ST:TTV101 | "Denouement"

Stardate 93707.9

For the past several months, a number of mysterious attacks have been reported in the Kelterre and Doza Sectors. Ships from various factions, including Echomet and Annatar, have been destroyed by mysterious attackers. In each case, by the time rescuers arrive there's no sign of the attackers and no surviving victims. Investigations into the wreckage have yielded very little, except that the destruction is consistently caused by a characteristic high-powered energy weapon, indicating an aggressor with a level of technology at least equal to that possessed by the Federation. Some of the more paranoid news reports have suggested that the mystery attacker could even be a rogue Starfleet ship.

Given all the uncertainty, the 38th Fleet isn't taking any chances. Two starships dispatched from DS13 will be joining the nearest available vessel to the next reported attack, in an attempt to locate the aggressor and put a stop to the unprovoked violence.

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Mischa@crystyll: :FX | The gainsborough is out on a standard patrol. Mischa returns from her daily update with Intel in the dungeon Perim@bobisgod171: | One of the bridge officers perks up, "Picking up a distress call. It's pretty garbled." Mischa@crystyll: "Put it through" she orders, returning to her chair Eunha@turtles#8407 Glances up from her PADD to the bridge officer then to Mischa Perim@bobisgod171 | He wasn't kidding. What plays is a mess of static and sharp noises. A few words are barely discernable "Under ... assistance... merchant .. repeat." Mischa@crystyll turns to Tellara, "Can we get a fix on the source?" Tellara@S.J.Brex: I'll give it a go, it's very garbled though, probably couldn't narrow it down further than a sector at this time. Perim@bobisgod171 | The transmission stops. Tellara@S.J.Brex: It's in the Western Doza sector, we'll be able to narrow it down once we get closer, should I transfer the coordinates to help? Tellara@S.J.Brex: *the helm. Mischa@crystyll: "Do it" turns back to the help, "Intercept speed" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Should I advise sickbay to be ready just incase?" Mischa@crystyll: <C> USS Gainsborough to Captain Lorian; we have intercepted a distress signal and are moving to investigate. Co-ordinates attached" Eunha@turtles#8407 Taps her commbade "Eunbi to sickbay be advised we are intercepting a distress call there maybe wounded but we don't know much yet. Lorian@dandin384: <C> Understood Gainsborough. We will be moving to the location with haste. Eunha@turtles#8407 hasn't called her self by her actual name in awhile she feels strange Keliaya@anncarise steps out of the turbolift and onto the bridge, heading for her station, "What's going on?" Tellara@S.J.Brex brings up any known shipping routes within that sector Mischa@crystyll: "Time to intercept?" Eunha@turtles#8407 Glances over to Kelly "Distress call." Perim@bobisgod171 | Helm reports 12 minutes to intercept (real time). Keliaya@anncarise nods and makes for her station. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Gamme Shift alert personnel please report to the conference room. Mischa@crystyll: "Understood. Tellara; let's push long range scans as soon as we're in range, I want to know what we're walking in to here" Mischa@crystyll: <C> Acknowledged Captain, we are 12 minutes out. Godspeed Tellara@S.J.Brex nods "On it, sir. I've got a report on local traffic we're aware of, the west Doza sector isn't host to any known shipping routes, but there are a number of scavengers in the area. Mischa@crystyll: "Kelly, you have access to my database; see if Intel has anything on known threats in this region" Keliaya@anncarise: "Yes commander. Should we have the cargo transporters readied for emergency transportation as well?" Mischa@crystyll: "Be prepared for full emergency procedures" she nods Keliaya@anncarise: "Right away, ma'am." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'll just do what I always do." she starts tapping at her PADD Perim@bobisgod171: The Doza Scavengers are the only known group in the area. They're civilians that make a living by scavenging the ruins of ancient civilizations that used to inhabit the region Keliaya@anncarise taps into the intel database and starts browsing while running preparations on the side. Mischa@crystyll smiles to Eunha, "Counsellor, I am trusting you to see to the preparedness of our crew for any eventuality" Perim@bobisgod171: Their tech level is roughly equal to pre-dominion war federation level, but they've never been hostile towards us. Perim@bobisgod171: most of our interactions so far have involved them trying to sell us junk. Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "Of course of course it's what i'm here for." Mischa@crystyll taps on her armrest, "The Captain is aware of the situation, he is opting to remain with the refugees in cargo bay 2" Mischa@crystyll: "I think he's built quite the rapport with them now, they actually seem to trust him now!" Tellara@S.J.Brex: Nothing of interest on the long range sensors.. no ships or energy signatures aside from background radiation. Keliaya@anncarise: "It looks like the only known group in the area are those scavengers. They're not really a threat; their technology is a few decades behind us and there's no record of them ever having attacked us." Keliaya@anncarise: "As far as we know, they're just junk traders." Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you - both of you. Keep digging and stay sharp; something put an abrupt stop to that distress call..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "When we get closer i'll have my brain sensor as I call it on full alert." Mischa@crystyll chuckles, "Glad to hear it. If they are in bad shape - whoever /they/ are - we may be reliant on you to reach out to them" Tellara@S.J.Brex: Switching to medium range sensors. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Captain, there's still no ships on sensors, but there is a faint energy reading.. I'll try isolate it. Keliaya@anncarise: "Are we too late?" Mischa@crystyll crosses her leg over and drums idly on the armrest; she never liked not being in the know Mischa@crystyll: "I sincerely hope not, Kelly..." Tellara@S.J.Brex: I'd say it's too faint at this distance to be a warp core breach. Tellara@S.J.Brex: But until we get closer, I couldn't say for certain Mischa@crystyll: "Perhaps residual weapons discharge?" Mischa@crystyll: "In your best estimate with current data, of course" Tellara@S.J.Brex: At this range it's unlikely we'd pick that up, unless it's a weapon of considerable power. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Undine Planet Killer considerable power. Mischa@crystyll: "Then let us hope it's not that..." Tellara@S.J.Brex: More likely answer is a high power warp signature. Tellara@S.J.Brex: But given the technological state in this sector I wouldn't want to comitt to that either. Perim@bobisgod171 | Helm reports now arriving at the source of the signal, ready to drop out of warp. Mischa@crystyll: "I understand" she smiles to Tellara, sympathetic in the unknowing Tellara@S.J.Brex switches to short range scans of the immediate area Mischa@crystyll: "Help, bring us out of warp." taps armrest and brings ship to yellow alert, raising shields and charging weapons Tellara@S.J.Brex: ((Hah not just me)) Keliaya@anncarise monitors power levels to account for shields and weapons. Tellara@S.J.Brex switches to short range scans of the immediate area Mischa@crystyll: "Helm, bring us out of warp." taps armrest and brings ship to yellow alert, raising shields and charging weapons Keliaya@anncarise monitors power levels to account for shields and weapons. Eunha@turtles#8407 Be's a betazoid Mischa@crystyll almost reluctantly slinks across into the Captain's chair as things get serious Perim@bobisgod171 | The ship drops out of warp, and the viewscreen flicks on. There's a smale area of floating debris. Mischa@crystyll sits in the captain's chair. Tellara@S.J.Brex scans the debris Mischa@crystyll: "Survivors?" Keliaya@anncarise uses the scan information to try and reconstruct what she can about the ship it belonged to. Tellara@S.J.Brex: No lifesigns, sir. Perim@bobisgod171: It was definitely a scavenger ship. There's not much left. Mischa@crystyll dips her head, shaking lightly, "Dammit... well something did this, let us learn all we can now we are here" Keliaya@anncarise: "Ship's one of the local scavenger ones, commander. Not much we can tell from the few pieces still remaining." Mischa@crystyll: "Residual energy readings? Can we determine if she was attacked - if so, then by who?" Tellara@S.J.Brex: Scanning now. Tellara@S.J.Brex: It's a very high energy reading, looks to have been a weapon, but there's no match in our database. Mischa@crystyll: "That... is not as reassuring as I'd hoped" Keliaya@anncarise: "Either we're dealing with something new...or someone's invented new weapons." Tellara@S.J.Brex: As best I can tell, the warp core is still mostly intact, antimatter pods as well. Whatever did this had enough energy to rip the ship apart. Mischa@crystyll: "Kelly, we need to determine what level of threat this represents to our endeavours in this region. Learn everything you can from that debris, bring some on board if needed" Lorian@dandin384: <C> Gainsborough, this is Caelian. We'll be arriving shortly. Status report. Mischa@crystyll: <C> We did not arrive in time to help. Assessing debris field now; early readings suggest high level energy weapons Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Kelly to transporter room, pick out the debris with the most weapons damage and beam it on board, full quarantine procedure." Perim@bobisgod171: The damage is consistent with other unexplained attacks reported in the area. Nobody's been able to identify the attackers so far. Perim@bobisgod171: An analysis of the debris is going to take some time, but the crew's working on it! Keliaya@anncarise: "Commander...you might want to hear this..." Lorian@dandin384: <C> Understood. I propose moving gamma shift officers to Gainsborough when we arrive. They will be more useful on the vessel conducting the primary investigation. Caelian and Damocles will support. Mischa@crystyll: <C> Acknowledged. sending co-ordinates for the bridge pad now Mischa@crystyll: "Kelly, prepare to lower shields for beam ins once the fleet arrives. Now... what did you have?" Nathaa Thraz@notkermit: | Caelian and Damocles drop out of warp near the Gainsborough and the wreckage of a scavenger vessel. Keliaya@anncarise: "The damage here matches a series of attacks throughout the area. Every time anyone responding to these attacks show up, they never managed to find the people responsible." Tellara@S.J.Brex scans for any residual warp trails. Keliaya@anncarise: "Shields lowered and transporters ready, ma'am." Eunha@turtles#8407 Glances around at all of the peoples then to Mischa Mischa@crystyll looks back to Eunha, "Counsellor, perhaps you could see to our guests" she smiles Tellara@S.J.Brex scrunches up her face as the warp trail only goes to the destroyed ship. Begins to broaden her search to other subspace distorsions. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Folds her hands behind her back* "Commander, if you could use a hand at tactical or helm, I'd be pleased to help." Mischa@crystyll looks back to all the guests, "Greetings all, welcome to the Gainsborough." to Sara, "in the current circumstances, tactical would be appreciated" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Nods and heads on across the basketball court sized bridge to find tac* Eunha@turtles#8407: "All our consoles are able to be configured to what ever is needed. Thanks holographic display." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: If you need help with sciences or operations, Captain, I may be able to assist. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Mans the tactical station after a brief scavanger hunt!* Tellara@S.J.Brex looks back to the Vulcan before returning to her scan, once more looking annoyed at the console. Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you Commander. If Tellara requires assistance with Science, feel free to aid her. Otherwise Ops is yours" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Understood. