ghosts are now reporting 4 more contacts inbound. One cruiser weight vessel and three smaller raiders William Levesley@Levesley: "If they follow their MO a few more ships may show up." To Lunya@nevanya1: Comm goes unanswered as freighter continues to approach. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: rolls 54 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll nods Lunya@nevanya1 looks as her sensor stations start to go wild "Ghost Four to Midway, four repeat four more contacts inbound, possible incoming cruiser class" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Well, captain, you were right." he says to holo-Lev, before speaking to some invisible officer on the Attar William Levesley@Levesley looks to Timo. "We should let one of the smaller ships escape with the cargo. I think taking the opportuniyt to deprive the priates of a Cruiser class vessel is a reasonable secondary objective." Lunya@nevanya1 tenses as the comms go unanswered from the freighter "Fire a warning shot across its bow, see if they turn off" she says. Her order is carried out as a phaser shot from the Midway cuts above + Lunya@nevanya1: the incoming freighter Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed. All we need is for them to escape with our marked cargo. All other ships are to be considered viable threats" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Turning back on Lev, he nods:"That could be a good idea. All ships, secondary objective is to take down the enemy heaviest ships." Lunya@nevanya1: You have consent to damage midway in this fight Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Copy that." To Lunya@nevanya1: Got it! Should I continue PMing the enemy actions, since other players can't see it yet? William Levesley@Levesley: "Once we have verified Targets and engaged. Camelot will duel with their heavies." Lunya@nevanya1: yes that works To Lunya@nevanya1: Alrighty. The freighter responds with an extremely powerful tachyon pulse that rapidly begins to drain the Midway's shields. Only a Starfleet-level or better deflector should - To Lunya@nevanya1: - be capable of a move like that Keelah@crystyll: "Also a remind to all that whilst those are seasoned Starfleet officers manning those freighters... they are still vulnerable freighters. Valley Forge will cover their retreat" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *shouts in klingon to her officer - assume battle stations and prepare to drop cloak and jump to target*et Lunya@nevanya1 staggers a bit as the Midway is struck by a powerful Tachyon pulse "Shields down to seventy percent captain" comes the report. Lunya grits her teeth "Return fire, phaser spread, Ghosts engage!" Keelah@crystyll glances cautiously over her shoulders as holo-Lunya flickers Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Still stand-by until the Midway sends the distress signal..." he reminds, quietly. Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] The five fighters dive on the freighter, firing with phaser cannons and micro torpedoes To Lunya@nevanya1: The cruiser drops out of warp on top of the freighter, covering it as it returns fire on the fighters. Lunya@nevanya1 narrows her eyes as the cruiser drops out of warp right in front of the freighter as the Midway's phasers strike it instead. Ghost three vanishes in a sudden burst of flame. Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *leans back in her chair, crossing her arms as she waits...* Lunya@nevanya1: Ajax to Midway, Ghost Three was a negative recovery, report Ghost Three KIA To Lunya@nevanya1: Shortly afterwards, three frigates warp in, two Nausicaan and one Orion corvette. The Nausicaan ships deploy siphon drones which begin draining the Midway's power while the - Lunya@nevanya1: [C] To Lunya@nevanya1: Orion corvette opens fire and goes in for an attack run. This is almost the exact same strategy used on the Valley Forge, and a highly coordinated maneuver William Levesley@Levesley glances nerviously towards holo Lunya... Keelah@crystyll: "Lunya..." Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] Power aboard Midway would flicker as two Nausicaan frigates arrive to start draining the ship's power, the ship shuddering as the arrivaing Orion frigate strikes the Midway's shields Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Takes a deep breath while hearing Lunya's statements To Lunya@nevanya1: All the while the freighter is still draining shields. Lunya@nevanya1 turns to her tactical officer "Reverse shield polarity and send a power surge through the emitters, I want to stop those syphons" she orders Sulayman@drcrippler carries on doing his science Sulayman@drcrippler carries on doing his science Lunya@nevanya1 looks to her comm officer "Transmit the signal, and transmit the warp core decoy" she says Lunya@nevanya1: consent to land a VERY heavy hit while she reverses shield polarity To Lunya@nevanya1: The attack stops the siphons and the freighter turns its attention to draining the rest of the convoy's shields. The Nausicaan frigates join in on firing at the Midway as the - Keelah@crystyll: "All ships; prepare to respond! Captain Cynis; it looks like you'll beat us there. Try not to blow them all up without us now" she smiles To Lunya@nevanya1: - corvette spins around for another attack run. The maneuvers, despite being done by pirate ships, resemble that of a well-trained military Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Speaks again to some invisible officer:"We're en route. Captain Levesley, looks like we'll be just behind the Camelot: we'll support you in the attack." William Levesley@Levesley looks off camera. "Take us to Red Alert, bring the secondary Core to full power. DC teams to standby." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Red alert." she calls out Lunya@nevanya1 looks to her tactical officer "The syphons have stopped Captain well...." the officer is interrupted as a massive shudder shakes the ship "Shields down, hull breach decks seven through nine!" To Lunya@nevanya1: You can take some damage here, just nothing too bad that'll destroy the ship! Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "We have received the signal, we are moving in! May your weapons strike true!" William Levesley@Levesley nodds. "Camelot will enage the largest vessels at close range." Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] Ghost Four is suddenly vaporized by one of the attacking frigates Keelah@crystyll FX | VF bridge dims under the pulsing red lighting at she jumps to warp Sulayman@drcrippler switches from peace science to war scienc Lunya@nevanya1: [C] Ajax to Midway, recovery confirmed on Ghost Four Sulayman@drcrippler: *science Sulayman@drcrippler sits in a bridge officer chair. Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *barks orders* Shields up, maximum warp to the combat zone, open direct hailing frequencies to USS Midway! Keliaya@anncarise switches from peace engineering to war engineering. Keelah@crystyll: (alright guys. We'll call when you arrive on scene. all ships travelling from various distances atm) Eunha@turtles#8407 Switches from peaceful counselling and Ops to war counselling Lunya@nevanya1 comm officer looks to Miday "Captain we're being hailed" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: =C= USS Midway, this is IKS Daramar, we have received your call for assistance! Fight well, we are moving in to help! Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I Kahless class battlecruiser decloaks and jumps to warp. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] The Akagi starts spinning up her warp drives to head towards the fight Keelah@crystyll: "Remember all; you have the tracking frequency of the cargo. Confirm it's transfer and check your targets" Keelah@crystyll FX | Daramar warps in the battlefield Eunha@turtles#8407: "Captain the midway has taken quite a beating. They have lost several phaser banks they have hull breaches on at least three decks, and their shields are barely holding." To Lunya@nevanya1: The enemy freighter has drained a friendly freighter's shields and is beaming the cargo on board. Lunya@nevanya1 turns to the holo displays "One of the freighters has dropped one of our convoy member's shields and are beaming the cargo aboard" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: It's possible to see him punching a fist on his chair:"We need to reach them faster..." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The enemy ships stagger in their third attack run on the Midway as the Daramar arrives. It's as if they've heard of the ship... Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *over the shared comms* Move in to cover the convoy, target biggest enemy vessel, let's take some heat off the Midway. Open general hailing frequencies. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The cruiser immediately opens fire and the three frigates take a moment before opening fire on the KDF ship. Sulayman@drcrippler sits in a bridge officer chair. To Lunya@nevanya1: Pressure seems to be taken off the Midway, for now at least Keelah@crystyll: "Lunya mark the warp signature of the enemy ship in possession. That's our one to slip the net" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *shakes a bit in her chair* That's the spirit *turns to the side* Let's show them we know to sing the war song! Lunya@nevanya1 nods "Ghost One get a tracer beacon on that ship!" she orders, as the commanded Peregrine banks towards it, and fires a marker probe at the freighter Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *as her officers grunts that hailing frequencies are open, she gets up* Servants of the Branded Bitch! We've been looking for you, it's time for payback for your cowardly actions! Keelah@crystyll doubletakes at Sadia, having forgotten how Klingon she can be at times Eunha@turtles#8407 Turns in her chair to tactical "Ensing ready a phaser spread when we warp in, and standby photon torpedos." then back to Ops Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I Daramar takes on incoming fire and returns it in kind, as it spools it's main axial disruptor autocannon... Eunha@turtles#8407: ensign* Keliaya@anncarise FX | As the cruiser takes a few nasty hits, the freighter turns its