ATTC class 002B

[Deleted]

*Traks sat in his quarters attempting to read the latest issue of Star Fleet Medical Review. *

Computer: Incoming Subspace message. Colonel Traks eyes only.

Traks: Identify Traks, James, and Colonel 21 Beta 6 Gamma.

*The image of General Arok appeared on the screen.*

Arok: Well Colonel I have another mission for you, and this time you might actually enjoy it.

Traks: Enjoy it from the Bridge?

Arok: No, Cmdr J’Leera will be in over all command of this mission. You will command the extraction team. Cmdr J’Leera will give you all the pert ant details after you get under way. Tell my son to get his hot rod ready and he will need his equalizer installed. You will love it. Arok out.

*Traks sat back and thought Klingons gota love them.*


Traks.

[laika]

Early that morning, J'Leera recieved her new orders. From what she read, the mission sounded dangerous, but she doubted that it would bother the crew of the Hope. From what she had heard, they were eager for some excitment and couldn't wait to out on a mission again.

The day before, she had spoken to General Arok about the mission, but didn't recieve all of the details until this morning. After reading them carefully, she uploaded them onto a PADD and headed up to the bridge.

Before she left her quarters though, she sent out a message over the ship's comm. system asking for the senior staff to meet for the mission briefing at 1500. A new officer was expected to arrive soon, so she had the message sent down to the transporter room to be given to him as soon as he arrived.

As she headed up to the bridge, she began going over some of the details and how she would overcome certain barriers. By now, most of the crew were aware of the new mission and were obviously very curious about it and even rather excited. Of course she couldn't tell them though. On this mission, information was to be given out on a strict 'need-to-know' basis. Only the senior staff would know what was going on and the junior crew did not need to know.

As she arrived at the bridge, she saw Colonel Traks attending to his duties already. She approached him. "Good morning sir. I'm assuming you've heard my message?"

Tag: Traks

[blaster89]

Rye left his temporary quarters on Conqueror, and made his way to the docking port where the USS Hope was. He was here to assist his good friend, Commander Laika on her ATTC mission. Rye looked out the viewport and saw the Nebula class starship lying motionless. It was an incredibly large vessel, especially compared to the Intrepid-Class and Akira-Class starships he'd been on board before. Rye continued on his way, and crossed the umbillical cord into the great vessel. Since he would be First Officer on this mission, Rye decided to go straight to the bridge to meet his friend, and now Commanding officer Commander Laika. Rye stepped into the turbolift, and said "Bridge.", so the lift sped him to his destinantion, changing directions now and again. It deposited him on the bridge, where Rye stepped out. The bridge was much larger than the others he'd been on in his carreer. While not as updated, it was still a formidible command center. Rye stepped up to the center seat, and saw J'leera sitting in her seat.

"Lieutenant Commander Fitzpatrick, reporting as First Officer of USS Hope."

"Welcome aboard, Commander.she said with a grin, Have a seat."
Rye obeyed her, and sat down in the leather seat many others before him had commanded in. Rye got comfortable, and began chatting with his captain while they awaited the start of the mission.

[laika]

Colonel Traks had recently given her the command codes for the ship. As he transferred them to her, she couldn't help but feel honored and a little nervous to be given such a responsibilty, but she was also confident in her abilties.

"Hopefully this mission won't be too dificult, but I doubt it," she smiled to herself. "This mission should have enough action to satisfy even you," she said to Colonel Traks.

Tag: Traks

Not long after, she noticed a familar face enter the bridge. She was pleased to see that her old friend, Lt. Colonel Fitzpatrick had made it safetly to the Hope. She wasn't expecting any other arrivals, so she gave the order to prepare for departured. When she had done that, she greeted Rye.

"I hope that you had a pleasant trip?" she said to him.

He nodded. "It was pleasant," he said. "It gave me a chance to learn more about the operations of a the Hope. It's a lot different than the Tiger Shark. I'm looking foward to this mission."