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin approaches the station, entering a few commands- customizing the interface. Noticing Sara's approach, he presses a button and the large, holographic interface 'splits' into two stations. Tellara@S.J.Brex holds out her hand to Caspius "Commander, Tellara Zarath." Mischa@crystyll turns to Ash, "Captain, I appreciate that you are a guest here, but the experience of rank would be welcomed at my side, if you would care to join me up here?" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse glances around and follws suit. "I can support Engineering or any needed station ma'm" he shrugs. "Where ever you need the hands." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 takes her hand and shakes it, having had some practise evidently. Ash@thecastellan nods "Of course" Keliaya@anncarise checks in with the people analyzing the debris to see if anything noteworthy is found. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Commander, I'm going to scan for residual radiation consistent with weapons fire by all known local species." Mischa@crystyll: "Lieutenant; Keliaya is the duty engineering officer" she gestures to Kelly behind her, "She can advise where best your skills may help" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Caspius. It is agreeable to meet you. Perhaps you can summarise the current science station operations that are in progress? Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods. "Aye" Tellara@S.J.Brex smiles and turns back "So far we have the destroyed vessel infront of us, we're still trying to match what ship in particular it was, as well as what destroyed it. Lorian@dandin384: <C> Caelian here. Have you uncovered any leads that we may pursue? Mischa@crystyll returns to 'her' seat with a heavy sigh before opening comms Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Any spot you need e particular mam? Eunha@turtles#8407 Taps at her PADD "It's been awhile since we had guests." Tellara@S.J.Brex: The only confirmed readings we've had is that there has been a weapon fired at the vessel, some order of magnitude stronger than standard ship mounted armaments. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin scrolls through sensor log data with a swipe, before nodding to Sara and leaving his 'half' station, which resumes acting as one large interface for Sara. Mischa@crystyll: <C> Nothing solid just yet Captain, we have all hands investigating now Perim@bobisgod171: Engineering's having a lot of trouble identifying the type of weapon used. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin makesh is way over. "Perhaps some sort of spinal lance?" Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: *makes. Tellara@S.J.Brex: The weapon signature itself remains unknown as well, however the vessel was ripped apart due to the discharge. The warp core and antimatter mods are still relatively intact. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Do we know the size of the vessel, or the type of vessel it was? Tellara@S.J.Brex: At this time, I'm trying to run an analysis on what could've destroyed the vessel, but so far I have been unable to scan any other warp trails or subspace distortions. Mischa@crystyll looks to Jack, "I wouldn't rule anything out at this stage" Keliaya@anncarise: "Would be nice to have another hand on the power distribution...here. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "..You're unable to scan any, or there aren't any?" Tellara@S.J.Brex swipes back over her console "It's not a particularly large vessel, presumably some kind of merchant freighter." Keliaya@anncarise configures the left half of her console properly for Vangilder, "You want a seat too, or?" Tellara@S.J.Brex: We've beamed aboard a sample of the hull to try get a better read on both what it was, and what the weapon discharge was. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse shakes his head. "I'm fine ma'm......Thank you though." he half smiles then sets to work. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 ponders for a moment and then says, "With no evidence of another interlocutor, perhaps the ship was itself responsible for its destruction." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: If it were carrying armaments--especially powerful armaments, perhaps accident or misuse were responsible. Keliaya@anncarise glances to Tellara and Caspius, "The debris matches the local scavengers' ships. These do pick up dangerous things sometimes, but..." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 looks over to Keliaya. Mischa@crystyll crosses her leg over and leans one arm on the rest, listening intently to the debated analysis going on around her Tellara@S.J.Brex tilts her head "That's possible" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: An order of magnitude larger? Perhaps they attempted to mount a station or planetary defense weapon on their ship. Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, we can't find anythin conclusive from the damage yet but they seem consistent with attacks that have been reported throughout the sector." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *quietly focuses on the console in front of her, running long range scans actively to search for anything that might be coming back* Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin folds his arms. "What if it's some kind of subspace weapon?" Ash@thecastellan steeples her hands, considering the possibilities she hears Caspius@lusipurr#2374: If there is a history of attacks, that makes the proposed scenario less plausible. One accident is reasonable--a string is unlikely. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "Long-distance." Tellara@S.J.Brex: Perhaps, however the power draw alone should've caused damage to the warp core at the very least. Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Just what I was saying, sir." Mischa@crystyll perks at the suggestion, "Subspace? Captain, have you ever encountered anything like this before?" Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "During the Iconian War- do you remember that weapon they used?" Tellara@S.J.Brex scans the wreckage to see if it's possible the discharge came from within the ship. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "They would open a portal directly into a sun and fire the resulting energy at us." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse pulls some double duty, and brings up a screen to read the scans of the debries looking for anything similar to Iconian weapons he helped study. Mischa@crystyll: "I was... *ahem* not on the front lines during that conflict..." Tellara@S.J.Brex shakes her head "Sorry Commander, this definately came from outside of the ship." Perim@bobisgod171: Engineering is now reporting traces of verteron particles on the debris. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "What if the weapon is fired from another location?" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "I think we can conclude pretty confidently that this damage was bi accudebt,: Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *ahem* "No accident." Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "Some sort Subspace Phaser Lance or FTL Torpedo." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *sniffles and averts her face after the sneeze* Mischa@crystyll: "That is not a reassuring prospect..." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 raises an eyebrow. "Subspace weapons were banned in the Khitomer accords. If we do conclude they are being used, fleet command should be notified immediately." Keliaya@anncarise looks to Mischa, "Commander, analysis has shown presence of verteron particles on the debris." Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "Not everybody adheres to the Khitomer Accords." Mischa@crystyll: "Verteron? How does that tie in to our current theories?" Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "Pirates are rarely signatories to galatic treaties." Tellara@S.J.Brex: It would explain a lack of subspace distortions. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Wormholes don't always leave them behind. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Indeed, sir, but if they are being used there may be residual damage to subspace in the area. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "..Verterons are capable of travelling faster than light, right?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: The point being that we should notify fleet command given the danger posed. Keliaya@anncarise nods, "That they are." Tellara@S.J.Brex: We know it's possible to create artificial wormholes, a small scale, in the past we've been able to transmit data through them... including transporter signals. Mischa@crystyll: "Tellara, please share these latest findings with our support ships" Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "Of course we can create artificial singularities. We have allies that use them as a fuel source." Tellara@S.J.Brex nods and transmits the data across, also begins scanning for any out of place debris, maybe indicating a torpedo rather than energy weapon being responsible. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "A faster-than-light Verteron weapon isn't unheard of." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 looks at Tellara's read-out. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Commander--might I suggest a wide-band neutrino scan? Caspius@lusipurr#2374: I have previously found it useful in detecting some forms of wormholes. Mischa@crystyll: "I would still like to know what type of weapon, and more importantly... who is wielding it" Mischa@crystyll nods to Caspius, "Proceed at your own discretion" Tellara@S.J.Brex: Be my guest Keliaya@anncarise looks to her left, "Oh, I've been staring at this so much I forgot to send it to you!" She swipes her hand and slides the analysis data to the screen in front of Vangilder. Jack Buchanan@renagademuffin: "The terrorist group Terra Prime used one against Earth during Starfleet's early years." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 reaches over and taps on the console, entering a somewhat non-standard set of parameters into the scan. Keliaya@anncarise: "See if you can find anything we might've missed." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: It will take a moment, but I believe the results will be thorough. Ash@thecastellan looks over to Mischa "Have you checked for the presence of any cloaked vessels?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 waits and, after a moment, the display shows a neutrino trail leading to a point in space. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Ah. Mischa@crystyll: "Nothing has been detected yet Captain, but that doesn't mean they are not out there..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "I've done so. No evidence of cloaked ships, or anything incoming at this time."| Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods. "Sure......You know. An array woudlnt be hard to pwoer with a modern warp core." he starts reading over the sensor data. Tellara@S.J.Brex nods "A wormhole?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Captain, I believe we have something here. Ash@thecastellan nods "Unfortunate.." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Not presently. However, there may have been one at some point. Even at some point recently. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 points to the neutrino trail on the display. Mischa@crystyll: "What have you got?" Mischa@crystyll leans in, "Is that...?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: A neutrino trail. However, it terminates at this point, here-- Keliaya@anncarise nods to Vangilder before glancing over to the science corner. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: There is no wormhole there at present, based on these scans. But there may have been one there recently. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: We may be dealing with an unstable wormhole whose local terminus shifts. Tellara@S.J.Brex makes a scan for any triquantum waves. Mischa@crystyll: "Could it be possible that whoever did this is generating artificial wormholes large - and stable - enough for a ship to pass through?