powerful tachyon pulse on the Daramar. Even the massive Klingon warship's shields feel the strain of the attack. Lunya@nevanya1 adds to her report "Task Force, attacks on Midway have lessoned, we are pulling back to stabilize hull breaches" she advises them Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Quirks an eyebrow hearing Sadia, then say something to someone at his left Keelah@crystyll FX | VF arrives and moves to cover the retreating freighters. Scattered phaser fire across the nearest pursuing ship Eunha@turtles#8407: "Fire the torpedos ensign." Keelah@crystyll: "Eunha, tell those freighters to bug out; open frequency" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods and does just that Keliaya@anncarise FX | One of the escorts try to take the chance to steal more cargo when the VF jumps in. Its fire tears through the Nausicaan frigate's shields and it pulls back. William Levesley@Levesley: Which ship has the stolen cargo for reference? Lunya@nevanya1: Let me vaporize a freighter? lol Sulayman@drcrippler: "Initialising a tachyon pulse," he reports Lunya@nevanya1: *frigate To William Levesley@Levesley: The modified enemy freighter who's sending off the tachyon attacks is holding the cargo To Lunya@nevanya1: Sure! William Levesley@Levesley: cheers Keliaya@anncarise: "Let's give them a taste of their own medicine!" Keelah@crystyll: Sadia Cynis@gulremal: what ship we must keep alive to escape? is that modded freighter a valid target To Sulayman@drcrippler: Who are we targetting with the pulse? Sulayman@drcrippler: "I think I can knock off one of the ship's shields for a few seconds, we should fire in that time," he suggests as he works Keliaya@anncarise: Modded freighter must be kept alive, yeah Sulayman@drcrippler: Er.... Keliaya@anncarise: But we can do a few hits on it so it looks like we're trying! Lunya@nevanya1 gives a small smirk "Not fully out of this. Ready all torpedo tubes, target the Orion Frigate. FIRE!" she orders, as the massive amount of torpedo tubes aboard Midway fire in unison, + Sulayman@drcrippler: "Who shall I target Captain?" he asks Keelah Lunya@nevanya1: over fifteen torpedos streak towards the Orion Frigate Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I *sits back in her chair* Emergency power to front shields, tractor the cruiser for better aim and fire the autocannon! Let 'er rip! Lunya@nevanya1: I'll let you do the FX for it lol Alistair Nimitz@natthaan Waits for plot speed to allow the Akagi to arrive to save the day Eunha@turtles#8407: "Tacticals maintain phaser fire, and launch photo torpedos at my, commander zee's or the captains desgrestion." William Levesley@Levesley: am I waiting for GM nodd for arrival? Eunha@turtles#8407: tactical*) To William Levesley@Levesley: Mhmm Keelah@crystyll: "Target the nearest frigate. Our role is to keep the freighters safe, leave the rest to the task force" William Levesley@Levesley: kk Keelah@crystyll FX | Camelot warps in To William Levesley@Levesley: There's your cue! Sulayman@drcrippler nods as he does so. "Tachyon pulse in 3...2..." Sulayman@drcrippler: rolls 62 (1-100) Sulayman@drcrippler: "1." he fires William Levesley@Levesley: (FX) Camelot bursts into real space. Instantly beginning to bare down upon the Orion Cruiser its forward weapons firing Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Orion corvette tries to evade but is struck by most of Midway's torpedoes and it goes down in a spectacular explosion. Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I IKS Daramar's tractor beam grab (or try to) the enemy cruiser, slowing it down as the main autocannon spools up and start firing rapid oversized disruptor bolts at it. Sulayman@drcrippler: At the nearst frigate, the roll can help you to decide how well it works :) Keliaya@anncarise FX | One of the Nausicaan ships lose most of their shields from the tachyon pulse. Sulayman@drcrippler: "Enemy shields down to 7 % Captain," he reports Keliaya@anncarise FX | The cruiser's shields also go down to the repeated assault while being stuck in Daramar's tractor and unable to flee. To Eunha@turtles#8407: We're picking up a distress call from the enemy cruiser. Keelah@crystyll: "Commander Zhy'lia; let's see if we can do more than bloody their nose, shall we? You have the con" Keelah@crystyll FX | Attar arrives! Eunha@turtles#8407: "Captain, we're picking up a distress call from the enemey crusier." Keelah@crystyll turns to Sulay, "Jam them!" Lunya@nevanya1 gives a notification to the task force "Midway to Task Force, that torpedo barrage knocked our weapons offline due to a power surge, bringing them back up now" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Aye Captain" Sulayman@drcrippler: "Already on it sir!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "It was about time!" he says when the helm reports the Attar arrival on the scene:"Quantum torpedoes spread, high yeld, follow the Camelot and target that cruiser; phasers stand-by." Keliaya@anncarise: Only Nimitz yet to arrive, yes? Sulayman@drcrippler: rolls 11 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll: yep! Will bring him in after timo's opening move Keliaya@anncarise: Awesome! William Levesley@Levesley looks off camera. "Standby Phaser Lance." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Target the frigate, lets get rid of at least one more soon" Lunya@nevanya1: [C] "Ajax to Midway, Ghosts leader is requesting withdraw, fighters are out of torpedos" Keelah@crystyll FX | He is now! Akagi warps in Keliaya@anncarise FX | The torpedoes wreak havoc on the cruiser, leaving it almost entirely dead in the water. The two remaining frigates fall back to cover the modified enemy freighter. Lunya@nevanya1 looks to Keelah "Valley Forge, Midway is requesting to recall fighters and shuttle Sulayman@drcrippler swears. "The beam overloaded the systems Captain, we've lost a bit of our shields and I couldn't jam the comms" Keelah@crystyll: "Eunha; continuous broadcast warning enemy vessels to disengage immediately" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Aye Captain." beings to broadcast a message Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Captain Vel, withdraw your fighters; pull back and cover the other freighters." he says hearing Lunya. Keelah@crystyll nods to Lunya, "You've done your part Midway, pull your birds home" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] The Akagi wastes little time as she unleashes a volley of forward fire upon one of the frigates once she drops from warp. Keelah@crystyll: (dangit! Strike mine sorry!) Lunya@nevanya1 nods to Timo "Copy, Ghost flight you are cleared to return, Ajax follow them in" she orders, as Midway's rear hanger doors would open in preperation for their return William Levesley@Levesley: FX | Camelot continues to close on the cruiser like an unstoppable Leviathan, slow steady and inexorable Keliaya@anncarise FX | A sensor shimmer off the Daramar's port turns into a massive ship constructed from salvaged pieces. It decloaks near the KDF ship and fires a powerful disruptor javalin. Lunya@nevanya1: Consent to blast off one of Midway's nacelles with that if you wish hehe Keliaya@anncarise FX | One of the frigates goes down and the remaining one is on full retreat, covering the modified freighter Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Camelot, disable the cruiser, if it still needed...we may have an opportunity of capturing it..." then to his own officers:"Target the nearest ship and cover the Camelot, all phasers." Sulayman@drcrippler turns in his chair. "Sir, I could possibly create a small gravity well, using the data I've been collecting from studying the star. It is a risk but if it pays off it could aid the battle," To Lunya@nevanya1: It's targetting the Daramar, but thanks! Lunya@nevanya1: of course! Keelah@crystyll looks to Sulay, "What about the freighters? Are the far enough away?" Sulayman@drcrippler taps. "Yes sir," Lunya@nevanya1: [FX] Midway moves to cover the retreating freighters, a brief shimmer would show that she just restored her shields Sulayman@drcrippler: (I hope.) William Levesley@Levesley: FX | With the Cruiser dead in the water thanks to the Midway torpedos. Camelot turns and aims at the newly arrived target. William Levesley@Levesley: rolls 80 (1-100) Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Daramar takes a massive blow to port shields from the Salvage-Ship's energy javalin. It fires a wild salvo of torpedoes and a variety of other energy weapons as it backs away from the - Keliaya@anncarise - Camelot's fire to cover the modified freighter. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] The Akagi also moves about to engage the new Salavage ship, mainly targetting it's Javalin weapon to disable it Keelah@crystyll: "Midway, take over with the freighters. We need to cover Daramar. Helm, form up on the Akagi" William Levesley@Levesley: FX | The Camelot unleashes its Phaser lance at the Salvage Ship Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Looks like we've an old friend here..." he says when noticing the modified enemy ship:"Target: new enemy vessel; all phasers and torpedoes, attack pattern Delta 2." William Levesley@Levesley: rolls 58 (1-100) Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *she grabs her armchair as the bridge shakes* Hah! More enemies, excellent! Switch target to the newcomer, all auxiliary power to the inertial dampeners! Turn us around and open fire! Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: rolls 59 (1-100) Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: rolls 69 (1-100) Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Tactical, I want a full scan of that vessel!" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage-Ship takes a beating, but its shields surprisingly hold until the phaser lance tears through it and knocks off a small section of the loosely held together ship. Keelah@crystyll FX | VF sweeps back towards the main battlefield and comes alongside Akagi bringing weapons to bear on the salvage ship Sulayman@drcrippler: Hey so if I get to do this, and it works, it should, hopefully, draw all the enemy ships to a full stop...so let me know if that's not what you want! :) Sadia Cynis@gulremal: FX I Daramar boosts it's inertial dampeners, turning to face the enemy that did a flyby, it's sensors sweeping over the newcomer, looking for weak spots. Sadia Cynis@gulremal: rolls 56 (1-100) To Sulayman@drcrippler: Do it! I can show off enemy sci skills by having them counter it William Levesley@Levesley: "Ahhah!" *Levesley cries with triumph* Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Transfer all useful tactical data to other ships!" William Levesley@Levesley: "Reset the main coils, charge for another blast." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage-Ship turns to an undamaged facing and goes in full retreat. The knocked off section seems to function on its own as a phaser turret, maintaining fire on the surrounding ships. Keliaya@anncarise FX | Meanwhile, the last Nausicaan frigate goes ramming speed towards the Akagi... Sulayman@drcrippler: "Sir, the gravity well is ready, on your mark," Keelah@crystyll: "Do it" she nods Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] The Akagi fires all weapons at the charging frigate. Sulayman@drcrippler: "Bismillah," he mutters in Arabic before he fires Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: rolls 67 (1-100) Sulayman@drcrippler: rolls 67 (1-100) Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: FX | The Attar is closing in fast to the Salvage Ship, focusing its fire on the damaged section and the engines Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: rolls 54 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll FX | VF fires facing weapons and tractor repulsor at the kamikaze frigate Lunya@nevanya1 starts talking with her bridge officers, as they start to evaluate damage to the ship Keelah@crystyll: rolls 47 (1-100) William Levesley@Levesley looks off screen. "Charge status?" William Levesley@Levesley: rolls 64 (1-100) Keliaya@anncarise FX | The gravity well holds the enemy ships in pace, long enough for the ships to destroy the frigate. Then, a pulse emanates from the modified freighter's powerful deflector and the gravity well Keliaya@anncarise - fades, allowing the remaining enemy ships to break free. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The Salvage-Ship cloaks and disappears while the freighter warps off. Sulayman@drcrippler: "Oh no no no!" he mutters and tries to counter the deflector but it is too late. "Damn!" Keliaya@anncarise FX | All enemies are either gone or have retreated from the field. William Levesley@Levesley hits his hand on the arm of his chair. "Damn." Keelah@crystyll: "All ships; status report" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Prepare a tachyon burst similar to that used by the VF" he orders to an invisible officer:"Activate when ready and focus..." he looks at the disappearing ship:"Damn." William Levesley@Levesley: "Checking now." Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *turns to her tac officer* Did you get any useful data? William Levesley@Levesley: also doing a scan of the Orion Cruiser for survivors/useful shiz Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] Akagi targets to destory the small chunk of the salvage ship that is acting as a turret. Keelah@crystyll looks between Eunha and invisi-Zee as VF decks report in To William Levesley@Levesley: Several survivors are present, the ship is usual branded lady modified Orion tech Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: rolls 34 (1-100) Lunya@nevanya1 shakes her head as the power flickers on the Midway's bridge again, as damage control teams continue to work on the ship, Lunya remaining quiet on the comms for now Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "All ships, status report." To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: Tactical picks up something eerily familiar in the cruiser's cargo bay...a squadron of battle droids, the ones the Task Force has fought against many times when - William Levesley@Levesley: FX | The Camelot comes about and heads back to the dead in the water cruiser. To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: - butting heads with Blood Queen Maral... William Levesley@Levesley: Ok Camelot will beam over the survivors and place them into stasis. To prevent suicide or incapacitation. I'll also send an EVA crew for the Computer core Eunha@turtles#8407: "All decks reporting in, minor damage after our little tachyon beam stunt failed but nothing too bad." Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Daramar here, our port shields are down and we've got minor hull breach on decks 11 and 12. Damage control teams are working. Keelah@crystyll: "Valley Forge; some bumps and bruises, but nothing severe" William Levesley@Levesley: (C) The Cruiser has survivors. Camelot is picking them up we are also seeing if we can salvage the Computer Core. Sulayman@drcrippler frowns. "It didn't fail. It...okay yeah it failed..." To William Levesley@Levesley: That's a good idea! All surviving crewmembers should be recovered with that strategy, although some of them have cybernetic implants when examined by medical crew - To William Levesley@Levesley: - implants that would allow them to self-terminate if they ever gain consciousness Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [C] Akagi Actual, reporting no damage, moving to leand a hand to the Midway with Engineering teams." Keelah@crystyll: "Do we have a read on tracked cargo...?