"Of course, but then don't get too comfortable," she told him. "Things may be a little bumpy."

"What do you mean by that?" he asked.

"That you will find out in the mission briefing that's scheduled to begin in 3 hours."

"Oh? Sounds dangerous."

"Perhaps..." was all she said. Everything is just about set, she thought and turned on her comm system. "Control, this Hope, requesting permission to depart."

"Hope, this is Control. Permission to depart granted."

J'Leera nodded and turned towards the helmsman. "Helm lay in a course 2 mark 052, warp 5."

"Aye, Captain," the helmsman acknowledged and proceeded to do so. Once they were underway, she turned back to Rye. "I have a task for you..."

He stood up quickly, "Yes?"

She handed him a PADD. "This PADD contains the data about our upcoming mission. I need several copies made for the senior staff so that we can go over the briefing. Please be aware that this PADD does contain sensitive information and must be encrypted. I'm also counting on you not allow any unauthorized personel from seeing it. Doint so would would put us in grave danger and have terrible consequences on yourself. Also, do not worry about the information it contains. It will all be explained at the briefing."

Tag: Rye

[blaster89]

Rye was already given a task, so he took the padd, and went to his office. Rye's office was opposite the Captain's Ready Room. He walked into it and sat down in his comfortable chair. He got a cup of black coffee, and got to work copying and encrypting the files on a tricorder, so as to destroy it later. Rye completed the transfer, and set his personal encryption code on the PADDs. He handed the PADDs to Captain J'leera, and she took them into her ready room. She thanked Rye, and then sat back down. At 1500, Rye entered the briefing room with the captain. he took his seat next to her, and awaited the beginning of the briefing.

[blaster89]

This Is A Joint Post With Commander J'Leera, and myself

It was 1500, so it was time to begin the mission briefing. She looked across the table at the officers assembled. She tried not to be nervous, but couldn’t help it. She has never been in this situation before with this kind of responsibility, but was determined to do a good job. She waited until everyone had done so and had begun to read the mission outline. She began explaining it, “As you can see this is a rescue mission, but not the usual kind. You see, for over a year now, Starfleet has had an informer within the Romulan government. During this time, he has been providing the Federation with vital information about troop deployments and ship positions along the Neutral Zone, she paused as they considered this. Now, this informer fears that he will soon be found out and has requested to be taken out. Starfleet has agreed to his request and the Federation will grant him political asylum. Our job is to get him out. Any questions?”

"Yes, said Comander Fitzpatrick, how will we explain ourselves to the Romlan empire that we are in orbit of their planet?"

"We won't be orbiting their planet at all," she answered. "Intelligence shows that the sensors along the area indicated on your map are malfuctioning. Starfleet believes that we can get a ship through undected and rescue the informer were he is on Cetus 4. We will have to use one of the shuttlecrafts in this mission. You will be the mission commander on the ground, leading a group of Marines provided by Colonel Traks."

"That sounds ok. When will we arrive at Cetus IV?"

"3 days, and 4 hours. Any other questions?"

<TAG ALL>

"Very good, then. Return to your posts.

[Deleted]

*Traks sat in listing to the briefing making notes on his pad. At the mention of his name Traks looked up and said.*

Traks: Yes we will be using a highly modified Delta Flyer Class vessel. This vessel is on loan from Outpost D'Kul, along with its Klingon cloaking device. This mission falls with in the rules of engagement for using it. I would like to clarify one thing the Xo may be in charge of the ground mission, but I reserve the right to take command if the combat situation makes it necessary. If that happens we will be in very deep indeed. Also we do not leave our people behind.
We will take one squad. I will command with Mr. Vegeta flying the shuttle. As our CMO is not yet field rated I will pull double duty as medic. Master Chief Lewis will be My NCOIC, and demolition expert.

*Traks sat back and waited for any questions.*

Traks.

