ST:TTV321 | "Waylaid"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 95206.6
After delivering mission support personnel to the USS Attar, Shuttlecraft Skye is en route back to meet with the Valley Forge. At least it is supposed to be...
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Crystyl03/03/2019 Chief Sullivan is busily pottering around underneath one of the shuttles; an open toolkit beside the visible feet poking beyond the short nacelle being the only indicator of his presence to any who first enter the room AnnCarise03/03/2019 Lycas enters the hangar bay, stopping for a moment to look around him. Crystyl03/03/2019 FX: A bang promptly followed by a string of underbreath cursing comes from under the shuttle AnnCarise03/03/2019 The aged Vulcan checks around for any sign of danger before approaching the shuttle. Crystyl03/03/2019 Nothing beyond the squirming feet poking from under it is apparent AnnCarise03/03/2019 He steps up to the shuttle, stopping beside the squirming feet, "Is everything proceeding optimally?" Crystyl03/03/2019 Another bump, "Sonofa..." Sully slides his way out rubbing his head, "Oh, quite well Commander, aye! Just running her through preflight for you" AnnCarise03/03/2019 Lycas nods, "As you were then, Chief. Unless you require assistance?" Crystyl03/03/2019 Sully smiles, waving a dismissive hand, "Don't you worry yourself Commander. You can go ahead and get settled on board if you want, won't be long now and your pilot should be here" AnnCarise03/03/2019 Lycas leaves Sully to his work and steps into the shuttle, taking a seat. ?a???e04/03/2019 James enters the hanger bay, one hand in his pocket, the other twisting a space spanner around his fingers, whistling "she'll be coming round the mountain" as he walks. He stops and looks around. AnnCarise05/03/2019 Lycas takes out a PADD and taps on the screen a few times before holding it still and beginning to read from it. He does not seem to have noticed James, the man's gold shoulders blending in with other enlisted personnel who are regularly found in hangar areas in all Starfleet ships and facilities. Crystyl05/03/2019 Sully meanwhile recognizes the whistling and peers around the shuttle, "James! Just the man, finishing up preflight here for the away team. Come to give me a hand?" ?a???e05/03/2019 "Yep, heard you needed the ionic stabiliser coil for the impulse generator," he says, reaching into his belt and pulling out a small object. "Here you go," he holds it out Crystyl05/03/2019 Sully grins, taking the gizmo, "Top man James! So, you gonna give me a hand fitting this so the brass can get underway?" He asks, moving around to an open access panel on the shuttle rear ?a???e05/03/2019 "And what, you lounge around doing nothing?" he smirks, following. "I just provide the parts you know!" Crystyl05/03/2019 "So what, you just gonna stand there and watch?" He scoffs from behind the shuttle ?a???e05/03/2019 "That's my plan, yes," he chuckles, "Shift over," he smiles and bends down to the open panel Crystyl05/03/2019 Sully grins, stepping to one side so James can assist him ?a???e05/03/2019 James leans into the hatch. "Oh yeah I can see why they needed a replacement..." he chuckles and leans out. "The system needs to be reset from the inside, I think it's panel 34c. They'll be a green thing that looks like a switch. Can you go and flick that upwards please?" he asks Sully Crystyl05/03/2019 Sully turns and stares at James a long moment, "It needed a replacement because I said it needed one. You just stick with your big engines and leave my shuttles to me, eh. Now go reset 32d if you wanna help, maybe learn something while you're at it" ?a???e05/03/2019 James hands the gizmo to Sully. "Sure boss," he shrugs Crystyl05/03/2019 Sully shakes his head lightly with a chuckle as he watches James move off, "Kids, always knowing best" ?a???e05/03/2019 James enters the shuttle and looks around for 32d AnnCarise06/03/2019 Lycas looks up from his PADD, "Hello there. Are you joining us on the journey?" ?a???e07/03/2019 James jumps lightly. "Oh, didn't know there was anyone in here," AnnCarise07/03/2019 "Apologies if I startled you. I may have arrived earlier than expected, then. Or were you not aware that this shuttle will be launching soon?" ?a???e07/03/2019 "I'm just here to make sure the shuttle is working, I don't know any specifics sir," he smiles AnnCarise07/03/2019 "You're a small craft specialist, then? Or a general repair technician?" ?a???e07/03/2019 "General repairs sir. I work in one of the labs. Parts are requisitioned and I bring them," he smiles, spotting 32d and opening it AnnCarise07/03/2019 "I see," Lycas nods. "If you wish to join the team, I am sure the Captain will authorize it, but I imagine your skills are more suited for use on the ship." ?a???e07/03/2019 James smiles and sticks his head into the panel, looking around for the reset button. "I just get told where to be and do it," he says. "I'm fairly versatile," AnnCarise07/03/2019 "I believe I will primarily be working with the Attar's personnel, but having a repair specialist along could be useful depending on what our objective ends up becoming. I don't suppose you have any experience with non-Federation technologies?" ?a???e07/03/2019 "Only from what I've seen on my various ship postings sir," AnnCarise07/03/2019 "Ever worked with Iconian technology before?" ?a???e07/03/2019 "Ico... No sir," he peers from the panel AnnCarise07/03/2019 "Well, it was worth asking. I will allow you to concentrate, unless you are one of those who like to converse while working?" ?a???e07/03/2019 "Oh I'm done," he flicks a final switch and then presses his badge. "Mackenzie to Sullivan, I've done the reset sir," Crystyl07/03/2019 "Top man!" Sully calls back, "That's this bird all ready to fly as soon as your pilot gets here. I'll be in the control room when you're ready" ?a???e08/03/2019 "Wait..." James steps back outside. "Your pilot? Am I on this mission too?" Crystyl08/03/2019 Sully pauses and shrugs, "I assume you would know if you were. Nothing to do with me, I'm just here to run the shuttle out!" He laughs ?a???e08/03/2019 "I was just here to deliver the part!" he sighs. "I'll gave to consult the duty roster," he groans, pulling out his PADD Crystyl09/03/2019 Jenni comes wandering in, a smile and a wave to Sully as she passes, "All good to go Chief?" Sully nods, "Yep. Shuttlecraft Skye is all checked out and ready to depart" Jenni smiles, "Thanks Sully. Try not to have too much fun without us now!" She chuckles with another wave as she heads over to the shuttle "We all set for our trip here?" She asks, spotting James outside and Lycas inside when she peers through the open door ?a???e09/03/2019 "He is. I'm not an away team crewman so I'll be sticking here," he steps off the shuttle and glances back. "She's all yours LT," Crystyl09/03/2019 "Alright then! She climbs on board, stowing a small bag and moving up to the front, "Hello Commander, all set to depart for the Attar?" ?a???e09/03/2019 Volim stumbles out of the lift, carrying a large, heavy backpack, and holding two heavy pieces of equipment in his hands. He makes his way painfully slowly towards the shuttle, looking like he'd collapse at any moment. "Ensign Monnir reporting sir," AnnCarise09/03/2019 Lycas looks up from his PADD at Jenni, "I am. You are the shuttle pilot, I assume?" He nods over to Volim, "Take