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 considers and then nods. "As a hypothesis, it would fit the facts as we know them so far." Mischa@crystyll turns to ops corner, "Kelly; scan the archives for details on any known race with such a capability. No regional restriction" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: A scan for verteron particles would be in order. Residual verteron particles would indicate impulse travel through a wormhole. Mischa@crystyll: "Do what you need to" she nods back to Caspius Keliaya@anncarise checks the archives as Mischa instructed. Perim@bobisgod171: No results! Mischa@crystyll taps her comm panel Caspius@lusipurr#2374 looks to Tellara. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse glances back to his first task and assigns more power to the sensors for Caspius' scans Tellara@S.J.Brex: Could it be that this wasn't malicious? Keliaya@anncarise: "No known civilization has that capability, commander." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Hard to imagine someone blowing this ship up without malice behind it." Mischa@crystyll: <C> Captain Lorian, you should have our latest analysis now. Do you concur with the present thesis? Caspius@lusipurr#2374: If the wormhole has been closed for more than an hour, it is unlikely we will find verteron particles even if it was used. But we should check nevertheless. Tellara@S.J.Brex: An unstable wormhole, artificial or not, both ends could open anywhere. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 nods. Tellara@S.J.Brex: One end in a sun, the other end here, it's statisically unlikely... but possible. Lorian@dandin384: <C> It appears a sound conclusion with the information available to us. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Extremely unlikely. Such coincidences are to be expected, but we should treat them with great suspicion, Commander. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 taps the console. Tellara@S.J.Brex nods Caspius@lusipurr#2374 raises an eyebrow. Keliaya@anncarise: "But if this is related to the other incidents...no way that could happen so often without someone orchestrating it." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: There is a... significant residual verteron signature. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods agreement. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Captain. I believe it may be possible--if we act relatively quickly--to determine the other terminus location of the wormhole. Mischa@crystyll: <C> Agreed. We are still attempting to identify who may be responsible from the Intel achives, stay vigilant Captain... we are staring into the lion's maw here Lorian@dandin384: <C> Understood. We will maintain yellow alert. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 glances at the console. In fact--based on decay timing... this wormhole was last used at the approximate time of the ship's destruction. Mischa@crystyll looks to science corner, "That correlates with the current theory. What is required?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Verterons travel at relativistic speeds. We may be able to plot their trajectory in reverse with a magneton scan. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: This would show us a valid potential location for the other side of the wormhole. Mischa@crystyll: "Proceed. Liaise with helm to reposition as needed" Tellara@S.J.Brex: It's possible, but I'm not sure the Gainsborough will be able to get a good reading by itself. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Indeed, because we are dealing with a relativistic particles, it would be best to have multiple readings which we can feed into the computer. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Commander, we could launch the Aquarius and move them into a position opposite us, we should be able to triangulate based on their readings. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: The aggregate result can be averaged to give us a reasonably good conclusion. Mischa@crystyll: "Perhaps Captain Lorian could assist" Mischa@crystyll: <C> Captain Lorian; we are attempting to isolate the source of the wormhole before the readings fade. Can you liaise with my Science officer to position for a sensor net? Mischa@crystyll looks to Ash, "What about you Captain... ever encounter such a thing before?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 pauses for a moment, and then taps on the console. Lorian@dandin384: <C> My science staff reached a similar conclusion, and we are repositioning now. I suggest Damocles assist for a proper triangulation. Nathaa Thraz@notkermit: | Damocles moves into formation with the Gainsborough and Caelian. Mischa@crystyll: <C> Understood, thank you Captain Mischa@crystyll: "Tellara, sync with the other ships and trigger your scan when ready" Ash@thecastellan thinks for a short moment "Outside of what has already been said I don't believe so.. but it's still quite a mystery" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: No geodesic radiation. Unlikely, but still, it is best to be safe. Tellara@S.J.Brex nods "Standing by to begin scan Mischa@crystyll smiles, "Nonetheless Captain, I appreciate having your experience here" Keliaya@anncarise distributes some extra power to sensors to optimize results. Mischa@crystyll: "Do it" she nods over to science corner Mischa@crystyll looks to the viewscreen ahead in anticipation of the inevitable sciency light show Tellara@S.J.Brex engages the magnetron Perim@bobisgod171: | A moment after the scan begins, everybody begins to feel a rumble in the ship, and a giant blue plume fills the viewscreen. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 blinks as a bunch of data begins filling the display. Mischa@crystyll squints as the screen flares Eunha@turtles#8407 glances up from her PADD Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks up and then checks the ships inetrial dampners and structural integrity fields. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Microwave radition is increasing slightly to the bottom of the saucer. Perim@bobisgod171: | The rumbling becomes a more violent shaking. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 looks at the display and then at the view screen. Perim@bobisgod171 | Helm reports being pulled through the wormhole! Mischa@crystyll: "Status report?" Ash@thecastellan leans back into the chair, bracing against it Mischa@crystyll: "Helm, back us off!" Perim@bobisgod171 | "Too late!" Keliaya@anncarise redistributes power to SIF and shields. Perim@bobisgod171: | All three ships get jostled about for a few moments more, before emerging back into normal space. Perim@bobisgod171 | The viewscreen once again shows a starfield. Eunha@turtles#8407 Blinks "Well then." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Immediately scans for any new potential threats in what is presumably their new location, checking shield levels to make sure they're still operational* Caspius@lusipurr#2374 says, "The wormhole hypothesis is confirmed." Mischa@crystyll breathes a deep sigh of relief, "Status" Tellara@S.J.Brex scans the surrounding area to try work out where they are Keliaya@anncarise: "We didn't get crushed...that's good." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse does a quick systems scan to see how the ship held up. Eunha@turtles#8407 Does her betazoid thing Perim@bobisgod171: no damage Mischa@crystyll: <C> Gainsborough to all ships, status report Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: No damage to the Gainsborough ma'm Nathaa Thraz@notkermit: <C> Damocles here, no damage, we're all right. Lorian@dandin384: <C> Caelian is also unharmed. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Commander, we've moved. Two new ships on sensors - unknown make, similar style. One dreadnaught and one of about destroyer weight." Keliaya@anncarise: "Looks like that wormhole was pretty stable then..." Mischa@crystyll: "What is current position; have we moved far?" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks up as Sara reports then back to his station. "Gonna be one of those days." Caspius@lusipurr#2374 says, in advance of a position report, "The wormhole is no longer present." Tellara@S.J.Brex: We're about ten lightyears away from where we were... now in system Alpha-7192. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: However, given the presence of the ships, we can ascertain that at least this side of the wormhole has a relatively stable position. Mischa@crystyll: "Any pre-existing survey data on this system?" turns to Sara, "And what is the status of the unknown ships?" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "They've made no move since our arrival. If they're unfriendly, they're advanced enough that we should be concerned. Suggest we hail them." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Alpha 7192... Tellara@S.J.Brex: This system is just beyond our explored range, sir, totally uncharted, not even probes this far out. Mischa@crystyll: "Well then... not the most dignified of arrivals for a first contact, but I guess it will have to do. Let's send out the hail..." Perim@bobisgod171: | On the viewscreen, the two ships are now visible. The big one is larger than Gainsborough. Boxy in the front with a large circular rear section. The smaller ship is roughly triangular. Keliaya@anncarise scans the ships to see what they can learn, if anything. Lorian@dandin384: <C> Caelian is moving to red alert. What data we have on this species indicates a moderate to high risk of hostility. Mischa@crystyll stands once the channel is open, "Unknown vessels. This is the USS Gainsborough representing the United Federation of Planets..." Perim@bobisgod171: Scans can't penetrate the ship's outer hull. To Perim@bobisgod171: Any sign of shielding, or just very good hulls? Perim@bobisgod171: No sign of shielding at the moment. Mischa@crystyll opens tentatively, awaiting further response as she looks to Ash, "take us to red alert with the rest of fleet Captain" Perim@bobisgod171: | The two ships turn to face the Gainsborough and other Starfleet ships. Keliaya@anncarise: "Sensors can't get past their hull, commander, but they don't look like they're shielded." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'll try and see if I can sense anything if you like." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Knits her brow and switches to red alert* "...red alert, heard." Mischa@crystyll: "Please do, Eunha" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Commander, reaching an energy buildup in the larger vessel!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Does the betazoid thing Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks over to see what the hulls seem to be made of. Tellara@S.J.Brex looks back to the viewscreen then taps at the console to try get a reading on the energy Perim@bobisgod171: Now detecting a power build-up in the larger ship. Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'm not sensing much, I can tell you there is life." Mischa@crystyll: "Helm; evasive" Mischa@crystyll braces back into her chair Perim@bobisgod171 | The smaller ship is hailing the Gainsborough. Tellara@S.J.Brex: There's a significant neutrino buld up in the larger ship Keliaya@anncarise: "Picking up a power build up as well..." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: It may be a weapon--or, perhaps, a type of scan. Mischa@crystyll: "Put them through, and continue to back off. I don't want to provoke them..." Mischa@crystyll taps her armrest to sync the other ships into the incoming hail Perim@bobisgod171 | The viewscreen flashes to multicolored static for about a second and a half. The speakers play an odd loud screech, and then it all stops and the viewer snaps back to the starfield. Keliaya@anncarise runs a system diagnosis. Mischa@crystyll blinks, "Was that... communication?" Nathaa Thraz@notkermit: <C> Damocles to Caelian, we're pic--... Perim@bobisgod171: Communications just went offline. Ash@thecastellan rubs her eyes to check her implants aren't malfunctioning Vangilder@jorathedarnesse checks to see if there is somthing wrong with the UT or the recivers. Perim@bobisgod171: Various systems now reporting malfunctions. Keliaya@anncarise: "We've lost communication...systems are going down..." Perim@bobisgod171: | On the viewscreen, a brilliant white beam of light fires out from the front of the larger ship. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse shakes his head "What the..." and tries to get them back up. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Apparently the communication was a means by which to deactivate-- Mischa@crystyll: "Helm, get us out of here!" Perim@bobisgod171: | The beam proceeds towards the Caelian, is halted for a fraction of a second by the ship's shields and then continues, striking the hull and penetrating through to continue out beyond the ship. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 turns, looking at the screen with an eyebrow raised. Perim@bobisgod171 | Helm controls are not responding! Caspius@lusipurr#2374: A tactical withdrawal seems in order. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *locks on to the source of the beam* "Commander, I need your order." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Command Tellara. A magneton scan. Eunha@turtles#8407 Moves over to the helm to assist Mischa@crystyll: "Agreed... Kelly, we may need you down in engineering" Tellara@S.J.Brex: Sensors are going offline! Keliaya@anncarise looks to Vangilder, "Take over for me, I need to see if I can manually get these systems online." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Right Caspius@lusipurr#2374: The timing is inopportune. Mischa@crystyll: "Tactical status?" Mischa@crystyll: (*system status) Perim@bobisgod171: | Damocles can be seen separating MVAM on the viewscreen, and firing at the larger ship. The smaller ship continues to just... sit there. staring at the Gainsborough. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse takes a seat and tries to see what he can do about getting things back up and going. Tellara@S.J.Brex: You're telling me! Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Opening fire!" *she gives by way of report, sending a barrage of torpedoes and phaser fire at the larger vessel, ordered or not* Keliaya@anncarise: "Curses...turbolift is online but the door isn't responding!" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 makes his way over to help pry over the Turbolift doors. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Manual release?" she simply states while trying to get helm control back Perim@bobisgod171: | Gainsborough launches a single torpedo, which misses by a significant margin. Ash@thecastellan looks over to the commander "What is the status of your support ship?" Tellara@S.J.Brex pulls a panel off the console and looks over the isolinear chips. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 grabs one door and pulls. Hard. Perim@bobisgod171 | Lights and consoles flicker around the bridge. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Christ - weapons offline!" Mischa@crystyll: "I wish I knew, right now I am more concerned with our status; we're sitting ducks out here!" Keliaya@anncarise | The edges of the door begin to glow... Caspius@lusipurr#2374 lets go of the door. Eunha@turtles#8407: "They must be draining our power some how..." Mischa@crystyll: "That signal..." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: The smaller ship? Tellara@S.J.Brex: It's likely that smaller ship. Keliaya@anncarise: <C> "Petty Officer Silva here, anyone standing ouside the lif might wanna take a step back... Perim@bobisgod171: | The large ship fires again at the already listing Caelian. The beam blows its way through the hull again, and then the vessel explodes. Ash@thecastellan knows sensors are down, and so visually checks for any lifepods Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Commander! I suggest we launch smallcraft!" Mischa@crystyll: "My... God, no!" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse tries moving power to any system to get anything working. Caspius@lusipurr#2374 turns and looks at the viewscreen. Mischa@crystyll: "Get everything in the air that you can. That includes the Aquarius. It's an independent power source so may be protected still!" Perim@bobisgod171 | There's a decent amount of debris, but nothing that is obviously a lifepod. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Hopes her holo-console will stay lit long enough to be useful as she transmits the order* Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "A boarding action may be our best option. I'm trying to determine where their enemy vessel's bridge is." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse does what he can to get the power needed for evac. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *does what she can with whatever power may still be run her way* Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Captain, if the ship loses power before it can be evacuated-- Mana@anncarise | The door is sliced open by what appears to be an orange, modern phaser and a blue 22nd century-style beam. From inside the lift an alien unidentified to most in the room steps out. Eunha@turtles#8407: We're all dead Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Aquarius reports unable to launch! System controls are non-responsive!" Mana@anncarise | Two drones float above her, and a security officer follows her out of the lift. Mischa@crystyll: "Do what you can safeguard that eventuality. Eunha, begin co-ordination of non-essential personnel. Just in case" Tellara@S.J.Brex grabs a phaser from the locker under her console. Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods to Mischa and is about to go over to a console when she gets distratced by drones Mana@anncarise | Kelly: "Thanks, Mana," She rushes ino the lif and takes i down. Mischa@crystyll: "Mana! Your timing is impeccible, we are need of your expertise; as you no doubt figured already since you're here..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Shuttles are functional, but bay dorrs won't open." *she glances toward Mana, but as nobody else seems concerned she doesn't concern herself* Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Ma'm I have a possible solution....You may not like it though Mana@anncarise: "What does Commander Mischa Leaves-Sun Scott require of Mana?" Eunha@turtles#8407 Configrues her console and starts to organise all non-esstential personnel for evac Tellara@S.J.Brex asks behind her, but keeps her focus on Mana "Commander?" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse hops up and over to the Command chairs Mischa@crystyll: "If the shuttles can move... " she hesiates, "Authorise explosive decompression of the bays" Mischa@crystyll: "At ease Commander" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Heard." *keys in the orders* Perim@bobisgod171 | The large ship fires at one of the Damocles vectors, but misses. The three maneuverable sections continue to zip around and shoot back, but the big ship doesn't seem to be taking much damage. Mischa@crystyll: "Mana, we suspect the ship has been attacked by this... signal. Can you lend your expertise to counter it?" Mischa@crystyll she gestures to the science console where Mana can see a repeat of the signal we saw Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Commander Tellara, if I may have a word? Mana@anncarise: "The Gainsborough is under cyber-attack?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Before the wormhole opened, indeed at the very moment it opened, we initiated a high-energy magneton scan. Mischa@crystyll nods, "And our allies are getting cut to pieces. We need power back or we may lose the ship!" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse shifts a bit then goes back to his staiton. "Maybe I'll just prestage."a Tellara@S.J.Brex sets the phaser back in the locker before coming to Caspius. Mana@anncarise: "Mana will need access to Gainsborough control systems." Tellara@S.J.Brex: You think if we can replicate it, we can force the wormhole back open again? Ash@thecastellan turns to the lt "What is your solution?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: It is a reasonable induction that the scan was related to the opening of the wormhole: either because the ships opened it when they detected the scan, or because the scan itself opened it. Mischa@crystyll points to the console, "You have what you need Mana. Do whatever you can" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: It is a long-shot, but if the scan itself was somehow responsible for triggering the wormhole at one end, it is reasonable also to expect it to work at the other. Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana will assist in any way possible." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: I could hard boot the whole system...purge what ever is causing the issue...we'd be off line a few seconds but.... Tellara@S.J.Brex: We'd need to be down in deflector control to initiate it manually with sensors and controls down Mischa@crystyll: "What is the status of our support craft?" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: However, with scans offline-- and I am unfamiliar with the systems of a ship of this class. Ash@thecastellan: "As it stands we seem to be almost offline as it is.." Caspius@lusipurr#2374: I suspected as much. Mana@anncarise | The tattooed alien steps up beside Caspius and Tellara, giving the commander a brief glance before looking to the console. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse loosk over. "In theory...Everything woudl go back to orginal status.....So its an all or nothing try ma'm" Caspius@lusipurr#2374: If you think the idea has merit, I leave it to you to put it to the captain for approval. You are the Science Officer on duty. Ash@thecastellan turns to Mischa "It's your ship COmmander, your call" Mana@anncarise takes off her left glove, and it can be seen that like her face, every bit of exposed skin on her hand is also covered in tattoos. Tellara@S.J.Brex nods and turns to Mischa "Commander, I think we have a safer idea." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks over hsi shoulder Mischa@crystyll opens her mouth to respond, but looks instead to Tellara Tellara@S.J.Brex: A full cold restore isn't guaranteed to work, and what little systems we have left may not come back at all. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Given that this is an external influence as best we can tell. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Shuttles are away, commander. Doors are gone. I can launch torpedoes manually, but energy weapons are still not an option." Tellara@S.J.Brex: We propose we go to deflector control and manually restart the magnetron scan. Tellara@S.J.Brex: We may be able to reopen the wormhole and drag us back through. Mischa@crystyll: "Can our ships survive the journey in their present condition?" Mana@anncarise outstretches her hand and a long extension stretches from her middle finger, connecting to the console directly and bypassing the holo-interface. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Of course, there's a chance we'd pull them through as well, but hopefully in the chaos they'd be unable to continue their assault. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: It is -possible- that the scan was what opened the wormhole. But it is also possible that the ships merely detected the scan, and opened it themselves. Caspius@lusipurr#2374: Nevertheless, Captain, given the circumstances it seems a gamble worth taking. Mischa@crystyll looks to Sara, "Have shuttles prioritse a SAR, do what you can with torpedoes on that small ship" Tellara@S.J.Brex nods "If we sit here and do nothing, we may end up like the Caelian." Mischa@crystyll: "Unless we have any alternative... Mana?" Perim@bobisgod171: In addition to a virus shutting down critical systems, there's also an active download of the entire computer core contents. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Manually takes aim at the smaller ship and opens fire with the quantums!* Mana@anncarise: "Something is downloading Gainsborough's information..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Shuttles getting back - no lifesigns amidst the wreckage." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: The reboot woudl cut that link as well. Mischa@crystyll: "Cut it off, do whatever it takes Mana" looks to Tellara and Caspius, "Prepare to implement your plan. Signal the bridge when you are set" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 nods. Tellara@S.J.Brex nods. Mischa@crystyll: "Lieutenant; your reboot is our last resort. Mana, you have until the others are set in deflector control to find us a better solution" Ash@thecastellan is looking at the screen, shouts out "Brace for impact!" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods. "Yes ma'm" then braces and watches the damage report Eunha@turtles#8407 Stumbles over but steadies herself by holding on to the chair Ash@thecastellan grips onto the top of her chair Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *braces her hands on the panel* Tellara@S.J.Brex holds onto the chair behind her. Mischa@crystyll braces herself against Lazard's chair, "...let us not waste time!" Caspius@lusipurr#2374 grabs the edge of the command dais. Mana@anncarise: "Mana is-" she rolls backwards as the impact strikes, landing acrobatically on her knees. Perim@bobisgod171 | As the beam hits the ship, the bridge rocks, hard. Those familiar with the sensation would recognize the feeling of a hull breach. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse checks the damage. Mana@anncarise: "Mana cannot fight the virus, but the Gainsborough can at least delay it." Tellara@S.J.Brex: Let's hope that's not on our route. Mana@anncarise gets back to her feet. Tellara@S.J.Brex: Come on, we have no time to lose Caspius@lusipurr#2374 nearly falls over and then looks to Tellara. "I believe it may be time for a degree of expeditious movement." Eunha@turtles#8407 Checks for any casualty reports Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Hull breach! Decks four through ten....Port side. Emergency fields are NOT engaging ma'm. Mana@anncarise: "Mana can help Gainsborough fight but Mana will have to make Gainsborough smarter." Mischa@crystyll looks to VanGilder, "Lieutenant; put out a general distress..." Mischa@crystyll: "Mana... do whatever is necessary!" Ash@thecastellan releases her grip on the chair and looks down at 'mana' "I believe I may also be of assistance there" Mischa@crystyll turns to Ash, "Whatever you can do Captain" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks over "Comms are still down ma'm.....I cant get anythign out for you." Mana@anncarise plugs herself back into the console, looking curiously at Ash as she does. Eunha@turtles#8407 Switches her console configuration over to helm control adn works on getting it back Vangilder@jorathedarnesse tries to get power to Deflector contorl. Ash@thecastellan walks over behind mana, raising her left hand "How can I assist?" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *frowns intensely and stands there helpless* Ash@thecastellan extends her tubules slightly for emphasis Mana@anncarise rolls up her sleeve and a section of skin seems to slide into the forearm on her left wrist, revealing an interface that Mana beings to type on. Mana@anncarise: "Mana is upgrading Gainsborough. Gainsborough needs to be smarter to have a chance." Eunha@turtles#8407 Doesn't really know how to get helm control back she only knows how to fly the ship Mischa@crystyll doublteakes at bits she hears from Mana, but is past concern over consequences beyond survival Ash@thecastellan: "I am quite familiar with.. upgrading.. technology such as this" Mischa@crystyll: "Lieutenant, keep at it with the distress signal; we're going to need to backup out here... or a miracle..." Perim@bobisgod171: The download is 50% complete. Mischa@crystyll looks up to Sara, "Any further update from the shuttles?" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods. "Trying ma'm...I think it was a stroke of luck just getting power to the Deflector." His hands practically fly over the controls. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "We've got weapons back." *she is already cutting loose with everything Gainsborough has to offer, directing fire on the smaller ship* "Shuttles report survivors being retreived from Damocles' wreckag Sara Desimone@kipstermick: ge." Mana@anncarise: "This one may not be familiar with EereE artificial intelligence technology bu Mana will encounter many security blocks on the way." Eunha@turtles#8407 keeps pressing buttons hoping something works Mischa@crystyll rests a hand on his shoulder, "Keep trying, I'm sure if there's a way; you can find it" Mana@anncarise: "If this one is familiar with upgrading technology, dismantling of security blocks required beforehand will be beneficial." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse nods. "Aye." he's sweating pretty good, and pulls every trick he knows. Mischa@crystyll back to Sara, "Is there any way we can cut the Aquarius loose and get it into the fight?" Ash@thecastellan nods and takes a queue from mana, plugging herself into the console "I'll do what I can, my rank should be of some help" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Affirmative." *she doesn't raise her focus from the console before her* "One moment." Mana@anncarise: "Mana appreciates the assistance and should be able to work faster." Mana@anncarise begins uploading and changing code to transform the Gainsborough computer into a sentient AI... Mischa@crystyll: "Ladies, how long do you need?" Mischa@crystyll blinks and looks to Mana, but holds her tongue Mana@anncarise: "Mana has prewritten code fragments here and in the drones. Mana will not take long if security is out of the way." Mischa@crystyll stumbles with the release of the Aquarius, turning with a nod of approval to Sara Ash@thecastellan: "Working on it, I may have to go in a little deeper to be sure" Mana@anncarise: "Over half of Gainsborough's data has been extracted by foreign sources. Mana will attempt to work faster." Mischa@crystyll: "Sara, crew complement on the Aquarius?" Mischa@crystyll glances to the viewscreen showing the small ship still just... staring at them Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Aquarius is fully staffed. Apparently they were doing a hard set of their systems to attempt to purge the virus. They're drifting." Ash@thecastellan glances over to Mana "You should be able to start running through the security blocks, I shall keep working" Mana@anncarise types on the console with her right hand, while her left continues to be connected physically, the interface on her cybernetic arm flashin quickly. Mischa@crystyll curses under her breath, "So much for that idea...." Mischa@crystyll: "Ladies... if we do not have a solution, I must try with deflector control while we have the power...." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Shields on smaller ship are nearly gone." Mana@anncarise: "Mana is accessing the central systems..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Aquarius reporting restored control and weapons! Ordering them to provide cover for the shuttles and focus on smaller target." Ash@thecastellan: "Be careful, we're already taking a big risk integrating with a potential virus around.." Mischa@crystyll to Sara, "Keep hitting them with everything you've got" Ash@thecastellan says this, but still does not disconnect herself Vangilder@jorathedarnesse smiles just a bit seeing his idea had some merit after all....Its only a timy smirk though. He's to busy for much else Mana@anncarise: "Mana appreciates the warning." Mana@anncarise: "Mana is uploading Overseer primary package..." Mana@anncarise: "Gainsborough should be waking up now. Mana will suppliment secondary code fragments to increase awareness." Eunha@turtles#8407 tries the helm now as mana says that Mischa@crystyll: "I... have no idea what that means, Mana. But it sounds like progress. Can we focus our efforts on supporting deflector control?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Ugh...." she simply says Mana@anncarise: "Mana will let Gainsborough know deflectors are priority." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse braces at the impact and check the damage report Perim@bobisgod171 | The bridge shakes violently as Gainsborough's hull is breached again. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Fires in an attempt to disable weapons on the smaller vessel before turning focus to the larger, though she's thrown from her feet at the impact* Eunha@turtles#8407 Falls off her chair due to the force Mischa@crystyll stumbles again, but catches herself on the back of the chair Vangilder@jorathedarnesse wacks his head on the frame of the seat and then double checks the ship. Eunha@turtles#8407 Places a hand on her chair and pushes her self back up and starts tapping away checking casualty reports Ash@thecastellan smacks down onto the console in front of her, just about keeping herself integrated Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Hull breach!. Engineering, starboard...Decks, sisxteen through twentytwo ma'm! Perim@bobisgod171 | Some sparks fly and a console on the bridge explodes. Mana@anncarise checks to see if Gainsborough's 'upgrade' has helped... Mischa@crystyll looks back to VanGilder, "L-T, we /need/ that distress signal!" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *climbs back up and reaches a hand over to resume fire.....then her panel vanishes* Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Tactical is down." *she grumbles, rubbing her forehead* Vangilder@jorathedarnesse is running out of tricks to play. "Nothings worked so far ma'm..." he shakes his head to clear it. Mischa@crystyll: "Mana... we need to get out a call for help. Can you... can the Gainsborough do anything?" Perim@bobisgod171 | The final section of Damocles makes a run at the smaller ship, attacking the same point that Sara was. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Helm control would be nice!" she calls out Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Opens the panel and tries every trick she knows to reboot the damn thing - OH GOSH WHO COULD HAVE EVER FORESEEN THAT A NON-PHYSICAL CONSOLE MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN A GREAT IDEA?!* Mana@anncarise: "Calling for help should be instinctive...if Gainsborough gets the communications online..." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks up and tries to get the tactical pannel back up...and still trying to get COMS...maybe the pannel will give him an idea. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Hope it knows how to inform people we've gone through a wormhole." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: Got COMS! Mischa@crystyll: "Get that distress call out! Good job!" Ash@thecastellan looks over to Mana "Is it possible to return the virus to sender?" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse sends the distress signal. Mana@anncarise: "Gainsborough is broadcasting relevant sensor data to call for help!" Mana@anncarise continues looking at the console as she replies, "Getting close to the virus can be dangerous." Ash@thecastellan nods "As is staying here, if needs be I shall do it" Perim@bobisgod171 | Yet again, the ship rocks hard, and there are sparks from various points around the bridge. Mischa@crystyll stumbles and hits her head on the armrest of the chair as she heads back, crawling into it through the turbulence and bracing once again Mana@anncarise: "The virus' masters may have an antidote, provided the virus can be manipulated without harm." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse gets tossed out of his seat. Eunha@turtles#8407 Falls out of her chair and hits her head on the back of the floor "Ow." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse sits down. Mischa@crystyll: "Damage report!" Perim@bobisgod171 | The smaller enemy ship has clearly sustained significant damage. Vangilder@jorathedarnesse cralws up to get a damage reading, ouch the floor is hard Ash@thecastellan covers her face from nearby sparks, just about keeping her feet this time "That would be quite helpful" Eunha@turtles#8407 pushes her self up and checks how many people are in sickbay Mana@anncarise stumbles again before bracing herself and reconnecting to the console, seeing if she can tamper with the virus at all. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "We may need to improvise the saucer as a projectile." Perim@bobisgod171: You can purge the virus whenever makes sense ICly. I'm done with it ;x Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *she comes up from the opened panel, frusteration knitting her brow as her tac station remains dark* Vangilder@jorathedarnesse shakes his hea dand reads the display. "Forward stardrive....Sec...Section, decks nineteen through..Twenty..Twenty six dmaged..Deflector is gone..Engineering is having trouble with the warp core.. Mischa@crystyll looks to Sara Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: No power on d-decks, eleven through eighteen. To Perim@bobisgod171: Alrighty! Will systems (those not blown to shreds) come abck after or are they staying down? Ash@thecastellan offers mana all the assistance she can, not caring about personal safety Perim@bobisgod171: Whoops. Perim@bobisgod171: Systems will come back. Mana@anncarise: Haha thought that was a misclick! Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'm organising evacuation of those decks and setting up emergency triage zones in cargo bays 2 and 3." Mana@anncarise: and alrighty! Perim@bobisgod171: The ship's computer contents have been 80% downloaded. Eunha@turtles#8407 does all this from her console Mischa@crystyll: "How would we launch this projectile Captain?" Mana@anncarise: "Gainsborough is...blocking access to the virus. Gainsborough is purging it!" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Manage seperation and steer it in a ramming cours. I'll pilot it." Mana@anncarise: "Mana does not think the Gainsborough wants the virus as a weapon." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *course Vangilder@jorathedarnesse is looking over the read outs. "M-Ma'm....Valley F-forge is inbound." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'm sending one of my counselors to each triage area to organise things there." Ash@thecastellan nods "Then let us do what we can" Mischa@crystyll: "Belay that, Eunha..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Belayed." Mischa@crystyll: "Have your team co-ordinate evacuation of the saucer section" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana will assist the purge of the virus." Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods and sends orders to her three counsellors to start the evacuation." Mana@anncarise: <C> "Kelly to bridge! Commander, can you hear me?" Mischa@crystyll looks back to Sara, "I am not committing to it yet, but will make ready to do as you suggest. Though I..." taps the comm, "Go ahead Kelly" Ash@thecastellan: "Alright, you have my support, I'll try getting some of these consoles back up as well" Eunha@turtles#8407: miraculously the only undamaged area of the ship appers to be Eunha and her counsellors offices Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *nods, then gets back to work on the tac station in the meanwhile* Mana@anncarise: <C> "Okay, the comms are working, good to see you're alright commander. Our systems are starting to come back online but we still don't have much control here." Perim@bobisgod171: She's talking from Engineering? To Perim@bobisgod171: Somewhere else on he ship, doesn't have to be engineering if hat's exploded or something... Mischa@crystyll: <C> Keep at it Kelly, you may find the Gainsborough is being a little more... thoughtful now, be mindful" Perim@bobisgod171: Engineering is perfect. Power systems are overloaded throughout the ship from that last hit. Engineering teams have been fighting off a core breach for at least ten minutes now. Perim@bobisgod171: Things are not looking good at all. Even with systems coming back on, all they're finding out about is more damage. Mana@anncarise: <C> "Thoughtful? It's almost like it's being remotely controlled by someone!" To Perim@bobisgod171: Got it! Thanks for the info! Mischa@crystyll: <C> It's not remote Kelly It... I'll explain later!" Mischa@crystyll: "Eunha what is the status on the evac?" Eunha@turtles#8407 Checks how the evac is going Mana@anncarise: <C> "Whoever's doing it is trying to help but it's not looking good down here! Everything's overloading and we might be too late to save the core!" Mana@anncarise: <C> "We might have to eject it, I recommend evacuating all non-essential crew." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse looks up.."Could we use the core as....the weapon instead of the ship?" Mischa@crystyll 's eyes widen, <C> Eject if you have to, Kelly; we're evacuating the saucer into the stardrive section" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Yoona reports they have evacuated 57% of the saucer section." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *As her tactical station re-appears she stands back up* "Phasers operational in saucer section. Torpedo launchers have been destroyed." Perim@bobisgod171: database download complete. Mischa@crystyll looks to VanGuilder, "That... could work!" Mischa@crystyll: "Mana, can we get enough manouverability to 'aim' the core ejection port at the enemy ship?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "It's going to be awhile Yoona reports." she also calls out Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Smaller vessel still isn't destroyed. Larger one is..." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse checks to see if the tractor beams cna be used to help align it and 'throw it' Mana@anncarise checks how the propulsion systems are doing. Mischa@crystyll: "Keep me updated Eunha, I want to know as soon as we're clear, save for those on the bridge" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I'll keep updated on them." Mischa@crystyll: "Keep me updated Eunha, I want to know as soon as we're clear, save for those on the bridge" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "I'll keep updated on them." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Larger ship is undamaged. Smaller one hasn't done anything the entire engagement so I'm switching targets." Mischa@crystyll nods, "Understood" Vangilder@jorathedarnesse does some math on what woudl have to be done to the core to make it a viable bomb. Perim@bobisgod171: Computer download just completed. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Okay - new plan." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Can I have transporter control?" Mana@anncarise: "Virus is completely purged, but the virus' masters have obtained Gainsborough's database." Mischa@crystyll: "Subject to power availability... what are you thinking, Captain?" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *The Gainsborough's phaser arrays keep lancing destruction at the massive warship* "I'm going to transmit warheads to point blank range of the dreadnaught." Ash@thecastellan: "Wouldn't it be more effective to target the core? if we eject it that is" Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Negative." Vangilder@jorathedarnesse tries to balance out the systems so that things arent so..ugly this next impact Eunha@turtles#8407: "Evac completion now at 87%." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "I don't suppose your friend can get me the shield frequency of that thing?" *she asks Mischa, referencing Mana* Perim@bobisgod171 | The ship rocks violently, and all the consoles on the right side of the bridge spark and/or explode, along with the conduit along that wall. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: rolls 78 (1-100) Mischa@crystyll falls sideways across the chair, quickly scrambling to get a visual on the damage Vangilder@jorathedarnesse: rolls 33 (1-100) Eunha@turtles#8407: rolls 51 (1-100) Perim@bobisgod171 | The lights on the bridge flicker for several moments, and most of them remain off, even after the flickering dies down. Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *averts her face as the console goes all spontaneously festive at her. When she comes back to it she begins putting her plan into action* Mana@anncarise: "Mana suggests handing all control to the Gainsborough. Remaining here will be dangerous." Eunha@turtles#8407 Gets thrown out of her chair and hits her head on the floor hard Vangilder@jorathedarnesse is tossed out of his seat and hits the deck with an audiable thud and skid. Perim@bobisgod171: Main power is offline. There's a fire in engineering. The starboard side neck-connector between the saucer and stardrive has been breached/disconnected. Ash@thecastellan detaches herself from the console Mischa@crystyll: "Do it Mana!" Mischa@crystyll runs over to check on Eunha Eunha@turtles#8407: "Ugh...I'm not a fan of this." Ash@thecastellan sees Vangilder hit the deck and goes to check him over Mischa@crystyll tries helping her back up Mana@anncarise stays for a moment to give the AI complete control before detaching as well. Eunha@turtles#8407 rubs the back of her head "Thanks." Mischa@crystyll looks around the bridge as she stands, "This isn't enough..." Ash@thecastellan: "The Lieutenant is going to need medical attention, he's out" Eunha@turtles#8407 slowly stands "anything you need me to do?" Mischa@crystyll: "See what you can do for lieutenant" Mana@anncarise: "Ship main power is gone and there is major damage. Mana highly suggests leaving..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "Mana!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "Lazard keeps a med kit in his ready room." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *leans over* "I need the shield frequency of that ship. Can you do that?" Eunha@turtles#8407 finds the med kit and heads back to the lieutenant Mischa@crystyll: "Mana... is correct" she states reluctantly as she leans on the captain's chair Perim@bobisgod171 | There is a small hull breach in the ready room. When Eunha opens the door... Perim@bobisgod171 | She probably falls on her face from the rush of air headed towards the breach. Mischa@crystyll: <C> All hands - XO - Abandon ship; repeat... abandon ship Eunha@turtles#8407 Falls on her face Mana@anncarise: "Mana cannot remotely access the other ship. Mana will need to fabricate a virus." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Ow...Today is not my day." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Attempts to establish a tachyon beam while the phasers continue to fire* Eunha@turtles#8407 Stands back up and taps her commbadge "Eunha to Yoona organise the evacutation of the ship from where your from." her counsellor does as she says Mischa@crystyll: "Mana, can the Gainsborough... can I talk to her?" Eunha@turtles#8407 Taps her commbadge again "Caelia how many wounded people have you got down there that would need help to an escape pod?" Ash@thecastellan looks over to Eunha "Did you find the medkit?" Mana@anncarise: "Mischa can try. Mana does not know the level of consciousness the Gainsborough has obtained will be enough for meaningful speech." Mischa@crystyll: (Caelia) | "Evac already in progress, counsellor. Your assistants are helping as we speak" Mischa@crystyll braces against yet another turbulent explosion and hits her comm panel Eunha@turtles#8407 responds "Good l-..." gets cuts off as she falls to the floor Mana@anncarise gets knocked to the floor and rolls back up again. Mischa@crystyll: "Gainsborough... if you can hear me, we need you... we... we need everything you have got to save the people on board..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Knowing a few things about life, Sara knows it's a SUPER bad sign when the person in charge starts verbally reasoning with her ship. In light of that, she sets the tac console to autofire and makes Sara Desimone@kipstermick: her way down to MIscha* "Come on commander. Time to go." Ash@thecastellan leans down and slings the lt over her shoulder, muttering "Sorry about this in advance.." Perim@bobisgod171 | The blast hits the front center of the saucer, causing several secondary explosions near the front of the ship. Mischa@crystyll: "Yes, time for you all to go. I need to ensure this AI Mana has inserted into the ship understands that we /need/ priority to the escape pods Eunha@turtles#8407 Picks herself off the ground and dusts her self off "Oh my uniform is so flithy good thing it's laundry day soon..." she mumbles to herslef Vangilder@jorathedarnesse isnt really in a position to complain at the moment about being picked up like a sack of taters Eunha@turtles#8407 is optimistic she'll live to see another laundry day Sara Desimone@kipstermick: "It's built into the escape subroutines!" Mana@anncarise | The Gainsborough appears to be broadcasting one of its typical warning messages back through Mischa's console, "War-Warning: Evacuation in-in progress." Mischa@crystyll: "Which are now under full AI control..." looks to the console Eunha@turtles#8407: "Mischa it's time to go..." Mischa@crystyll: "That's our cue, everyone... to your escape pods!" Mischa@crystyll: (wherever they are on this cockamamy bridge!) Mana@anncarise | Gainsborough: "Please calmly exit the bridge to the nearest escape pod in Sec-Section Tw-Tw-Tw..." Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Heads toward an escape pod alright, and drags Mischa by the hand behind her just in case!* Eunha@turtles#8407: "this is going to be so much paper work and alot of counselling." she states heading to an escape pod Mischa@crystyll follows willingly but hangs back, "Trust me Captain, I have no intention of remaining. But I owe it to my crew to ensure everyone is off safely before I depart. That includes you" Ash@thecastellan follows behind, still carring Vangilder Mana@anncarise 's drones circle about her as she follows everyone to the escape pods. Eunha@turtles#8407 Probably finds her counsellors and goes with them in an escape pod Perim@bobisgod171 | Dozens of escape pods launch from the Gainsborough. Mischa@crystyll: "Captain" she looks to Ash, "You are not exempt from this evac either. Off the bridge with everyone else, I need your leadership to safeguard my crew" Ash@thecastellan nods "You'd better be following" Mischa@crystyll: "All of you. That's an order. I'll be right behind you, I promise" she nods Sara Desimone@kipstermick: *Lets Mischa do her thing, having already strapped in. As soon as her pod is full, she launches!* Mana@anncarise | Gainsborough: "Warning: Ev-evacuation in pro-pro-p..." Mischa@crystyll backtracks towards an escape pod after everyone else has left Eunha@turtles#8407 is with her counsellors and a few random npcs in the escape pods they play a card game to keep their nevres down Mischa@crystyll glances around the empty bridge, "Thank you..." Mischa@crystyll straps into the last pod and launches. As she spirals away the battered Gainsborough is a sorry sight, and the flash of a warp trail appears close by Mana@anncarise | Gainsborough: "S-s-safe journeys." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ON BOARD THE USS ANANKE SOME TIME LATER Keelah@crystyll stops off the turbolift after beaming over Keelah@crystyll: "Captain Timoreev" Keelah@crystyll salutes Andrej Timoreev. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois is turned on his XO: "...so, Sarah, go down there. I want this issue resolved n..." he then sees Keelah entering and saluting. He raises from his chair:"Welcome on board, captain. It's a pleasure+ Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "to meet you again." Keelah@crystyll: "Likewise Captain, I am just sorry it is under such dire circumstances. This can't be an easy burden so early in your tenure as Squadron Commander" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods:"It's not me that I'm worried about right now. It was worse for the crews involved, unfortunately" he's clearly a bit nervous: "Sarah, proceed as I said" he says one last time, with a tone of + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + imperative anger in his voice. Then he turns back on Keelah, pointing with his hand toward the ready room: "Please, let's talk in private." pause "Commander Sohra, you've the bridge." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course Captain, after you" she nods Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Entering the room, he points to the sofa:"Please, make yourself comfortable. Can I offer you something?" Keelah@crystyll: "That will not be necessary, but thank you" she smiles Keelah@crystyll sits in the captain's chair. Keelah@crystyll takes a somewhat relaxed seat on the unfamiliar couch, crossing one leg over as her eyes follow Andrej Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois He moves to the replicator, ordering for a cup of samovar tea. While waiting, he says:"So, I've to thank you and your crew again for what you did." he then takes the cup and moves to a sofa. Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "We simply performed our duty in responding to a distress call, just as the Gainsborough first did" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods, while caressing the edge of the cup with his right hand, immersed in his thoughts:"Well, duty or not, they owe you their life. Also, I'm glad you did not encounter their enemies too." Keelah@crystyll: "I would also say that by all accounts; their lives are more owed to this Arshai girl - Mana - and what she did to the Gainsborough in repelling the attack. Were it not for that swift action, they + Keelah@crystyll: may not have fared so well" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods, again, this time taking a brief, small, sip from the cup:"I don't know much about this girl, although I read it on your report as well. Did she survive?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "She did, and I already have her working with my teams in attempt to salvage what they can from the Gainsborough's computer core" Keelah@crystyll: "...and understand what in blazes she actually did to it!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Well, I was astonished when I first read your report. To create a....sentient AI? Incredible." he briefly shakes his head:"But at least it saved lives, which is the most important thing." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. It is my hope that we can recover enough of her work and - with her continued assistance - develop a defense against this viral attack" Keelah@crystyll: "/Not/ that I intend to inject the same AI into the Forge!" she chuckles Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Tries to chuckle as well, but with clear difficulty:"Well, the Ananke is out of question. We've already enough problems with the systems as they are now...but, by the way, we need to find something, + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "anything, which could help us. It's incredible that they did that at three ships at their best!" Keelah@crystyll: "Yes, and if I'm to honour my commitment to finding their XO, I need to be able to defend against such attacks" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Not a clue about her possible location?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "We searched the debris field extensively and found no trace of any remaining escape pods. I... have a theory however, not one I particularly like but..." Keelah@crystyll: "The fleeing vessels opened a wormhole in close proximity to the Gainsborough; it is... possible, that hers - and perhaps other - escape pods, were caught in it" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: He stops sipping from his cup for a moment, considering what Keelah just said:"Not a very pleasant hypothesis. If the pods could've survived the stress produced by the wormhole, they could've been + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "an easy prey for those vessels, either if they wished to capture them...or worse." Keelah@crystyll nods solemnly, "As I said, I do not cherish the possibility, but as slim are the odds are; it is still a chance that they survived and are out there... somewhere" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Sighs:"And we don't even know who these mysterious enemies are, nor what they want..." Keelah@crystyll: "An investigation of equal importance. As it stands they pose a grave threat; as a minimum we must learn all we can in preparedness, assuming we can not establish peaceful relations" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods:"I agree." pauses for a moment:"I understand that you feel very involved in this whole issue, don't you?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: He immediately corrects himself:"Involved...not emotionally, of course." Keelah@crystyll dips her head briefly, "It is... closely mirrored to my personal tribulations..." Keelah@crystyll she affirms the emotional connection, regardless Keelah@crystyll: "But beyond that, yes; I have always been close to the Gainsborough and her crew, having played a part in her commissioning" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Despite his own correction, he doesn't look very surprised by her statement. He nods again, thinking for a moment:"Very well. I've already contacted admiral Krvhn to offer all our resources to + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "look into this issue. As you may know, I've also ordered all ships to stand-by. In this case, however, I'm willing to give you full autonomy in pushing this investigation further." Keelah@crystyll offers a quirked smile, "And here I was all geared up to fight for the case" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Attempts a brief smile:"You thought I was going to...hold you?" Keelah@crystyll: "Honestly... no, but I was uncertain if the Admiralty may overrule" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Well, I'm uncertain about that as well. We have to wait for their decision. But I'll put forward your case, if needed." Keelah@crystyll: "An investigation is required, and it is only... logical that the Forge commences it, having the salvage and witnesses on board" Keelah@crystyll smiles appreciatively, "Your continued support is most welcome Captain, whatever the days ahead present" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Indeed. I agree with this assessment. Moreover...." he takes another sip from the now empty cup:"I need someone motivated, and who I can trust. Of course, this is no assignment for a single ship. + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "We need to create a synergy, if we wish to find out more about this issue, and to resolve it." Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed" she nods, "The fleet at large will have to take over the investigation and threat assessment as things progress. My focus will remain on search and rescue however" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods again:"I'm quiet confident the Admiralty will not object. If you need more support, I could assign another vessel to help you, of course." Keelah@crystyll: "I appreciate that, Sir. No doubt that additional support will be required. I for one do not cherish the thought of venturing back into this territory alone, and... I imagine that the rest of the + Keelah@crystyll: + squadron share that resolve to find closure for their lost comrades" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I believe the same, captain." he focuses on his thoughts for a moment before continuing:"Well, I'm thinking about bringing the Ananke itself into this mission." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Nothing quite like leading by example to inspire those under your command" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Smiles briefly:"To tell you the truth, it's not about inspiration...I feel somehow responsible for those who may still be alive out there." Keelah@crystyll looks to him thoughtfully a moment, "A sentiment I know all too well, Captain; having seen first hand the consequences of missed escape pods" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Raises from his sofa:"In that case, let us avoid outher...unpleasant consequences. If our comrades are alive, they're counting on the fleet to come and rescue them." Keelah@crystyll pushes up to her feet also, "Fear not, Sir. I have every faith that we will succeed in our bid to learn their fates - whatever they may be" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I'm glad to hear that. I'm counting on you, captain. I'll inform the admiralty as soon as they'll contact me. Then, I'll updated the squadron orders." Keelah@crystyll: "We are at your disposal, Sir" Keelah@crystyll salutes Andrej Timoreev. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Feel free to prepare your ship and crew. I'll keep you appraised about the admiral's decision." salutes as well. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois salutes. Keelah@crystyll: "Understood. The Forge will remain docked for now; resupplying ahead of any extended SAR while we integrate the crews. If you require my input elsewhere in the meantime, do not hesitate to call" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods:"Very well, captain. Then, you're dismissed. And, thank you again." Keelah@crystyll dips her head, "Until next time, Captain" turning on her heel and making her way back through the brige to the turbolift