[Deleted]

The marine was engineer was sat in engineering. He had finally caught up on some sleep, and he was feeling properly awake for the first time in about a week. With a mug of hot chocolate resting on the table beside him, he was discussing some recent ship gossip with the rest of the engineering team. With the switch of Tiffani Savali for this new kid, Ryerson Fitzpatrick, there was a lot of interest in what had happened. Even on training cruises like this, such a switch wasn't usual.

Having been asleep when the switch had happened, Q2 had only just heard from his deputy about the change, and he considered heading up to the bridge to introduce himself, but when it got down to it, he couldn't be bothered. Instead, he had checked that the enigines were still working. Which they were. So he was now sat doing nothing but gossiping.

His commbadge bleeped, alerting him to the fact he only had a few minutes to get up to the briefing room. He made his excuses, and then made a slow jog through the ship up to the bridge. Once up there he took a couple of seconds to make himself look presentable, and then took his seat.

After listening to the briefing, he had only one question.

"So while the shuttlecraft is taking part in the rescue, where exactly is the ship going to be? I for one don't want to find it surrounding by a group of warbirds while you guys are recovering our man on the inside."

[Deleted]

Traks: A good question; the USS Cincinnati a Nova class explored has lost its warp drive and is orbiting Qualor 3; 1/2 light year from the Natural zone. We will provide an engineering team to assist them. Then the Hope will resume their patrol route of the Zone. I hope you can get them up fast incase we need help on our way out. I will be holding a briefing in Hollowdeck 3 for the extraction team after we get underway I would like the Cmdr Fitzpatrick to attend so he can get familiar with the team and equipment we will use.

*Traks looked to J'Leera to continue...*

[vegeta]

In the Main Shuttle Bay Colonel VEGETA was busy getting the Advenger preped for the upcomming mission with the Cloacking Device..

Vegeta" Computer egage the Cloacking Device"

Computer "Cloack engaged"

Vegeta" Computer run system dionoctic Level 3"

Computer" Dionostic in progress"

[laika]

J’Leera listened carefully as Colonel Traks explained the part about the shuttle and its capabilities. She understood that he would be concerned about Fitzpatrick leading the mission, since he had very little experience in combat situations.

“Of course, Colonel,” she nodded. “I understand your concerns, however I feel that Lt. Commander Fitzpatrick is up to this job. However, if things do begin to dangerous, then I will trust your judgment in that matter. I would prefer that we did not get into any combat situation, since that will only mean that our position has been revealed to the enemy. And once that’s happened, then chances of successfully completing the mission are very slim if near impossible.”

Traks then continued, telling about the number of people that would be on the shuttle. Obviously since it was a shuttlecraft, only essential personnel could go and having a small group was probably better for this mission as not to attract too much attention.

“Very good, Colonel,” she said and turned toward the others. “Any other questions? Please, feel free to speak if you have any concerns. I don’t want there to be any doubt in this in mission.”

Marine Major Q2 had a question of his own.

Q2 said:

"So while the shuttlecraft is taking part in the rescue, where exactly is the ship going to be? I for one don't want to find it surrounding by a group of warbirds while you guys are recovering our man on the inside."

Colonel Traks then went on to explain their cover story about providing assistance to the USS Cincinnati while they were undergoing repairs. So while the extraction team was getting into place, the Hope crew would act as if they were on a repair mission whose sole purpose was to assist the Cincinnati.

"Does that answer your question Major?" J'Leera asked.

Tag: Q2

Traks then went on further, explaining the need for another briefing. At the mention of holding an additional briefing in the holodeck, she nodded in approval. She wanted them, and especially Fitzpatrick to be very familiar with the equipment used and the method of rescue. She wanted them to be so prepared that they could complete the entire mission without error. However, this probably wouldn’t be the case, so she also wanted them to be prepared to improvise in case something were to go wrong.