a seat once you've set down the equipment, Ensign." ?a???e09/03/2019 Volim staggers into the shuttle and drops the equipment into the back of the shuttle. Crystyl09/03/2019 "Thats me, Sir. Flight Lieutenant Baelai, Jenni, at your service" she taps away preparing the shuttle to launch AnnCarise09/03/2019 "Your uniform; it is not Starfleet, unless this ship possesses a unique flight suit variant?" Crystyl09/03/2019 She chuckles, moving to help Volim stow his equipmemt, "Nothing gets by you does it, Sir. I'm with the FEPD, I guess since we are ultimately heading to my homeworld the Captain felt it would be prudent for me to serve as your escort!" AnnCarise09/03/2019 "Ahh, so you are a local. Most interesting." He looks back to Volim. "You are science department, correct?" ?a???e09/03/2019 Volim turns around. "Oh, yes sir, I am," AnnCarise09/03/2019 "What is your specialization, Ensign?" ?a???e09/03/2019 "Military technology sir," AnnCariseLast Sunday at 04:15 "Research, I would presume? Everything else to do with military technology would be engineering, or tactical for final implementation." ?a???eLast Sunday at 09:57 "Yes, sir. It's the use of scientific principles in aspects of warfare. I often work alongside the engineers on the ship. That is my primary title, but I do assist with a lot of other experiments, under Lieutenants Minatozaki and Sepuk," CrystylLast Sunday at 12:20 Returning to her seat, Jenni taps away at the console. The shuttle engines hum to life and the door slides shut. "Ok... preflight is good, all systems are green... Ancestors, it feels weird doing this by hand; everything is so slow!" she laughs. Glancing over her shoulder to the others, "Alright guys, settle in and we'll get you underway!" before looking back and tapping to open the commlink, "Hangar control is the Shuttlecraft Skye requesting departure clearance" Sully's voice comes back over the speaker, "Skye, you are cleared for launch. Opening bay door.... enjoy your trip" Jenni smiles, watching as the long bay door lowers to reveal the starfield beyond the nacelle that looms over the aft end of the hangar, "Thank you control, try not to have too much fun without us. Skye out" ?a???eLast Sunday at 12:22 Volim carefully reaches into his pocket for a hypo and hypos himself, putting the hypo back into his pocket when he's done. CrystylLast Sunday at 12:24 With that she powers up the thrusters and the shuttle coasts gently off the deck before accelerating out through the shielded open door. She banks the shuttle around, rising in a circle above the VF giving a view of looking down on the ship through the side window, then lays in their course to the rendezvous coordinates and the straightens it's trajectory before jumping to warp ?a???eLast Sunday at 12:25 Volim sits at the back with his eyes shut. ---Room Transition--- CrystylLast Sunday at 12:33 Shuttlecraft Skye cruises at low warp, en route to rendezvous with USS Attar as pilot - Jenni - delivers mission specialists to the team heading back to her homeworld to conduct the detailed survey into the recently discovered Iconian gateway Jenni taps away at the pilot console, "Trajectory is good... systems optimal..." she glances to one side, "...nothing on long range sensors..." she sighs softly, leaning back in her seat, "Well... anyone bring a deck of cards?" she asks with a slight smile, clearly not accustomed to flights of this nature as she struggles to adapt to the less eventful and relatively long haul trip ?a???eLast Sunday at 12:36 Volim has still has his eyes shut and shakes his head slightly AnnCariseLast Sunday at 19:43 "Ah yes, cards. The human game officers often use to pass time and exercise their mental abilities, similar to chess. I am sure the shuttle's replicator can create a deck." CrystylLast Sunday at 20:30 Jenni spins her seat around to face the other two, "Well hey, you know... doesn't have to be cards. I mean... what do you guys normally do to pass the time on these trips?" ?a???eLast Sunday at 20:31 "Sleep," he mutters AnnCariseLast Sunday at 20:33 "That would depend on who else was in the shuttle. I have been with a few officers who played games, some who preferred to discuss details concerning the task at hand, and a few who were strangely intent on recounting their life stories." CrystylLast Sunday at 20:33 "Well naturally!" She chuckles to Vorim, "What else though? Not like you can sleep for days on end right...?" She turns with a curious glance to Lycas, "Huh... what about you then, any preference?" ?a???eLast Sunday at 20:34 "Unfortunately not," he says, with a frown AnnCariseLast Sunday at 20:42 "You are from Forged Earth, which is the ultimate destination for our research. I would appreciate anything you could share of your people." CrystylLast Sunday at 20:54 "Well sure!" She beams happily, "I'll tell you whatever I can to help. Was there... well, where should I start?" She chuckles AnnCariseLast Sunday at 20:58 "Any information concerning this gateway discovery would be most relevant, of course, but we have more than ample time to start from the beginning. You were founded from an old Earth colony ship, correct?" CrystylLast Sunday at 21:02 She nods, "Yes, the Valley Forge. As for the recent discovery, I suspect you probably know more than me already as I just picled up stuff folks said about it!" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:03 "I am told you did not know it was there. I don't suppose there were any signs of the system being previously inhabited when your people first arrived?" CrystylLast Sunday at 21:04 She shakes her head, "That is why this is being taken so seriously as the potential ramifications of having predecessors there is deeply troubling to my people. Keep in mind that they are still getting used to even having aliens around again" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:11 "I see. Earth had similar issues prior to the formation of the Federation as well. I don't expect your people are aware of the Voth yet?" CrystylLast Sunday at 21:15 "No, I have been studying Federation species but my people in general are limited in exposure still" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:18 "The Voth are not a Federation species. Not yet, at least, but to my understanding it is unlikely they will be willing to accept our ideals anytime soon. They are, however, known to have evolved on your homeworld of Earth millions of years before you. For reasons unknown, they departed the planet on a mass exodus and now operate nomadically in the Delta Quadrant." "So, in a way, your species have always had a predecessor, though your colony would not have been aware of it at the time of departure. I am no sociologist, though it is likely this information will only complicate your social situation." CrystylLast Sunday at 21:22 Jenni's eyes widen, "No way... millions of years..? Wow! And yeaj, my people have come to regard themselves independently of Humans from old Earth. A bit like the way Romulans and Vulcans are now split as I understand it" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:24 Lycas nods, "I certainly see the similarity, and there were known cases of xenophobia among both Vulcan and Romulan culture." "The Romulans left Vulcan due to a disagreement. Was that your situation as well?" CrystylLast Sunday at 21:26 "Yeah... for the most part, my people are only xenophobic towards yours. Or at least, the now mythological variation of them. Which... is actually more like a Romulan!" She laughs. "As for why the First left... they strongly opposed the way Humanity was being restrained following first contact and saught to develop independently" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:35 "Oh? I was under the impression humanity was beginning to reunite and become more peaceful following your development of the warp drive." CrystylLast Sunday at 21:37 "It was, I believe! But many felt that Vulcan influence was holding Humanity back, including the First. Difference is, they acted and broke away" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 21:43 "Ahh, I understand. I am no historian, but I do recall reading that the Vulcans of the time did note that humans were advancing surprisingly quickly, and some did recommend curtailing this development." CrystylLast Sunday at 21:45 "Well I've no doubt that our archives tell a very one sided version od things, but am happy to show you to the Central Archives some time if you would like to see our history!" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 22:01 "I will attempt to make time to visit the Archives while I am in the system. My primary focus is the Gateway, however. I understand it is not located on the site of the colony, but within a mine elsewhere in the system." CrystylLast Sunday at 22:04 "Yeah, the Newfrika E-On mine. It's the largest off world settlement we have, and rapidly growing every year" AnnCariseLast Sunday at 22:28 "What are the primary resources produced by this mine?" CrystylLast Sunday at 22:31 "Element One. It's the primary fuel source used by our fleet, as the system is almost completely devoid of dilithium. It's we don't have warp capable ships, as we are still in the early days of refining E-On, amd it is very scarce" AnnCariseLast Monday at 02:12 “Element One...I’m afraid I’m not familiar with such a fuel source. Are you aware if the Federation has another name for it, or is it completely new to us?” ?a???eLast Monday at 10:17 A small snore comes from the direction of Volim, who looks pretty green. His head is resting against the corner. CrystylLast Monday at 18:38 Jenni glances towards the snoring, "Is he err... supposed to be that colour...?" AnnCariseLast Monday at 22:21 "I am not a medical specialist; however, he is not Vulcan or Romulan, and I have not met a Trill with such a pigment before." CrystylLast Monday at 22:23 She hrms and steps between them to go rummaging in the rear stowage. Returning a few moments later with a tricorder, "I trust you're proficient at least with one of these? I think I have the basics down but likely not as well as you..." she hands him an engineering tricorder AnnCariseLast Monday at 22:55 "I am indeed. This particular device is meant for analyzing machinery, but I should be able to utilize it to conduct a basic vitals check of the Ensign if you are worried for his health." CrystylLast Monday at 22:57 *I just don't wamt anything to go wrong... wait, it's the wrong type? Dammit!" She goes back and digs around for a medical tricorder, "That the one?" She asks, offering it forward AnnCariseLast Monday at 23:16 "Yes, this is a medical variant," Lycas takes the tricorder and gives Volim a scan. AnnCariseLast Monday at 23:43 He examines the results for a moment, "His vitals appear to be stable. However, the tricorder is detecting signs of illness, though it cannot identify any bacteria or virus which may be responsible for it." CrystylLast Tuesday at 19:26 "Alright, I guess we'll have to try waking him then. If we can't resolve what's wrong I'll have no choice but to turn the ship around and declare a medical emergency. Ancestors! What was he thinking joining a mission if he was sick!" She frowns, moving to try and wake the Trill up ?a???eLast Tuesday at 19:31 Volim groans as he wakes. "Did we arrive already?" CrystylLast Wednesday at 06:25 Jenni perks a brow as she leans back to look at him, "Well he sounds well enough..." ?a???eLast Wednesday at 11:58 Volim look out of the window. "Oh, we're still in space. Is there a problem?" CrystylLast Wednesday at 19:04 "We were about to ask you that ensign. Are you... feeling quite alright? You seem a rather odd shade of green for a Trill, apparently, and the tricorder can't determine what is wrong" ?a???eLast Wednesday at 19:15 "I..." he turns red. "I get shuttlesick..." CrystylLast Wednesday at 19:18 "Shuttlesick?" She asks with a sense of unfamiliarity at the tone, looking to Lycas to see if he is more familiar AnnCariseLast Wednesday at 22:33 "I believe it is a form of motion sickness associated with shuttlecraft when breaking atmosphere, undergoing specific maneuvers or as a result of a miscalibration in the craft's gravity plating." CrystylLast Wednesday at 22:35 "Oh! Huh... well maybe the grav plating is a little off then. Let me run a diagnostic" she scooches back to her console to check the system AnnCariseLast Wednesday at 22:37 "I am unsure what exactly triggers it, as I am fortunate enough not to be affected by most forms of movement. However, as we have not been through any atmospheric transitions or evasive maneuvers, a fault with the gravity plating is the only remaining probability I can think of." CrystylToday at 19:52 After determining that there was a small discrepancy in the grav plating, Jenni promptly corrected this in the hopes of easing the journey on Volim (though only he knows for sure if it helped or not). The rest of the trip passed uneventfully, save for a few ill-conceived attempts by Jenni to teach the others some card games... ---END--- Somek@cob450: rolls 58 (1-100) Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: rolls 33 (1-100) Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: rolls 13 (1-100) Bahieh@junnstormgrin: rolls 60 (1-100) Keelah@crystyll FX | All our ships are out and about just going about their business at present Moon@Savesh takes up position at Communications Station. Keelah@crystyll FX | The VF is holding position at rendezvous coordinates while it awaits the return of one of it's shuttlecraft Mathias@chrisdubois: rolls 44 (1-100) Mathias@chrisdubois: rolls 54 (1-100) Mathias@chrisdubois reads from their PADD. Moon@Savesh: Captain, we're receiving a transmission Moon@Savesh raises his voice over the din ambient bridge sounds "Captain, we're receiving a transmission." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods and looks over "On screen, please" Keelah@crystyll FX | All other ships in range will also be able to pick up this transmission Moon@Savesh moves his hands over the panel and activates the viewscreen. "Aye sir." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> Comms: "Captain, we're getting some strange subspace traffic being relayed from the Valley Forge. Patching it through." Keelah@crystyll FX | The visuasl is all static, though there should be a feed by rights Moon@Savesh: Captain, I'm not sure what's going on. There should be a clear signal. I'll see what I can do to clean it up. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> Miki: "Okayyyyy..." Keelah@crystyll: <C Jenni> "...-peat, this is- ... -craft Skye declaring an emergen- ... -ny Federation ship in range, please. We are-..." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan frowns "Can you clear the audio any?" Keelah@crystyll FX | Signal is on a standard Starfleet emergency frequency and automated loop Moon@Savesh hands operate the comms panel at an urgent pace "Doing my best Captain. It's on a loop, standard Starfleet emergency frequency." Mathias@chrisdubois: FX| The Lamia signals to have received the signal, and all surrounding vessels can see on sensors that is altering course in order to reach the coordinates Keliaya@anncarise: "That doesn't sound good. Do we have a fix on the shuttle's location?" Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher runs a scan on long range sensors in the direction of the hail Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| The USS Invictus signals receipt and that it is altering course to respond at maximum warp. Moon@Savesh: <C>: Shuttlecraft Skye, this is the USS Valeey Forge. We have received your signal, but the signal is breaking up. Please respond." Sana@turtles#8407 Sets her self up at her preferred science station Somek@cob450: FX | The Republic changes course from its patrol route and moves to intercept. Moon@Savesh puts in his earpiece to focus better on the weak signal. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "This is the Baton Rouge. We're on course to rendezvous with the Valley Forge. We have sensors and communications suites that could help in your task." Moon@Savesh puts the Baton Rouge's hail on speakers. Moon@Savesh: Captain, i've further refined the signal a bit. It sounds like The Skye might be under attack Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: Sir, The signal appears to be comin' from an unsurveyed nebula, i's way off the shuttles flight plan" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan pokes at the screen on her armrest: <C> "Good to have your assistance Captain, we are holding position until we can acquire some coordinates" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Ah, perfect timing. Relay the data to the Baton Rouge and let's get on our way" Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "No wonder their distress signal's so chonky. We'll do what we can to clear the noise and get some eyes in that soup." Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: "Aye sir" Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher transmits coordinates to the Baton Rouge Moon@Savesh continues standard comm procedures to repeat hail The Skye every 30 seconds. Keelah@crystyll FX | Responding ships: First to arrive will be the Invictus & Republic Keliaya@anncarise glances to Sana, "Lieutenant, can you detect any unusual properties of that nebula?" Sana@turtles#8407: "A nebula you say? I'll take a look." she scans it Zhyl'ia@thecastellan makes sure to update Captain Keelah on the way in Somek@cob450 FX | Drops out of warp, scans for the shuttle, and opens a hail. Somek@cob450: <C> "This is Captain Somek of the USS Republic. Starfleet vessel Skye, we have received your distress call. What is your situation?" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: |FX Drops out of warp, immediately calibrating sensors to filter any local interference, and scanning for the shuttle or it's transponder. Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic picks up something at the edge of the nebula and moves in to investigate, attempting to filter interference whlie doing so. Keelah@crystyll FX | The Republic recieves no response from the shuttle Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C> "This is Captain Bahieh of the USS Invictus, calling Starfleet Shuttlecraft Skye. We have received your distress call. What is the situation?" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: |FX| Moves to investigate sensor artifact at edge of nebula. Moon@Savesh routes relevant cross traffic communications to Captain's chair. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: Shields up. Yellow alert. Stand by SAR teams and transporter room." Somek@cob450 FX | Somek notices the Invictus has also responded, and hails it. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher routes power to shields Sana@turtles#8407: "Commander if we are too move closer to the nebula I can get you better readins at the moment they are too indecisive." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: FX | The Baton Rouge drops to yellow alert, but keeps her subspace eyes and ears open. Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic goes to red alert and raises shields and weapons. Keliaya@anncarise nods, "So it's one of those nebulas then...scan carefully once we're in range, then. We don't want to be surprised by anything." Somek@cob450 |FX| The Republic cancels its individual hail to the Invictus and instead broadcasts to Starfleet vessels within range. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C, tightbeam> Invictus to Republic, we have three bogies on scope. We are clearing for action now." to bridge crew. "Red Alert. Power to phasers." Sana@turtles#8407 Calibrates the sensors to be more effective in range Somek@cob450: <C> USS Republic to nearby Starfleet ships: located three hostiles, moving in to engage." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "Gods be damned.... I want those bogies clearly identified and assessed now!" Moon@Savesh: Captain, The Republic is transmitting that they have 'three bogies' and the Skye on their scopes. They are preparing to move in and engage. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Bogies?.. Have they tried hailing them?" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C> This is the USS Invictus, calling the Destroyer and Corvette on the edge of the nebula. We are investigating a distress signal. Please cut your drives and stand by, over." Keelah@crystyll FX | The Lamia arrives on scene Moon@Savesh responds to the Captain "There's been no tranmission or attempt to hail that I've detected, Captain." Somek@cob450 FX | Republic moves to Yellow alert, keeps shields up, moves into formation with the Invictus. Moon@Savesh: Correction, the Invictus has just attempted a hail. Putting it on speakers. Mathias@chrisdubois FX| The Lamia is already on yellow alert. Once she arrives on the scene, it hails the other Starfleet vessels in order to receive updates on the situation Zhyl'ia@thecastellan frowns for a moment before the followup "Oh good" Moon@Savesh: Captain, if you like, I can keep an open channel so you can monitor in real time? Keelah@crystyll FX | Baton Rouge arrives close behind the Lamia. All ships except VF are now on scene Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Please, route it to the ready room for the Captain as well" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: |FX| Squirts a datapacket to the Lamia. Moon@Savesh nods. "Aye sir." imputs the appropriate commands to carry out Zhyl'ia's order. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The three enemy ships, reading as one Nausicaan Destroyer and two Orion Corvettes, power up weapons. Keliaya@anncarise FX | The three enemy ships, reading as one Nausicaan Destroyer and two Orion Corvettes, power up weapons. Mathias@chrisdubois A few seconds after received the data, the Lamia moves at the side of the Baton Rouge, powering up weapons immediately as the three bogies do the same Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C> Unidentified vessels, power down your weapons and cut your drives now, or we will take action to protect ourselves." To bridge "Sensors, paint them with targeting sensors, full power." Somek@cob450: <C> "Republic here, at red alert, weapons online." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: FX | Baton Rough, having taken position with the fleet, powers shields and weapons. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "If they want a rumble they'll have one. Ready." Keelah@crystyll FX | Poor VF bridge crew are stuck listening to all of this, helplessly as they race to catch up... Keliaya@anncarise FX | No response...and then all three ships focus fire on Invictus! Somek@cob450: <C> USS Republic to unidentified vessels, power down weapons and respond. You are clearly outgunned, and picking a fight you cannot win. We're here to talk if you're willi--" Mathias@chrisdubois FX| The Lamia replies focusing all its firepower on the weapon and propulsion systems of the destroyer Moon@Savesh looks worried Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Tactical, engage the bogies, fire to disable." Keliaya@anncarise | Several disruptor beams impact the Invictus, but fail to penetrate shields. Somek@cob450 FX | Is cut off as they open fire, closes the hail, begins maneuvers to attempt to flank, and launches three fighters. Keelah@crystyll FX | Another ship appears on sensors emerging from the nebula. They Type 9 Starfleet shuttle swings out, firing relentlessly on the aft section of the Corvetter before diving back into the soup Somek@cob450: <C> "Republic firing to disable." Moon@Savesh continues to try and hail the Skye. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "Weapons hot! Cleared to engage!" Keliaya@anncarise | The enemies immediately break off and go into evasive. The destroyer sustains several hits from the Lamia and the corvette from the Type 9 shuttle that suddenly appeared. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX |The Invictus swings hard to port, before opening fire on the first corvette, firing to cripple. Somek@cob450: FX | The Republic turns towards the destroyer and unleashes a barrage of cannon fire at its propulsion system. Mathias@chrisdubois FX| The Lamia keeps firing without interruption against the destroyer weapons and engines until these are eventually disabled, in a very 'methodical' way Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: FX | The Baton Rouge's phaser lance out one of the offending destroyers, while her ECM and countermeasures lash out in the invisible spectrums of war. Moon@Savesh: Commander, I've been able to reach The Skye. Only partial communique though. Message reads: "Thank the Ancestors! I see friendlies, staying out of the way but will do what I can to he.." end Moon@Savesh double checks his console. "Yes, sorry Commander. That's all we got." Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic's fighters fly in formation towards the corvette and attempt to assist the shuttle by attacking its propulsion as well. Keelah@crystyll FX | A series of explosions are detected throughout the nebula. Those up close would even see the hazy flashes of intermittent, almost random detonations Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "It sounds like they're wanting to help.. if we can return a message tell them to stay safe" Moon@Savesh nods with a smile. "Aye, sir." Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic notices the explosions and scans them to determine what they are Keelah@crystyll FX | The shuttle appears, again gunning for the Corvette but circling around it wide this time as a new sensor image appears in it's wake Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| Scans the explosions, while maintaining fire, focusing on disabling the corvette not being attacked byt the shuttle. Moon@Savesh: <C>: Shuttlecraft Skye, this is the USS Valley Forge. Partial message received. We understand that you want to help. Do what you can to stay safe during the firefight." Keelah@crystyll FX | As the shuttle skirts around the Corvette and back into the soup, the new arrival charges... a lot of weapons and moves to intercept the fleet Keelah@crystyll: ( https://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013/04/29/80323/e0793de61578f7b37d9951264f2fc56f.jpg ) Moon@Savesh continues to repeat the message. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Sensors, paint that bogey." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "What the frell is that?" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The other corvette cracks under the fire and its shields fail before its engines and warp core goes offline. Somek@cob450: <C> "Republic here, changing course to intercept new target. Fighters, on me." Mathias@chrisdubois: FX| The Lamia is hailing the new vessel while still keepin firing on the destroyer Keliaya@anncarise FX | Sensors cannot identify the new arrival. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C> Unidentified vessel, this is the USS Invictus. Power down your weapons immediately and stand down, or you will be fired upon." Keelah@crystyll FX | Valley Forge finally catches up juuuust in time for the fun to start! Moon@Savesh sits with the rest of the bridge crew listening helplessly to the string of messages coming in over the speakers from the battle. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher routes power to weapons and shields Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: FX | The Baton Rouge immediately focuses her sensors on the unidentified vessel. Keliaya@anncarise FX | Meanwhile, two more vessels decloak behind the task force. Once again, sensors cannot recognize them, but they seem to be raider-sized though definitely not of Klingon or Romulan design. Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic breaks off the destroyer and she and her shuttles move towards the new large ship, flanking on either side. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "Whoa! What the...?" Somek@cob450: <C> "Republic here, can't get positive ID on these ships." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <Undentified vessels which have just decloaked, this is the USS Invictus. If you open fire on us, we will defend ourselves. Please identify yourselves immediately, over." Keliaya@anncarise | All new arrivals and remaining hostile ships lock weapons on the Starfleet group but do not fire. The big enemy ship answers the hail however... Bahieh@junnstormgrin: <C> Unidentified vessels* Dumac@annpc#5570 FX | An intimidating looking Nausicaan appears on screen. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher begins trying to run scans on various different wavelengths to get a glimpse at the new arrivals Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic continues maneuvering around the big ship but doesn't open fire. Moon@Savesh: Commander, what looks like the largest ship of the antagonist fleet is hailing the Taskforce Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "On screen." Dumac@annpc#5570: (Put mine after the onscreens!) Dumac@annpc#5570: "So. This is the famous Valley Forge." Moon@Savesh puts the Naucicaan onscreen. Dumac@annpc#5570 's voice is deep and intimidating, as one would expect from his clearly large and powerful stature. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Indeed, we are one of several responding ships. Who might I be talking to?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan is unpertubed by his look since she can't see it! Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| opens the Invictus' shuttle bay. Dumac@annpc#5570: "I am Dumac the Gunslinger, slayer of Marduk the Guardian, deposer of Matriarch Tenalia, destroyer of Guval." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "That is indeed an impressive title" Somek@cob450 FX | Somek is monitoring the conversation on the Republic's screen, but is letting the VF do the talking. Is also doing non-invasive/passive scans to determine any possible weaknesses in Dumac's Somek@cob450 ship without being detected as doing so. Moon@Savesh searches intelligence database checking the proper nouns Narduk the Guardian, Matriarch Tenalia, and Guval. Mathias@chrisdubois FX| The Lamia is also listening to the conversation, scans and sensors active, weapons in stand-by, shields up Moon@Savesh makes sure the rest of the responding starfleet taskforce are tied in to the conversation. Dumac@annpc#5570: "And you have an impressive reputation. You were regarded as the chief threat against us when I worked as a privateer for the Branded Lady." Dumac@annpc#5570: "It was your efforts that resulted in her cutting us loose, I understand. But I have new patrons now." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Ahh.. that is how you would've come to hear about us. And who would these new patrons be?" Somek@cob450 sends a text message to the other ships, stating "Ship appears to have some scavanged parts, spotted section of hull plating bearing USS Jasmine insignia" with a picture of it attached Moon@Savesh transfers the received text message discretely to commander zhyl'ia's console. Dumac@annpc#5570 shrugs, "Not my business. I report to some Klingon called T'Kuq. They pay well." Dumac@annpc#5570: "Or rather, they have good contacts so we get good pay for our loot." Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher widens his eyes, but says nothing Dumac@annpc#5570: "Standard business." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan reads the bumpy text of the braille message as she listens "I can't imagine it's a steady job though?" Dumac@annpc#5570: "I wouldn't presume you Starfleet to know the in-and-outs of our job." Dumac@annpc#5570: "Don't need to know much here though. We got lots of guns, you got lots of guns. The way I see it, if we fight we all take some nasty hits and gain very little." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Indeed, I am much rather one for talking" Dumac@annpc#5570: "As much as I like to test just how much you live up to your rep, I've got business to consider. So, here's the deal." Moon@Savesh adds the terms USS Jasmine and The Branded Lady to his intelligence search query. Dumac@annpc#5570: "I presume you want that shuttle, so it's all yours. We tow our disabled ship away, and we all go home and forget this ever happened." Somek@cob450 FX | The Republic has stood down from red to yellow alert, lowered weapons but maintained shields, and recalled its fighters. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "That would be why we arrived, yes" Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock stands down sensor scans and weapons lock Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| The Invictus is maintaining passive sensor locks, but stands down weapons and targeting sensors, moving to yellow alert. Dumac@annpc#5570: "So take the shuttle back and we all go our separate ways, and nobody dies." Dumac@annpc#5570: "Sound good?" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "I believe so yes, however I would be remiss to not ask the other Captains that are currently present, if you would give me a moment." Mathias@chrisdubois FX| The Lamia keeps vigiliant, but passive Moon@Savesh pulls in the info necessary to set up a conference call between valley forge and other responding allied ships Dumac@annpc#5570: "Fine. I'll be waiting. And if you shoot us, well, this isn't gonna end without bloodshed for either of us so you get what I'm saying." Dumac@annpc#5570: "Play smart." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Certainly" she nods Moon@Savesh: Channel muted commander. I have the rest of the taskforce standing by. Moon@Savesh hails the remaining ships, puts everyone in confeence mode. Mathias@chrisdubois An holo-image Capt. Keller appears as soon as he receives the call from the VF Dumac@annpc#5570 sits back in what looks more like a command throne than a chair from the parts visible through the viewscreen. Dumac@annpc#5570 crosses his legs and seems to take a bite from some...meat he holds in one hand, the other tapping the armrest impatiently. Somek@cob450 Somek appears as well Moon@Savesh: Conference call active, commander. You're on. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock looks peeved as she appears on the screen. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: <C> "Zee to Captain Keelah, your presence is requested on the bridge" Moon@Savesh broadcasts over shipwide "Captain Keelah, please report to the bridge. Captain Keelah. Report to the bridge." Keelah@crystyll emerges a few moments later, "I've been following your progress" she smiles Keelah@crystyll looks to the front, "Captain's. Well... what do we think?" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| Bahieh's image appears <C> Captain Bahieh here. We've avoided casualties in the group, and the only damages are to their ships. I support recovering our people and letting them leave. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Ah, perfect. I believe there is a conference call.. somewhere" she gestures and gives up the main seat Keliaya@anncarise turns to the front as well, listening to the discussion. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "The Baton Rouge is unscathed as well. We were quite fortunate." Keelah@crystyll chuckles, "Thanks Zee, and well handled through all that" Moon@Savesh smiles and nods in agreement with the Captain at Zee. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Thank you Captain" Moon@Savesh: Conference mode active, Captain Se'lai Zhyl'ia@thecastellan wanders over to Moon "Are we able to contact the shuttle yet?" she says quietly so as not to disturb Somek@cob450: "The Republic took no damage from the initial engagement, but I see no reason to continue engaging at this point. There is no clear tactical advantage, and as I am not familiar with this individual's- Keelah@crystyll: "I am glad to see no serious damage has been sustained, and thank you all by the way, for responding so promptly to our shuttle in distress" Somek@cob450: history, I don't know that we have a case to detain his vessels for legal process. I suggest we disengage." Mathias@chrisdubois: He's the last one to speak, as he's clearly interested in hearing the others first:"I agree with my colleagues' assesments, captain. They have violated Federation law by attacking a Starfleet vessel,+ Moon@Savesh whispers back to zhyl'ia 'the shuttle didn't respond to my last attempt to contact it. However, I did notice The Lamia had opened their shuttlebay doors at one point during the conflict. Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Oh? Do they have the shuttle aboard?" Mathias@chrisdubois: + I also concur that we the legal situation here is not clear at all, and that to risk lives for this is illogical, and a non-sense." Moon@Savesh whispers back and smiles "I'll take that as an order to contact the taskforce and see if any of them have The Skye" Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Please" Keelah@crystyll hrms, "You are right that they have brought any cummupence on themselves by attacking a Starfleet vessel, and this shuttle is not the first. That hull plate you identified - Captain Somek - is from + Keelah@crystyll: + a vessel we know to have been destroyed by rogue forces as well" Keelah@crystyll: "However..." Moon@Savesh hails the comm officers on the rest of the taskforce ships "Valley Forge to operating taskforce vessels. Requesting an update on the shuttlecraft Skye. Please check in if you have taken it aboard. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Bahieh to shuttle-bay, has the Skye landed in our shuttle bay?" Keelah@crystyll: "I concur with the consensus here that it is not worth pursuing a conflict needlessly. We do not require it for justice; we have sensor records of these ships now and they know they will be watched" Keelah@crystyll: "So unless there are any further objections; I suggest we encourage these folks to get underway?" Somek@cob450: <C> This is Lieutenant Wiley on the Republic, we did not take in any shuttlecraft, just our deployed fighters." Mathias@chrisdubois: He's seen speaking for a moment off-screen before returning to the conference:"We do not have the shuttle, captain. However, my XO just informed me of the hull-plate from the Jasmine. This changes + Mathias@chrisdubois: + the situation, I think." Keelah@crystyll: "Unfortunately Captain, it is just a salvaged hull plate. That alone is not enough to convict them, only raise suspicion" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Invictus has not received the shuttlecraft. Has anyone made contact since the big ship appeared?" Moon@Savesh: <C> "Acknowledged Republic. Thank you for your report. Lt. Moon, out." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> One Second, we'll see what we can review from our records because she sure isn't on our ship." Mathias@chrisdubois: "I concur that it doesn't prove anything. But at least we should investigate the matter." Keelah@crystyll: "Believe me Captain, I have one of the few survivors from the Jasmine on my crew here, I want nothing more than those responsible brought to justice" Keelah@crystyll: "But given our present circumstances, any attempt to investigate further will only result in a resumed firefight I fear" Moon@Savesh attempts to hail the Shuttlecraft Skye again Somek@cob450 looks offscreen for a moment, then turns back to the conference. Dumac@annpc#5570 | Meanwhile, the two unidentified raiders have recloaked. Whether they've silently slipped away from the fight or preparing for a sudden strike if fighting resumes is impossible to tell at the mome Moon@Savesh addressed commander zhyl'ia "Commander, so far the Republic and Invictus report they do not have our shuttlecraft. I haven't heard from the Lamia yet. I will continue to try and hail the shuttle. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher checks record of T'kuq Dumac@annpc#5570: *moment. Keelah@crystyll: "For now then, let's send them on their way and break this stalemate" Somek@cob450: "It is becoming apparent that none of our ships have recovered the Skye. It would be logical to wait until its fate is ascertained before we break the engagement." Moon@Savesh: commander, the Lamia also reports a negative on taking aboard the shuttle. Mathias@chrisdubois: After a moment of reflection he nods:"Your arguments are convincing, captain. I concur." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Thank you." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Let him know that we're missing a shuttlecraft and ask if he knows anything about it." Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher begins trying different scanning methods to try to pierce the nebula Keelah@crystyll looks over to Moon, "Lieutenant; signal the enemy flagship with instruction to depart; and /strongly/ advise he think twice about targeting Starfleet & allied vessels again" Moon@Savesh responds to Keelah. Aye sir. Moon@Savesh: <C> Dumac the Gunslinger, this is the Valley Forge. We invite you to depart this space, and adive you strongly reconsider targeting either starfleet vessels or those of our allies." Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock can be seen cracking her knuckles. Mathias@chrisdubois FX| Meanwhile, the Lamia is clearly using all her sensors in order to track the shuttle Moon@Savesh: <C> "Valley Forge to Shuttlecraft Skye. Respond please. Shuttlecraft Skye. This is the USS Valley Forge. Please respond." Somek@cob450: rolls 40 (1-100) Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| Is using all sensors to hunt for the shuttlecraft. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: rolls 80 (1-100) Bahieh@junnstormgrin: rolls 71 (1-100) Mathias@chrisdubois: rolls 100 (1-100) Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: rolls 21 (1-100) Mathias@chrisdubois: He's speaks again for a moment off-screen before turning back to his fellow captains:"We have managed to locate the shuttle. It is circling deep inside the nebula." Dumac@annpc#5570 | The channel with Dumac the Gunslinger cuts and the enemy ships disengage weapons lock and turn to leave. Their shields are still online for the moment though. Keelah@crystyll: "So assuming that the comms blackout is still affecting the Skye, we need a means to either retrieve the shuttle or sound the all clear. Suggestions?" Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: we could send in a probe with a repeating message Zhyl'ia@thecastellan: "Bouy or a flare of sorts?" Moon@Savesh: Captain, Dumac's ship has closed their comm connection. Mathias@chrisdubois: "We could send a probe inside the nebula in order to relay a signal." Keelah@crystyll smiles between the pair on her bridge, thinking alike Somek@cob450: "We could send a tractor probe to retrieve it directly." Keelah@crystyll: "Well that was an easy consensus" looks back to Duncan, "Prepare a Class IV and launch when ready" Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: "Agreed. The probe would be the best bet." Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: "Aye, sir, one calss IV comin' up" Keelah@crystyll looks back to the conf. call, "We should consider that a plan B, Captain if the probe is unsuccessful" to Somek Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher sets up the probe with a repeating message that relays the cost is clear, with rendesvouz and docking telemetry Keelah@crystyll FX | After a lot of patient waiting, and fingers tapping on armrests, the shuttle emerges with a tractor beam on the probe! Moon@Savesh continues automated hails to the shuttle Keelah@crystyll: <C Jenni> Shuttlecraft Skye to... Ancestors! That's a lot of ships... You brought a whole fleet!" Moon@Savesh: Captain, we have contacted the shuttle. Putting them on speakers now. Keelah@crystyll: <C> Glad to hear you are in one piece still. Get docked and settled, then we'll debrief once Kazra has checked you over Keelah@crystyll FX | The shuttle swings around with a cheeky little victory roll through the task force as it moves to dock with the VF Keelah@crystyll looks back to the group, "Well... crisis averted for the day, I'd say. Thank you all again for your prompt response" Moon@Savesh: (in the background) "Bridge to shuttlebay, prepare to receive shuttlecraft Skye. Sickbay, please send a first response team to the shuttlebay." Somek@cob450: "Not a problem, Captain. Standing by any time. Somek out." Somek@cob450 disappears from the screen. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: Sir, It should bear mention in the repor' tha' this Klingon, T'kuq has had some run-ins with our cap'n Nimitz, Hes connected to the criminal activities of the TSTT Mathias@chrisdubois: "A duty, captain." he replies plainly, then, a moment before he's going to shut off the comm, he looks at Duncan:"You should be Lt. McLean. My invitation to meet is still valid, lieutenant." Keelah@crystyll glances back, "the TSTT? Presumably they are the new patrons he spoke of then..." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Likewise. It's part of the job. We will resume our patrol, then visit DS9 to transfer prisoners to the Bajoran authorities. *sotto* bloody press corps." Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: "Aye sir," Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher turns to Captain Mathias "Of course, sir, I would consider i' an honor" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: FX| Disappears from the screen, shortly before the Invictus re-vectors and warps out. Moon@Savesh turns comms over to the arriving relief officer and leaves the bridge. Mi'shune@1nONLY_DRock: <C> "Well then, I suppose it's time for me to depart as well. Good luck on the rest of your patrol. Baton Rouge out." Somek@cob450 FX | Republic warps out back to its patrol route. Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: Captain, with your permission, I will be returnin' to DS13 Mathias@chrisdubois: "If your captain agrees, I can extend an invite for you to join me on the Lamia during our way back." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course Captain. Lieutenant, transfer to the Lamia at your behest" Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher: "Aye sir" Duncan McLean@carebearcrusher heads to the transporter Keelah@crystyll: "Zee you have the Conn. I need to update Chief Tyr..." Mathias@chrisdubois: Nods slightly:"Thanks, captain. I hope to meet you soon. Keller out." Zhyl'ia@thecastellan nods "Certainly, I'll keep you updated if anything happens"
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 95206.6 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential
LOCATION:Deep Space
MISSION:Intercept rogue forces attempting to capture Starfleet shuttlecraft
OUTCOME:Truce negotiated & shuttle recovered with minimal damage to allied forces & minimal losses to pirate forces.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Bahieh (USS Invictus) CAPT Keelah (USS Valley Forge) CAPT Keller (USS Lamia) CAPT Somek (USS Republic) CMDR sh'Sonora (USS Baton Rouge) CMDR zh'Zhavis LCDR Keliaya FLT Baelai LT McLean LT Moon LTJG Minatozaki
NARRATIVE:The Valley Forge was holding position at our pre-arranged rendezvous coordinates to reunite with shuttlecraft Skye from it's mission to transfer specialist personnel to the USS Attar. Before reaching the planned return time, a general distress was picked up from the shuttle. The signal was heavily degraded and lacking visual, though thanks to a commendable effort from LT Moon the audio was cleared up enough to determine that the shuttle was facing hostile action.
Though moving immediately to intercept, we were some distance still from the shuttle's pinpointed position. Fortunately the signal was directed solely to the Valley Forge but transmitted on an open Starfleet emergency frequency, enabling it to be intercepted by a number of other vessels in the region who all moved to respond in kind. USS Invictus & Republic were the first to arrive and found a number of pirate vessels (predominately Nausicaan & Orion in origin) seemingly searching around the perimeter of a nebula, though the shuttle did not appear on sensors to them at this time. Moving to investigate - as the nebula matched the coordinates of the signal source - they were met with immediate hostilities by the pirate vessels, shortly before the arrival of USS Lamia & Baton Rouge; both moving to assist.
The shuttlecraft appeared on sensors a number of times while the gathered task force was engaged in the unprovoked attack; appearing from the nebula and firing on the smaller Orion vessel before promptly returning to the nebula. Though advised over comms to remain in the safety of the nebula, it was difficult to discern if the message was received in the short time that a channel was available with the ship being clear of the nebula's interference. However it did not appear again until a series of explosions from remote detonated charges - detected by the Republic - triggered throughout the nebula, forcing the shuttle to emerge once more. This time a larger vessel of unknown origin emerged in it's wake and moved to join the assault on allied forces.
Shortly after the enemy flagship engaged, the Valley Forge arrived and moved to assist; being fully aware and prepared for the situation from a continuous monitoring of open communication channels between allied vessels. Hostilities were soon ceased after the Orion vessel was disabled, and the commander of the flagship contacted us. The Nausicaan CO - identifying himself as 'Dumac the Gunslinger' - made clear his understanding that this was not a fruitful engagement to continue and proposed a cease fire, requesting that we disengage and allow them to leave the area. The decision was discussed among all present CO's, and though there was evidence enough (salvaged hull plating found on the pirate flagship) to hold fair suspicion of this group being responsible for the destruction of USS Jasmine, and the ultimate fate of her crew; the decision was made to honour a cease fire on this day given that even with the superior allied forces present, a victory would not come without a cost, and we still had an errant shuttle in unknown condition to be recovered.
Signalling the pirate flagship to depart as agreed, attention was quickly turned to the recovery of our shuttle. A number of options were discussed to overcome the lack of communications, but ultimately it was decided to first attempt using a class IV probe launched into the nebula to overcome this barrier and provide a fixed instruction to the shuttle that it was now safe to exit. This proved successful and the shuttle emerged with the probe in tow, following a brief acknowledgement to the efforts of the gathered task force, it returned to our hangar safely and the gathered vessels departed to resume their duties.
RECOMMENDATION:Shuttlecraft Skye will be temporarily stood down to allow repairs as she sustained moderate damage before the allied forces arrived to intervene. FLT Baelai was unscathed and has been commended for her impressive effort in withstanding pursuit from such a sizable force. All Starfleet & allied vessels should be made aware of the confirmed ID now made against these pirate forces and act with appropriate caution & consideration if encountered. Through association of intelligence already gathered elsewhere in the fleet, we were able to discern that this particular group - whilst once affiliated to the former Branded Lady pirate operation - is now a direct report of the TSTT under a Klingon named T'Kuq.
ATTACHMENTS:
//95206.6_UnidentVessels.scn//
//TSTT_Dumac.dos//