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: *Pokes about the turret* Sadia Cynis@gulremal: anything else regarding salvage ship's tech in general, tac capabilities? :) William Levesley@Levesley: Yea figured thwy would hence the stasis, I learned that from the previous AARs Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Very well, all of you: prepare to withdraw as soon as we've confirm of our tracking signal. We'll take the cruiser with us, if possible." Sulayman@drcrippler: (C) Sam: This is the USS Endeavour, we are receiving your distress call, eta 5 hours To Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: That can be disabled in the fighting and you can have it if you want! Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *she turns to a side, listening, and frowns* Are you sure? Keelah@crystyll: (lol sam...) Eunha@turtles#8407 checks the cargo Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: [FX] The Akagi also swings around to take onboard the chunk of the salvage ship after it's been disabled. William Levesley@Levesley looks to Timo. "We have the Cruiser surivors. Crew is being placed immediatly in stasis." To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: Salvage-Ship is an absolute monster, with tech from almost every imaginable local power, numerous weapons systems, including the Nausicaan javalin which we saw Eunha@turtles#8407: (C) Valley Forge to Endeavour, no need , situation has been dealt with. To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: It's got a cloaking device up to modern spec, as we can't see them once they've turned it on Keelah@crystyll nods a fist bumps her armrest triumphantly, momentarily forgetting that it's now a LCARS panel and not padded leather Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Good, captain Levesley. The computer?" Keliaya@anncarise: Hahaha Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "If you don't have anything against it, after you've done salvaging the computer core, I want to claim rest of the ship. It would come good for spare parts for our allies." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head and mouths a silent 'oww...' William Levesley@Levesley: "Teams are working now. They are trying to pull as much as they can." Sulayman@drcrippler: (C)Sam: You're kidding me...copy that Valley Forge, standing down red alert. Bishop out" William Levesley@Levesley: rolls 98 (1-100) To William Levesley@Levesley: Hahaha you can have everything Eunha@turtles#8407: "Welp your fiancé is not on the way anymore." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: To Sadia:"You've fought well, captain. You earned it. Just give us the time to take the core and making a few scans." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois He cannot help but smiling briefly hearing the comm from the Endeavour William Levesley@Levesley looks off camera for a moment, seems to exchange some un heard words. He nodds and then smiles Keelah@crystyll: "Stand down to yellow alert. Helm bring us about to form up with the freighters" William Levesley@Levesley looks to Timo. "Captain we can report the away team Engineers have salvaged 98% of the Computer Core content." Lunya@nevanya1 looks back towards the holo captains "Weapons restored. We do have casualties though" she says a bit of pain in her voice Keelah@crystyll: "Eunha, can you confirm the status of people on the freighteres? Is medical support needed?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Scanning." does what is asked Sadia Cynis@gulremal: *To Timo* "No problem. You weren't too shabby yourself. It was good battle, you'll have to take me out for more of these." To Eunha@turtles#8407: All lifeforms on board the freighters are stiill there. MACO commander comms in to report that there are no casualties and the cargo has been taken as planned William Levesley@Levesley: cheers Sadia Cynis@gulremal: thanks, just prepping info for the debrief and aar Eunha@turtles#8407: "MACO commander reports no casualties and all the cargo has been taken as planned." Sulayman@drcrippler is looking over the diagnostic reports for the tachyon beam, the gravity well and the enemy counter measure. To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: Awesome! Sadia Cynis@gulremal: also, can I bug you for kdf aar from the last mission, when you get the time? To Sadia Cynis@gulremal: Will do! Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Good, captain. A prize more for a well-executed operation." then he hears Lunya, and he sighs:"I'm sorry, captain Vel." Keelah@crystyll smiles, breathing a sigh of relief. Excellent, and the cargo trace...?" Sulayman@drcrippler: "Nowhere near the output required to recreate the effects of the star," he frowns and downloads the data to his PADD."Looks like I need to do some more work..." Eunha@turtles#8407 Traces the cargo "1 second..." tap tap tap Keliaya@anncarise looks to Sulayman, "You did good. It's these pirates, they seem to know their science as well as any of us." Sulayman@drcrippler turns to Sepunk...heh...Sepunk..."Good work there." Sulayman@drcrippler turns to Kelly. "The gravity well did not do as I expected. It should have been a lot more powerful." Keelah@crystyll: i'm hoping eunha's just got a confirmed tracking signal. not actually expecting any results or anything so soon! hehe Keliaya@anncarise: "Well I was allocating a lot of power into weapons at the time. And besides, it should've worked on most pirate ships." Sulayman@drcrippler shakes his head. "More work is needed," he says simply and goes back to his number crunching Keliaya@anncarise: "Right...I'll let you get back to it." Lunya@nevanya1 looks to Timo "We've recovered our fighters and shuttles. Initial reports are....twenty five wounded, and....five dead" she sighs William Levesley@Levesley looks to Timo. "All teams are now back onboard the Camelot." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Tracking signal is strong." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Lunya:"I'm sorry to hear that, captain. Send my sincerest condolences to their families." then turns on Sadia, still a bit sad in his voice:"Captain, the enemy cruiser is yours." Keelah@crystyll breathes a deep sigh of relief, "At least we can say that the mission was a success. We knew there would likely be casualties, it is on us to ensure their sacrifice is not in vain..." Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Thank you, captain." *barks some orders in klingon and soon multiple transporter signatures can be detected as battlecruiser's 20 transporter rooms start beaming over multiple assault and- Sadia Cynis@gulremal: - engineering teams onto the disabled vessel. Daramar itself moves into toving position* William Levesley@Levesley: "Well then, looks like its back to DS13." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Lev:"I guess so. All ships, let's go back to DS13." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Helm... take us home" Sadia Cynis@gulremal: "Copy that." Eunha@turtles#8407 Lets Npc take over Eunha@turtles#8407 Puts a hand on Sulayman's shoulder "Good job." Lunya@nevanya1 looks to her helmsman "Set course for DS 13, highest warp available" she says, with a heavy tone "I'll be in my ready room" she adds as her feed cuts
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 94090.5 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential
LOCATION: Kelterre Sector
MISSION:Operation Pandora's Box
OUTCOME: Tracked cargo successfully planted with Branded Lady forces. Additional recovery of prisoners and computer core from disabled vessel.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Cynis [IKS Daramar] CAPT Levesley [USS Camelot] CAPT Nimitz [USS Akagi] CAPT Se'Lai [USS Valley Forge] CAPT Timoreev [USS Attar] CAPT Vel [USS Midway] CMDR Zh'Zhavis LCDR al Firawn LCDR Eunbi LCDR Keliaya USS Astraeus USS Republic
NARRATIVE: Following our mission brief to bring all personnel up to speed with the latest amendments to the operational plan; task force vessels were deployed along the freighter route with USS Astraeus and Republic patrolling the start [Legia] and end [New Circini] systems, and USS Midway conducting her routine escort of the convoy. The remainder of the task force was dispersed intermittently along the trade route to provide both optimum coverage and believable distress call responses.
As anticipated, the Branded Lady forces jumped the convoy en route and Midway engaged with 'Ghost' fighter squadron. After putting up a sufficient fight, the Midway triggered false sensor readings of core failure and began a retreat while signalling the rest of the task force with a general distress call. IKS Daramar was first on scene and reliably quick to make it's presence felt. Valley Forge arrived shortly afterwards and maneuvered to protect the fleeing freighters as we had - by this time - received confirmation from the Midway that all of the tracked cargo had been removed. We were closely followed by the Camelot and Attar; Camelot making full utilization of it's lance [which incidentally was the only weapon to breach the shields of the heavy 'salvage ship' which appeared later in the frey]. USS Akagi arrived after the Attar, aiding with efforts against the remaining vessels.
As unfortunate as it was to engage in combat on this scale; it was not unforeseen on this occasion and despite some regrettable losses from the Midway, our task force prevailed with - overall - minimal damage and casualty counts [including the MACO squads manning the freighters who reported no casualties]. The enemy salvage ship escaped in escort of a modified freighter and fleeing frigate, though hull fragments were recovered from it along with a disabled heavy cruiser.
RECOMMENDATION: Prisoners detained by USS Camelot to be suitably processed. Recovered [98%] of cruiser computer core requires in depth decryption and analysis. Monitoring of the tracked cargo should likely be taken up by SFI. Tactical analysis of new data on heavy salvage ship may yield new results to aid in future engagements.