“A million things could go wrong with this mission,” she said. “Now, I know that all of you are experienced marines, but I don’t want you to become overconfident either. One little mistake and this entire mission could blow. That informer still holds vital information that the Federation could use for years to come.”

“How exactly will we be getting him out?” Rye wanted to know.

“If you’ll consult the map on your PADD,” she picked u p hers, “you’ll notice a diagram of the base complex on Cetus 4. The informer plans on escaping from the base while on an inspection where he can rendezvous with the team. Now, this will be very close, since he plans on having the security grid down so that the shuttle can land and pick him up with the transporters.”

“How will he have the security grid down?” Traks asked.

“He refused to say how he planned to do it, but intelligence believes that he may have other contacts helping him escape,” she paused for a moment to look around the room. “Now, if there aren’t anymore questions, then you may consider yourselves dismissed.”

Tag: anyone

[Deleted]

*Traks stayed in his seat as everyone begin to leave.

Traks: Captain a moment please.

* J'Leera sat back down and looked at Traks*

J'Leera: Yes Colonel.

Traks: I have no problem with the Xo leading this mission what I am starting to have a problem with is this mission. Letting a Romulan dictate or actions can be the start of big trouble. But as a Marine when command says jump I ask how high on the way up; but I also locate as many different landing sites as I can.

<Tag J'Leera>

Traks: I plan to use two cloaked satellites to route the transport through. When the pattern passes through the first one it will decloak and emit the sensor echo of an Orion raider with a damaged cloak. It may buy us some time. I will need to check out Mr. Fitzpatrick on the P90 assault rifle.

<Tag J'Leera>

Traks: As I have the Gamma shift tonight I will be ready for the Marine briefing at the beginning of Alpha shift.

J'Leera: Yes as it is almost the start of Beta shift you might want to get some sleep.

Traks: Aye Captain.

*Traks left the briefing room and headed to his quarters. *

Traks

[blaster89]

As Rye sat in the briefing, the Captain and Colonel Traks were discussing about him leading the mission. Rye understood that while he may be a Lieutenant Commander, other than a few firefights, he had not had that much combat experience. However, in the case of shuttle piloting, Rye had taken extensive traing in combat manoevures, and strategic planning, so if Vegeta was ever incapacitated, Rye could take over.

"Colonel Traks. Just to tell you I understand if at a point in the mission you would prefer to take over, and I trust your decisions."

TAG TRAKS

[laika]

Traks: I have no problem with the Xo leading this mission what I am starting to have a problem with is this mission. Letting a Romulan dictate or actions can be the start of big trouble. But as a Marine when command says jump I ask how high on the way up; but I also locate as many different landing sites as I can.

J’Leera listened carefully and considered his words. She understood what he meant. She too was a little uneasy about the mission, but she was also aware of how important this mission was to Starfleet. If the information that this Romulan had was indeed as important that he said it was, then neither J’Leera nor Starfleet Command could afford to allow this opportunity to slip away.

“I understand what you mean, Colonel,” she finally said. “However, this Romulan will not be dictating our actions. The only thing that he was allowed to select was the pickup site. And according to the reports that I’ve seen, he didn’t have any other choice in the matter and neither did we. Cetus 4 is a Command installation in the Neutral Zone and most of the planet is covered in sensor nets. The area that he selected has been checked out as the least conspicuous.”

“But don’t worry,” she added. “Once this mission gets underway, you will be making most of the decisions, but with the approval of Lt. Commander Fitzpatrick. You and Fitzpatrick will be permitted to be flexible and do whatever is necessary in order to complete this mission.”

Traks: I plan to use two cloaked satellites to route the transport through. When the pattern passes through the first one it will decloak and emit the sensor echo of an Orion raider with a damaged cloak. It may buy us some time. I will need to check out Mr. Fitzpatrick on the P90 assault rifle.

“An excellent plan,” she nodded. “Has this been done before? How can you guarantee its success?”