View AAR

SUBMITTED: Stardate 93707.9 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential

SUPPLEMENTARY: During the late hours of Gamma Shift, Valley Forge picked up a distress signal from the USS Gainsborough and moved to respond. We found the Gainsborough adrift and heavily damaged amidst a debris field which appeared to be the remains of the rest of the task force.

The two reported aggressors were seen departing via the artificial wormhole generated by the dreadnought - in close proximity to the Gainsborough. While sensors yielded little to no data on the aggressors (logs attached regardless) they did determine that the Gainsborough was suffering system wide failures and multiple hull breaches, with further explosive decompressions across the surface of her hull. We also observed that a large proportion of said failures seemed to be unnaturally focused on areas of the ship facing away from the last escape pods to depart.

With the proximity of the aggressors and unstable condition of the Gainsborough, we moved to provide extended shielding around the most vulnerable pods as we brought them on board. Thankfully the aggressors did not break from their withdrawal and by the time the Gainsborough breached, we were at a sufficient distance that the Valley Forge's shields could absorb the shockwave.

With all detected escape pods and small craft on board, we remained a time to conduct a full sweep of the debris field and check for survivors from the rest of the task force; there were none beyond those already retrieved by Gainsborough's small craft during the attack. Whilst the Gainsborough had suffered large volume casualties during the attack; the majority of her complement were already braced and ready for evacuation, and so between the escape pods and support craft; losses from that ship are at a minimum. Whilst Captain Lazard was counted among the survivors - found under the care of their CMO after being rendered unconscious during the opening assault - Commander Leveson-Scott - his XO, must reported as MIA; last seen heading towards an escape pod once the ship was fully evacuated (a pod which further testimony confirms as launching prior to the breach), the Commander was not counted among those recovered.

Further accounts from the surviving senior staff on board indicate that a civilian 'Arshai' (a species recently encountered by the Gainsborough) played a significant part in the crews efforts to counter this attack. It is reported that this 'Mana' - as she has been named - formed some sort of physical connection with the Gainsborough computer (aided by CAPT Vallen) which she used to 'upgrade' the Gainsborough's computer to a level of sentience, essentially evolving it into an AI. Whilst it is not my place to speculate on the accuracy of said reports, they do go some way to explain the 'convenience' of the controlled and directed breach we witnessed.

It is was also reported that as the Gainsborough's computer achieved sentience, it was able to repel the digital attack on its systems and restore sufficient power to allow the crew a safe evacuation. Given the significant part played here, the Valley Forge made a concentrated effort to retrieve all identifiable debris from the Gainsborough's computer core. We do not know if any trace of the sentient AI remains present, but are already working diligently with the Gainsborough survivors to assess everything from the recovered debris.

At this time; it is my intention to pursue this investigation as the highest priority for the Valley Forge. While many of the Gainsborough crew will be relocating with Captain Lazard to the fleetyards to oversee work on her replacement, I have already extended an invitation for those who wish it to remain on board the Valley Forge and aid in the search for their missing XO - and those responsible for the loss of our comrades this day.

ATTACHMENTS:

//Sensor Data on unknown aggressors//

//Casualty List//

//Last recorded image of the Gainsborough prior to breach//