Tag: Traks

“And as for Fitzpatrick, I’ll see to that he’s down there,” she glanced over as the Lt. Commander began to leave. “Commander? I wish to speak to you before you go.”

“Aye, Captain,” Rye replied and took a seat to wait.

“Are there any other concerns, Colonel?” she asked.

Tag: Traks.

After J’Leera had finished speaking with Colonel Traks, she went over to talk to Rye. “As you probably know,” she began. “Colonel Traks is going to be holding additional training for the upcoming mission in the holodeck. I want you to go and participate with them.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best,” he promised.

“I certainly hope so, because I’m really sticking my neck out for you by placing you on this away mission,” she warned. “I expect the best from you, so don’t let me down.”

Tag: Rye

[Deleted]

*As the extraction team filed into the Hollodeck he knew they would succeed but had the nagging feeling that it would not be easy. When everyone had been seated in the chairs provided and the Xo joined him on the stage.*

Traks: I want you each to look at every member of this team, yes every member; we are not Feet or Marines we are Star Fleet. Command has assigned LT Cmdr Fitzpatrick to command the rescue mission. This mission is not a simple snatch and grab or search and destroy. We have zero Intel on the security or layout of the target all we have is the target and time. So we do what we do best. The difficult we do right away the impossible only takes a little longer. Simper Fi.

Team: Do or Die!

Vegeta: Qapla'

Traks: Now I'll turn this over to Gunny Adams who will go over our new weapons.

Traks.

[blaster89]

After J’Leera had finished speaking with Colonel Traks, she went over to talk to Rye. “As you probably know,” she began. “Colonel Traks is going to be holding additional training for the upcoming mission in the holodeck. I want you to go and participate with them.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best,” he promised.

“I certainly hope so, because I’m really sticking my neck out for you by placing you on this away mission,” she warned. “I expect the best from you, so don’t let me down.”

"Don't worry. Have I ever let you down?"Rye responded.

J'leera smiled, and nodded.

Rye patted her on the shoulder and left. Rye went on the bridge. "Lt. Status."

"Sir, we will arrive in 2 days 14 hours, and we are travelling at Warp 8.4." Lt. Bangala said.

"Very good." Rye said. He turned around and left for his quarters, where he prepared for the training. He changed from his uniform into a more flexible vest, and drank some tonic.
Rye walked down to the holodeck and saw Vegeta and Traks. Rye greeted them, and discussed the upcoming mission. Rye explained to everyone.

"Ok. What we need to do is infiltrate the base, extract our informant and get out without anyone even knowing we were there. As we approach the planet, we will detect a landing site where we can get out and infiltrate the base. This may mean that we have to traverse in any type of environment. We do not know the defences or security measures of the base, so we will have to find out after we arrive. This will be a difficult mission, so we will all need to be as sharp as we can."

[Deleted]

Back down in engineering once more, Q2 was again lounging. Although he preferred the engines to be working and fully capable, it could get annoying when nothing was wrong at all, it meant he had nothing to do. Then, it gave him an oppurtunity to get to know the rest of the engineering crew on board, which happened to involve winning a fair bit of money of them in a game of poker, or six.

Q2 was getting kind of bored. He had requested a training position, but they had received no marine cadets on this mission run, so he wasn't active in that at all, instead he was kind of floating around doing this kind of thing. He was irritated that he wasn't going to be going out on the planetary part of the mission, which was much more his style of things, but he accepted that he would have to just put up with being on the Hope for the duration.

[Deleted]

Master Gunnery Sergeant Adams walked to the podium and held up a weapon that looked like rectangle with a stock, handgrip, and barrel.*

Gunny: This is the P90 mark 7. It is a retro design, in some respects but in others it is a leap forward. This weapon can only be fired by someone with a Marine comm. implant. Mr. Fitzpatrick will have to be implanted to use one.

The P90 utilizes three types of ammunition. The first type of ammunition is a phased plasma-charge with each magazine holding 1000 charges. A spare magazine is carried in the Marines’ combat pack or kit. The second type of ammunition is ballistic rocket-propelled solid projectile capable of penetrating the personal shield of a Borg Drone. Each magazine holds 500 rounds and two magazines are carried in the kit. The third is an assortment of specialized darts launched by compressed gas contained in the magazine. These are best used in an environment where natural or artificial conditions render energy weapons inoperable. Two dart magazines are carried in the kit containing 200 darts each. The three types of darts are; 150 explosive-tipped, 50 tranquilizer darts, (effective on most known carbon-based life forms) and 50 solid-tipped darts.

All members of the extraction team will be fitted and checked out with this weapon as well as the Mod 3 Tactical combat suit. The mod 3 has the latest personal cloak and shield system. This will come in handy if we are detected and have to abandon the shuttle.

*Gunny Adams turned to Colonel Traks*

Gunny: Sir.

Traks: Thank you Gunny; Computer run simulation Traks resrom3.


Traks:

[laika]

She heard that Colonel Trak's training mission had started, so she decided to head down and watch. Mostly she wanted to know what kind of equipment that they would be using on the away mission, but also she wanted to get to know the crew a little better and know their abilities, so that she could use them better. She was also curious to see how they planned on handling the situation.

Starfleet hadn't given them clear instructions on how they were to rescue the Romulan, but J'Leera understood fully why that was so. Even Starfleet had limited information and perhaps some would say that they were even taking a chance in conducting this mission. However, if everything did go according to plan, the Romulan could provide vital tactical information and intelligence for years to come. In either case, J'Leera was prepared to do her duty and to see that the people under her command did the same.

As she walked into the holodeck, she did so quietly so that the marines would not notice her. She did not want to distract them in anyway, so that they could focus on their training. Colonel Traks did notice her, but did not bring any attention to her. Instead, he continued on explaining the equipment that was to be used.

From what she heard, she was very pleased. If anyone can do this, they can, she thought as she looked around the room at the Marines. Fitzpatrick was there too of course and even he looked determined.

As the briefing neared completion, Traks went down to sickbay with Fitzpatrick to brief him on the marine implants that he would need for the mission. She thought that she briefly saw a little anxiety cross his face, but it quickly disappeared as he got up and followed the Colonel out the door.

J'Leera smiled and headed back to her work, satisified.

[laika]

Afterwards, J'Leera headed back to her quarters with an armful of data PADDs to look over. Most of them contained tactical information about the equipment that was to be used on the away mission and the rest was about Cetus 4 and the Romulan informer.

She set the PADDs on the desk allowing them to scatter. After getting a cup of raktajino from the replicator, she came back and picked up the first PADD.

Two hours later she was still reading, but had only gone through about half the PADDs. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. By this time she was getting very tired, but still had far too much work to do before she went to bed.

So far, everything seemed to be going according to plan, but still she had to be prepared for things to go wrong. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, she thought. That way, at least you'll be somewhat prepared.

She went to get another cup of raktajino and went back to work. Reading quickly, she managed to go over the rest of the material and then decided to call it a night.

"Computer, play some quiet music. Anything," she requested.

They were due to arrive at the planet in three days, so they didn't have much time to prepare. Before going to bed, she called to the bridge for an update on their progress. Everything seemed to be in order, so she went to sleep.

[Deleted]

*The briefing room dissolved to be replaced by the interior of the assault shuttle.*

Gunny: Mount up.

*The Marines as well as Colonel Traks begin to don the armor form the kits. Gunny Adams began to help the Xo into his armor.*

Traks: Mr. Vegeta head out. This will be a simulation run with all the Intel we have and a few twists I have laid in. Begin.

Gunny: Hu ra!!

Vegeta: Aye sir simulating waste of time.

Traks: leghlaHchu'be'chugh mIn lo'laHbe' taj jej.

Cpl Williams: What does that mean sir?

Vegeta: A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye. I understand sir.

Traks:

[blaster89]

Rye had now been outfitted wwith the weapons implant, and he now sat in his quarters preparing for the mission. He had a small dinner, and sat reading some battle strategies to familiarize himself with some possible tactics. He had finished a good portion of the book, and then went to bed, with a cup of coffee. Oddly enough, it put him to sleep, rather than keep him awake. He slept for only 4 hours, and got up. Rye went down to the gym to weight lift. he was doing 170 lbs. consistently, so he bumped up to 190 and worked at it for about half an hour. Switching between weights and stretches. He got out and had a sonic shower, and got dressed. He had a quick breakfast, and went to the bridge, where he sat in the FO's seat. He sat there, sipping coffee, until Commander Laika stepped out of the lift, and sat down. e gave her an update, and they sat there, quietly conversing.

OFF - Nice visual effects Traks.

[laika]

Late that night, J’Leera suddenly received an urgent message from Starfleet Command. She wearily got up and made herself somewhat presentable to take the message. The comm. officer didn’t say how important the message was, so for all she knew things could have gone very wrong.

She turned on the her comm. link and watched as an Admiral appeared on screen. She listened in silence as she was given the update and then she turned the link off.

“Laika to Traks, please meet me in my ready room as soon as possible. We’ve had a few change in plans.”

10 minutes later

“What seems to be the problem Captain?” Traks asked as he entered the room.

She picked up a PADD and handed it to him. “We’ve just received word that extra security features have been added to the planet’s sensor net. With these new features, we’re not going to be able to use the transporter to get him out as originally planned.”

“Will these new features affect our weapons as well?”

“Unfortunately they will,” she sighed. “Command sent over some data on how to modify our weapons, but they couldn’t guarantee that it would work. I’ve had the information sent down to Engineering to see if they can do anything about it.”

Traks did not look pleased at all and she couldn’t blame him. Now his work was so much harder and there was no guarantee that their weapons would work.

Tag: Traks

[blaster89]

Rye sat on the bridge, after a day of travelling. Lt. Owens, please inform me when we reach the drop-off point.

"Aye, sir." Owens said.

Rye got up, and went to the FO's ready room. He sat in the leather seat, and prepared the design specs of their new weapons, specially designed to work under the energy dampening field. Rye decided to go with assault rifles that were still quite advanced. They had a communication link for rifle to rifle, and a computerized aiming system. Rye transferred the design to engineering to be produced.

(=/\=) "Fitzpatrick to Traks."

"Traks here. Go ahead Commander."

"Sir, I have found a design for a machine gun for use on the planet's surface. It will allow us to fire under dampening fields. We will, however, need to carry ammunition for these. I suggest we assign one person to keep a store of ammunition availible to us. Also, these guns will be able to communicate with themselves, and lock onto targets."

"Sounds good, Commander, please bring these to the holodeck for training when they are complete, and you will acquaint us with their features."

"Aye, Sir. Fitzpatrick out."(=/\=)

(=/\=)Fitzpatrick to Q2. Please inform me when the weapons have been completed. Also, make 4 extra rifles to have as backup, along with several thousand rounds of ammunition."

"Aye, sir"(=/\=)

Rye sat back with a cup of coffee, and relaxed. He waited for about an hour, and Q2, called him, and reported that the weapons were ready, and waiting in the Engine Room.

Rye hurried down to engineering, and picked up the weapons. He summoned all of the marines, and gathered them to the holodeck.

"Ok, everyone. What we are going to do is a tactical simulation of a Romulan base, and we are going to infiltrate the base, and extract a data disc in the subcommander's office. We will have 30 minutes to complete this objective. You will need to use every aspect of your weapons. Communication, targeting, and scope. We will infiltrate at dusk, so we are less visible. Let's move. Computer. Activate program Avalon Beta 72. The computer beeped, and the room turned to the rough terrain of a planet. The team slowly moved out and found the perimeter of the base.

OFF. EVERYONE ON THE TEAM CAN ADD IN WHAT THEY DO!

Rye and the team moved to take cover by a tree, and observe the guards. While one turned, and talked to the other, the team ran into the complex. With weapons bearing on whatever they'd find as they turned a corner, the team moved on. They now reached a fork in the corridors.

"Okay. divide into two groups. Half follow Traks and go north west. The rest come with me and we shall go East." The team divided up, and moved. Rye's team moved on. As Rye turned the corner, he saw a troop's back. Rye signalled halt, and edged out. He aimed for the Romulan's head, and fired. The man jusst dropped. Rye shuddered at the sight, but moved forth. They next encountered a locked door, which they'd need an access code for. They moved up, and Rye used his tricorder to hack into the door's systems. Without too much diffuculty, the door unsealed, and the team moved forth. They reached a cargo bay. Shots flew at them, and the team took cover behind containers. "Colonel. Activate multiple targeting computers, and lock on."

The team agreed, and used their weapons to eliminate the guards. The team rushed to the office, where they encountered yet another locked door. At that moment, Traks team cam rushing up, firing back to a group of Romulans. Rye's team helped out, and eliminated the guards. Now they faced the door. Traks seemed to have acquired an access card, and used it to open the door. Rye quickly found the disc, and the team ran out to the extraction point with only light resistance.

The computer simulation ended. "Good job, everyone, our time was 13:24, and no casualties. What was your feelings on this Colonel?"

<Tag Traks>

Rye left the holodeck satisfied, and now he returned to the bridge. As he entered, Lt. Owens reported to him.

"Sir, we have just arrived at the drop-off point. We are at station keeping."

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

(=/\=)"Fitzpatrick to insertion team. Report to Shuttlebay 2 in 15 minutes, fully armed.

Rye quickly talked to Captain Laika, who was now on the bridge, and he went to the bay. He saat at the engineering console, and awaited the arrival of the rest of the team. When the Flyer was fully loaded, the Flyer left the bay, and headed towards its destination.

Rye monitored the engine systems as the shuttle flew through space, and neared its destination. Cloaked, the Flyer smoothly dropped out of warp, and then entered the atmosphere. Vegeta quickly landed the flyer, and the team left the vessel. Now, their challenge awaited them.

[Koval]

A small light began to flash on the terminal and the Romulan went over and looked at it. A message had just arrived and demanded his immediate attention. He knew who it was and quickly decoded it. It was from his contacts. They said that the USS Hope had arrived at the Neutral Zone and would prepare to pick him up tomorrow. He quickly read the details and deleated the message.

"A message from Romulus has just come in for you sir," a voice behind him said. He turned around to see a guard standing there. "They recquire your immediate response," the guard continued.

"Very well," Koval said and took it. It wasn't important at all and just turned out to be routine security checks. He smiled to himself, knowing that his secure channel had not yet been broken. Even though he often changed it along with the encryption codes, one could never be too careful. Not in his line of work where everyday he faced possible death, but all of that was about to change once his friends picked him up.

When the guard had left and the official was satisfied, he went back to his work to work out a few last minute details for tomorrow. As former head of Tal Shiar and currently Federation spy, he had access to certain materials and still had many high level contacts within the Romulan government, so the plans were easy to put togeather. Things were going very smoothly, almost too smoothly. He sat back in his chair and rubbed his arm. It had gone numb as it frequently did due to his condition. It didn't affect his work though since very few people knew about it and he preferred to keep it that way.

He went back to work and called up a diagram of the base. There was a thick rainforest just outside. If for some reason, the extraction team failed to get inside, then he could easily meet them there. The sensor nets could easily be disabled in that area.

Some of the details of the mission were still unknown to him, but he had full confidence that the team would be able to get him out. Finally, everything was ready and he waited for them to arrive.